Awards, Showcases, and Export Program Submission Guide
Eligibility period April 1, 2023 – July 31, 2024. To be eligible, albums, EP’s and singles must have been commercially released in this period. Proof of release will be mandatory.
Please read criteria prior to application submission.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
TO SUBMIT FOR MUSICNL AWARDS, THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS MUST BE MET:
- Must be a member in good standing.
- Must be a native of Newfoundland & Labrador or a current resident of Newfoundland & Labrador.
- For duos or larger groups, at least 50% of members of the act must meet the above residency claim.
- Must have commercially released at least three (3) songs between April 1, 2023 – July 31, 2024. (unless otherwise specified in the specific award criteria)
- Must fulfill all legal obligations on the album. Includes, but not limited to: payment of mechanical rights, songwriting credits, etc.
- Must be able to provide proof of the date of release of the recording(s). This is to be provided to MusicNL by the artist/group through a manufacturer’s invoice, retail verification, a distributor or record company.
What is a commercial release?
A commercial release is the event of a recording being legally available to the public for sale, stream, download, radio or another method of public consumption (via a music retailer or digital music service) that activates a revenue stream where the artist is entitled to a share of payment based on their recording performance. Proof of commercial release will be requested.
*All applicants must be a member in good standing until September 7, 2024 in order to be nominated and accept an award.
*Please Note: Albums and/or singles that were nominated for an award in a specific category cannot be resubmitted for that award the following year.
*Albums/singles nominated for an award in a specific category that does not go ahead may be moved to another suitable category. The applicant will also be nominated for the original category, provided it goes ahead, in the following year.
*MusicNL reserves the right to remove any submission from the nominations process if it fails to adhere to the established code of conduct or align with the intent of the award. MusicNL reserves the right to make adjustments to the final list of nominees with the sole intent of fostering the growth and advancement of our valued members. Our primary goal is to ensure that all nominees receive the best possible support and recognition within our vibrant music community.
TO SUBMIT FOR MUSICNL SHOWCASES, THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS MUST BE MET:
- Must be a member in good standing.
- Must be a native of Newfoundland & Labrador or a current resident of Newfoundland & Labrador.
- For duos or larger groups, at least 50% of members of the act must meet the above residency claim.
- Must have commercially released at least three (3) songs between April 1, 2023 – July 31, 2024 or have an upcoming release in the next six (6) months.
TO SUBMIT FOR THE MUSICNL EXPORT PROGRAM, THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS MUST BE MET:
- Must be a member in good standing.
- Must be a native of Newfoundland & Labrador or a current resident of Newfoundland & Labrador.
- For duos or larger group, at least 50% of members of the act must meet the above residency claim.
- Must meet at least three (3) of the following:
- Minimum of 1,000 lifetime units sold of all releases combined
- Minimum of 20,000 streams across all platforms
- Minimum of 5,000 social media followers across all platforms
- Minimum of 30 performances within the past 3 years or an upcoming tour booked in the next 12 months
- Showcased at a recognized music industry event in the last 5 years (Music Celebration Week, ECMA’s, Contact East, Folk Alliance International, etc.)
- A professional support team including a least one of the following: artist manager, record label, booking agent, publicist, publisher.
- Public and industry recognition (via radio play, video play, music press, blogs, awards, etc.).
AWARD CATEGORIES AND DESCRIPTIONS
GENERAL CATEGORIES
Eligible releases from all genres qualify. A single award is presented in each category.
Album of the Year – A full-length recording (minimum of 6 tracks or 30 minutes) must be released within the eligibility period to qualify. Both solo artists and groups qualify. All genres accepted.
Fan’s Choice Entertainer of the Year – This award recognizes the accomplishments of an artist or group who has performed within the dates of the eligibility period. Artist or group is not required to have an eligible release. Voting for this award is normally done online in conjunction with a sponsor.
L’Artiste/Groupe Francophone de L’Année – This award recognizes an artist or group from the Francophone community. At least 50% of total tracks must be sung in the French language. To qualify, artists/groups must have released at least three (3) songs within the last three (3) years. /
Ce prix récompense un artiste ou un groupe issu de la communauté francophone. Au moins 50 % des titres doivent être chantés en français. Pour être éligibles, les artistes/groupes doivent avoir sorti au moins trois (3) chansons au cours des trois (3) dernières années.
Global Music Artist/Group of the Year – With a goal to support and celebrate immigrant artists, this award is specifically geared for an individual artist/ group who is a newcomer (including: international student, international graduate, PR, refugee, temporary foreign worker, second generation immigrants etc.) to Newfoundland and Labrador. The artist/group also has a musical practice that increases awareness, belonging, and celebration of diverse and underrepresented cultures, languages, and/or stories in the community. To qualify, artists/groups must have released at least three (3) songs within the last three (3) years.
Group of the Year – Duos, ensembles (such as choirs and chamber groups), and groups qualify for this award. All genres accepted. Must meet the eligibility criteria.
Indigenous Artist of the Year – This award recognizes an Indigenous Artist or Group. If a group, at least 50% of members must be Indigenous. To qualify applicants must have released at least three (3) songs within the last three (3) years, must provide a statement of self-identification, and provide a letter of support from an Indigenous community leader, government or organization with whom they are connected/affiliated with.
Music Video of the Year – This award recognizes the accomplishments of a music video released within the eligibility period. The song featured in the video must be an artist or group who is a MusicNL member. Must have released only one song in the eligibility period.
Rising Star of the Year – This award recognizes an artist or group who has released their first commercial recording(s) within the dates of the eligibility period. All genres accepted.
Side Musician of the Year – This award recognizes the accomplishments of a recording/performing musician within the dates of the eligibility period. This award is given to an individual and does not require a MusicNL membership.
Solo Artist of the Year – Solo artists qualify for this award. All genres accepted. Must meet the eligibility criteria.
Ron Hynes Songwriter of the Year – To be considered for songwriter of the year, songwriters must submit three songs that were released within the eligibility period. In collaborations, at least the indented nominee songwriter must be from Newfoundland and Labrador and fit the eligibility criteria. However the artist or groups performing the songs do not need to be from Newfoundland and Labrador. It is also required that songs must be registered with SOCAN.
GENRE SPECIFIC CATEGORIES
These awards are designed to recognize recordings by artists or groups in the genre they submitted in. A single award is presented in each category. Artists and groups must meet the eligibility criteria listed above to apply for a genre specific award.
Alternative Artist/Group of the Year – This award recognizes a recording by an artist or group who is outside of the musical mainstream.
Celtic/Traditional Artist/Group of the Year – This award recognizes a recording in any style of Celtic and traditional music (eg: Cajun, Celtic, Irish, Scottish, indigenous etc.).
Classical Artist/Group of the Year – This award recognizes classical recordings from soloists, chamber ensembles, instrumental ensembles, instrumental soloists with large ensemble or chamber ensemble accompaniment (can be instrumental or vocal).
Country Artist/Group of the Year – This award recognizes a recording in any style of country music including Alt-country, Traditional country, Western swing, Bluegrass, etc.
Electronic Artist/Group of the Year – This award recognizes a recording by an artist or group that employs electronic musical instruments and electronic music technology at the root of its production.
Folk Artist/Group of the Year – This award recognizes a recording in any style of folk music including Indie folk, Progressive folk, Contemporary folk, Americana, etc.
Instrumental Artist/Group of the Year – This award recognizes a recording by an artist or group who releases instrumental music in any genre. To be considered “Instrumental”, at least 75% of the tracks submitted must be without lyrics.
Jazz/Blues Artist/Group of the Year – This award recognizes a recording in any styles of jazz or blues including Bop, Swing, Vocal Jazz, World Fusion, Latin Jazz, Funk, Soul, etc.
Loud Artist/Group of the Year – This award recognizes a recording in a ‘Heavy’ or ‘loud’ genre, which encompasses such genres as Hardcore, Metal, Punk, or other sub-genres.
Pop Artist/Group of the Year – This award recognizes a recording in any style of pop music including Dance-pop, Electropop, Ambient pop, Bubblegum pop, Contemporary pop, etc.
Rap/Hip-Hop Artist of the Year – This award recognizes a recording in any styles of rap/hip-hop music including Trap, Freestyle rap, Gangsta rap, Boom bap, Mumble rap, Melodic rap, etc .
Rock Artist/Group of the Year – This award recognizes a recording in any styles of rock music including Garage rock, Glam rock, Indie rock, New wave, Psychedelic rock, Roots rock, Soft rock, Surf rock, etc.
PLEASE NOTE: MusicNL supports all genres equally and encourages members from other non-listed genres to contact info@musicnl.ca to discuss submitting a new genre. In doing so, members can create a new category for their genre pending having enough eligible releases in said category.
INDUSTRY AWARD CATEGORIES
Industry Award nominees are submitted through the MusicNL website, and then selected by a committee comprised of Newfoundland and Labrador music industry professionals. A single award is presented in each category. If a MusicNL member is interested in suggesting a nominee for these awards please contact info@musicnl.ca.
Event of the Year -This award recognizes an event held during the eligibility period in which live Newfoundland and Labrador musical performances are featured. The event must take place in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Graphic Artist of the Year – This award recognizes the contribution of a visual artist with graphic design, artwork and/or album photography to the development of artists or groups in the NL industry during eligibility period. At least one sample of work is required.
Industry Professional of the Year – These award categories recognize the outstanding contribution of a music industry professional from any field of the music industry such as managers, promoter, grant writer, publicist, event producer etc. In order for a category to go to jury there must be at least 2 submissions.
Media Person of the Year – This award recognizes the outstanding support from an individual from the media (broadcasting, publishing, podcast etc.) in the promotion of Newfoundland and Labrador artists. The award goes to the individual.
Music Educator of the Year – This award recognizes excellence in music education in Newfoundland and Labrador. The award goes to an individual.
Outstanding Company of the Year – This award recognizes the outstanding contribution of a company to the development of the music industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Recording Engineer/Producer of the Year – This award recognizes excellence in producing and sound engineering in Newfoundland and Labrador. To qualify, applicants must submit three (3) songs that were released in the eligibility period that they were credited for.
Venue of the Year – This award recognizes a club, soft seat theatre, arena, or any venue that features live Newfoundland and Labrador performances. The venue must be located in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Volunteer of the Year – This award recognizes an individual who has made a difference in the Newfoundland and Labrador music industry through volunteering. The award goes to the individual.
SUBMISSION ADJUDICATION AND MEMBERSHIP VOTING
Once deadline is passed, MusicNL ensures that applications qualify for the categories for which they have been submitted. Application are sent to jury to evaluate. Jurors are selected from a wide variety of sources, and are selected based on their expertise in the music industry.
The jury will select a minimum of two (2) to a maximum of six (6) nominees for each category.
All MusicNL members in GOOD STANDING can vote for their choice in each category.
- Individual & Student – one (1) vote per award
- Duo – two (2) votes per award
- Non-Profit, Business, and Venue – four (4) votes per award
- Group memberships – Four (4) votes per award
- Voting for the Fans’ Choice Awards Entertainer of the Year is open to a public.
The final score will be made up of 75% juror score and 25% member vote. Awards are presented during Music Celebration Week.
Have questions?
Email us! – info@musicnl.ca