1. What is CMW?
2. When is CMW?
3. Who attends CMW?
4. How Do I Apply for a Showcase?
5. Can I send a press kit in the mail?
6. Why does CMW use Sonicbids?
7. When Can I Apply?
8. What should I include in my EPK?
9. When will I be notified if I've been accepted?
10. What does CMW supply for my showcase?
11. Will I get paid?
12. Does my performer pass get me in to see other shows?
13. Does my performer pass get me into all of the conferences?
14. Do I need a work permit to perform at the festival?
15. CITIZENSHIP & IMMIGRATION CANADA

What is CMW?  TOP
Now in its 27th year, Canadian Music Week is the single longest running and premiere conference focusing on the business of Music, bringing together Sound Recording, New Technology and Broadcast for one spectacular week of events. CMW combines informative, intensive conferences, a cutting edge trade exposition, a film festival, award shows & Canada's biggest New Music Festival. The Festival spans 4 nights of performances, with over 500 showcasing bands at over 40 live music venues in downtown Toronto.

When is CMW?  TOP
CMW 2009 will take place March 11-14, 2009.
(CMW is strategically situated on the weekend preceding SXSW, giving international bands the advantage to budget dates more effectively.)

Who attends CMW? TOP
Agents, Artists, Labels, Lawyers, Managers, Press, Promoters, Radio, as well as music fans from Canada and beyond.

How Do I Apply for a Showcase?   TOP
Applications to perform at CMW 2009 are taken exclusively through sonicbids:      www.sonicbids.com/cmw2009

Can I send a press kit in the mail?   TOP
No. Artists must submit via Sonicbids.

Why does CMW use Sonicbids?   TOP
Sonicbids levels the playing field for all applicants - it ensures that the format of all applications is the same which allows the music to be the focus.

it also allows us to utilize jurors from across the country to review the acts that have applied - it would be far too costly and time consuming to organize and mail press kits to each juror.

When Can I Apply?   TOP
Applications are being accepted now.  Deadline for submissions is October 31, 2008.

What should I include in my EPK?   TOP
- Put your best songs first. A minimum of two songs for each act are listened to - jurors generally do not have time to listen to an entire album.
- Keep your calendar up-to-date, include details such as venue/notable acts that shared the stage.
- Include press reviews/interviews.
- Please do NOT simply provide a link to your website/myspace in place of
tour dates/press etc; include all relevant info within your EPK

When will I be notified if I've been accepted?   TOP
Status notifications will be sent to all applicants by November 30, 2008.

What does CMW supply for my showcase?   TOP
All showcase venues are supplied with an experienced front of house sound tech, and a stage manager to keep the show running on time. CMW staff will advise each artist as to whether or not backline will be available at their showcase venue well in advance of the festival.

Will I get paid?   TOP
No. Performing artists receive complimentary registration to Canadian Music Week's TuneUp Conference as well as access to other festival shows.

Does my performer pass get me in to see other shows?   TOP
Yes.

Does my performer pass get me into all of the conferences?   TOP
Performer passes grant access to the TuneUp conference (please visit www.cmw.net/cmw2009/conference_tuneup.asp for more details)

Do I need a work permit to perform at the festival?   TOP
No - because CMW is a "Showcase Festival," performing artists with an "Invitation" from CMW to participate as a non-paid "Showcasing Act" do not need a work permit to enter the country to perform. Canadian Music Week has Significant Event Status.

It is important to understand what this exemption is because there is no employment relationship between the 'artist' and Canadian Music Week. This waiver covers all venues including bars pubs etc,. which are normally not exempt. Bands crossing the border (at any point of entry) can refer to the clause below in the Immigration Foreign Worker Manual if the officer is unfamiliar.
 
CITIZENSHIP & IMMIGRATION CANADA   TOP
Foreign Worker Manual FW1
5.8 Work without a work permit R186 (g) - Performing artists Page 14
ENTRY WITHOUT A WORK PERMIT
Artists attending or working at a showcase

Note this is for showcasing bands that are not being paid. If a band is
receiving a fee or they are playing other paying dates while in the country
this exemption is not available to them.


If you have any questions regarding the Festival please email festival@cmw.net for a prompt response.