BIG NEWS FOR THE MUSIC INDUSTRY

The Minns Labor Government is backing the careers of local musicians and watering the seeds for job opportunities in the music industry through its biggest ever package of grants; in total $9.3 million. The Australian music industry is a gold mine of talent and with this vital support it will continue to grow and flourish despite the challenges faced.

We are absolutely delighted to share that Eastside FM is a recipient of the Contemporary Music Development Grants – Industry Development, an initiative supported by the NSW Government through Sound NSW.

“If we want to keep our home-grown sound and have music reflects who we are, we have to back our artists to make music and take it on the road, not just here but overseas where they can find new audiences.” – John Graham, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy.

The 2024/2025 Sound NSW grants includes two new funds specifically designed to boost First Nations artists, and a new industry development find that backs organisations crucial to building skills, networks and new collaborations.

There is also a significant support for regional music with 29% of the Contemporary Music Development Grants and 30% of the Touring and Travel Fund going to regional recipients.

There are three key programs:

Contemporary Music Development Grants: $4.2 million to support 71 artists and organisations to record new music, collaborate and deliver professional development programs.

Recording, Content and Promotion: $641,233 for 25 artists and acts to create, record and promote new music, including DMAs, Hermitude, Middle Kids, The Rubens, MAY-A and Jack River.
First Nations Creative and Professional Development (new fund): $575,313 for 21 First Nations artists and acts to create, record and promote new music, including Dan Sultan, BARKAA, Becca Hatch, 3%, Nooky, Mi-kaisha, Kobie Dee for recording new music.
First Nations Industry Development (new fund): $600,000 for 4 First Nations-ledorganisations to deliver sector development projects for First Nations communities, including Mad Proppa Deadly Indigenous Corporation for regional artists development, We Are Warriors Creative Workshops and Awesome Black Studio.
Industry Development (new fund): $2.4 million for 21 organisations to deliver sector development projects, including FBi Radio and Eastside Radio for creative and presenter development and Accessible Arts to coordinate a songwriting program for disabled artists.

Touring and Travel Fund: $1.8 million to provide critical support for 144 artists and industry professionals.

Strategic Funding program: $3.25 million to support the delivery of 10 key initiatives that will provide significant outcomes for the NSW music industry including an Australian Women in Music regional delegates program, APRA regional and song writing workshops and the Australian Festivals Association for a best practice festival safety guide.

Head of Sound NSW, Emily Collins said: “We know that NSW is absolutely brimming with talent, and these targeted funding initiatives focus on enabling the artists and music industry organisations innovate, develop and create.

Sound NSW is proud to support projects that aren’t just about performance, but about self-determination and storytelling, and growing the next generation of artists and leaders.”

This truly is huge for music in NSW and Eastside is gushing with pride and appreciation knowing that we can continue to cultivate the strong community we have here and better the future of the station.

The only way is up for the music industry in Australia.