2021 JUNO Awards Submissions

Submit to The JUNO Awards to have your music heard by Canadian music industry professionals made up by the CARAS Nominating & Voting Committee, Music Advisory Committees, Academy Delegates, and Judges.

To be considered for nomination for the 2021 JUNO Awards, national music release dates must fall between the eligibility period of September 1, 2019, and November 6, 2020.

Key submission dates and deadlines:

October 1, 2020 – Submissions open

October 16, 2020; 5:00 p.m. ET – Deadline for discounted early-bird submission

November 6, 2020; 11:59 p.m. ET – Deadline for submissions

Please Note: Dates may be subject to change.

Download the 2021 Submissions Reference Guide

New This Year

Album Artwork of the Year

All submissions in Album Artwork of the Year must contain music that is newly released within the eligibility period. Albums with previously released songs may qualify if 50% of the album’s tracks are considered to be “new.” Greatest Hits packages that are newly designed will not be eligible.

Children’s Album of the Year

The eligibility criteria for Children’s Album of the Year has been updated to further define that the purpose of the category is to recognize the work of Children’s Music Artists in Canada. Albums must be created and intended specifically for children of single-digit ages (0-9 years) with “Children’s Music” listed as its primary genre. There are also new upload requirements that a submitter must provide:

Biographical information, including an explanation of how they are actively representing and marketing themselves as a Children’s Music Artist.

Links and or documentation of ongoing Community Engagement with families of young children (can include proof of online, media initiatives, and live appearances and/or touring).

Comedy Album of the Year

Returning this year, Just For Laughs will be providing a subsidy for those submitting to the Comedy Album of the Year category, to cover the costs of submission fees. Just For Laughs is proud to support excellence in Canadian comedy.

R&B Soul Recording of the Year

R&B/Soul Recording of the Year will now be split into two unique categories: Contemporary R&B Recording of the Year and Traditional R&B/Soul Recording of the Year, in order to represent the sonic differences of the genres and to support the growing success of R&B artists across the country. Full eligibility criteria for each category can be found here. Both will remain Recording categories and be voted on by judges in both rounds.

Rap Recording of the Year

Rap Recording of the Year nominees will now be determined by 25% Consumption and 75% judge vote in the first round.

Eligibility

Eligible music must be available for all Canadians and for national sale (1) or via a recognized national music streaming provider (2).

Product must be released nationally via brick and mortar stores or third-party online retailers. Product must be released via a nationally accessible streaming service that has paid subscriptions, full catalogue, or on-demand streaming.

Eligible product released during the eligibility period: September 1, 2019 through to November 6, 2020. Albums available for pre-order online no later than November 6, 2020 will also qualify. Pre-ordered online albums (digital or physical copies) will need to be available no later than November 20, 2020. Proof of transaction may be requested.

Eligible musicians must be Canadian citizens. This is defined by CARAS as 50% or more of group members holding Canadian birth certificates, passports or are Canadian Permanent Resident(s) with residency in Canada during the last six months of the eligibility period.

Deadlines & Fees

EARLY BIRD PRICING: October 1, 2020, to October 16, 2020, at 5 pm ET

Academy Delegates Fee – $40.00 per submission

Standard Fee – $65.00 per submission

FINAL DEADLINE PRICING: October 16, 2020 (after 5 pm ET) to November 6, 2020 at 11:59 pm ET

Academy Delegates Fee – $75.00 per submission

Standard Fee – $95.00 per submission

To register yourself as an Academy Delegate and save on your submission fees, you can sign up at junoawards.ca/join

The submission fee is non-refundable under all circumstances.

Voting Process by the Numbers

340 Judges 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+ Music Advisory Committee Chairs/Co-Chairs maintain the integrity of the JUNO Awards. It is their responsibility to monitor any changes within the industry as it relates to their category and the awards. They bring any necessary changes to the attention of CARAS.

190+ Music Advisory Committee Members are responsible for ensuring that each of the submissions in their specific genre meets the required qualification for the JUNO Awards and fit the genre musically. Each category has an associated Music Advisory Committee.

Eligibility Questions

Call (416) 485-3135 x 301 from Monday to Friday between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm ET or email [email protected].

Technical Support

Call toll-free 1-866-992-9902 from Monday to Friday between 9:00 am and 8:00 pm ET or email [email protected] .