The submission process for the 2012 Covenant Awards officially opened yesterday.
You can access the submissions section here. If it’s your first time submitting, here are the Top 10 questions about submissions for GMA Canada.
Can I submit a song or album in more than one genre category? No. An album or song can be submitted in only one category. However, an album or song may be submitted in a genre category (Pop/Contemporary, Southern Gospel, Inspirational) AND in the corresponding General category (Album Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Recorded Song Of The Year).
Can I submit an album of hymns or songs written by someone else? Yes. The content of the Album categories does not depend on the songwriters. Only the Song categories consider who wrote the song.
Can I submit on behalf of someone else? Yes. Often songwriters, producers and even artists are not aware of the submission process. You may submit on their behalf provided you are in some manner associated with the artist, songwriter or Producer.
Can I submit all the songs from my album? Yes. If, for example, you have 12 songs on your album, you are allowed to submit each song either all in the same genre, or if appropriate, in different genres.
Can I enter a song that has never been released on a CD? Yes. As long as the song has been “released” to either radio, iTunes, or on a downloadable web site prior to the submission deadline.
Aren’t all songs and albums for the Covenant Awards considered Gospel or Inspirational? In broad terms that would be correct, but for the sake of the genre categories, the “Gospel Album and Gospel Song of the Year” categories refer to a style of music; often referred to as Black Gospel. Think of Mahalia Jackson or The Toronto Mass Choir. “Inspirational Album and Inspirational Song Of The Year” also refers to a style of music; easy listening or adult contemporary. Somewhere between Pop music and Traditional music.
I released an album in 2010, but released a single from the album in 2011. Can I submit the song? Yes. As long as the song was released to radio during the qualifying time period.
I did not release any material during the qualifying time period, may I submit for the Covenant Awards? Yes. You may submit in some of the General categories (Male or Female Vocalist, Group of the Year, New Artist of the Year*, or Artist of the Year). Because these categories also consider impact – artists who having not released an album or project may still receive a nomination based on touring and other factors that would have kept them in the public eye.
Is it possible for an unknown artist to even be nominated? Yes. The judges for the Covenant Awards are asked to review the submissions in their genre categories based on quality. Many times new artists receive nominations and even win categories based on that criteria alone.
Who do I get a hold of if I have more questions? Please e-mail Martin Smith at msmith@gmacanada.ca
