Neon Dreams wins spot in Allan Slaight Juno Master Class

A Halifax-based electronic band has won a spot in the coveted Allan Slaight Juno Master Class.

Neon Dreams beat out hundreds of musicians from across the country for the chance to go to the one-week workshop in Toronto.

Band member Corey Lerue felt they could have a shot at winning once they made the short list.

"It's a true artist development program that's strictly focused on making these up-and-coming acts really ready and really developed to the point where they'll just soar after all this," he said.

The master class tries to put emerging artists on the "fast track" to compete for Juno awards. Customized classes will help the band reach its full potential. Industry leaders and other artists will act as mentors.

The class ends with a showcase performance for the music industry.

Neon Dreams will share the experience with The Lytics from Winnipeg and Youngblood from Vancouver. The groups will go to the Junos in Ottawa next year and perform during Juno-fest.

Neon Dreams recently released their first EP, To You, and entered the top 40 on radio charts with the first single off the EP, Marching Bands.

"You work so hard at things and so for it to kind of pay off and take it national recognition of it is kind of a blessing," said Lerue 

Neon Dreams will also get a number of prizes, worth more than $100,000, including $500 from the Canadian Federation of Musicians toward their annual dues or a U.S. work visa, studio time as well as a cash investment in their careers.