Toto Awards 2023
Music
Call for Applications
NOTE: The last date to submit applications has been shifted to 30 September 2022.
TOTO FUNDS THE ARTS (TFA) invites entries for its nineteenth TOTO Music Awards for young musicians and bands. Two winners, to be decided by an eminent panel, will receive a cash award of Rs 60,000 each.
Entries should be submitted by 15th September 2022 at the latest.
Contemporary original music from all parts of India, in any genre and language, composed by an individual or a band/project is welcome. In the past TFA has received entries in genres ranging from rock, jazz, hip-hop, heavy metal and electronic to instrumental and folk, being sung in English, Hindi, Kannada, Bengali, and several other Indian languages. Although it is never easy to compare diverse entries, our experience is that talent and potential have a way of standing out regardless. TFA tends to reward music that innovates and explores new thought in the Indian music scene, in the hope that the recognition and the cash award can help sustain it. The jury comprises individuals with diverse experience in music as well as an open ear for new sounds.
Nationality
Only Indian citizens resident in India are eligible for the award. Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders are not eligible.
Age Restriction: 18 – 29
Since the motivation behind the award is to identify and encourage young talent, all members of the band/project must be born after 1 January 1993 and before 1 January 2005.
Originality & Collaborations
All entries must contain only original compositions and lyrics composed and written entirely by the applicant individual/band/project. All published tracks must be published under the band’s name or artist name/moniker. The applicant individual/band/project must own the rights to all submitted music and recordings.
Jury
Over the past eighteen years, the Toto Music Award has come to be coveted by young musicians because it recognises excellence. It helps you to see where you stand among the best upcoming musical artists in the country, and to get your music heard and appreciated by our jury, who are veterans in the field. The jury, which changes every year, will assess musical content as well as the potential of the artist/band.
Recording Quality
Professional grade studio recordings are not a requirement, but with recording gear so easily accessible these days, we do expect a basic standard to be met. We believe that the recording process is an important one for musicians to hone their craft. We therefore expect to hear some effort being put into the recordings and arrangements, even if they are just home recordings. We accept only SoundCloud links without exceptions.
Language
If your music has lyrics in languages other than Hindi or English, applicants are encouraged to send in translated lyrics to help the jury reach a better verdict.
Labels & Artist Management
Artists working with labels or professional management are permitted to apply. However, given that the spirit of the award is to foster relationships with the artists, we ask that all correspondence with TFA be conducted directly by the artist themselves, even if they have a manager/representative.
Fair Usage of Submitted content by TFA
Your submitted links are expected to stay live until the award is announced in early 2023. Additionally, if you are selected for the longlist, we would be requesting you to send downloadable versions of your submitted tracks for final jury process and promotional usage. All information and content entered into the application form may be used by TFA in promotional posts relating to the TOTO Awards and related activities.
How to Apply for the TOTO Music Awards
1. Go to :
https://forms.gle/ALFoDqLwvbdrc3Fy6 (English)
https://forms.gle/P4bFgRG7faYvCthVA (Kannada)
2. You will see an Application Form for the 2023 TOTO Music Awards.
3. Artist Details : Fill in all fields as required so that we have your artist details.
4. Music and Lyrics : We require you to submit three of your best tracks for review only via Soundcloud. You need to sign up and upload your music to Soundcloud, if you haven’t already, in order to apply. The application form will accept a Soundcloud link for each track. The artist’s or band name displayed in the Soundcloud track must be the same as that of the applicant. Try to use your most recent work, ideally released within the last one year.
5. Images: Three print resolution pictures of the artist/band, preferably in performance, will need to be uploaded in the appropriate section of the form.
Unless you have won this TOTO Award earlier, you are eligible to apply again, but if you are reapplying, please submit new work for consideration.
Further queries: totomusicaward@gmail.com.
The Fine Print: The decision of the TFA jury will be final and cannot be contested in any forum. By submitting the form, the applicant agrees to the above terms and conditions.
