| Music Nova Scotia Website FAQ
1. How do I login to the website?
- When we initially launched the site in late March, we did a mass email to our members with usernames and passwords. That being said, these might have been misplaced or lost since then, so if you need one to be re-sent to you, you can email dwayne@musicnovascotia.ca and a new username/password will be sent to you.
2. What can I do once I am logged in?
- Once logged in, you will be able to edit your profile, add a photo, add show dates to our events calendar, add music, upload a video, embed a youtube video (the preferred way of displaying videos on our site) and add news articles about your upcoming shows, releases, tours or any other news you might want to get out to the public. There is also a large educational portion of the site that is available to members only. These topics include Business Development, Copyright, Funding, Marketing, Publishing, and many other topics which are relevant to our membership. Also be sure to check back, as this section is being added to all the time.
3. I have added a profile and photo, but my photo doesn’t display properly?
- Due to the size restrictions for photos on your profile space, a restriction has been put on photo size and proportions, and the display is meant to show photos in a 4:3 ratio (rectangular). If you are able to edit your photo, you can add black bars on the side to have it display properly, but if you are unable to remedy the problem, you can email the photo to dwayne@musicnovascotia.ca with your username and it will be fixed and re-uploaded.
4. I have made my profile, but I don’t see myself in the directory?
- You are able to add your profile into any section of our directory you wish, thus giving you control over your own listing, but first you have to choose where you want to be added. In the edit profile window you will see a link that reads “Change Category”. Clicking on this will bring up a window with a listing of all of the available categories in our directory. You are able to add your profile into multiple categories by holding down the CTRL key and clicking the applicable categories. Once you are done, click OK and that’s all you need to do.
5. How do I add a news article to the site?
- When logged into the site, scroll down near the bottom and you will see a link that says “Add a news item”. Clicking on the link will open a new window for you to enter your article. In this window you can enter the date you want the article to appear on the site (not the date of the event/show) title of the article, an abstract if you wish to have a line or 2 of the article appear under the title, and then the actual body of the article. Once an article is completed, you can click submit and you are done!
6. I have added a news article, but I don’t see it on the site?
- Once you have submitted your article it has to be approved by one of our site admins. This may take a few hours, but we do check throughout the day to approve content. This is done to simply ensure that no offensive or non-relevant articles are uploaded. Articles should also be dated the day you want them to display, NOT the day of the actual event you are advertising. Articles will not go active until the date that is chosen, so please make sure that the correct date is chosen. Please note that articles uploaded after 5pm may not be approved until the next morning.
7. How do I upload music to my profile?
- When logged in, scroll down the page until you see the link “Upload New Audio File”. Clicking on this will bring up a new window that will allow you to upload your music. Music uploads should be in .mp3 format, and though it’s not mandatory, quality should be no less then 128k (192k+ suggested). Songs should also be named with Artist Name and Song name (Example: The Beatles – Norwegian Wood). This is important because you want people to recognize your music, and we have received emails in the past from people asking who sings what song, so be sure to name your files properly!
8. Is there a limit to how many songs I can upload to the media player?
- While there are no restrictions put on uploads, members should limit their uploads to 3 songs or less.
9. How do I upload video, or embed a video from my youtube channel into my profile?
- Uploading a video can be done much the same way as an mp3. Simply click on the link titled “Upload New Video File” and choose the file on your computer. To embed a youtube video simply go to your youtube site, and copy(select the line and ctrl-c or right click and choose copy) the embed code and paste (right click/paste or ctrl-v) into the line in your profile that says “Youtube embed code”. When done, click submit at the bottom of the page.
10. How do I add show dates to my profile and/or the show listings calendar?
- Adding show dates into your own profile will automatically add them into the main calendar on the homepage. To do this, when logged in simply scroll down the edit profile page and click on the link that says “Manage Tour Dates”. Clicking on this will open another window to add your show dates. To start this process, click Add and it will change the window. Simply put in the date in the date field, starting time of your show in the time field, and the venue/area of your show in the Area field. When this is done, click save, and that is it. You can add multiple show dates this way, and they will get added into the main show listings on our site as well. Be sure to be as specific as possible when listing shows however. Listing the venue for your show as simply “Halifax” makes it hard for people to attend.
11. How do I add a "clean url" to my profile?
- To add a clean url to your profile, simply add the name you wish the url to be in the "Member Url" field in the edit profile window. You do not need to add the www.musicnovascotia.ca , simply type in your name or band name in the field and thats it.
General Music Nova Scotia FAQ's
Q. Do I have to be a member to access the resources at musicnovascotia.ca?
A. Yes. We reserve our vast amount of educational information for members only. Visit our join music nova scotia page now to see what we can offer your career.
Q. I am a new artist, can Music Nova Scotia help me?
A. Music Nova Scotia can assist you in your career but it is ultimately up to you to take responsibility for your own business and use our resources for your benefit. Check the Membership Services page for more.
Q. I am planning a wedding, can Music Nova Scotia recommend me a band?
A. We will direct you to our vast members directory and encourage you to browse through our list of artists to find the best choice for your event. If you like we also have a number of event planners that specialize in music for special occasions and encourage you to contact them.
Q. How do I get my news in the member newsletter?
A. Send in your member news for our daily newsletter before 3pm each day to info@musicnovascotia.ca. Member news must be in plain form (Arial font) and can’t be too long or it will be excluded. Please send in pictures as small format jpg as we cannot accept any other format.
Q. I want to get to the next level in my career, can you help me?
A. Yes, we can. First you need to write down your goals and do some research on how attainable your goals are. Then go to our Education portion of www.musicnovascotia.ca and login to see all of the content. You can also make an appointment with the appropriate staff member or seek out a monthly workshop that applies to you.
Q. I want to play a Music Nova Scotia event, how do I do that?
A. Music Nova Scotia puts a call to submissions out to our membership for various events that we produce each year. We ask that you submit your music as requested in the call to submissions. Make sure you are making your case to the Jury of industry professionals that choose the showcasing artists each year.
Q. I want to apply for the Export Development Funding Program, what do I need to do?
A. First you need to look at the guidelines for the program and ask whether you qualify for it. In many cases artists that don’t qualify for the EDP qualify for the Emerging Music Program offered through the Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage of Nova Scotia. Visit our funding page for additional information.
Q. How do I get to play the open mic?
A. Show up at 12:30 pm on Saturday at the Carleton and put your name on the list. Names are first come first served basis with our members receiving preference. Non-members may play once, but must become a member after that. No backline is provided, so bring in your own acoustic!
Q. How do I contact a member of your staff?
A. Visit our staff directory and make sure that you are contacting the correct person to insure a speedy response.
Q. What does your resource centre offer?
A. We have 3 computers, fax machine, color photocopying, telephone, resource library, lounge, boardroom, staff consultations and networking available in our resource centre all for your benefit.
Q. I have a complaint about Music Nova Scotia and would like to voice it to the correct person, how do I do that?
A. We are constantly striving to better our services to members so if you have an issue you would like addressed please contact our Executive Director – Scott Long at scott@musicnovascotia.ca and we will work to address your concerns.
Nova Scotia Music Week FAQ
Q: How do I apply to showcase at NSMW 2010?
A: To apply for a showcase/music awards via Sonicbids
Q: I want to submit for a music award, how do I do that?
A: Submissions are generally solicited in May/June for the music and industry awards. Your record has to have been released in the previous 18 months to be eligible.
Q: I don’t want to use Sonicbids, can I submit a paper application?
A: Yes, although we prefer Sonicbids applications you can find paper applications attached to the showcase manual on our website.
Q: Are all genres accepted?
A: Yes. Music will be accepted from all genres. Consideration will be given to current market trends and the showcase jury will review all who apply.
Q: Do you look at the musicnovascotia.ca profiles?
A: Yes we do. Go and update your profile now and try to keep it current.
Q: How much do showcasing bands get paid?
A: Showcasing bands get paid according to our agreement with the AFM and the breakdown is as follows: $92 for the band leader and $62.50 per side player to a maximum of 4 performers
Q: What is a stage plot?
A: A simple or elaborate drawing of the way your gear is set up on stage.
Q: Will you release a delegate’s list so I can plan my meetings and target potential contacts?
A: Yes. We are working hard right now to bring in a relevant list of international, national and regional buyers who want to work with you. Our whole reason for existing is to get you more work and bring new opportunities. Stay tuned, it’s an exciting list.
Q: What is the Bringin it Home Buyers Program?
A: Community presenters will attend NSMW to block book their NS venue with NS talent. There is a buyer’s pitch application that will be announced at a later date so stay tuned.
Q: With so much great talent in Nova Scotia, do I really stand a shot at showcasing?
A: Yes you do. Imagine if you decided not to try to do anything because you thought someone else was better than you. Everyone will get a fair kick at the can and if your music is great and you are working hard you will rise to the top of the pile.
Q: Are hotels provided for showcasing bands?
A: No, you must book your own accommodation. Please visit www.musicnovascotia.ca/nsmw for info on NSMW Accommodations.
Q: Am I expected to attend the educational conference?
A: Yes, but it’s not mandatory…although it should be.
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