Sauga’s Song of the Year Contest

Guidelines and Rules

Please read the Rules & Guidelines in full before submitting a demo.

Deadline to apply is November 30th, 2026 by 5 PM EST. No late submissions will be considered.

Eligibility

• Individual songwriters and groups aged 18+ (at time of deadline)
• Must be residents of the City of Mississauga
• All musical genres welcome

Submission Requirements

• Must submit an unfinished/demo version of the song
• Previously released songs will not be considered
• Song may not exceed 4 minutes in length
• Lyrics must not contain obscene or inappropriate content
• Only one (1) submission per individual/group will be considered
• Artists are not permitted to use artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in any part of their practice for this contest. This includes the use of generative AI tools, platforms, or programs in the creation, development, or production of the song or corresponding materials.

How to Submit

Please upload your anthem to SoundsUnite Canada (soundsunite.com) and complete the form (form.jotform.com/Mississauga_Arts/saugasong27) to submit all required information.

1. Uploading to SoundsUnite
   1. Create an account on SoundsUnite Canada
   2. Build your profile! 
   3. Upload a track by selecting Create Post in the sidebar
   4. Click Upload A Song
   5. Add your audio, a cover image/headshot and title, along with any other information you want to share about your track.
   6. Make sure you select the submit to Sauga’s Song of the Year Contest option, or else it won’t be added to the contest!
   7. Click Upload 

If you require assistance with SoundsUnite, please contact Brian Huston at brian@soundsunite.com. 

2. Complete the Mississauga Arts Council (MAC) webform at: https://form.jotform.com/Mississauga_Arts/saugasong27

The contest form requires the following information:

1. Your contact information
2. Website links and links to your social media
3. Artist CV and/or biography and headshot (for promotional purposes)
4. Link to your demo from SoundsUnite Canada
5. Information about the anthem: title, writing credits, production credits (if applicable), and rationale for the song.

If you require accessibility support for MAC’s web form, please contact Sherri Parliament at sherri@macarts.ca to discuss available options. 

Please note: To submit your entry to the contest, the demo must (1) be uploaded to SoundsUnite Canada and (2) the web form on the Mississauga Arts Council website must be completed. Submissions not entered to both SoundsUnite Canada and the webform on the Mississauga Arts Council’s website will NOT be considered.

Judging Criteria

2027 Sauga’s Song of the Year contest judging will be comprised of industry professionals. Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

• Quality of Songwriting
• Performance and Vocal Ability
• Wide Audience Appeal (Does the composition have the potential to appeal to a cross-cultural and all-ages audience?)
• Growth of awareness and appreciation of the arts in Mississauga (Does the proposed song contribute to the development of arts, culture and heritage in Mississauga?)

Prizing

• Free professional recording & mixing session(s) with support at Metalworks Studios
• Title of 2026 Sauga’s Song of the Year in media and press recognition
• $500 Cash Prize from MAC
• 60 Minute Coaching Session from professional coach for artists and creatives, Chris Mitchell
• Paid performance at three public events in 2027 (to be determined by MAC)

Contest Timeline

Contest opens: Oct 1, 2026
Deadline: Nov 30, 2026, 5 PM EST
In-studio recording at Metalworks: late Jan – early Mar 2027
Jury selection & winner announcement: Spring 2027

Questions/Support

SoundsUnite Canada technical support: Brian Huston, brian@soundsunite.com

MAC form questions and accessibility support: Sherri Parliament, sherri@macarts.ca

Note: Please allow up to 2 business days for responses