Grants of up to $4,000 and grants of up to $10,000 to Ontario musicians, composers, ad hoc groups and collectives, and nonprofit music organizations, orchestras, and choirs for the recording of full-length albums, demos, and EPs. The purpose of this program is to support music works by Ontario-based songwriters and composers, as well as works by other Canadians.

The program supports the recording of music by Ontario-based musicians including composers, songwriters and beat producers. The program has two categories:

• Demo/EP recordings:
• EP recording of a series of songs that may be released individually or as a short album, 25 minutes maximum, intended for public release
• Demo recordings for the purpose of demonstrating newly developed work for labels, funders, presenters, promoters, festivals, etc. These recordings may or may not also be intended for public release
• Full-length album: a single work or collection of compositions, 26 minutes minimum, recorded for public release in physical format or an online platform. The album is only considered complete after it has been publicly released.

Note: Projects are only considered complete once the recording is publicly available (except for demos not intended for release).

The program’s priorities are to support:

• Music created by Ontario composers/songwriters as well as works by other Canadians. If your project features non-Ontario composers, a compelling case should be made for how the project will add to what is currently available to the public (for example, currently unrecorded, rare music, or a foremost performer of the music of a specific composer)
• Projects that enhance the range of recorded music available to the public (locally, nationally and internationally)
• Projects that are ready or nearly ready to begin recording

This program funds:

• Recording, mixing, mastering
• Artist and producer fees, including fees to the applicant. For live recordings, additional artist fees for recording (step-up fees) are eligible, but not the fee for live performance itself
• Studio and venue rental
• Recording media, such as tapes and hard drives
• Packaging artwork and design
• A contribution towards marketing or promotional costs specific to the recording, including the hiring of an Ontario-based marketing manager or publicist
• Manufacturing, up to the first 1,000 units
• Equipment rental
• Purchase of small-scale equipment, software, electronics and similar materials required to carry out the project
• Childcare and other dependant care fees enabling individuals to take part in the project (this does not include regular, ongoing expenses)
• Expenses related to making the project accessible to audience members and project participants (other than the applicant) who are Deaf or have a disability