...Basia Bulat ('The Jump')

Every once and a while an artist comes on to CBC Radio 3 who you know will make the jump to Radio 1 quite quickly. From what I have seen, an artist with a good mixture of the following three things is most likely to make this jump.

First, the artists voice must be memorable/unique. You need this component for the normal CBC Radio 1 listener, the listener who lacks the motivation to remember and discover music (possibly due to increasing age, Im not calling R1 listeners old!!). The memorable/unique voice allows this less-motivated listener an easy chance to recognize the artist, and feel happy about doing so. Good examples of artists who used this component to make 'the jump' are Jill Barber and Hayden.

Second, you need to make Canadian songs. You are more likely to make 'the jump' if you make a song which highlights the CANADIAN Broadcasting Corporation. A great folk song with some unique Canadian instruments anyone?. This was exemplified by Joel Plasketts and Great Lake Swimmers latest works (Three and Lost Channels, respectively). In my opinion, not their best work, but clearly their most Canadian and therefore their most popular, helping solidify their 'jumps'.

Third, the musical talents oozes out of the artist to the degree that other musicians respect, talk about and recommend the artist. Who are we not to listen to our favorite musicians when they are all talking about the same artist. Chad Vangaalen had to be given a second listen by me (a listen which won me over) after other musicians talked so highly of him.

The latest musician to blend these three things is London, ON artist Basia Bulat. She has an unforgettable voice (even Katie recognizes it), she makes north-of-the-border sounds and fellow-artist-respect has been extremely high for her first two albums. So, I know I am making post-prediction, but you could see the formula being made for this artist to get some national mainstream attention (thats what CBC Radio 1 is right?). With Heart of my Own she has produced an album which gives her a chance to make her name a staple amongst the well-known Canadian indie-darlings.