Calling All Hamilton Bands
Submit Your Songs
The Sound of Hamilton Indie
Vol 1
Your Band.
On 'The Sound of Hamilton Indie'
The 905to212 Record Company is looking for the definitive sounds of Hamilton’s indie scene in 2026.
The 'Sound of Hamilton Indie Vol 1' is a compilation release featuring Hamilton Indie Artists
For Release June 30, 2026
The 905to212 are seeking 10 to 13 original, unreleased tracks to feature on a high-fidelity, limited-run vinyl and a global digital compilation.
The Deal & The Process
Selection: All submissions will be reviewed by a Juried Panel. The number of songs selected will be determined by the maximum running time of vinyl 12" (2x 20 minutes). We expect there to be 10 to 13 tracks. Alternates will be selected from a waitlist.
There is zero upfront cost. 905to212 covers distribution and launch services.
Production and marketing costs (approx. $1,000) are recovered from initial sales.
How do the splits work (after cost recovery)?
Digital Streaming/Sales: 85% Artist / 15% 905to212.
Physical (Vinyl/CD): 50% / 50% profit split.
Album Merch: 50% / 50% profit split.
Ownership: Artist retains the master ownership for their song.
License: The 905to212 require a license to use the track on this compilation in perpetuity.
Exclusivity For Unreleased Songs: A 6-month exclusivity window applies from the date of release.
(No exclusivity required for released songs.)
Roadmap & Key Dates
Launch: April 13, 2026
Submissions Close: May 11, 2026 @ Midnight
Notification: May 25, 2026
Vinyl Pre-Release: June 15-22, 2026
Album Drop: June 30, 2026
Artist Registration
Artist & Manager FAQ
1. The Project
What exactly is The Sound of Hamilton Indie?
It is a curated "time-capsule" compilation capturing Hamilton’s unique musical landscape in the summer of 2026. We are looking for 10–13 tracks that define the city’s current "guitar (or not guitar)-led, indie-authentic, and purposefully quirky" sound. Songs will have been released after June 30, 2025, OR they will be new unreleased tracks.
What is the "905to212 Superhighway"?
We are a label and services group based in Hamilton (905) and NYC (212). Our mission is to build a professional bridge between local talent and the NYC market, leveraging our US-based network to accelerate international fan growth and revenue for local artists and bands.
2. Submission & Selection
Who Can Apply?
- We are seeking artists and bands where at least one member is from the Hamilton area. We also welcome "Hamilton-adopted" bands—those who play the local scene regularly and have a dedicated local following.
What Kind Of Songs Are We Looking For?
- We are looking for original indie music only (no cover songs).
We Are Accepting:
- Previously Released Tracks: Released between July 1, 2025, and May 11, 2026.
- New Unreleased Tracks: Never before heard. Our goal is to capture the cohesive "Hamilton summer of 2026" mood.
How Does The Selection Process Work?
- Phase 1 (Open Call): We are targeting a pool of 50 local bands for consideration, with each band submitting two songs. The online submission form can be found at www.905to212.com/soundofhamiltonindie.
- Phase 2 (The Juried Panel): 905to212 and a panel of local tastemakers will review and rank every submission.
Final Selection:
- We will work down our top-ranked list until we hit the limit for a high-quality 12” vinyl release (approximately 20 minutes per side).
The Waitlist:
- We wiull maintain a "standby list" of five tracks. If a selected artist misses a contract or delivery deadline, they are immediately replaced by a waitlist band to keep the project on schedule.
What Is The Project Timeline?
- Submissions Open: April 13, 2026.
- Submissions Close: Midnight, May 11, 2026.
- Artist Notification: May 31, 2026.
- Delivery Deadline (WAV & Contract): June 7, 2026.
- Vinyl Pre-order: June 15, 2026.
- Official Release (Digital/Physical): Midnight, June 30, 2026.
- Launch Party: Week of July 1, 2026 (Date and venue TBD).
3. Production & Rights
What Happens If Your Song Is Selected?
- You will provide a final unmastered WAV file. To ensure a cohesive "album sound" optimized for vinyl, CD, and streaming, 905to212 will handle the final mastering of all tracks as a single project.
What Are The Contract Terms?
- We use "Plain-English" Compilation License Agreements to ensure transparency.
Ownership:
- The artist retains 100% ownership of the master recording.
Licensing:
- The artist will grant 905to212 a license to use the track on this compilation in perpetuity.
Exclusivity:
- For unreleased tracks, we ask for a 6-month exclusivity window from the release date. Your song will be
distributed globally on streaming services, and we will provide you with the ISRC and other metadata to support your release.
4. Revenue & Splits
What Does It Cost The Artist?
- There is zero upfront cost. 905to212 covers distribution and launch services. Production and marketing costs (approx. $1,000) are recovered from initial sales.
How Do The Splits Work (After Cost Recovery)?
- Digital Streaming/Sales: 85% Artist / 15% 905to212.
- Physical (Vinyl/CD): 50% / 50% profit split.
- Merch: 50% / 50% profit split.
- Touring: For any booked 905to212 tour dates, the split is 85% Artist / 15% 905to212.
5. Partnerships & Community
Are We Looking For Partners?
- Yes! We are seeking high-impact collaborations with local brewers, venues, studios, and mentors.
- Email us at [email protected] or DM us on Instagram @905to212.
Home Base
Hamilton Ontario & Brooklyn NYC
Email Address
Phone Number
(289) 456 4400
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