Here is what we are asking and why we are asking it!
A unique email address: We are trying out a new system (again!) this year, and each application needs a unique email address. It's a bit inconvenient if you need to fill out applications for multiple bands, but the alternative was not being able to save your progress. Fortunately, most email providers will let you add +alias before the '@'.
You are a manager and you need to fill out forms for your two bands, Potato/Potato and The Rotorkrieg. You can use your regular email address (info @ email.com) and create two unique email addresses (which will all go to your regular mailbox): info+potato @ email.com and info+rotorkrieg @ email.com
Link to your MNB Profile: The selection committee will look at your online presence, and they will start with your MNB profile. They are looking for great music, of course, but they are also looking for artists who are engaged with their fans. They will click and visit all your embedded social media links. Plus, our showcase opportunities are open to our members only, so you need your MNB profile to apply.
Press Photo: Artist photos are used on our website, social media, printed material and press releases. We need a landscape photo, with no watermarks. Preferably, the photo will be in colour, will show all the band members and will have no words on it (ie, no band names). The photo needs to be versatile, so that it can be easily sent to the media.
Short bio: Think of this as your elevator pitch! The bios are shared with the delegates attending our Festival. They need basic info (your genre, how many members in your group, etc.), but you also need to stand out and show your creativity.
Your team: List all your band mates and their instruments. If you're a solo artist, let us know if you intend to bring people on stage with you or if you're planning a solo performance. We're also interested to know who else is on your team (social media manager, agent, choreographer, etc.)
Genre List: The selection committee does its best to program artists in the most appropriate showcase. Let us know which three genre best apply to your music.
Stage plot (PDF): This needs to be ready to be handed out to the Production Coordinator without any notes, addenda, or explanatory emails. You can use an online Stage Plot Designer like this one, for all your stage plot needs!
Music: The Selection Committee will listen to three songs, and three songs only. Pick your best among your most recent!
Live Performance video: The Selection Committee is not necessarily looking at the production value of the video. They mostly want to see your stage presence and how you interact with the crowd.
✭ Networking Plan ✭: This is one of the most important section of your application and it is a section applicants often pay the least attention to! The main mandate of industry events like Festival (506) is to give artists networking and professional development opportunities. You need to show the selection committee that you will use this event to its full potential, that you've thought about those next steps in your career and who could help you along the way. We need your list of dream delegates: labels, journalists, agents, festivals, etc. The conference program is not set in stone yet, and Festival (506) organizers will look at that list of names as potential delegates or speakers to invite.
Commitment to attend the conference sessions: While there might be valid reasons why you can't attend all the sessions, selected showcasing artists are expected to do their best to take part in the full day of conference sessions on Saturday, October 14.
Touring & Shows: List all your shows for the past year only, with venue names, cities, dates, and other bands who played with you. That shouldn't be too much work since you already have that list from your SOCAN report, which you duly filled out, right?
Everything else!: Last chance to convice the Selection Committee that you are a good fit for Festival (506). Always assume that the Committee knows nothing about you, so omit nothing!
What else?
Fee to apply: Until February 28, 2017: $15. From March 1 to May 8, 2017: $20
Final deadline: May 8, 2017. No exceptions.
What will the Selection Committee look at?
Your MNB Profile |
They’ll look at your bio, your social media presence, your photos, so make sure you’re putting your best foot forward on your profile. |
Your music |
Jurors will listen to three songs only, so be sure to include your best ones (and the ones you intend to perform!) |
Your touring schedule & your stage presence |
Even if it’s shot with an iPhone, a video showcasing a great live performance will help the selection committee better understand what you sound like & how you look like on stage. |
Your networking plan |
There are limited showcases & a lot of talented artists. Jurors will look for those wanting to take the advantage of the workshops & the networking opportunities available throughout the weekend. A great music career begins with building relationships! "Making contacts & sharing my music with the world" doesn't count as a plan… |
Your availability |
Festival (506) takes place October 12 to 15 in MONCTON. Selected artists will be contacted in early June so you have time to block your schedule! |