The Music Export Growth Scheme – delivered by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and the music industry trade body, BPI – has granted a further £200,000 to UK-based independent music companies. The funding will provide support to develop their businesses, artists and projects in international markets such as the USA, Asia and Europe.
Trade and Investment Minister, Lord Maude said: “The UK has a vibrant creative sector that generated over £17 billion in exports during 2013.
“The Music Export Growth Scheme has helped a new generation of British musical talent gain international recognition and boost the sales of UK music abroad; creating jobs and growth for the UK economy. I wish the latest recipients well as they grow their fan base abroad.”
This seventh round of funding brings the total amount distributed by the scheme to £1.6 million, helping more than 100 companies, and bringing an estimated £8.50 return on every £1 invested so far.
Music is a vital component of the UK’s thriving creative sector – the fastest-growing sector in the UK. According to latest available figures, the music industry contributed £3.8 billion to the UK economy in 2013 with record companies accounting for more than one sixth of this.
The successful recipients of funding will use the money to support the careers of the following music acts and writers:
- Catfish and the Bottlemen (British band originally from North Wales)
- Crystal Fighters (formed in London)
- Denai Moore (originally from Spanish Town, Jamaica, based in London)
- Ephemerals (from London)
- Songwriters Greig Watts (Elstead, Sussex), Georgie Dennis (Norwich) and Christopher Wortley (Southampton)
- Kero Kero Bonito (from London)
- Lower Than Atlantis (from Watford)
- Martin Harley (from Hertfordshire)
- Max McElligot (from London)
- Moulettes (originally from Glastonbury, relocated to Brighton)
- Petite Noir from (London and Cape Town)
- The Bohicas (Essex)
- The Twilight Sad (Glasgow)
- Turbowolf (from Bristol)
The Music Export Growth Scheme is designed to support independent music companies in the industry, who accounted for almost a quarter of sales in the UK record industry last year.
BPI and BRIT Awards Chief Executive, Geoff Taylor, who was instrumental in negotiating the Scheme, said: “The Scheme has gained real traction with the independent music community, supporting award-winning acts and launching artists in new markets overseas. It has been a success story for the British Government, British music companies and British artists.”
The awards will be matched by the music companies to pay for items such as overseas marketing and promotion, session musicians, tour support and booking agents in territories the artists hope to tour. The songwriters will travel overseas to collaborate with international writers, delivering great revenue back to the UK through publishing and sync deals.
Commenting on the Music Export Growth Scheme, funding recipient, Martin Harley, added: “As an independent and emerging artist it can be daunting to work on your development in a new region. The BPI and UKTI’s support to promote the new album through marketing and touring is massive.”
Keep in touch with further news about MEGS by visiting BPI’s website: www.bpi.co.uk