A Penticton music producer is looking for a few good guys and gals to be in an upcoming video next month at the Shatford Centre for the Arts.
Bill Bogaardt is an award-winning, singer/songwriter and president and publisher of the Penticton-based Song Search Musical International and is hoping this production will help catapult a young Lake Country singer into stardom.
He met 16-year-old Sophia Boal last year and since that time he and Kelowna musician and producer Kyle Haynes have collaborated to produce the song called Push It Up which Boal will sing in the video.
“It’s a very dynamic, danceable tune and everyone who has heard it is very excited and Sophia has just got a phenomenal voice, just perfect for the song,” said Bogaardt, who has performed internationally throughout his own music career. “It’s all about engaging youth in a music project as a positive, fun-loving experience in the filming of the video to a pretty catchy tune and to give a young artist a helping hand in formulating a plan to launch her musical career.”
Extras needed are teenagers, 14 to 19, who love to dance and perform, musicians, especially horn players and actors or comedians and hip hop dancers are being sought.
An orientation meet and greet is scheduled for Saturday at the Shatford Centre at 1 p.m. for anyone interested in seeing what it’s all about.
Bogaardt and Haynes also partnered to produce a Penticton music festival in the summer of 2011 which in part led to the discovery of a young local country music singer by the name of Nikita Afonso. He’s hoping this video and song can do the same for Boal.
“You have to expose a person to the international market to get them noticed and that’s what we’re intending to do with this video and cd when they’re released,” said Bogaardt. “My intention is to have a radio campaign that will hit the international market.
“To help her get noticed is what this is all about, I think she is that good of a singer.”
For her part the teen is overwhelmed by all the efforts being made to help her “make it.”
“I am so incredibly appreciative of all of the hard work and many hours that Bill puts into promoting me, he is truly an inspiring musician/producer with an impressive background,” said Boal. “I can’t believe that Bill has such faith in my ability and that he is willing to take a chance with someone he only met recently.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to bring this song to life visually. I never thought I’d be part of making a music video. It’s been amazing to work with everyone involved and see all the work that gets put in behind the scenes. It is something I never imagined I would be able to do and so I am just incredibly grateful.”
She described the tune as “catchy” and it’s message of two people connecting on a different level as very important and one that will strike a chord with other young people.
“I think it is a very real topic because there isn’t always a reason behind why you want to be with someone. I think it’s important to trust your gut and go after someone you feel chemistry with without overthinking things,” said Boal.
Among her other credits, the Lake Country teen was named the winner of the Fresh BC Talent Quest in 2016.
About her dreams for the future Boal said: “I hope to inspire people with positive messages that can come from music and show people that it is okay to be original and express what you’re feeling without fear of being judged. I hope to continue with music for as long as I can because I am having so much fun on my journey so far.”
Joining her in the video will be 20 local girls from the Okanagan Dance Studios who are currently working under the direction of choreographer Shannon Cote of Penticton.
“Shannon’s experience as a choreographer, dancer, singer and instructor was beyond my wildest expectations” said Bogaardt. “To find someone of her exceptional talent right here in Penticton is amazing.”
Cote studied under dance master Gregory Hines, was the lead singer of the all-girl rock band Beatrix, and danced on Paul McCartney’s Driving USA Tour in 2002.
“She’s got experience in all of the aspects of the music industry. Shannon’s got it all,” said Bogaardt.
For more information call 250-770-0461 or go to songsearchmusic@shaw.ca or www.brothersbogaardt.com.
