The City of Toronto is looking to local artists to provide the background music for people waiting for service on its telephone hotlines.
The project, called Music 311, is an attempt to showcase local talent instead of the mundane instrumental tracks that currently play when callers are put on hold.
"We've got all these great musicians, why not showcase the talented people here?" Toronto City Coun. Michael Thompson told CTV's Canada AM on Tuesday.
The city's customer service line puts Toronto residents in touch with representatives of the city who can answer questions about everything from waste collection to road repairs.
"On a daily basis in the City of Toronto, some 4,000 people will call 311... Through that process, sometimes they are required to be put on hold," Thompson said.
Music 311 is looking for songs from several genres, including hip-hop, raggae, country, folk and blues.
"Yes, we also appreciate metal, thrash and hardcore, but will choose music we feel is best suited to a broad-based audience and callers waiting on hold," a post on the City of Toronto website says.
Organizers will also reject any songs that don't meet the city's non-discrimination policy.
Artists whose music is selected for 311 will receive an honorarium of $50 per track, and will also be listed on the city's website. Artists' websites will also be posted on the city site, so fans of the 311 tracks can learn more and purchase their music.
"We're changing the environment for musicians in Toronto," Thompson said, adding that the initiative is just one of the ways the city hopes to boost the Toronto music industry.
Submissions for the September and October period can be made by email until Aug. 15. Submissions will reopen Oct. 1, for the November-December period.
Interested musicians must complete an application form then email it to perform@toronto.ca, along with a bio, one or two photos and as many as three songs.
More details are available online.
