Frequently Asked Questions : Grants for Specialized Sound Recording
What is the Canada Music Fund? What is the difference between Grants for Specialized Music Sound Recording and the Canadian Music Diversity Program offered by the Department of Canadian Heritage?
The Canada Music Fund is a comprehensive strategy to support the music industry. It is overseen by the Department of Canadian Heritage. For information on the Canada Music Fund, see the Department of Canadian Heritage Web site at
www.pch.gc.ca. The Canada Music Fund supports the music industry through other partners, including FACTOR (the Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent on Records), SOCAN (the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada) and Canada. The Canada Council for the Arts administers funding for sound recording on behalf of the Department of Canadian Heritage. The source of these funds is the Canadian Musical Diversity Program, which is a program of the Canada Music Fund. The funds are delivered to the public through two programs: Grants for Specialized Music Sound Recording and Grants for Specialized Music Distribution.
Why does the program name include the word “specialized”?
This program supports the recording of music whose intent is primarily artistic, as opposed to music that is made to conform to the expectations of a commercial music market. In order to differentiate it from more mainstream music, we have added the word “specialized”. A definition of specialized music is contained in the program application guidelines.
Where do I go for support if my music is not “specialized”?
Musicaction are the primary supporters of more commercially oriented or mainstream music, such as rock, pop, dance, urban, country and European classical music. In addition, some provinces and provincial arts councils offer support for recording.
In my opinion, my music is specialized but doesn’t appear to be within a genre this program supports? What do I do?
Contact the Music Section Officer responsible for the program to discuss your music. You should be prepared to submit a recording that is indicative of your work so that the Program Officer may determine your eligibility to the program.
Is it possible to get support from both FACTOR or and Grants for Specialized Music Sound Recording?
Yes. Some projects may be eligible for support from both FACTOR or Musicaction and the Canada Council for the Arts. There are limitations, however, on how these funds can be combined.
What is the difference between the “applicant” and the “payee” on the front page of the application form?
The “applicant” is the professional musical entity that is undertaking the recording project, such as an individual musician, a band or ensemble. The applicant can also be a record label with which the creative entity has an agreement, or its manager or agent. The “payee” is the name in which the grant, if awarded, should be paid. This can be same as the “applicant” or can be an individual member of a group, or a manager or agent. Please note that any individual listed as the “applicant” will automatically be issued a T4A at the end of the year, regardless of whom the payment was actually made to.
Do I need to be on a label? Should I start my own label for the purpose of submitting this application?
No. The program does not require applicants to be signed with a label.
Do I need a confirmed distribution deal?
No. However, in the absence of a confirmed distribution arrangement, your marketing and distribution plan must explain how you plan to create audiences and awareness of your recording. If you have a distribution contract in place for this project, you should provide it at the time of your application.
Can I act as my own producer?
Yes. The applicant or a member of an applicant group, band or ensemble can be listed as the producer. Please note that the peer assessment committee will seek information on your abilities to self-produce the recording, so your résumé should contain information on your previous experience. If possible, you should submit relevant examples of your previous production work.
Do I need letters from guest artists that confirm their participation in my project? What about the members of my band or ensemble?
You must submit letters confirming interest in your project from guest artists or featured soloists, as well as from the producer you plan to work with. However, if you work regularly as a band or ensemble, there is no requirement for individual members of your group to submit letters.
If I am applying for funding to go to the studio to produce a demo, then how do I fund the demo you require with my application?
In order to apply, you must submit an audio demo of reasonable quality to support your application. Studio-quality audio support is not mandatory, but best possible audio quality is advised.
The application guidelines state that at least 50 percent of the proposed music must be Canadian. If I record music written by a non-Canadian, but record it in Canada with entirely Canadian arrangements and Canadian musicians, does this make it Canadian?
No. For the purposes of this program, “Canadian music” means “Canadian-composed music.”
I perform traditional music from a country outside of Canada. Is this considered to be Canadian music?
This program considers original interpretations of traditional music to be Canadian. It is expected, however, that the applicant is significantly interpreting or arranging the music in question so as to transform and mark it as his or her own.
Can my project include non-Canadians?
So long as the artistic leadership of a project is provided by a Canadian artist and the majority of participants are Canadian, you may include non-Canadian artists. However, costs related to the participation of these artists are not eligible for funding.
Can I release my recording on a non-Canadian label?
Sound recordings funded through this program must appear on a Canadian label. However, the Music Section has no control on the licensing of your recording after the conditions of a grant have been satisfactorily met and the file is closed.
What conditions are there on the grant?
The grant may only be used to pay for costs that are eligible under the program, such as recording expenses and artistic fees. Complete details are listed in the application guidelines. A recording funded through this program must bear the logo of the Canada Council for the Arts and acknowledge the support of the Music Section in the liner notes. The finished recording must feature Canadian-composed music for at least 50 percent of the running time. The total amount awarded for a recording will not exceed 60 percent of the total project costs.
What if I need to make changes to my project after it is funded?
The Music Section must approve any changes to the project once it has been funded. You should advise the Music Section Officer responsible for this program via letter, e-mail or fax. Depending on the nature of the change, it may or may not be approved.
I’m starting a recording studio business. Can this program help me?
No. The establishment of music-related businesses, such as labels, distributors or studios, is not eligible for support through this program, nor is the acquisition of music-related equipment.
February 2004