Musicaction — Album production
QC, Canada
Sound recording production grant for Francophone artists
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateApril 02, 2025
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
grant_single|grantors
- Musicaction
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The program supports the production of sound recordings with funding up to $25,000 for Francophone vocal music, Indigenous languages, and world music, and $20,000 for other music genres. Eligible activities include the creation of an album with at least six tracks or 20 minutes of music content.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is aimed at supporting the production of a sound recording, particularly focusing on francophone vocal music, indigenous languages, and world music. It is designed for Canadian artists or sound recording producers who own the master tape and have distribution agreements with Canadian companies.
- Production of a sound recording (album) with at least six tracks or 20 minutes of music content.
- Creation and production of original compositions by Canadian authors and composers.
- Projects that entail re-recordings, not reissues or compilations.
- Albums with at least 50% new content that have not been previously commercialized, with exceptions for classical and traditional music.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant requires meeting specific criteria related to the applicant's profile and project requirements.
- The applicant must be a self-producing artist, a Canadian Francophonie artist, a songwriter-composer, or a sound recording producer.
- The applicant must own the master tape of the recording.
- The applicant and the artist subject to the application must be Canadian.
- The album must comply with Canadian and Francophone content standards.
- The applicant must have an agreement with a Canadian physical or digital distribution company for the submitted project.
- The applicant cannot have an existing open project with Musicaction or have more than one project accepted and ongoing with Musicaction at the same time.
- Applicants receiving a global funding package under the Individual Initiatives component are not eligible.
- The applicant must not be in payment default.
- A request cannot be submitted simultaneously to FACTOR and Musicaction.
- Reissues and compilations are not eligible; however, re-recordings are permitted.
- An artist can submit a new application 18 months after the release date of the previous album, provided the marketing file for that album is closed.
- A live album is eligible if it is marketed 18 months after the release date of the previous album, provided the marketing file for that album is closed.
- Priority is given to albums containing 50% or more new content, meaning works that have never been recorded on a commercial medium, except for classical and traditional music.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The grant is open to self-producing artists, artists within the Canadian Francophonie, songwriter-composers, and sound recording producers. The applicant must be the owner of the master tape and can only submit one project at a time, with only one ongoing project accepted by Musicaction. There is no limitation for a company with two associated Canadian artists, excluding any artist shareholder or associate of the company.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies and industries from eligibility based on their financial status and activities. The conditions are designed to align with the grant's objectives of promoting Canadian musical productions.
- Companies benefiting from a global funding envelope in the Individual Initiatives component.
- Applicants who are in default of payment.
- Projects that have concurrently applied to both FACTOR and Musicaction.
- Projects involving reissues and compilations, although re-recordings are permitted.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the production of a sound recording project.
- Professional fees for artistic direction (with conditions).
- Production-related expenses incurred up to six months prior to application submission.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is designed for Canadian applicants, focusing on Canadian and Francophone content, with a distribution requirement tied to Canadian distribution companies.
- Companies or entities legally registered in Canada.
- Applicants with agreements with Canadian distribution companies.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives.
- Artistic aspects of the projects, including music, text, performance, and artistic coherence - 40%.
- Professional environment analysis - 30%.
- Artist positioning including a marketing plan - 30%.
- Projects related to artists from Canadian Francophone communities are evaluated by a specific jury.
- An equity measure is applied for female performing artists, predominantly female mixed groups, female-led groups, and Indigenous artists.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
- Ensure you are a Canadian artist or entity as per the eligibility requirements.
- Verify that you own the master recording rights.
- Confirm your project isn’t simultaneously applied for at FACTOR.
- Step 2: Prepare Application Documentation
- Select three songs from your album and prepare them in digital format.
- Complete the application form available on Musicaction's submission page.
- Compile additional documents like production contract, distribution contract, and respective CVs for production personnel.
- Step 3: Submit Application
- Access Musicaction’s specific page for the grant application submission.
- Upload three songs and their texts in the MP3 format for evaluation.
- Attach all necessary documents including contracts and CVs at specified sections.
- Submit the completed application form through the provided link before April 2, 2025, at 17:00 HAE.
- Step 4: Parachèvement Submission (If the project is accepted)
- Submit the completion documentation three months following the album release.
- Include an Excel form, declarations for each title, and credits aligning with declared works.
- Provide financial records of expenses and deposits as required.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The funding includes measures to ensure equity for female artists and groups with female leadership, as well as Indigenous projects.
- Regular updates on the project's budget and progress may be required, and any significant changes must be pre-approved by Musicaction.
- Upon project approval, a significant initial payment of 75% of the granted amount may be dispensed, with further payments contingent on verified expenditures.
- Logo and acknowledgment requirements apply to promotional materials connected to the funded project, ensuring visibility for Musicaction and Canadian government support.
- Applicants must retain financial records and original receipts for at least five years post-project completion for potential auditing by the grant body.
grant_single_labels|contact
epaquette@musicaction.ca
Apply to this program
Funding Support for French Album Production
This grant is designed to support the production of music albums in French, Indigenous languages, and world music, offering financial assistance to help artists create and distribute their work. It aims to develop local talent and promote cultural expression across Canada.
Understanding the Album Production Grant's Benefits and Scope
This grant program plays a crucial role in fostering the Canadian music industry's growth and success, particularly for francophone and Indigenous artists, as well as those producing world music. By offering financial aid up to $25,000, or $20,000 for other music genres, the grant covers a maximum of half the production costs for qualifying projects, encouraging the development of original, high-quality musical work. To qualify for the grant, artists must be Canadian citizens or reside within the country, ensuring that local talent is nurtured and that Canadian cultural identity is preserved and advanced.
The program outlines specific eligibility criteria to maintain the quality and originality of funded projects. Projects must result in albums of at least six titles or 20 minutes of music, emphasizing new productions rather than reissues or compilations, while allowing for re-recordings. The focus is on delivering fresh, innovative music that has not been commercially released before, apart from specific classical and traditional music exceptions. By adhering to these guidelines, the grant supports the creation of unique musical experiences that enrich Canada's cultural landscape.
Significant emphasis is placed on the artistic merit of the projects. Each submission undergoes comprehensive evaluation by an independent jury, ensuring that selections reflect high artistic standards and align with the program's objectives. The evaluation process is designed to emphasize fairness and inclusivity, particularly for female and indigenous artists, thereby promoting diversity within the music industry. This commitment to equitable evaluation helps to empower underrepresented groups and reinforce cultural inclusion in the Canadian music scene.
The grant not only supports production but also requires applicants to demonstrate the potential for successful market distribution, necessitating an agreement with a Canadian physical or digital distribution company. This stipulation ensures that supported projects have a viable path to reach wider audiences, maximizing the exposure of Canadian music talents both locally and internationally. By driving proper distribution channels, the grant promotes the economic success of artists alongside cultural impact.
Furthermore, the program accentuates meticulous financial management by obligating applicants to present comprehensive budgets and subsequent cost reporting. Applicants must adhere to strict guidelines and provide necessary documentation, such as contracts and expense records, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the project lifecycle. Detailed financial and production tracking is essential for fulfilling the grant's requirements, reinforcing the project's success and integrity from conception to completion.
The production grant offers not only a financial lifeline to artists but also fosters sustainable career development. As artists expand their portfolios with funded projects, they gain access to new opportunities and a broader network in the Canadian music industry. This sustained support cultivates the growth of a vibrant music community that contributes to the cultural and economic vitality of Canada. For artists and production companies, the grant is an avenue to elevate their craft and gain recognition, supporting artistic endeavors that might otherwise face daunting financial barriers.
