NIKKI SIXX To Guest On New Original Music Series 'The Launch'

MÖTLEY CRÜE and SIXX:A.M. bassist Nikki Sixx flew to Toronto, Ontario, Canada earlier today (Tuesday, September 12) to film his episode of CTV's new six-part original music series "The Launch". The inaugural season of CTV's new original music series will also feature recording superstars Fergie and ONEREPUBLIC's Ryan Tedder, joined by world-renowned music mogul Scott Borchetta. They are the first of a group of musical mentors shaping the creation of new releases by undiscovered artists.

After an international casting call and completion of an extensive A & R process that reviewed more than 10,000 emerging performers, 30 have been selected to participate in the new six-part, hour-long series, debuting early next year on CTV. Additional mentors, songwriters, producers — as well as the selected artists performing on "The Launch" — will be announced soon.

Reinventing the music television series genre, "The Launch" debuts a new and unique format, documenting an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to break a new artist and bring a song to life. In each hour-long episode, a group of unsigned emerging artists are mentored in the creation of a new original song by a panel of internationally renowned hit makers and mentors — from discovery to stardom in just two days. "The Launch" takes viewers on a fresh journey every week, unveiling new talent and new songs in each episode.

"As we begin production, we look forward to watching the magic unfold as our growing list of mentors guide the show's emerging artists through the monumental journey of launching a new song," said Randy Lennox, president, Bell Media. "Alongside our brilliant partners at BMLG, Eureka Productions and Insight Productions, we have worked hard to create what is sure to be an unforgettable viewer experience."

"We have reimagined the power of television and music to give viewers, fans and especially aspiring artists, an experience like never before," said Scott Borchetta, president and CEO of the Big Machine Label Group. "So many artists just need the right break with the right song, great production and real pop culture marketing. We're bringing together the best of the best while taking the viewer on a behind the scenes journey that's never been seen before."

"We are beyond fortunate to have been able to put together such a formidable roster of world-class artists to propel 'The Launch' into action!" said John Brunton, executive producer, Insight Productions. "With production underway, the entire Insight team and our talented crew are so thrilled to bring this new music format to life."

After the series was announced in April, the search was on to find performers who could showcase music's next big songs. A few short months later, a talented group of 30 unsigned artists/acts aged 13 to 43 and representing a hugely diverse blend of genres, styles, and musical backgrounds, have been identified to receive the opportunity of a lifetime in "The Launch"'s inaugural season.

"The Launch" is co-developed by and is produced in association with Scott Borchetta of Big Machine Label Group, Paul Franklin of Eureka and Bell Media, in partnership with John Brunton and Lindsay Cox of Insight Productions in Canada.

The format is currently being readied for an upcoming international roll-out.

Photo credit: Courtney Sixx