The Contest is open only to legal residents of Canada who are nineteen (19) years of age or older and who are not currently signed to a music label and/or publisher, either as an individual artist or as a member of a band.

Is there a submission fee?

No. Submissions are completely free.

What happens after I submit?

Our judges will review all entries. Selected artists will be contacted directly and featured in the next phase of the program.

What are some of the benefits for the artist?

Artists may gain exposure, perform live, and have their work featured through our partner channels.

When will selected artists be announced?

Top 100 announced on June 15, 2026. Top 25 announced on July 14, 2026. Top 3 announced on August 11, 2026.

True North Tunes

What is True North Tunes?

True North Tunes is designed as a clear, structured pathway for emerging Canadian artists from discovery to national exposure. What begins with an open call for submissions evolves into a curated selection process, live performance opportunities, and meaningful storytelling moments that connect artists with new audiences. Each stage of the journey is intentionally built to nurture creativity, spotlight originality, and create real-world momentum. From online submissions and expert review to featured showcases and continued amplification through our partner network, True North Tunes provides artists with more than visibility. It provides a platform for growth.

SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN

Submit Terms & Conditions

Whats in it for you

Ready to take your music to the next level? Join True North Tunes and get your name, band, and sound in front of the country! From curated playlists and TNT features to mentorship from music pros, exclusive swag, live performances, and even custom vinyl and special edition beer for the top 3—this is your chance to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Don't wait—submit your music, show your talent, and claim your spotlight!

How is the program set up

STAGE

Contest Submission
(March 20 - May 15)

STAGE

Top 100 Artists Announcement
June 15

STAGE

Top 20 Artists Announcement
July 14

STAGE

Top 3 Announcement
August 11

The program begins with the Contest Submission phase (March 20 - May 15), where artists can submit their work for a chance to be discovered and move forward in the competition.

Following submissions, selected entries, through a judging process will advance through the next stages of the program. The Top 100 Artists will be announced on June 15, followed by the Top 20 Artists on July 14 through public voting, highlighting the most voted talents. The journey culminates with the Top 3 Artists announcement on August 11, recognizing the creators who will move forward to the final stage of the platform.

Prizes

TOP

100

Get featured on TNT, create your playlist and grab some swag

TOP

All Top 100 perks + your band photo & bio on TNT, mentorship from music pros, and more live shows.

TOP

All Top 20 perks + custom vinyl & trophy, multiple Canada-wide performances, party event, music video, special edition beer, 1-on-1 mentorship, and a big tech prize pack!

How to sign up

STEP

Artist Information

Tell us about yourself or your band.

STEP

Music & Portfolio

Share your music and highlight your work.

STEP

Submit & Stay Tuned

Once submitted, our team will review all entries. Selected artists will be invited to the next stage.

Submit Terms & Conditions

Our partners

True North Tunes collaborates with leading media, cultural, and brand partners who share a commitment to supporting Canada's music community.

Together, we expand the reach of emerging talent while maintaining strong cultural credibility within the music and entertainment landscape.

Through these partnerships, we're able to create impactful opportunities for artists — both online and on stage.

FAQ

Emerging Canadian music artists across all genres are welcome to submit. Applicants must be based in Canada.
No. Submissions are completely free.
Our juries will review all entries. Selected artists will be contacted directly and featured in the next phase of the program.
Artists may gain exposure, perform live, and have their work featured through our partner channels.
Top 100 Announced Mon, Jun 15, 2026
Top 20 Announced Tue, Jul 14, 2026
Top 3 Announced Tue, Aug 11, 2026
Artists will ALWAYS retain full ownership of their music and they are free to release, sell, or use their music however they want, anytime.
Samsung and Collective Rights are simply looking for the usage rights to be able to promote and amplify your music across different channels for a period of two (2) years.
Yes, we are not limiting artists in any ways. Artists are free to use their music how they please.
Samsung and Collective Arts may cut down submitted music for promotional purposes in adverts and social media posts promoting the Samsung True North Tunes program or the artist themselves. All edits and cut downs will be presented to the artist for review and approval.
Yes, Samsung will ask artists for their permission and approval for each use of their music.
Samsung made changes to the Contest terms and conditions to clarify the usage rights.