WRITE YOUR BIRDSONG!
WHO CAN APPLY?
Anyone in Canada who is a Canadian citizen, musician with a medical diagnosis that states that you are living with mental illness and are an adult that has reached the age of majority in your province.
WHAT DO I NEED TO SEND TO BE CONSIDERED?
Two (2) or three (3) songs via YouTube or memory stick to our address in Ottawa, Canada and email with your application and song lyrics. Download our Application Form for full details.
WHAT IS THE DEADLINE AND HOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS TAKE?
June 30, 2023 is our deadline for this year. If selected, your music should be up and running within 12 months of the start of production.
WHAT KINDS OF MUSIC/LYRICS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
We are looking for all styles of music (genres). We looking for artists with their own voice, both musically and lyrically. We're looking for original music that our production team will help you create the way you hear it in your head. The only thing we will not accept is racist and/or discriminatory lyrics.
CAN I COLLABORATE WITH ANOTHER MUSICIAN ON A SONG AND STILL GET A GRANT?
Yes — as long as the details are fully explained so there are no issues about who was involved as the original songwriter and performer. We will not accept music that has already been published.
DO I OWN THE RIGHTS TO MY SONGS AFTER THEY ARE PRODUCED AND MASTERED BY BIRDSONG?
Yes — you own 100% of your songs publishing rights. If you aren't already, we'll help you get registered with SOCAN. The original music you make is your music.
DO I HAVE TO DONATE TO BIRDSONG TO BE CONSIDERED AS A POTENTIAL MUSIC GRANT RECIPIENT?
No, you do not have to donate any money. If we include your song on our 2024 compilation album, we split all revenue from the sale of both CDs and downloads with participating artists 50-50. Four months after the release of the album, you are free to sell your songs and keep 100% of the revenue. But a number of artists have generously donated 25% of the royalties from their songs to the Birdsong Scholarship Fund to help other artists struggling with mental health challenges see their musical dreams come true. However, this is NOT mandatory and you will not be penalized in any way if you wish to hold onto 100% of the revenue from your music. Your music is your music — and we like it that way!
DO I HAVE TO PAY BACK THE GRANT?
It is free for you to apply and to participate. The only way you pay back the grant is through album sales that include your songs and/or any percentage of the royalties you donate back to Birdsong AFTER your music is launched. Your only out-of-pocket expense could potentially be your travel costs, if you need to travel to our production/studio facilities.
WHERE WILL WE BE RECORDING AND MASTERING OUR MUSIC IF SELECTED?
We are selecting musicians from across Canada. So, if you are selected and live on the west coast, we will match you up with a music record producer in your area. If you are from central or eastern Canada, we will select a producer in the closest major city.
If we didn't answer all of your questions, feel free to email us and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
