Sound NSW is administering $4.8 million funding that will reach over 800 artists and industry professionals, and underpin the quality of our live music and recording scene.
A total of 179 music acts will receive support under the $2.6 million Touring and Travel Fund, making sure domestic and international tours go ahead.
For the first time in NSW, this new dedicated touring fund will support artists to take carers on the road to assist with childcare, removing a critical barrier for women in the music industry. Five acts will benefit from this support including acclaimed country singer Fanny Lumsden who will take a carer for her two young children on a UK tour, and Hannah Joy and Tim Fitz from Middle Kids who have support to take their two young children on a North American tour.
The fund will also help Sydney rapper BARKAA take off on her first national tour, support Newcastle band Dust to take up a European support tour with legendary New York act Interpol and back Broken Hill metal act Firestorm to support a Canandian band Unleash the Archers on their Australia New Zealand tour.
The Recording and Promotion Grants program is delivering $2.2 million in funding to support 59 new and original contemporary music recordings, including a single, EP or album, ensuring a diverse contemporary music sector that spans Contemporary Jazz, Pop, Hip-Hop, Country, World Beats, Electronic and Children’s Music.
Recording artists include Meg Mac and Boy & Bear along with rising stars Royel Otis and Papua New Guinea-born Australian-based artist Ngaiire.
In addition, $4 million has been delivered through Sound NSW’s Strategic Funding program to 22 music organisations to support key industry development groups including the Country Music Association of Australia, the Australian Festivals Association and the Electronic Music Conference.
This much needed investment in NSW contempary music will also flow through to the wider industry including venue operators, producers, engineers, roadies, tour managers, managers and publicists.
State of the Scene
The Sound NSW State of the Scene 2024 Report released on June 1 revealed the live music industry has a total economic impact of $5.5b and employs over 14,000 direct workers.
The report also revealed the current challenges facing contempary musicians including the high-cost environment, inflation impact on ticket sales, fragmentation of music media landscape and changing audience behaviours.
These three programs delivered by the Minns Labor Government will help support our talented musicians and grow the music scene in NSW.
Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said:
“We know it’s tough being a musician in the current economic climate, and without the right support some of these talented artists might be forced to walk away from the industry and that would be a huge loss for the state.
“The demand for the Recording and Promotion Grants was so strong that we responded by doubling the initial funding allocation to support even more new and original music.
“Live shows are a crucial revenue stream for musicians, and the Touring and Travel Fund helps remove some of the big cost barriers to getting our incredible artists on the road and reaching new audiences around the country and the world.
“This is exactly why our government set up Sound NSW, to support a strong and sustainable contemporary live music scene. I’m very happy to see their hard work pay off for our talented musicians.”
Head of Sound NSW Emily Collins said:
“Sound NSW is thrilled to deliver targeted programs like the Touring and Travel Fund and Recording and Promotion Grants as we continue to champion and invest in the contemporary music industry. Investing in artists is vital to a thriving industry – and NSW is brimming with exceptional talent.
“We have seen a high number of first-time applicants and recipients under the Touring and Travel Fund, and for the first time in NSW, support for people with disability, family or cultural needs were covered, meaning more people with care requirements can hit the road.
“Under the Recording and Promotion Grants program, 54% of funding is supporting female and non-binary acts and artists, and there is also strong representation from regional NSW recipients across both the Touring and Travel and Recording and Promotion programs.
“Sound NSW will soon deliver the state’s first-ever 10-year Contemporary Music Strategy, setting an ambitious vision for music in NSW, as we continue our work to strengthen and grow contemporary music in NSW.”
Venues Unlocked
Today’s announcement is part of the Minns Government’s wider vibrancy agenda which is reviving the live music industry through regulatory and financial support. This is already achieving results, with a doubling of the number of music venues registered with Liquor & Gaming NSW for live music incentives since November 2023.
As of Monday July 1, live music venues got a further boost when a range of new licensing and noise complaint restrictions came into force, along with the delivery of Sound Proofing Grants and Live Performance Grants through the $6 million Venues Unlocked program.
For more information visit the Venues Unlocked website.
About Sound NSW
Established by the NSW Government in 2023, Sound NSW is a dedicated office committed to the promotion of contemporary music in NSW. Through targeted programs and advocacy, Sound NSW champions and invests in the contemporary music sector to deliver positive outcomes for artists and audiences alike.
As an office within Create NSW, Sound NSW supports the contemporary music sector by encouraging collaboration, innovation, and by identifying investment opportunities.
For more information visit the Sound NSW website.
