2021 JUNO Awards Submissions Powered by TD Now Open - The JUNO Awards
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2021 JUNO Awards Submissions Powered by TD Now Open

TORONTO The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) today announced that the 2021 JUNO Awards Submissions Powered by TD are now open from Thursday, October 1, 2020 to Friday, November 6, 2020 11:59PM ET *at junosubmissions.ca

To be considered for nomination for the 2021 JUNO Awards, national music release dates must fall between the eligibility period of September 1, 2019 and November 6, 2020*.

 Key submission dates and deadlines*:

  • October 1, 2020 – Submissions open
  • October 16, 2020; 5:00 p.m. ET – Deadline for discounted early-bird submission
  • November 6, 2020; 11:59 p.m. ET – Deadline for submissions

Submission eligibility*:

Eligible music must be available for all Canadians and for national sale (1) or via a recognized national music streaming provider (2).

  1. Product must be released nationally via brick and mortar stores or third-party online retailers.
  2. Product must be released via a nationally accessible streaming service that has paid subscriptions, full catalogue, or on-demand streaming.

Eligible products must be released during the eligibility period: September 1, 2019 through to November 6, 2020. Albums available for pre-order online no later than November 6, 2020 will also qualify. Pre-ordered online albums (digital or physical copies) will need to be available no later than November 20, 2020. Proof of transaction may be requested.

Eligible musicians must be Canadian citizens. This is defined by CARAS as 50% or more of group members holding Canadian birth certificates, passports or are Canadian Permanent Resident(s) with residency in Canada during the last six months of the eligibility period.

*All dates subject to change.

NEW FOR THIS YEAR:

TD is proud to support Canadian artists and will, for the first time, be fully subsidizing the submission fees this year for the following categories: 

  • Vocal Jazz Album of the Year 
  • Jazz Album of the Year: Solo 
  • Jazz Album of the Year: Group 
  • Rap Recording of the Year 
  • Contemporary R&B Recording of the Year 
  • Traditional R&B/Soul Recording of the Year 

Album Artwork of the Year

All submissions in Album Artwork of the Year must contain music that is newly released within the eligibility period. Albums with previously released songs may qualify if 50% of the album’s tracks are considered to be “new.” Greatest Hits packages that are newly designed will not be eligible.

Children’s Album of the Year

The eligibility criteria for Children’s Album of the Year has been updated to further define that the purpose of the category is to recognize the work of Children’s Music Artists in Canada. Albums must be created and intended specifically for children of single-digit ages (0-9 years) with “Children’s Music” listed as its primary genre. There are also new upload requirements that a submitter must provide:

  • Biographical information, including an explanation of how they are actively representing and marketing themselves as a Children’s Music Artist.
  • Links and or documentation of ongoing Community Engagement with families of young children (can include proof of online, media initiatives, and live appearances and/or touring).

Comedy Album of the Year

Returning this year, Just For Laughs will be providing a full subsidy for those submitting to the Comedy Album of the Year category, to cover the costs of submission fees. Just For Laughs is proud to support excellence in Canadian comedy.

R&B/Soul Recording of the Year

R&B/Soul Recording of the Year will now be split into two unique categories: Contemporary R&B Recording of the Year and Traditional R&B/Soul Recording of the Year, in order to represent the sonic differences of the genres and to support the growing success of R&B artists across the country. Full eligibility criteria for each category can be found here. Both will remain Recording categories and be voted on by judges in both rounds.

Rap Recording of the Year

Rap Recording of the Year nominees will now be determined by 25% Consumption and 75% judge vote in the first round.

 

For a complete list of JUNO Awards categories, eligibility rules, and voting criteria, visit www.junoawards.ca/submissions.

CARAS relies on Academy Delegates to help nominate and vote on JUNO Award winners each year. Sign up to become a CARAS Academy Delegate and receive 40% off submissions. Visit www.junoawards.ca/join.

 

For promotional graphics, suggested social copy, logos and more reference our Digital Toolkit.

PwC – Trusted partner of the 2021 JUNO Awards.

Nielsen Music / MRC Data is the Official Data Provider of the 2021 JUNO Awards

Web Links:

Social Media:

Exclusive Broadcast and Content Partner: 

CARAS acknowledges the financial support of FACTOR, the Government of Canada, and Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters.

Lead Partner: TD Bank Group

Funding Partners: The Province of Ontario and the City of Toronto.

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. 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of the JUNO Awards, a national celebration of Canadian music. JUNO Week will take place in Toronto, ON. In honour of 50 years of music, CARAS will be launching exciting initiatives in the host city, and nationally across our country. These initiatives will align with CARAS’ mandate that 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. For more information on the 50th Annual JUNO Awards or The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) please visit www.junoawards.ca.

 

For interview requests or more information on the 2021 JUNO Awards please contact: 

Elyssa Macri, CARAS/The JUNO Awards, [email protected], 647.361.3181