About

Canada Music Group (CMG) exists to give artists and songwriters a professional, trustworthy home for their work.

Making music has never been easier, but building a sustainable career from it has rarely been harder. Between recording, releasing, promoting, registering songs and collecting royalties, creators are asked to be musicians, marketers, accountants and lawyers all at once. CMG was built to take a large part of that weight off their shoulders.

We are a team of people who care about music and about the people who make it. We bring together three connected businesses, CMG Records, CMG Distribution and CMG Publishing, so that an artist or songwriter can work with one partner instead of piecing together many. Each business has its own specialists, and all of them share the same standards: honesty, clarity and respect for the creator.

We work with emerging talent and established names alike. What matters to us is not the size of the audience today, but the quality of the music, the commitment of the artist and the possibility of building something that lasts.

Music deserves patience, craft and honesty.

The way people discover and consume music has changed many times, and it will change again. Platforms rise and fall, formats come and go, and trends can turn a new sound into old news in a matter of weeks. Through all of it, the things that make music matter have stayed the same: a strong song, a distinctive voice and a real connection with the people who listen.

That is why we prefer long-term thinking to short-term noise. A viral moment can open a door, but it is the work that follows, the next song, the next show, the next conversation with a listener, that builds a career. We would rather help an artist grow steadily than chase attention that disappears as quickly as it arrives.

We also believe that creators are partners, not products. The people who write and perform the music are the reason the company exists, and we try to behave accordingly in every meeting, every contract and every decision.

Finally, we believe in craft. Good records, good songs and good campaigns are made by people who care about the details, and who are willing to take the time to get them right. We hold ourselves to that standard, and we hope the artists and songwriters we work with will hold us to it too.

Our mission is to help artists and songwriters turn great music into lasting careers.

We do that by combining creative support with professional infrastructure. On the creative side, that means honest feedback, thoughtful A&R and campaigns that reflect who the artist really is. On the business side, it means reliable distribution, accurate reporting and careful administration of rights and royalties.

We measure our success by the success of the people we work with. When an artist reaches a new audience, when a songwriter sees their work used in a new place, or when a creator simply understands where their income comes from, we have done our job.

Our vision is a music industry where creators are informed, fairly treated and in control of their own work, and where local talent can be heard well beyond the place it comes from.

CMG is organised into three divisions that work closely together. Each one can stand on its own, and together they cover the full life of a song, from the first idea to the last royalty payment.

CMG Records

CMG Records signs and develops artists. Our A&R team works with each artist on their sound, their repertoire and their long-term direction, while our marketing and promotion teams plan releases that give the music its best chance to be heard. Meet our artists.

CMG Distribution

CMG Distribution delivers music to streaming platforms and digital stores and keeps track of what happens next. Clear reporting and dependable royalty collection are at the centre of the service, so that creators always know how their music is performing and what they are owed. Visit the Distribution Portal.

CMG Publishing

CMG Publishing looks after the songs themselves. We help songwriters register their works, collect the royalties that songs generate and find new opportunities, from co-writing sessions to sync placements in film, television, advertising and games. Meet our songwriters.

Every artist and songwriter is different, but our way of working follows the same four stages.

1. Discover

We listen widely and stay curious. We look for a clear voice, strong songs and the drive to build a career, and we take the time to understand the person behind the music before any agreement is discussed.

2. Develop

Together we shape the music, the story and the plan. That can mean studio direction, co-writes, visual identity and a release strategy built around what the artist wants, not a template.

3. Release

We deliver the music to listeners everywhere and support it with marketing, playlisting and promotion. Every release is planned in advance, with clear roles for the artist and for our team.

4. Grow

After release the work continues. We review results, collect what is owed, report openly and use what we learn to make the next release stronger. Careers are built over many releases, not one.

Artists first

Every decision starts with what is best for the creator and their long-term career. If a choice helps us in the short term but hurts the artist, we do not make it.

Clear and fair

We use plain language, share information openly and keep our terms straightforward. Creators should always know where they stand and why.

Local roots

We believe great music can come from anywhere. We champion local talent, work with local communities and help artists travel beyond their home scene without losing what makes them distinctive.

Built to last

We invest in careers and catalogs, not just single releases. Patience, consistency and good relationships matter more to us than quick wins.

Good A&R is part listening, part editing and part patience.

Artist and repertoire work is the creative heart of a label, and we treat it as a conversation rather than a set of instructions. Our A&R team starts by understanding what the artist is trying to say and who they are trying to say it to. From there we help with song selection, arrangement, production choices, collaborators and the order in which music is shared with the world.

We believe the best records still sound like the artist who made them. Our role is to sharpen, not to replace. That means giving honest feedback, introducing the right producers, writers and engineers, and protecting the time and space an artist needs to do their best work.

We also think about the whole picture, not just the next single. Visuals, live plans, collaborations and the story behind the music all shape how listeners connect with an artist, and we plan them together from the beginning.

Very few records are made by one person alone. Producers, co-writers, session musicians, mixing and mastering engineers, designers, photographers and video directors all shape the finished work, and good collaboration is one of the most valuable skills a creator can have.

We help artists and songwriters find the right people for each project, and we make introductions when we believe a particular pairing could produce something special. We also encourage creators to agree on credits and ownership shares in writing at the time the work is done, while everyone remembers clearly what was contributed.

Fair credit matters. Recognising contributors properly builds trust, avoids conflict and leads to more creative relationships in the future. Our teams are happy to advise on how to document a collaboration so that everyone is protected.

A great release deserves a plan that is as thoughtful as the music.

Marketing and promotion at CMG begin with a simple question: who is this music for, and how will they find it? The answer shapes everything that follows, from the choice of single and the timing of a release to the artwork, the videos and the stories we tell around the project.

Our teams plan campaigns across streaming platforms, social media, radio, press, live events and partnerships. We work closely with each artist so that the public presentation of the music feels like them and not like a formula. Authenticity is not a marketing slogan for us. It is simply what tends to work over time.

We pay attention to detail. Release schedules, playlist pitches, press materials, social content and live plans are prepared well in advance, with clear responsibilities and deadlines. After release, we look at what is working and adjust, so that each campaign teaches us something useful for the next one.

We are also realistic. Not every release will become a hit, and we say so honestly. What we can promise is care, effort and clear communication, and a commitment to give every project the best chance we can.

Understanding rights is the first step to being paid fairly.

A single recording involves more than one kind of right, and each one earns money in a different way. Many creators are never taught how this works, so we try to explain it clearly from the first meeting.

The recording and the song

Every released track usually contains two separate copyrights: the sound recording, often called the master, and the musical work, meaning the composition and lyrics. They can be owned by different people and are managed in different ways. Records and distribution services generally look after the recording, while publishing looks after the song.

How royalties are earned

Streams, downloads and physical sales generate income for the recording. Songs also generate royalties when they are reproduced, performed in public, broadcast or streamed, and when they are licensed for use in film, television, advertising or games. Collecting each of these correctly depends on accurate registration and good data.

Why registration matters

Money can only reach the right people if songs, shares and contributors are registered correctly. Small errors in a title, a split or a name can delay payment for months. Our publishing and administration teams check this information carefully so that creators are not left chasing money they are owed.

Every release is different, but this general guide covers the steps that most projects share. Our teams work through a version of it with every artist.

Several weeks before release

Finish, mix and master the recordings. Confirm the final track titles, credits and writing splits. Prepare artwork and any visual material. Register the songs and recordings so that royalties can be collected. Deliver the release and its metadata to the distributor in good time.

In the run-up

Plan the announcement and the content that will support it. Prepare press materials and approach media and playlist editors. Build anticipation with previews, behind-the-scenes material and messages to existing fans.

Release day

Share the music across all channels at once, respond to listeners and celebrate with the people who helped make it. Check that the release appears correctly on every platform.

After release

Review the results, keep the conversation going and collect feedback. Follow up on press and playlist opportunities. Use what you learn to plan the next release.

The right song in the right scene can change a career.

Synchronisation, usually called sync, is the licensing of music for use alongside images: in films, television series, advertisements, trailers, video games and online content. A well-placed song can reach millions of new listeners and generate meaningful income for the people who wrote and recorded it.

Our teams build relationships with music supervisors, producers, agencies and brands, and we respond to creative briefs with carefully chosen suggestions rather than long lists of everything we have. We think about mood, story and fit, because a good match benefits everyone involved.

We handle the practical side as well: confirming ownership, agreeing fees and terms, and issuing the licences that make a placement possible. Because sync usually involves both the recording and the song, being organised about rights from the start makes the whole process faster and safer.

Creators remain involved. We discuss opportunities with the artists and songwriters concerned and respect their views on how and where their music is used.

Recorded music and live performance support each other. Shows give listeners a chance to experience an artist in person, and they are often where casual listeners become committed fans. For many artists, live work is also an important part of their income.

We help artists connect with promoters, booking agents, venues and festivals, and we work with them on how to present their music on stage in a way that suits their style and their stage of development. We also think about how live activity can support releases, from launch shows and showcases to appearances on local radio and television.

Beyond the stage, direct relationships with fans are increasingly important. Mailing lists, social communities, merchandise and special editions of releases give artists ways to connect that do not depend entirely on any one platform. We help artists build these relationships in a way that feels natural to them.

Music is now a data business as much as a creative one. Every stream, download and licence produces information, and that information can help artists make better decisions about releases, touring and audience building.

We invest in systems that make this information easy to understand. Our reporting is designed to show creators what is happening in plain terms, without requiring them to read complicated spreadsheets. The Distribution Portal gives artists a single place to follow releases and performance.

We use technology to support people, not to replace judgement. Decisions about creative direction, partnerships and artist development stay with human beings who know the music and the artist. We are careful and transparent about how data is used, and we do not treat the music or personal information of the people we work with as something to be exploited.

Trust is the foundation of every creative partnership.

Every agreement we offer is explained in plain language, and we encourage artists and songwriters to take independent legal and financial advice before they sign. We would rather answer difficult questions at the start than resolve misunderstandings later.

We report on earnings regularly and in a format that is easy to read. When something is unclear, we explain it. When we make a mistake, we correct it and say so.

We also take care of the information entrusted to us. Personal, contractual and financial details are handled with discretion and shared only with those who need them to do their work.

A good partnership works in both directions.

What you can expect from us

Clear communication. We keep you informed about plans, timelines and results, and we answer questions directly.

Respect for your vision. We offer opinions and expertise, but the music is yours and your voice matters in every important decision.

Reliable reporting. You will know what has been earned, where it came from and when it will be paid.

Honest advice. We tell you what we really think, including when that is not what you were hoping to hear.

What we ask of you

Commitment. Careers need consistent effort, from writing and recording to showing up for interviews, shows and campaigns.

Openness. Share your plans, concerns and other commitments early so that we can work around them.

Professionalism. Meet deadlines, treat collaborators well and respect agreements that have been made.

Collaboration. The best results come from artists and teams who trust each other and pull in the same direction.

Great music does not stop being valuable when it stops being new. Catalogs of older recordings and songs can find fresh audiences through playlists, film and television, reissues, anniversaries and the simple fact that listeners are always discovering music from the past.

Looking after a catalog means more than keeping it online. It means making sure every recording and composition is registered correctly, that the information attached to it is accurate and complete, and that opportunities to bring the music back into the conversation are not missed.

We work with creators, and with the families and representatives of those who have passed, to care for work that deserves to be remembered. We approach this responsibility with respect for the music, the people who made it and the wishes of those who now look after it.

A career in music can be exciting, but it can also be uncertain and demanding. Irregular income, public criticism, long hours and constant pressure to perform can take a toll on anyone, however talented or successful.

We want the people we work with to be well as well as successful. We try to plan schedules that leave room to rest, to be honest when a workload is unrealistic and to listen when an artist tells us they need a different pace. We encourage creators to look after their health, to build supportive relationships and to seek professional help when they need it.

Nobody should feel they have to carry difficulties alone. If you are part of the CMG community and are struggling, please talk to someone you trust, and let us know what we can do to support you.

A creative company is only as good as the people and the culture behind it. We aim to be a workplace and a partner where people are treated with respect, where different backgrounds and perspectives are welcomed, and where concerns can be raised without fear.

We want our roster, our team and our collaborators to reflect the variety of the music community we serve. We try to open doors for people who have historically had fewer of them, and we hold ourselves accountable to the standards we set.

We expect the same integrity from everyone we work with. Fair dealing, honest communication, respect for intellectual property and a safe environment for creators and colleagues are not optional extras. They are the basic conditions for making good work together.

The more creators understand about how the industry works, the better the decisions they can make. We aim to share practical knowledge in plain language, through guides, conversations and sessions with our teams, so that artists and songwriters feel confident rather than confused.

Topics we want to help with

Registering songs and recordings correctly. Agreeing and documenting writing splits. Planning a release from start to finish. Understanding contracts and the questions worth asking before signing. Reading royalty statements. Building an audience step by step.

Nobody has to know everything on day one. If you have a question about any of these subjects, ask us. We would much rather explain something twice than have a creator lose out because it was never explained at all.

Music is made in specific places, by specific people, and a healthy scene depends on all of them: musicians, writers, producers, venues, promoters, media and fans. CMG wants to be a positive part of that ecosystem.

We support emerging talent through opportunities to write, record and perform, and we collaborate with creative communities, independent venues and events that give new voices a stage. We also share what we learn, through conversations with artists and songwriters about releasing music, protecting rights and building an audience.

Our aim is simple: to help good music find its listeners, wherever those listeners are.

Music contracts and statements are full of specialist words. Here are the most common ones in plain language.

A&R. Short for artist and repertoire. The creative team that discovers artists, develops them and helps choose and shape their music.

Advance. Money paid to an artist or songwriter before a release, which is usually later recovered from earnings under the terms of the agreement.

Catalog. A collection of recordings or songs owned or managed by a creator or company.

Collecting society. An organisation that collects royalties for public performance and certain other uses of music and passes them on to its members.

Composition. The musical work itself, meaning the melody, harmony and lyrics, as distinct from any particular recording of it.

Copyright. The legal right to control how a creative work is copied, shared and used.

Distributor. A company that delivers recordings to streaming platforms and stores and collects the income they generate.

ISRC. International Standard Recording Code. A unique identifier for an individual recording.

ISWC. International Standard Musical Work Code. A unique identifier for a musical composition.

Master. The original sound recording, and the copyright in it.

Mechanical royalty. Income earned when a song is reproduced, for example in a download or a physical copy, and in many places when it is streamed.

Metadata. The information attached to a recording or song, such as titles, writers, performers, identifiers and ownership shares.

Performance royalty. Income earned when a song is performed in public or broadcast, including on radio, television and in venues.

Publisher. A company that looks after songs on behalf of songwriters, registering them, collecting royalties and finding opportunities.

Recoupment. The process by which money advanced or spent on a creator is recovered from their earnings before further payments are made.

Royalty. A payment made to a rights holder each time their work is used or sold.

Split. The share of a song or recording owned by each contributor, normally written as a percentage.

Sync. The licensing of music for use with moving images, such as film, television, advertising and games.

Territory. The country or region in which a right or agreement applies.

How do I submit my music?

Use our contact page to send a short introduction and links to your best work. Tell us who you are, what you are working on and what you hope to achieve.

Will I keep ownership of my music?

That depends on the type of agreement and is discussed individually. Whatever the arrangement, we explain who owns what in plain language before anything is signed, and we encourage you to take independent advice.

Can I use one division without the others?

Our divisions are designed to work together, but each one can also work on its own. Tell us what you need and we will explain the best way for us to help.

How will I know what I am earning?

We provide regular reporting that is designed to be easy to follow. If something is unclear, our team is happy to walk you through it.

Do you only work with established artists?

No. We work with emerging and established creators alike. What matters most is the quality of the music and the commitment behind it.

I have a question that is not listed here.

Please get in touch. We would rather hear from you than leave a question unanswered.

What should I include when I send music?

Links to your best two or three tracks, a short description of who you are, and any relevant links such as your streaming profiles or social channels. A clear, concise introduction helps us understand your music quickly.

What genres and languages do you work with?

We are interested in good music in any genre and any language. What matters is the quality of the songs and the originality of the artist.

How long do agreements last?

The length and terms of an agreement vary from case to case and are discussed individually. We will always go through them with you in plain language.

Can I stay independent and still work with CMG?

In many cases, yes. Tell us what you want to keep control of and what you would like help with, and we will explain how we could work together.

What is a split sheet?

A split sheet is a simple document that records who wrote a song and what share each writer owns. Completing one as soon as a song is written prevents disputes and delays later. We are happy to provide guidance.

Who should I contact about press or partnerships?

Please use the contact page and let us know what your enquiry is about so that it reaches the right person.

There are several ways to get in touch, depending on what you are looking for.

Artists

If you are an artist and would like us to hear your music, send us your best work along with a short introduction through our contact page.

Songwriters

If you write songs and are looking for publishing, administration or co-writing opportunities, tell us about your catalog and where you would like to go.

Partners and media

We are open to collaborations with brands, venues, festivals, platforms and creative teams, and we are happy to speak with the press. Please contact us with the details.

Careers

We are always interested in meeting people who share our passion for music and for doing things properly. See current opportunities on our careers page.