Indie Week Canada, one of Toronto's top music festivals, showcases 150+ emerging and established artists from all over the world in the city's most popular live-music venues. This 9th annual festival is dedicated to fostering a local music community by ensuring that industry is present at showcases, and by providing opportunities for media exposure and countless networking opportunities.
Among the many industry events and panels at Indie Week, the most prominent is the judgi>...
Indie Week Canada, one of Toronto's top music festivals, showcases 150+ emerging and established artists from all over the world in the city's most popular live-music venues. This 9th annual festival is dedicated to fostering a local music community by ensuring that industry is present at showcases, and by providing opportunities for media exposure and countless networking opportunities.
Among the many industry events and panels at Indie Week, the most prominent is the judging component. Done discreetly, so as not to foster a competitive atmosphere, it ensures that industry will be in the room, and provides artists with valuable feedback.
The winner, who passes through the Semi-Finals and the Finals, is awarded free flights and accommodation for up to 5 band members to Dublin to headline the sister festival 'Indie Week Ireland' in Spring 2013.
Additionally, artists who submit to Indie Week Ireland 2012 or Indie Week Canada 2012 by 11:59pm (EST) February 03, 2012 will be eligible to win an Epiphone Les Paul Ultra III guitar with an estimated value of $1,200 USD (check out www.indieweek.com/earlybird for more info). All acts who apply by the deadline are eligible regardless of being selected to perform or not.
Indie Week has a vibe unlike any other... Indie Week has a street level excitement that is infectious, and more palpable joy than a fleet of beer trucks brings to a chili cook-off… You really can’t help but have a good time.-Bob Segarini
Sonicbids Info!
- Final deadline - May 31, 2012
- Early pricing ($20) for submissions until February 3rd. The submission fee will raise to $35 on Feb 4
- 100 slots will be reserved for Sonicbids artists
- Submit by 11:59pm EST on Feb 3 to be eligible to win an Epiphone Les Paul Ultra III guitar with an estimated value of $1,200 USD.
Who can apply?
Any indie acts that is not signed directly to a MAJOR lable. acts signed to an indie label with major distribution ARE accepted
Non-Canadian artists- you will be booked for more than one show!
Special showcases
We are especially receptive to IRISH and EAST COAST bands -- we host sold-out showcases every year!
Past artists include: The Midway State, Peter Katz, KO, Roz Bell, The Birthday Massacre, Nightbox, Hello Beautiful, Serena Pryne & The Mandevilles, Tim Chaisson & Morning Fold
Judges at 2010 & 2011 finals included:
- Adam Fujiki (Manager A&R Sony)
- Adam Hurstfield (XOXO Entertainment)
- Barbara Sedun (Sr. VP EMI Publishing)
- Cheryl Link (Director of Synchronization Licensing and Creative Manager at Peermusic Canada Inc.)
- Elias Chios (International Solutions - VP North America)
- Joao Cavalho (Mastering Engineer/Producer)
- John Payne (President, WIDEawake Entertainment Group)
- Karen Bliss (Music Journalist)
- Mark Stanfield (These Electric Lives - winner Indie Week 2010)
- Matt Smallwood (Fontana North / Maple Music Recordings)
- Ron Hawkins (Lowest of the Low)
- Ron Lopata (Warner)
- Sean Jones (Recording Artist, WIDEawake Entertainment Group)
- Shaun Frank (The Envy)
-
For a complete list of past judges, go here and here, and for panelists, here and here
Past participating venues:
- Bovine Sex Club
- Bread & Circus
- Cameron House
- Cherry Cola’s Rock N' Rolla Cabaret & Lounge
- Czehoski
- Drake Underground
- El Mocambo
- Free Times Cafe
- The Great Hall
- Hard Luck Club
- The Hideout
- Horseshoe Tavern
- Nocturne
- The Peacok
- The Rivoli
- Silver Dollar
- Tattoo Rock Parlour
- Velvet Underground
- Underground Garage
Quotes from previous Indie Week selections:
- "Indie week is fucking awesome. A genuine group of people who believe in new music. We were selected in 2011 and now our tickets are booked to go and perform shows in Toronto. A dream opportunity for any aspiring unsigned band!" - The Suburbians (Crowned "Best of the Fest" at Indie Week Ireland 2011)
- "Darlings of Chelsea would recommend Indie Week to any band looking for top notch exposure and a great week of music."
- Robby Ruckus, Darlings of Chelsea
- "There were so many great people involved, we played great venues, made a tonne of excellent industry contacts, and all around had a blast!"
- Jordan Carriere, Static in the Stars
There is a ‘golly-gee-whiz’ factor I don’t feel at other, similar events I’ve participated in… Every [musician] seems to be thrilled to be here, exchanging notes and ideas with other band members, checking out as many shows as they can, all of them trying their best and rooting for the other guy at the same time. Bob Segarini