More than $570,000 in funding has been awarded for a diverse range of projects that will take Victorian music to new audiences at home and abroad and support musicians and industry workers to build their careers and business networks.
Acts across all genres – including indie/folk group Tinpan Orange and psychedelic rock band Buried Feather – have received support for upcoming international tours; while engineer and producer Callum Barter will receive support to undertake a three-month placement in LA to build his skills and international networks.
Former Lucksmiths bassist Mark Monnone has received a grant to record and promote his second solo album under the moniker Monnone Alone, and Yorta Yorta songwriter Neil Morris’ grant will support him to write and record his debut album which will blend hip hop, soul and spoken word poetry.
The latest round also includes a series of all ages gigs at Northcote Social Club, a concert event that will celebrate the soundtracks of Australian video games, and support for the YoWo Music program for young women and non-gender conforming teenagers to record a full-length album to showcase the participants’ talent.
RVG has received support to embark on their first international tour through Europe and the United Kingdom following the re-release of their critically acclaimed debut album, A Quality of Mercy; while the TEK TEK Ensemble will produce a 10-track album that captures the essence of the band’s dynamic live performance style.
The Victorian Government’s $22.2 million Music Works initiative was launched in 2016 with a range of programs to strengthen the state’s music industry at all levels, having supported more than 1,000 new local and international touring opportunities and 1,700 music projects – ranging from album recordings, to professional development activities – 50 business and creative mentorships and soundproofing projects at more than 60 venues.
The latest round of grants follows last month’s announcement that a new headquarters for Victoria’s music industry – the Music Market – will open at Collingwood Arts Precinct next year.
Applications for the next round of Music Works Grants will close on 19 July for projects commencing from 1 November 2018. For more information, visit: www.creative.vic.gov.au for details.
Image: RVG – photo by WDZIEKONSKI