SA Minister Announces $60K in Contemporary Music Grants
Almost $60,000 in contemporary music grants has been awarded to local musicians and organisations by Minister Assisting The Minister For Arts Chloë Fox. Among those awarded grants as part of the State Government’s Contemporary Music Funding Program included $5,000 for music business 5/4 Entertainment, as well as funding towards the Gorgeous Festival, Semaphore Music Fetival and PlayPausePlay for their Halloween Showcase. Adelaide trio Sincerely, Grizzly, Echo and the Empress, Sparkspitter, and Truth Corroded all received $5,000 for recording, while Frank Yamma and Kelly Menhennett received $6,000.
Jonathan Biggins and Clare Bowditch to host 2013 APRA Music Awards
Talented signer-songwriter Clare Bowditch and Australian personality Jonathan Biggins will host the Australasian Performing Right Association’s flagship event, the APRA Music Awards, to be held on Monday 17th June at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. Entering its 31st year, the ceremony recognises the achievements of songwriters and composers over the last 12 months. This year, the APRA Board introduces a brand new award category, the Pop Work of the Year, which is added to the list of categories of: Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year, Most Played Australian Work, Most Played Australian Work Overseas, International Work of the Year, Country Work of the Year, Blues & Roots Work of the Year, Urban Work of the Year, Dance Work of the Year and Rock Work of the Year.
Spinning Half Part Ways With Bended Elbow
Spinning Half has announced the end of their booking services with Geelong venue The Bended Elbow after six successful years as it becomes the Yarra Hotel Geelong. Spinning Half’s work with The Bended Elbow began in June of 2009, and within the first six months saw their first sell out show from Paul Dempsey of Something For Kate, before going to host a total of 139 local and international events from a total of 311 artists, with 18 sell out events. Spinning Half will continue with its mission statement of improving Geelong’s Music Scene by continuing its music bookings for The Wool Exchange Entertainment Complex, Beav’s Bar and other local venues.
Cub Scouts Find New Management
SGC Media reveals that Brisbane band Cub Scouts have announced they have signed a new deal with two of Australia’s most respected managers. The indie pop group will now be represented by Briese Abbot, of Spark and Opus, and the London-based Rowan Brand, former manager for Boy & Bear. The news arrive as the Brisbane band touch down in the UK to play The Great Escape in Brighton, Liverpool Sound City, as well as international dates planned for Music Matters in Singapore and headline shows in Ho Chi Minh City before returning to Australia in June to launch new single ‘Pool!’ and play July’s Splendour In The Grass.
The Griswolds Sign International Label Deal
Following in the footsteps of Vance Joy, Husky, and San Cisco, Sydney band The Griswolds have inked an international record deal with American label Wind-Up records for all territories outside Australia and New Zealand. Best known for their colourful single ‘Heart Of A Lion’, the single will be made available in the US from July 9th, ahead of the release of their debut album in early 2014 through Wind-Up Records and in Australia via Chugg Entertainment’s new music arm Chugg Music. Having played America’s MUSEEXPO, The Grisworlds are today at NARM before playing legendary US venues, The Viper Room and Mercury Lounge, on May 9th and 13th respectively, before heading to The Great Escape and London Calling.
Vanda & Young Songwriting Competition
Founded by APRA | AMCOS and Alberts, entries to the 2013 Vanda & Young Songwriting Competition are now open. The largest songwriting competition of its kind in the world, 1st prize this year is $50,000 in cash, $10,000 to 2nd place, and $5,000 to 3rd. Winners will be judged by a panel of acclaimed local and overseas songwriters, producers, and managers. The competition is open to songwriters across the world by paying $50 entry, with all proceeds going to Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy Australia to run the Golden Stave Music Therapy Centre in Penrith, Sydney.
Visit www.vandayoungsongcomp.com for details.
Label Manager Leaves Shock
This Friday 10th May marks the last day for long-time Label Manager, George Dalziel at Australian indie label, Shock. A press statement from Shock remarked that Mr Dalziel had been “fantastic during his 21/2 years” at the company, moving from the position of Label co-ordinator up to Label Manger during his tenure. “His dedication to his artists and his passion for the industry has been unquestionable, and we wish him well in his future endeavours,” continued the statement. Shock has already hired a yet-to-be announced Label Manager, as well as an additional role to replace George Dalziel’s departure.
Alicia Moreau Leaves Crucial Music
Alicia Moreau leaves her post at Crucial Music as Operations Manager this Friday 10th May on amicable terms. She is starting up her own company, specialising in the preparation of entertainment visas and partnering with a leading US immigration firm. In addition, she will be consulting on business and artist projects and working with Melbourne artist Spender. She can be contacted on [email protected]
Be a part of Self-Made – Melbourne Music Week 2013
Melbourne Music Week (MMW) has put the call out to creative music enthusiasts, encouraging them to get involved in the 2013 Self-Made series, designed to promote creative individuals, groups, and businesses to produce their own unique event. An important part of the MMW program, Self-Made encourages applications that are ‘outside the box’ from typical live music events. Curating the program and providing input and support to applicants are the Self-Made ‘Godparents’ for MMW 2013: local musician and curator Sophia Brous and 3RRR Presenter Woody McDonald (Golden Plains and Meredith Music Festival). Melbourne Music Week returns 15th – 23rd November 2013; applications for involvement in the MMW Hub, Live Music Safari and Labels Series are also open. Expressions of Interest close 5pm, 17th May. More information at www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/mmw
