Ask any musician out there, and they’ll tell you just how hard it is to break into the Aussie music industry.
As more and more artists pop up, and technology continues to make it easier for everyone’s voice to be heard, it can begin to seem like there’s no way for up-and-coming musos to break free from the crowd and get their foot in the door.
Thankfully, there’s a way for aspiring musicians to get the push that they need – thanks to the support of veterans of the industry – as they take the steps they need to reach their goal.
You may have heard of GRID Series (Grass Roots Indie Development) and the work they have done in Melbourne in the past, but now musicians from all over the country have their chance to get their voices heard. With the program expanding to Brisbane, Sydney, and Perth in 2019, plenty more musicians have the chance to achieve what they’ve dreamed of for years.
What is the GRID Series?
Kicking off back in 2013, the GRID Series started as a way to give aspiring artists the help they need to get their start in the Aussie music industry. By pairing them with professional musicians, songwriters, industry experts, and more, it provides these young musos with all the support that they need to carve out their own path and blaze their own trail.
Over the years, the GRID Series has managed to help kickstart the careers of some pretty amazing musicians that you might have heard of.
With artists such as Daniel Elia, Alana Wilkinson, Manorism, and The Fabric (the very same band fronted by Angie McMahon) receiving support in the past, the GRID Series already has an amazing track record for helping young musicians.
Since its inception, the GRID Series has kept its sights on musicians from Victoria, staying true to its Melbourne-based roots. Now, the program is set to expand far and wide.
In 2019, the GRID Series is opening its doors to musicians from all over Australia; in Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth and Melbourne. Four successful applicants from each city will have the opportunity to work alongside some of the most innovative minds in the music industry and get the opportunity to produce new material under their guidance.
Check out previous GRID Series artist Daniel Elia:
What’s in store for the artists?
The GRID Series is interested in much more than just shining a light on new talent – the program follows through by providing the artists with all the support, connections, and resources they need, fostering their career and helping it to grow.
The Western Sydney leg of the program takes place from March through May of 2019, and is set to include one-on-one development sessions from acclaimed musicians such as R&B and soul icon Ngaiire, as well as Middle Kids’ Hannah Joy, who well impart the years of wisdom they’ve gleaned from their own musical journey.
Successful applicants will also receive business mentoring from the likes of Melody Forghani, Bigsound 2019 programmer and director of artist management and publicity company Twnty Three (Vallis, Kelsey Bulkin); as well as Ben Pierpoint from Maximillian Brown (Ngaiire, Little May, Wallace).
These invaluable sessions will provide the artists with the info they need to help navigate their way through the ups and downs of the Aussie music industry, ensuring they’re well prepared for whatever comes their way.
From there, they will enter the studio to produce their own track, putting their teachings to good use, and working with one of the program’s esteemed producers, including Antonia Gauci (DMA’s, Vallis Alps, Lanks, Kesha) and Ariel Blum (Lara Andallo, Daniel Elia, St.Ives, Sahida Apsara).
In addition to video content for their fresh new single (including a music video and behind-the-scenes footage), th
In short, the successful applicants for the 2019 GRID Series are set to receive exactly what bedroom musicians have been dreaming of for years.
Check out a Q&A with previous GRID Series artist Agartu:
Who’s involved?
The 2019 GRID Series is supported around the country by Belong. In an exciting addition to the Western Sydney program, GRID has partnered with Information and Cultural Exchange (I.C.E.). and their New Age Noise program.
Working with female, transgender and non-binary youth in Western Sydney, the New Age Noise program offers free training in electronic music production. Four alumni from I.C.E.’s program are set to shadow producers Antonia Gauci and Ariel Blum during the recording sessions, receiving invaluable insights into working in the studio, and networking with emerging artists.
Speaking about the 2019 GRID Series launch, co-founder Ariel Blum explains that such a program is an exciting opportunity for young artists to have their voices heard.
“We believe that healthy and thriving music communities can flourish when the doors to knowledge, networks and creative spaces are open to all to be a part of,” Blum explained. “GRID has established ourselves as a bridge for artists to connect with other artists and the music community at large as well as a space for artists to produce exciting and unique work.
“We are beyond excited to bring our program to 4 cities in 2019, with our first instalment in Western Sydney,” he added. “With a team of incredible mentors, we can’t wait to be a part of the growth of the artists involved in the program and hope to contribute in some way towards supporting new ideas, new stories and new sounds that are coming out of the region.”
Likewise, triple j Unearthed Australian Music Producer and GRID 2016 Artist Services manager Claire Mooney explains that the GRID Series offers these artists “a lot of opportunities” they wouldn’t receive otherwise.
“When you live outside of the city, it’s usually not something you encounter a lot. It’s harder to meet people, it’s harder to play gigs. GRID connects you to everything. It connects you to people, it connects you to other artists, it connects you to venues, bookers, managers…everything.”
Hear Claire Mooney’s Q&A about the Grid Series:
How do I apply?
Applications for artists from Western Sydney are available now through the GRID Series website. To be eligible for the program, you need to ensure you’re above 17 years of age, are from the right geographical location, write your own original music, and are available to attend the program’s key dates.
If you tick all the criteria, all you have to do is upload a track online, fill out the attached form, and start thinking of all of the opportunities that the GRID Series is set to open up for you.
Applications, along with terms, conditions, and key dates, can be found at the GRID Series website.
Learn more about what’s involved in the GRID Series:
