Music BC’s Jumpstart Grants Program is back, and officially open for applications!
Jumpstart Grants will assist BC-based, for-profit music businesses in hiring a summer apprentice aspiring to work in the music business. This program promotes hands-on training through a 10-20 hour/week part-time work placement, coupled with invaluable industry mentorship, with the overarching goal of fostering pathways toward full-time employment in the industry.
At Music BC, education is a cornerstone of our mission. Offering valuable learning experiences through work experience and mentorship is a primary way we hope to equip individuals with the tools to achieve excellence in their music career path.
Application Deadline: March 21st, 2025 (5:00 PM PST)
Thank you to Creative BC and the Province of British Columbia for making this program possible.
JUNO Week events have also been announced in Vancouver, with an exciting lineup of more than 25 public and private events, includingJUNOfest. Plus, Canada’s Biggest Night in Music returns to Rogers Arena on Sunday, March 30th. Hosted and performance by 15-time JUNO Award winner, Michael Bublé, it’s a night of epic performances from some of the country’s biggest names. Tickets for The 2025 JUNO Awards and JUNO Week Events are on sale at ticketmaster.ca/junos
Congrats to all of this year’s nominees! Check out the complete list at the link below to see which of your favourite Canadian artists have been nominated.
Western Canadian Artists and Industry! Submissions for the Western Canadian Music Awards are now OPEN, with discounted Early Bird pricing until March 19th.
Let us help you celebrate your hard work and successes. Learn more about category eligibility, and apply at the link below!
Early Bird Submission Deadline: March 19th, 2025 Regular Submission Deadline: April 16th, 2025
NELL SMITH MEMORIAL FUND The Nell Smith Music Fund will empower young musicians who share Nell’s dedication to pursuing a music career. It will provide grants and other support helping promising artists overcome financial barriers and achieve their dreams. The Smith family aims to raise $100,000, and give away $10,000 for the next ten years to deserving young artists. Their mission is to ensure that Nell’s memory inspires others to chase their passion for music with the same joy and determination she embodied. LEARN MORE
FIRST PEOPLES’ CULTURAL COUNCIL: MUSIC PROGRAM The FPCC Music Program is now open for applications. The Music Program supports the development of B.C. First Nations music creatives and professionals residing in B.C. through grants and training programs. This program offers three areas of funding for artists, recording engineers and music industry professionals. Application Deadline: March 19th, 2025 LEARN MORE
COMMUNITY ARTS COUNCIL YVR: CRA TAX VIRTUAL WORKSHOP The Community Arts Council of Vancouver is hosting a free tax workshop with a Liaison Officer from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This workshop will offer guidance to small businesses, self-employed individuals including artists to help meet your tax obligations. The Liaison Officer will help ensure that you understand your tax obligations and are aware of possible tax deductions. Liaison officers will also explain how to avoid common errors that could end up costing time and money. Virtual Workshop Event: March 19th, 2025 REGISTER
APPLY FOR M FOR MONTREAL Artist submissions are now open for the 20th edition of M for Montreal, taking place November 19-22, 2025. Music BC is very excited to be returning to this highly anticipated event for another year! This event features a series of conferences that bring together local and international music industry professionals. It offers a rich music program of more than 100 artists at its annual gathering in November, in Montreal. Application Deadline: May 23rd, 2025 LEARN MORE
INDUSTRY NEWS
B.C.’s growing South Asian music scene takes the spotlight in Juno Awards nominations The rising popularity of South Asian music in B.C. is front and centre at this year’s Junos, as several artists with B.C. connections are nominated for awards. – READ MORE
Universal Music Group Launches Music Industry Mental Health Fund Alongside Music Health Alliance The initiative will provide “comprehensive, high-quality outpatient mental health resources for music industry professionals nationwide” – READ MORE
Juno-Nominated Songwriters and Producers Talk About the Importance of Canadian Industry Recognition The Junos introduced a new songwriter category this year, which resulted in Lowell’s first nomination. In a post-nomination press conference, Lowell, Aaron Paris and Hill Kourkoutis talked about why behind-the-scenes work should be celebrated. – READ MORE
Vancouver’s groundbreaking Nettwerk Music Group celebrates 40th anniversary Vancouver-based Nettwerk Music Group turned 40 last year. Co-founded by Terry McBride and Mark Jowett in 1984, the label is a rare Canadian independent music industry player. – READ MORE
Black Canadians Who Shaped the World of Jazz There’s no doubt about jazz’s impact on the world as a genre that speaks to the heart and soul of a people. Canada’s Black Community has made incredible contributions to the genre with cross-border collaborations that have influenced each other. – READ MORE
Streaming is losing steam. It’s time to reimagine music’s future Streaming was supposed to save the music industry, but it’s leaving artists behind. As streaming is losing steam, it’s time to rethink the model and put creators back at the center of their own success. – READ MORE
LATEST BC RELEASES
THE HAUSPLANTS
RELEASE NEW ALBUM “INTO EQUILIBRIUM”
MADDIE REGENT
RELEASES NEW SINGLE “TURTLENECK”
JAXXEE
RELEASES NEW SINGLE “NO REGRETS”
HOPE SLIDE
RELEASES NEW SINGLE “MIDNIGHT MEET (MAIN STREET AT NIGHT)”
MICHAELA SLINGER
RELEASES NEW SINGLE “ODD SHAPES”
XANA
RELEASES NEW ALBUM “THE SEX WAS GOOD UNTIL IT WASN’T (DELUXE)”
SOCAN:Travel Assistance, Professional Development Assistance
Canada Council:Travel, Residencies, Professional Development for Artists, Research and Creation, Creating, Knowing and Sharing: The Arts and Cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples
This project is funded in part by FACTOR, the Government of Canada and Canada’s private radio broadcasters. Ce projet est financé en partie par FACTOR, le gouvernement du Canada et les radiodiffuseurs privés du Canada.
