News Article

September Buyers Showcase Announcement

Music PEI is very pleased to announce an incoming buyer?s showcase in September, 2008. We have secured reps from 3 Japanese labels as well as the Editor in Chief of Oricon, an influential music trade magazine based in Japan. We are also working to secure additional participants including representatives from Canadian and US booking agencies.

The Showcases will take place September 16th and 17th and will feature export ready or currently exporting Island artists. The purpose of these showcases is to have artists sign deals with the labels to have their recordings released and distributed in Japan and eventually open up the market to performance opportunities. The US agents will provide opportunities for booking performance at various events including colleges.

Export Ready Artists/Groups – You are eligible as an export ready artist/group if you meet all of the following criteria:
~ Have marketing and business plan
~ 1 recording commercially released (minimum 6 song EP) within the past two years from the date of submission deadline.
~ Upcoming bookings or a contract for a current musical production, i.e. live performance; stage production, songwriting collaboration, composition/soundtrack interest from film/TV, etc.
~ Strong professional history
~ Independent or established team/infrastructure

Exporting Artists/Groups* – You are eligible as an exporting artist/ group if you meet 5 of the 8 criteria:
~ Minimum 2 nationally distributed releases. One of these recordings must have been released within the last 24 months or scheduled release prior to August 31st 2008. (Pre-release copy must be submitted with application)
~ One internationally distributed recording
~ Minimum 5,000 total unit sales of all recorded music products
~ Airplay, National charting on published charts, video play
~ Have a marketing and business plan
~ Management/Self-management team with proven history
~ History of commitment to touring nationally and/or internationally
~ Industry Recognition (nominations? awards, etc.)

The primary focus for this initiative will be for artists who have recent recordings. The genres that will be featured are primarily roots/folk and pop/rock. If you do not fit into either of those categories you are still invited to submit, but those will take priority.

As with other Music PEI programs, you must be a PEI resident to be eligible. The primary artist and/or the majority of the group must have a permanent address in Prince Edward Island or the primary artist or registered company pays income tax to the Province of Prince Edward Island. A proof of residency form is attached to the Submission form.

Showcases will take place at the Studio Theatre and the Guild and will feature roots/folk artists on the 16th and pop/rock on the 17th.

Please fill out the attached submission form. If you are selected you will be required to have a current Music PEI membership. If you have an up to date Sonic Bids page you are not required to supply the support material but may be asked to provide a copy of your most recent CD.

Your submission should include:
? A full description of the artist/group including target audience/market, industry awards, current bookings and a brief history of your live performances and future direction.
? A completed application form

Deadline for submissions is Tuesday July 15th by 5 pm. All submissions must be received at the Music PEI office by then to be eligible. Applications may be submitted electronically via email if they include a Sonic Bids page. Applications will be reviewed and selected by an independent jury.