Artist Opportunities

To be considered for City Hall Live/YYZ Live/Music 311, complete the application form.

City Hall Live is a music showcase and event series that features local artists, organizations, venues, and presenters.

Artist applications for the City Hall Live performance series may be submitted at any time. Artists applying may also be considered for other events co-curated by the City. For a look at 2019’s City Hall Live shows at Nathan Philips Square check out these videos.

Eligibility

  • Original music is preferred, although we will also consider artists performing covers.
  • Solo artists, duos and full bands are all eligible. We ask artists who normally use electric guitars/basses and full drum kits to consider a stripped-down format for this program (e.g., acoustic guitars, cocktail drum kits/percussion vs. full kits).
  • Only Toronto-based artists can apply, which means your official mailing address must be in Toronto. If you’re a duo, one of you must be based in Toronto; and if you’re a band, at least half of your members must be Toronto-based.
  • Preferred genres are: acoustic, alternative, bluegrass, blues, classical, country, electronic, experimental, folk, funk, hip hop, jazz, pop, reggae, rock, R&B, singer-songwriter, soul, world – including music sung in languages other than English.
  • Artists who participate in the City Hall Live program must also adopt the City of Toronto’s Declaration of Non-Discrimination Policy. Music performed must not stereotype or promote views and ideas which are likely to promote discrimination, contempt or hatred for any person on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, color, citizenship, religion, age, sex, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, political affiliation, receipt of public assistance or level of literacy.

How It Works

  • City staff will select artists from the pool of submissions received.
  • Performances occur throughout the year in various locations around the City of Toronto. Gigs are 40 to 60 minutes long.
  • The venue provides a PA system, mics with stands and cables, a stage, and an audio tech (sound person) to set up and mix during performances. The venue does not provide any amplifiers, instruments or drums.
  • All artists chosen to perform will receive an honorarium of $400 per show (regardless of how many musicians perform).
  • If you’re selected to play, you’re welcome to publicize your performance and invite your own audience down to City Hall.

YYZ Live is a music showcase series at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The program offers paid performance opportunities for artists, while showcasing Toronto’s talented musicians across a variety of cultures, communities and musical genres to both visitors and residents.

Produced by the City of Toronto and Toronto Pearson International Airport, the YYZ Live Program is a musical celebration featuring free, live performances in Terminals 1 and 3.

Eligibility

YYZ Live follows the same eligibility guidelines as City Hall Live.

How It Works

  • City staff will select artists from the pool of submissions received.
  • There are two performances, both 40 minutes in length.
  • The venue provides a PA system, mics with stands and cables, a stage, and an audio tech (sound person) to set up and mix during performances. The venue does not provide any amplifiers, instruments or drums.
  • You will receive a $600 honorarium to cover both performances. (This is a per-band, not per-individual payment.) Payment will mailed out and you will receive payment after your performance
  • All performers will be listed on the Toronto Pearson International Airport website with links to your websites.
  • The first performance will take place at either the YYZ Live stage at Terminal 1, International Arrivals or post security in Terminal 3 Departures.
  • Keep in mind that the airport isn’t a regular venue for music, so there’s no “built-in audience” – but it’s a very visible space.

Music 311 brings the music of Toronto artists to the 311 phone system.

311 is a simple, three-digit phone number residents, visitors and businesses can use to get information about City of Toronto services or programs, or make a request for service.

People who call 311 are occasionally placed on hold. As part of the Music 311 program callers will hear recorded music from local artists while they’re waiting to speak to a customer service operator.

Eligibility

  • Music must be original – in other words, you must hold copyright to the recording.
  • Only Toronto-based artists can apply, which means your official mailing address must be in Toronto. If you’re a duo, one of you must be based in Toronto; and if you’re a band, at least half of your members must be Toronto-based.
  • Preferred genres are: acoustic, alternative, bluegrass, blues, classical, country, electronic, experimental, folk, funk, hip hop, jazz, pop, reggae, rock, R&B, singer-songwriter, soul, world – including music sung in languages other than English.
  • Yes, we also appreciate metal, thrash and hardcore, but will choose music we feel is best suited to a broad-based audience and callers waiting on hold.
  • Artists who participate in the Music 311 program must also adopt the City of Toronto’s Declaration of Non-Discrimination Policy. Music submitted must not stereotype or promote views and ideas which are likely to promote discrimination, contempt or hatred for any person on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, color, citizenship, religion, age, sex, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, political affiliation, receipt of public assistance or level of literacy.

Currently in Rotation

Option 1 – Rock, Folk and Country

Option 2 – Hip Hop, Soul and RnB

Option 3 – Jazz, Classical and World

  • Jer – It’s Not a Joke
  • King Chino – Blues for Abdule
  • Elena Zavalinshina – If Anything
  • AJ Ing – Over It

Option 4 – Electronic and Ambient