IMC Submissions
IMC FAQ’S
How are singles selected to be featured on the Indigenous Music Countdown?
The Indigenous Music Countdown works in partnership with selected participating radio stations who broadcast the IMC. All singles submitted are scored in order to seek out recording that are “radio ready.”
Please be aware that the IMC receives many submissions, depending upon a singles score outcome, it may or may not be added to the countdown playlist.
The IMC is open to multiple genres of music that includes: pop, hip hop, country, rock, folk, singer/songwriter and blues. The IMC also welcomes submissions which mix genres that may be inclusive of traditional Indigenous music, vocals or instrumentation.
Factors in scoring IMC submissions to ensure they are radio ready for the purposes of syndication include:
· Lyrics, Melody & Hook: Before considering any of the technical aspects of a recording, the strength of the lyrics and the melody of the song are very important. Also, does the single have a memorable hook; all three are paramount for IMC radio play.
· Cultural content: The IMC is open to commercial radio type recordings but also seeks out singles that are reprehensive of Indigenous languages, community themes, use of traditional instrumentation and vocals etc.
· Vocal Ability: How well are the overall vocals delivered? Is the vocal consistently in tune, and on time?
· Production & Arrangement: Does the single have enjoyable musical dynamics and professional sounding production?
· Mixing: Are frequencies separated well? Does the single make use of a stereo dynamics etc.?
· Mastering: After mastering, does the singles overall sonic impact; make it a radio-ready single?
Does My Single Require A Radio Edit?
The IMC has received hundreds upon hundreds of singles over the years; there have been situations where singles required “radio edits” in order to be added to the countdown. The radio-edit version may of course be different from your album version.
The two leading examples for radio edits include:
Length: Radio ready songs should be no longer than four- and half-minutes in length on average. If your single is six minutes for example, you might consider editing the intro or instrumental portion of the single down for length.
Questionable language or lyrical content: The IMC has experienced submissions where artists must edit out certain words or phrases for a “clean radio mix.” Some artists re-record a portion of their song with different lyrics for a radio ready version of their single. Please keep in mind that our partner stations are “family-friendly” community orientated radio stations. The IMC is often aired as part of daytime programming.
How Do Singles Move Up Or Down The Chart?
Factors in scoring submissions for placement positions on the IMC chart include:
· 50%: IMC syndicated station voting scores
· 25%: Artistic Impact:This is inclusive of music industry interest, social media activity, touring/community involvement, media coverage, notable sales or streaming etc. Artists are asked to assist by submitting “artist news” updates when applicable.
· 25% Fan Voting: submitted fan votes are also measured. Fan votes can be submitted to countdown@ncifm.com. Please keep in mind that one (1) email address represents one (1) vote per day.