Apply now for Folk Music Ontario’s 2020 Songs from the Heart Awards

Story by Howard Druckman | Thursday April 16th, 2020

Songwriters from across the province are encouraged to send in their applications for the Folk Music Ontario 2020 Songs From The Heart Awards!

The awards celebrate songwriters in seven categories, and recognizes winners with a $100 FMO credit that can be used to cover membership fees, award application fees, conference registrations, and advertising with FMO.

Apply now in one of seven categories:

  • Blues
  • Children’s Music
  • Global Folk
  • Instrumental Music
  • Political
  • Roots Music
  • Singer-Songwriter

Applications are open until April 30, and you can apply here.

SOCAN welcomes government confirmation on royalties and CERB

Story by Howard Druckman | Friday April 17th, 2020

SOCAN welcomes confirmation today from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister of Canadian Heritage Steven Guilbeault that royalty payments will not prevent creators from qualifying for benefits under the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).

SOCAN rights holders receive quarterly payments for performing and reproduction rights. These include songwriters, composers and music publishers from all of Canada as well as visual artists for exhibition and reproduction rights.

“We were hearing from our members daily about their concerns due to the COVID-19 crisis, and we in turn were in contact with Minister Guilbeault’s office daily,” said Interim CEO Jennifer Brown. “We thank them for their attention to this issue and providing some certainty for our members in an uncertain time.

“As the Prime Minister noted in his remarks, our creators are providing bright spots for Canadians in a difficult time, so it’s important to ensure that those same creators can continue to provide for themselves and their families.”

Attention SOCAN members living/working in the U.S.

Story by Howard Druckman | Tuesday April 14th, 2020

If you’re a SOCAN member, a Canadian citizen, file taxes in Canada, and spend more than six months per year in Canada, you’re eligible for Canadian programs and resources, including SOCAN emergency royalty advances.

But if you’re a U.S. permanent resident and file taxes there, you may find the Music Covid Relief online resource hub valuable in finding support.

Some of the key resources found there are those provided by:

No matter where SOCAN members live, work, and officially reside when they create music, or what the situation might be in the world, SOCAN continues to ensure that they’ll be fairly compensated for its use.