Jennifer McLean and Mark Kolt are hoping a nation-wide musical talent search will shine a light, both on their talents and Flin Flon musicians.
The pair has submitted a track called “Thunder Never Leaves Me Alone,” recorded at Johnny’s Social Club during a Loaded Mic event into the CBC Searchlight competition.
Kolt wrote the song and plays the piano, while McLean belts out the vocals. Kolt said he wrote it specifically with McLean’s voice in mind.
“The song itself is something that I’m going to describe as being inspired by a true story,” said Kolt.
Both Kolt and McLean are cagey when it comes to the origin of the song, but Kolt said the track has been interpreted in several different ways by people who have heard it.
“Different people around town kind of think of particular people when they hear it. I always told them, ‘Whoever it is you think it’s about, if you feel the song is conveying some basic truth about that person, then the song is doing what it is intended to do. It’s trying for something a little more universal.’”
“I think everyone really enjoys this song that Mark wrote. People can relate to the song in some sort of way. I think it has awesome mainstream listening power as well,” said McLean.
Neither musician had planned on entering the contest until shortly before the application deadline, hurriedly submitting the track and meeting all the necessary parameters.
Now that the song is online, McLean and Kolt will have a chance to earn a placement in the Allan Slaight Juno Master Class, perform shows in front of music industry figures and notable Canadian musicians, play at this year’s Junofest in London, Ont. and possibly play at this year’s Juno Awards.
While the ultimate prize is always a possibility, the pair’s biggest goal is to spread awareness of Flin Flon music.
“There are so many good singers in Flin Flon and each of them have got strengths and in many cases very considerable strengths,” said Kolt.
“My goal is to have musical experience and to have my voice out there in the public for others to enjoy. Winning would be amazing and put Flin Flon on the musical map!” said McLean.
Kolt still remembers the first time he and McLean played
together – at an event at Pioneer Square. McLean and Kolt assumed their now-familiar roles at the vocals and piano. The pair clicked almost immediately.
He says there’s still video of the show online.
“On the recording, it’s almost embarrassing what a good time I’m having. This was something that was completely unrehearsed, unprepared,” said Kolt.
For both musicians, there’s only one thing they heap more praise on than Flin Flon-based musicians – each other.
“I could not thank him enough, much like many other people in this town. He always looks for the good in people and is excellent at bringing out talent and encouraging artists,” said McLean of Kolt.
“Jenn McLean is something different. What she has, she’s been blessed by nature with a really powerful voice,” said Kolt of McLean.
“Jenn’s got something interesting about what she does. When it comes to blues and rock, she does stuff that is really compelling. It sort of makes you stop and pay attention,” he added.
Along with Jenn and Mark, Flin Flon artist C.C. Trubiak has also entered the contest with a song called “Raven.” Flin Flon-born musician Carley Belfry, now based in Vancouver, also submitted a track, entitled “Fly.”
Voting opened on Feb. 13. The public can vote for individual tracks on the contest website at
cbcmusic.ca/searchlight.
