“The Alberta Music Industry Association helps foster and support the careers of anyone interested in a career in the music industry,” said executive director Kennedy Jenson before outlining the new organization’s activities including bringing in speakers like record label representatives, hosting songwriting seminars, offering advice on how to properly fill out grant applications and even offering a pool of money for tour support.
She outlined the steps to obtain a FACTOR grant.
“There’s a 30 per cent success rate getting a grant, which is where Alberta Music can help. It is a good idea to have a plan B as far as funding,” she continued emphasizing not to count on receiving grant money.
“By filling out the paperwork, it makes you really think about the business plan and marketing plan. You really have to be very detailed and tell them exactly how you are going to use the money,” she continued emphasizing the application has to be very specific about what the funds will be used for, what the applicant expects to achieve with the money, its importance and why the project deserves funding. A detailed budget supporting the application should be included as well. As well there should be details of touring and other marketing plans for the band.
“You can’t just give them a list of radio stations,” she said noting many don’t accept unsolicited material. She recommended starting with college and university stations.
Local country musician Karen Romanchuk, who received a FACTOR Grant a few years ago, recommended spending the extra money to get a CD professionally mastered.
Other tips include: ensure the grant information is properly organized, and looks good (on white 8 1/2 x11 inch paper in a simple font.) And don’t be afraid to ask for help from people like Alberta Music Industry Association or the officer in charge of the Canada Council For the Arts program.
Check out the Alberta Music Industry Website for more information at http://www.amia.ca
— By Richard Amery, L.A. Beat Editor