It’s that time again. This call out probably applies to the R&B category as well. At the very least singers should be getting their submissions together too.

2012 JUNO AWARDS CALLING FOR

SUBMISSIONS IN THE CATEGORY OF RAP RECORDING OF THE YEAR

Toronto, ON (October 20, 2011) – The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) announced that the 2012 JUNO Awards is now accepting submissions in the category of Rap Recording of the Year. JUNO Week unfolds in the nation’s capital, Ottawa, ON March 26 – April 1, 2012. The celebration includes a series of exciting events leading up to the JUNO Awards presentation on Sunday April 1, 2012, which will be televised nationwide on CTV.

The Rap Advisory Committee includes seasoned label representative Jay Devonish (eOne Entertainment), David “Click” Cox (Stylus DJ Awards), Greg Baptiste (MuchMusic/CTV), Jody Laraya (Universal Music Canada), Jesse Plunkett (HipHopCanada.com), Melissa “DJ MelBoogie” Langley (DJ/Publicist), Jay Swing (Donnelly Group/NationOfMillions.ca), Kyle Kraft (Battle Axe/ Krafty Entertainment), Dice B (CINQ 102.3FM), Don Smooth (K103FM), Rez (CityOnMyBack.com), Darryl Rodway (Urbnet), and Marlon Wilson, (Music for Mavericks/Politic Live).

Collectively, the committee continues to make strides in developing outreach to rap artists across the country, both English and Francophone, to increase the number of submissions. As a result of these concentrated efforts, the number of submissions received by CARAS in the category of Rap Recording of the Year has been steadily rising since the category was established in 1990. By partnering with radio shows, online magazines and DJs across the country, the committee hopes to continue to raise awareness throughout the community about the submissions and judging process, specifically for rap artists. “We’ve assembled a great team of people from around the country who are actively working in various aspects of the urban music scene,” says Jay Devonish, Chairman / JUNO Awards Rap Advisory Committee. We’ve also worked closely with CARAS to ensure the jurors voting in this category are qualified and active within the urban community. We’re excited to work together with CARAS to ensure the rap community is properly represented at the JUNO Awards.”

The JUNO Awards have been proven to be an excellent networking vehicle, not only for artists who win, but also for nominees and/or participants in various JUNO Awards events.

Shad, winner of the 2011 JUNO Award for Rap Recording of the Year had this to say about his win: “The JUNO Awards have helped raise my profile both within and outside the music industry. My first nomination for “The Old Prince” and my second nomination and subsequent win for “TSOL” were both helpful in raising awareness for my music across the country.” The JUNO Awards have been proven to be an excellent networking venue, even for the nominated artists who don’t go home with the Award. Artist Prevail, from the four-time JUNO Award-winning rap group Swollen Members stated, “Before our win, there’s no questioning the positive impact that the JUNO Awards have had on our career. The momentum opened doors to more Canadian shows and the coverage elevated us to a new level and cemented our legitimacy.” Other previous nominees include Drake, K’Naan, Sans Pression, DL Incognito, Belly, Checkmate, Choclair, Kardinal Offishall, Classified, Dubmatique, Concise, D-Sisive, Eternia, k-os, Famous and Sweatshop Union.

Submission forms are available at http://junosubmissions.ca

All submissions must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on November 10, 2011.

More details after the jump!

Submission Fees and Deadlines:
CARAS offers an early bird submission fee to those who submit between October 1, 2011 and October 21, 2011. CARAS members receive a reduced submission fee applicable to both the early bird deadline as well as the final deadline. If you are eligible to submit, you are eligible for membership. Please visit www.carasonline.ca for more membership information.

The submission fee can be paid online with a credit card or by cheque.

October 1 – 21, 2011 (Early Bird Deadline)
$35 for CARAS Members
$60 for non-members

October 22 – November 10, 2011 (Final Deadline for craft or juried categories)
$70 for CARAS Members
$90 for non-members

January 10, 2012 (Deadline for all sales-based categories)
$70 for CARAS Members
$90 for non-members

How it works:
· 350 Judges – Each year, judges are recruited for each of the 34 judged categories to adjudicate the material that is submitted. These individuals are responsible for listening to each of the submissions and voting for the best product in the genre. The judges change each year and are spread out in different facets of the music industry and different regions throughout Canada.
· 50 Nominating & Voting Committee Members – The Nominating & Voting Committee is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the JUNO Awards. It is their responsibility to monitor any changes within the industry as it relates to the awards. The committee brings any necessary changes to the attention of the Board of Directors.
· 180+ Music Advisory Committee Members- Each category has an associated advisory committee who is responsible for ensuring that each of the submissions in their specific genre meets the required qualifications for the JUNO Awards.

About CARAS:

The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences/L’academie canadienne des arts et des sciences de l’enregistrement (CARAS) is a not-for-profit organization created to preserve and enhance the Canadian music and recording industries and to contribute toward higher artistic and industry standards. The main focus of CARAS is the exploration and development of opportunities to showcase and promote Canadian artists and music through vehicles such as The JUNO Awards. For more information on The JUNO Awards or The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences’ (CARAS) website please visit www.junoawards.ca or www.carasonline.ca.