How much funding can be received?

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|terms_and_conditions

This grant provides structured funding aimed at supporting music production while ensuring the alignment of financial support with project requirements. Funding modalities are defined with clear limits and conditions to maximize resource impact.

The maximum funding is $25,000 for French vocal music, Indigenous languages, and world music, and $20,000 for other music genres.
The grant can cover up to 50% of the approved or actual eligible costs, whichever is lower.
Applicants can receive up to $100,000 across different programs, including album production.
Total government funding for a project cannot exceed 100% of project costs, including Musicaction funding.
Initially, 75% of the approved funding is paid upon contract signing, with subsequent payments made upon reviewing justifying expenses, and a final payment after project completion analysis.
A maximum of $9,000 per project is allocated to Canadian songwriters and composers at a rate of $900 per original song ($450 for lyrics and $450 for music), provided it is the song's first commercialization.
Financial contributions to authors and composers cannot surpass the production cost paid by Musicaction.
Applicants must keep original invoices and proof of payment for five years post-project.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant facilitates the creation of new musical albums to enhance the artistic expressions of Canadian artists. It supports the recording and marketing efforts associated with bringing these musical projects to fruition.

Production of a new music album containing a minimum of six tracks or 20 minutes of music.
Recording soundtracks in Canadian and francophone content genres.

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 specifically available for Canadian artists and music professionals, reflecting its focus on promoting Canadian creative industries. As a result, eligible applicants must be based in Canada.

Artists and producers located anywhere within Canada.

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.