Alberta Spotlight
The COVID-19 pandemic has decimated the gig economy, impacting all aspects and individuals who derive a living from live music experiences. Professional musicians who rely on performance income are among the most vulnerable cohorts.
The Province of Alberta recognizes the urgent need to support artists through these challenging times, and also the importance that home-grown talent has in connecting Albertans through music.
In response to this challenge, the government is working with four of Alberta’s music industry organizations with provincial mandates—The Alberta Music Industry Association (Alberta Music), National Music Centre (NMC), CKUA Radio Network (CKUA), and Stagehand—to develop an innovative program designed to showcase Alberta’s diverse talent and provide support for artists. The Alberta Spotlight online series is meant to connect Albertans across the province with music during these times of physical distancing.
The Government of Alberta has pledged a fund to support an initiative that will pay musicians to perform online. Selected artists will receive a grant to create a three-song, pre-recorded, high-quality video to be shared as part of the Alberta Spotlight online series.
For more information about Stagehand, visit stagehand.app.
Applications will be filed online through Stagehand, which requires a profile that can be public or private.
A completed Stagehand profile with the inclusion of pictures, biographies, demos, and live performance videos will be mandatory.
For more information and questions about Stagehand email support@stagehand.app.
Applications will remain open until all funding has been allocated.
Submission Requirements
To participate in Alberta Spotlight, artists must meet the following requirements:
- Music Genre: All music genres may apply for Alberta Spotlight.
- Age limit: Applicants of all ages may apply. Should an artist under the age of 18 be selected, a parent or legal guardian is required to sign the accompanying artist agreement.
- Original Artists: Preference shall be given to artists who perform their own songs or songs co-written with other Alberta-based songwriters. No cover songs shall be accepted in assessing eligibility to the program.
- Residency: Artist must be an Alberta resident. Proof of residency may be requested. Failure to provide proof by the deadline provided may result in disqualification. Majority of the band must be Alberta residents; i.e. three out of four members.
- Qualifying Artist:
- Artists applying to Alberta Spotlight should have some track record in the music industry. As a professional or semi-professional artist, you have released an album within the last 18 months or have an upcoming release in the next six months. A 12-month tour history may be requested.
- Artists may apply as an individual, duo, or band (the majority of the band must reside in Alberta).
- Artists must have the ability to produce and submit a new performance video to be streamed for the first time as part of the Alberta Spotlight online series.
- Initial Artist Selection: Applications will be filed online through Stagehand. Inclusion of pictures, biographies, demos and live performance videos will be mandatory. Selection of the Alberta Spotlight artists will be by recommendation of independent juries administered by Alberta Music with the final selection at the determination of the Alberta Spotlight committee.
Application Form – Selection of Initial Artists
Applications via Stagehand must include:
- Artist Headline (max 200 characters) and biography.
- Photo of the artist (hi-res JPG).
- Links to two original master sound recordings (Bandcamp, SoundCloud, Apple Music, Spotify).
- One live performance video provided as the Feature Video through Stagehand platform (actual performance required, no lip-syncing).
- Applicants must review and sign the Alberta Spotlight agreement.
All submissions are subject to verification at any time and for any reason.
Assessment Process
Juries shall be approved in advance by Alberta Music and the Alberta Spotlight committee. The initial applications shall be juried through a dedicated online system developed by Stagehand.
Basic Conditions of Funding
Successful applicants will be required to sign an agreement to participate in Alberta Spotlight. The Government of Alberta and partners Alberta Music, CKUA, National Music Centre, and Stagehand may use the artist’s approved name and likeness in promoting the Alberta Spotlight series.
Funds will be distributed to the artist upon submission and approval of the final video by the Alberta Spotlight committee.
Video Creation, Technical Specs & Submission
The Government of Alberta has pledged a fund to support an initiative that will pay musicians to perform online. Selected artists will receive a grant to create a three-song, pre-recorded, high-quality video to be shared as part of the Alberta Spotlight online series.
- Artists must have the ability to produce and submit a high-quality new performance video to be streamed for the first time as part of the Alberta Spotlight online series. The Government of Alberta and partners Alberta Music, CKUA, National Music Centre, and Stagehand may share this video on their individual social media platforms, and websites. The performance will broadcast on the CKUA website and be archived as part of the Alberta Spotlight online series.
- Videos must contain three original songs to a maximum of 15 minutes total, contain no profanity and must be non-partisan.
- Video production must adhere to the Government of Alberta COVID-19 restrictions as they unfold.
- Artists shall own the copyrights in the sound recordings and songs (where applicable).
- Funding may be allocated to Alberta-based suppliers to record, mix and master sound recordings.
- Video specs required are as follows:
- Format: MP4
- Quality: 1080p Full HD (1920 x 1080)
- Audio: 48 kHz, Stereo
- Videos must be submitted via a private Google Drive link one week following the initial invitation to participate in Alberta Spotlight.
For more information or to apply, visit stagehand.app.
