MUSIC INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT (MID) PROGRAM
NEW BRUNSWICK | 2023-2024
MUSIC INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT (MID) INVESTMENT PROGRAM
APPLICATION HELP GUIDE
NEW BRUNSWICK | 2023-2024
This Application Help Guide includes tips that will help you write a better MID investment application.
✭ Read the MID GENERAL GUIDELINES and MID COMPONENT GUIDELINES carefully for important information about the criteria and conditions of the Program. These guidelines will help completing the application correctly, ensuring that your application for financial investment is not disqualified. Read also the evaluation criteria used by the jurors.
Are you eligible for the component? Does your project fit in the eligibility criteria? Are your expenses eligible? Do you have all required documentation and supporting materials?
Applicants can submit more than one application per fiscal year (April 1 to March 31), but can only submit one (1) application per component per deadline. For example, you can submit one Live Performance application before the April 4 deadline and one Live Performance application before the June 6 deadline, but you can’t submit two Artist Development applications (for the same artist) for the April 17 deadline.
Make sure you have all the required documents and supporting materials before starting an application. The supporting material may include:
MP3 or links to music
When applying for the production of a sound recording or a video, applicants need to submit:
Lyrics
If applicable
Biography
Your bio should be short and focus on who you are (as an artist or industry professional), what kind of music you make and where you are at in your career. Don’t use overly descriptive language (ex: Our music sounds like a warm summer breeze brushing your ears on a hot summer day.’’ Be specific: ‘’We are an up-and-coming hip hop band from Bathurst with an old school vibe.’’
Website, social media and streaming links
For artists at the beginning of their careers: You may not have this information yet and that’s ok! The MID program is open to artists of all levels and our jurors know that.
Quotes from all service providers
You MUST submit quotes from service providers such as the recording studio, producer, graphic designer, publicist, photographer, etc., for your application to be considered.
CVs or biographies of all relevant team members
The jury will assess the experience and fit of your team members and their role in helping you execute your plan. Bios and CVs shouldn’t be long and should represent relevant work experience. There is a field in the application form where you will be able to list all of your project’s relevant team members.
Video Synopsys
Applicants who are applying for the production of a music video should include a synopsis of their video (along with the track). Tell us about the video. What’s the story? Where will the video shoot take place? Who are the actors or characters? What is the theme?
Letters of Support
While letters of support are not necessary, they are highly encouraged! Juries like to see proof that the key team members (ex: producer, publicist, etc.) are committed to your project and that they are also aware of your investment application!
Marketing Plan
Your Marketing Plan is an important part of the Sound Recording and Marketing Applications.
It should contain information on ad campaigns or strategies to promote an upcoming video or single. List publications (e.g. newspapers, magazines, blogs) you plan on targeting. Provide information regarding the songs to be featured on radio. Include details about your target audience. Elaborate on the type of radio / TV initiatives (radio tours / interviews / performances / advertisement) and/or use of social media networks to promote your project (e.g. ads, frequent posts, contests, etc.) Detail your online marketing and promotional initiatives. Highlight the type of advertisement and social network. List any tools you plan on using to promote the project (e.g. posters, flyers, postcards, stickers, buttons, street team, etc.)
If you are creating a video, explain where you plan to air the video (Facebook, YouTube, etc.) and detail the anticipated exposure, frequency, reach and impact.
Project Budget with specific expenses and revenues
You will have to include all anticipated expenses and revenues. Your budget should also be realistic: the MID program covers up to 50% of eligible expenses. If you are asking for $4,000, you have to make sure that you are able to cover the other $4,000, whether it’s through personal investment or other public funding programs like Factor. If you don’t need the maximum amount, you don’t have to ask for the maximum amount. You also need to let the MID Program Manager know if you have applied for, or received public funding for your project.
If you find that other information relevant to the project should be included in your application, include it!
Applications that obtain better results use SMART goals: