Seven weeks ago the 24 finalists out of nearly 3000 acts who entered the CBC Searchlight contest embarked on one of the most momentous experiences of their lives.
Among those 24 finalists were the Good Ol Goats from Cranbrook who represented Kelowna (Radio West) in the competition.
The band consists of teenagers Nolan Ackert (lead vocals, banjo and guitar), Angus Liedtke (guitar, dobro, banjo, harmonica and vocals), Theo Moore (standup bass and backing vocals), Angus MacDonald (mandolin, backing vocals and fiddle), Joelle Winkkel (shaker and backing vocals) and Juilian Bueckert (drums).
Being among the youngest in the competition, the band never came across that way as their lyrics were of such a mature, heartfelt magnitude. The band gathered their influences from such acts as Mumford and Sons, The Head and the Heart and The Avett Brothers, cultivating from that, a sound all of their own.
From top twenty four, we watched the band week after week climb to the top, as they eventually reached the finals of the competition.
Although the band did not take home the title of Canada’s Best New Musical Act in the Searchlight contest, they had the honor of winning the hearts of numerous Canadians.
Congratulations to Good Ol Goats, they have done British Columbia and Canada proud on their journey to the top two of CBC’s Searchlight contest. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for the band in the future!