About CARAS - The JUNO Awards

About CARAS

The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences/L’académie canadienne des arts et des sciences de l’enregistrement (CARAS) is a not-for-profit organization created to preserve and enhance the Canadian music industry and to contribute toward higher artistic and industry standards. CARAS’ mandate is comprised of four key pillars: Educate through our music education charity MusiCounts programs and initiatives, Develop emerging artists through mentorship and development programs, Celebrate Canadian artists with year-round JUNO Awards showcasing, and Honour music industry icons through the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

Our History

CARAS was formed in 1975 to oversee the annual JUNO Awards ceremony. CARAS has since become the umbrella not-for-profit organization for The JUNO Awards, the national music education charity, MusiCounts, and the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

Before CARAS, the winners of the JUNO Awards were selected by RPM readers, but with the creation of the Academy, voting was now exclusive to CARAS members in the Canadian music industry. Within one year of its inception, CARAS boasted over six hundred members and took over the administration of the awards system created by founders Grealis and Klees. CARAS has been an integral part of the Canadian music industry with a mandate to promote and celebrate Canadian music and artists.

In 1989, CARAS began awarding annual scholarships to exceptional graduates enrolled in post-secondary music industry programs. In 1997, CARAS created the Band Aid grant program and MusiCan (now MusiCounts) and began giving instrument grants to schools in need. In the years that followed, MusiCounts programming has expanded to include a national Teacher of the Year Award, a granting program for community organizations, educational resources, and development programming for emerging artists and industry professionals. Since 1997, MusiCounts has awarded over $19,000,000 in support of music education in Canada. These funds have benefitted over 1,500 schools and communities, supported over 290 post-secondary music program graduates, and honoured 20 extraordinary music teachers.

Allan Slaight JUNO Master Class

After an incredibly successful 10-year run, the Allan Slaight JUNO Master Class wrapped its final season at the 2025 JUNO Awards in Vancouver. More than a mentorship program, it became a true launchpad for Canada’s next generation of rising stars.

Over the course of a decade, the program mentored 37 emerging artists, 11 of whom went on to become JUNO Award Nominees with 20 Nominations and FIVE became JUNO Award winners. We are incredibly proud of the program’s impact and deeply grateful to Slaight Music for their generous support and unwavering partnership throughout the years.

As CARAS continues to evolve, we remain committed to nurturing the next generation of talent. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. 

Allan Slaight JUNO Masterclass JUNO Award Winners and Nominees:

Winners:

  • 2020 – Neon Dreams (Breakthrough Group of the Year)
  • 2022 – Haviah Mighty (Rap Album/EP Of The Year)
  • 2022 – Monowhales (Breakthrough Group of the Year)
  • 2024 – Aysanabee (Songwriter & Alternative Album Of The Year)
  • 2025 – Sebastian Gaskin (Contemp Indigenous Artist or Group OTY)

Nominees: 

Abigail Lapell, Charlie Houston, Jhyve, Katie Tupper, Shawnee Kish, and Fortunate Ones

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