It’s Orientation week for first-year students Madison Olds and Chloe Beauchamp-Brisson but the local musicians have just one thing on their mind—a trip to the country music mecca Nashville, Tennessee to record their EP.

Olds, Beauchamp and friend Abby Wale make up the country music trio Bees and the Bare Bones—Kamloops locals who are currently frontrunners in the Chevy Tailgate contest and are fighting to win free studio time in Nashville.

The contest, a partnership with Country Music Television Canada, started with more than 100 video submissions of original songs. It was narrowed down to 12 semi-finalists, including Olds, Beauchamp and Wale who went on to perform in Camrose, Alta. at the Big Valley Jamboree where fans voted for their favourite.

“If we win this contest and get to go to Nashville, it could change everything,” said Olds, the 18-year-old arts student.

“Not only would it open up doors for us studio and production wise, but it would also give us the chance to connect with people in the industry. This could be the start of something really amazing.”

What might be even more notable is the trio only came together about a month ago when they decided to enter the contest on a whim.

“When the three of us came together it felt like such a natural and perfect fit. Now that we’ve come so far so quickly and developed a very strong bond because of it, we can’t imagine doing it without each other anymore. We consider ourselves very lucky to have found this connection,” said Olds.

The girls have made it to the competition’s final four and are currently leading the polls with 44 percent of the votes.

To check out their video Mad Love and to vote, go online and help make their dreams a reality. Don’t miss them Friday, Sept. 9 at the  Back-to School BBQ in the Campus Commons from 2:15-3 p.m.

The winner will be announced at the Canadian Country Music Awards on Sept. 11.