Artist Invitation
An Elbows Linked for Canada 160 Initiative
As Canada approaches its 160th anniversary (July 1, 2027), songwriters and composers from coast to coast to coast are invited to contribute to The Great Canadian 160 Playlist.
The purpose of Elbows Linked for Canada 160 is to foster connection, pride, and a positive national conversation by amplifying the diverse voices, places, values, cultures, and experiences that make Canada unique. Our intention is to provide this playlist to Canadian Media outlets, as well as to encourage the public to download selections to create their personal playlists. We invite artists to submit one song or musical composition for inclusion in The Great Canadian 160 Playlist that responds to:
“What Canada Means to Me”
We welcome tracks that reflect or celebrate stories and perspectives about our country, overall themes such as:
- Community/Lifestyle
- Heritage Perspectives
- Nature/Landscapes
- Values/Identity
- Diversity/Inclusion
Tracks will be reviewed, and those that meet the criteria will become part of the official The Great Canadian 160 Playlist, showcasing the richness and diversity of Canadian music.
Playlist Promotion and Opportunities
Our intention is to promote the playlist through a variety of channels, including:
- Festivals and community events
- Media, podcasts, and social media
- Playlist campaigns
- Cultural partnerships and live collaborations.
We encourage participating artists to serve as creative ambassadors by promoting The Great Canadian 160 Playlist through performances, public appearances, and online engagement.
This is a grassroots collaboration between Elbows Linked and The Confederation Centre of the Arts (Charlottetown). While inclusion in the playlist does not guarantee specific outcomes, potential benefits may include:
- Increased national awareness and exposure
- Media opportunities
- Festival and event participation
- Networking with fellow Canadian creators
- Revenue generated through each artist’s individual distribution platforms.
Submission Requirements
To be eligible for consideration, applicants must agree to the following:
Eligibility
1. Resident of Canada
2. One track per artist name or ensemble (additional submissions are possible if co-written or as individual or ensemble)
Composition Requirements
3. May be either a new or existing work
4. The track must:
- Be original;
- Contain no AI-generated content;
- Be registered with SOCAN; and
- Align with the Elbows Linked Guiding Principles and Canadian-themed objectives published on elbowslinked.ca
Audio and Track Submission Materials
5. The submission form must be completed in full and include:
- A downloadable link to a media-ready version of your recording (WAV format or an equivalent lossless format – such as FLAC or AIFF) MP3 files (or equivalent) are not acceptable for media link
- A downloadable link to the recording, which may be accessed by the general public;
- Descriptive tags in each of the themes that characterize your composition
- A brief statement (up to 50 words) describing how your track reflects what Canada means to you.
For more information: elbowslinked.ca
Questions contact: elbowslinked@gmail.com
Please note: there is no cost to submit.
Submission Deadline: March 31, 2027
What Happens Next?
- You will receive an automatic confirmation that your track has been received
- You will be contacted if any required materials are missing or if requirements have not been met
- Eligible tracks will be reviewed by an anonymous panel composed of music industry professionals
- Applicants will be notified of status of inclusion on the Playlist within 30 days of submission
- Once your track is on the list we encourage you to celebrate and share the news through your social media channels and networks
- Support The Great Canadian 160 Playlist by linking to elbowslinked.ca
- Beginning October 1, 2026, ElbowsLinked for Canada 160 will be housed on elbowslinked.ca.