MusicNL Sound Recording

2011 DEADLINES July 29/December 2 

Objective

To foster and continue to develop Newfoundland and Labrador musical culture through the funding of diverse artists and genres in full-length Sound Recordings.

Funding

Applicants may apply for up to 50% of eligible expenses to a maximum of $7,500. Upon the release of the CD a further $1,500 will be available for marketing initiatives; this will also be up to 50% of eligible expenses. Monies are a grant and not repayable. An advance of 25% ($1500.00) of eligible expenses will be accessible before the project's completion. Compilations, soundtracks and music scores are not eligible. Artists that have already received funding assistance are not eligible to reapply to the program for a period of eighteen (18) months after the official release of the funded CD.

Deadline

The deadlines for submissions are July 29th, 2011 and Dec 2nd, 2011 received no later than 4:30 PM at the MusicNL office. A maximum of four (4) grants will be awarded this deadline. The jury is under no obligation to award the maximum number of grants for each period if they feel that more development is required.

Project Completion

The deadline for project completion will be one calendar year from the date of application approval.

Criteria

• Applicant must have been a MusicNL member for at least six (6) months prior to the application.
• Applicant must have been a resident of Newfoundland & Labrador for at least six (6) months prior to the application. Proof of residency may be required.
• Grant will only cover 50% of eligible expenses
• Application must include detailed marketing plan
• CD must be professionally manufactured and commercially released
• Recording must be completed in a MusicNL member studio that has had a membership at least six months prior to the application deadline. The studio must be located in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Recording cannot be compiled of previously released material by the artist.
• All music genres are eligible for support
• Grants to complete partially finished projects considered

The following must accompany your application:

• Complete Project Budget.
• Complete Application Form.
• Professional Demo (2/3 songs)
• Marketing Plan.
• Press Kit (EPK)/Website.

CD Marketing & Distribution Plan

Make sure that the following components are included in your marketing plan

• CD Release: outline plans for release including special events, media plan and CD launch information
• Distribution: identify how your CD will reach your intended audience and outline any plans for label and distribution nationally and internationally
• Print, Radio & Television: outline plans for media interviews in all formats
• Touring: provide an intended tour schedule identifying actual venues with at least two letters of support from venue managers
• Promotion: outline plans to advertise and promote the CD including promotional materials, planned magazine and newspaper ads, website strategy, hiring of publicist, hiring of radio tracker
• Past Activities: if applicable, outline recording history with information on titles and number of product sold
• Support letters: whether applying to this or other programs it is advisable to include support letters with your application and as part of your marketing plan. Approach industry professionals that believe in your talent and ability, ask them to either email you or write an endorsement regarding their particular industry strength. Radio program directors, radio & television producers, managers, record label executives, venue managers etc
• A professional press kit should be included with your marketing plan. The press kit should include the following: biographic information on the artists/group, professional photograph, stage plot (provide an aerial view of your stage setup indicating instrument, amplifier, monitor and microphone placement). Create an EPK (Electronic Press Kit), this will save money and time and also demonstrate your professionalism.

Eligible Costs for Recording (50 % to a maximum of $7500.00)

• Production
• Mixing
• Producers' fees
• Musician fees
• Mastering
• Manufacturing
• CD Design & layout

Eligible Costs for Marketing and Promotion (50 % to a maximum of $1500.00)

• CD Release Party (venue rental, sound engineer)
• Website Design
• Printing Costs for Release (Posters, invitations)
• Advertising costs (CD Release) radio, television, newspaper ads, publicist

Applications must match career development and marketing plan.

Applications will be considered by a peer jury consisting of unbiased industry professionals.

Assessment Process

The MusicNL Sound Recording Jury is made up of three (3) industry professionals. Your application form and supporting materials should provide all the information the Jury needs to know about you and your project. Applications are first screened for admissibility by the program's coordinator. Applications that are presented to the Jury are judged based on the criterion presented in the evaluation form (available below). Each submission is judged individually and then against the pool of applicants through a consensus building process. The Jury can give up to three grants but it is not required to do so if they believe the pool of applicants is not up to industry standards.

This is a work in progress

Donated Investment

Donated investment will be recognized as an eligible cost. No more than 25% of the eligible budget will be recognized as donated investment. A donated investment is when an applicant, musician or other service provider agrees to work on the project without receiving payment for their professional services. Proof of donated investment must be invoiced in the final report. All budgets, including donated investment will be reviewed by a committee made up of industry professionals and/or MusicNL board or staff.

Payment Process

No grants shall exceed $7,500 or 50% of the total eligible budget. MusicNL recognizes the need for cash flow, 25% of the eligible costs can be paid before completion but they must match a current invoice and include a project status report. The remainder of the grant will be provided upon the completion and submission of the final manufactured recording.
Payment will be made on original and photo copied receipts and paid invoices only.
Upon project approval the applicant will be required to sign a funding agreement contract.

How to Apply

Complete application form and include the following documentation:

• Three copies of the application form
• Three copies of CD Demo to be assessed (2-3 songs that are to be recorded).
• Three copies of artist press kit (must include bio and photograph).
• Three copies of the detailed budget

Original Works

The majority of the material to be recorded must be original content (i.e. previously unreleased). In some special instances, the jury may waive this requirement (i.e. specific genres). This waiver will be made at the discretion of the jury on a per project basis. In these cases, the jury will be instructed to evaluate based on the "originality" of the arrangement.

Logos and Acknowledgement

The contribution from the Government of Newfoundland & Labrador and MusicNL must be acknowledged on all projects receiving support. Logos of both must be visible on the outside cover of the finished recording jacket.

Contacts

Jen Winsor

jen@musicnl.ca

709-754-2574