FAQs
YYCMA FAQs
What defines a release date?
Release Date for YYCMA purposes is defined as the date first released to the public for retail sale or online sales. Proof may be requested. This applies to all submissions whether single, album or video! (Prophets of Music Emerging Artist category is excluded from this requirement.)
How do I ensure that my entry was submitted properly?
Once you have completed your online application at yycmusicawards.com, you will receive an email confirmation. Please check your spam or junk mail folders, as well as your credit card statement. After doing so, if you are unsure if your submission processed, please contact us at submissions@yycmusicawards.com.
Can I submit to more than one category?
- You may only make one submission in any of the Recording Awards (genre) categories.
- You may make submissions in any Artistic Awards categories if eligible.
Who selects the nominees for the YYC Music Awards?
The YYC Music Awards are juried by the Calgary Music Selection Committee (CMSC). This committee consists of a diverse group of peers and industry experts, such as label executives, media, publishers, managers, and award-winning artists from across Canada. The YYC Music Awards and the Calgary Music Selection Committee are dedicated to a fair and equal judging process. The organizers / Board of Directors of the YYC Music Awards Foundation is not involved with the judging process and maintain a “hands-off” approach. We do not publish the names of the committee members, congruent with other awards organizations, to protect the anonymity of these individuals. Jury results are aggregated in each category, and all decisions by the CMSC are final.
How do the judges select the winner of each category?
There are two rounds of judging.
- Round One: The CMSC reviews all submissions and ranks their top five (5) choices in each category. The total rankings determine that year’s nominees.
- Round Two: The nominees are then ranked to determine the winner.
Who can apply to win an award?
- Eligible artists must be from the Calgary area, including Airdrie, Banff, Canmore, Cochrane, Strathmore and areas up to a maximum 125 km radius of the City of Calgary and have been living in the area for a minimum of 6 (six) months from the date of submission.
- At least 50% of the artist members must be from the eligibility area.
What is the Hitmakers Hall of Fame and how do I become part of it?
The YYC Hitmakers Hall of Fame is a special recognition created by the YYC Music Awards to honour artists, groups, industry, or contributors who have made a lasting impact on Calgary’s
music scene.
How many artists get nominated in each category?
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There are typically a maximum of 5 nominees in each category, unless unbreakable ties are determined in the jury process.
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Should there be fewer than 3 eligible submissions in a category, that category will not run for that year.
How can I get involved as a volunteer?
If you are interested in being a YYC Music Awards volunteer, please visit Volunteers to submit a Volunteer Form.
Are there live performances at the event?
Yes. Each year we feature 4 to 5 live performances by that year’s nominees. The YYCMA Board selects performers from that pool to provide a diverse offering each year. Please do not submit performance pitches unless a call for submissions to other events throughout the year is requested.