GROWING UP IN THE COUNTY

Dynamic Duo, Instant Rivalry, also known as Caleb, 30 years old, and Meghan Hutton, 27 years old, are well known figures in the county. The grew in in Sophiasburgh Township, on their family farm of over 150 years. Both of them found ways to keep themselves busy, from piano lessons, sports, recitals, as well as attending school. Being able to grow up in the county, they have been able to watch it grow and expand. “With an expanding tourist season, employment is expanding and as well as creating a diverse population of county and city folk bringing an interesting mix to the table.” When asked if they were to give youth advice to survive life in the county, they said, “[they] always sought out business opportunities instead of waiting for them to come to us.” They now own two other businesses outside of Instant Rivalry. “We took our passions and turned it into our full time jobs. Our advice to the youth of PEC would be to find their passion and dream and put in the hard work to see it come to fruition.”

HISTORY WITH THE ROC

Both being introduced to the ROC in highschool, and participated in a music program called Coffee House where students would come and broadcast their artistic talents, whether it be music, act, recite poetry, etc. After highschool, both Caleb and Meghan became mentors through ROC’N Revue, where they not only perform and work with the youth, but also get them involved with other musical events involved in the community. They continue to stay involved with the ROC because “[they] see the lasting impression it leaves on the youth of PEC and how it has become a cornerstone in the youth community.”

CAREER

Instant Rivalry, Meghan, and Caleb’s duo name, create country, and rock and roll inspired music. They are the 2015 winners of “The Next Country Music Star” competition, the 2016 winners of the “Ontario Back Roads Country Music Talent Search” and have been selected by the Country Music Association of Ontario as the New Faces Going Places. They have even been the opening act for some legendary country icons, such as Tanya Tucker, Jefferson Airplane, and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Although being successful musicians, because they live in a rural area, they find it difficult because they incur some hefty traveling expenses.

GOING INTO THE FUTURE

Going into the future, they will do their best to volunteer once or twice a year for not-for-profit community organizations. When asked if they plan on staying local, they said they’d love to! The county is becoming very hard to afford to live, but they say if their careers flourish and they can afford to do so, they absolutely will. Career wise, they are launching their debut album this fall! In 10 years, they wish to see their recording studio expand into a full time record label that can help offer artist development and more. They hope to be still performing, touring, and making music to share with their fans. Caleb and Meghan truly are a force to be reckoned with, and I’m very excited to see where their future takes them!