Published: 10 Aug 2018
Two Scottish bands, Vukovi and Free Love, have received funding through PRS Foundation's Momentum Music Fund, aimed at helping artists and bands to break through to the next level of their careers.
PRS Foundation, the UK’s leading charitable funder of new music and talent development, together with PPL, Creative Scotland, Arts Council of Wales, Welsh Government and Spotify, have revealed the next 15 artists to receive support from the Momentum Music Fund.
The opportunities offered by Momentum will take these bands to the next stage of their careers and out into the wider world- Alan Morrison, Head of Music
This latest round of Momentum artists is the first with Creative Scotland, Arts Council of Wales and Welsh Government as partners, meaning talented artists from across the UK can apply for and receive Momentum support.
Alan Morrison, Head of Music, Creative Scotland, said: “The fact that two female-fronted acts from completely different genres are the first Scottish acts to be supported by the Momentum Music Fund sends out a really positive message about the music scene in Scotland. Vukovi and Free Love are great examples of the diversity of talent that is currently making such a vibrant noise on home soil, and the opportunities offered by Momentum will take them to the next stage of their careers and out into the wider world.
"I’m delighted that Creative Scotland can partner with the PRS Foundation to help our musicians catch the eyes and ears of the UK industry.”
Momentum supported VUKOVI said, “To have the financial backing from PRS Foundation’s Momentum Music Fund really does what it says on the tin. With the success of our debut album building the most momentum we’ve ever had to date, this funding will make it possible to keep that going and allow us to concentrate on being creative and do what we do best. Being fortunate enough to receive this support from the Momentum Music Fund gives us the push to make album 2 a step up from our debut”
The artists to have been selected by a network of industry experts for this latest round of the fund:
Vanessa Reed, CEO at PRS Foundation said, “Congratulations to the 15 talented artists being supported in this latest round. Since 2013, our ground-breaking Momentum Music Fund has had a remarkable impact on the careers of over 250 artists based in England which has generated £13million for the wider UK music industry. It’s thanks to our new partners in Scotland and Wales that we’ve been able to open up this important talent development opportunity to more music creators across the UK who need seed funding at critical stages in their careers. I look forward to seeing the impact of the fund’s extended remit in the coming months and years.”
Peter Leathem, Chief Executive at PPL commented: “PPL take great pride in supporting the Momentum Music Fund. It is a unique and vital source of income for artists which provides them with the platform to further develop their careers. Congratulations to all of the 15 artists from all over the UK that are being supported in the latest round.”
Bryan Johnson, Lead, Artist & Label Marketing at Spotify said, “Congratulations to the 15 UK artists who’ll receive funding in this latest round of Momentum. We're delighted to be investing in their talent, and providing them with the opportunities to expand their fanbase and showcase their music to our global audience of 180+ million users.”
Managed by PRS Foundation, the Momentum Music fund awards grants of £5,000-£15,000 using funds from PRS Foundation, PPL, Creative Scotland, Arts Council of Wales and Welsh Government. Spotify, the official digital partner on the fund, contributes additional funding and a reward package containing exciting promotional opportunities and a close working relationship between Momentum artists and the Spotify team.
Creative Scotland's new partnership with the fund was announced in April 2018.
The Momentum Music 5 year impact report, which was launched at the Great Escape in May this year, showed that since 2013 the fund has supported over 200 artists, over 90 new albums and more than 100 UK tours totaling over 650 UK live dates. The 2016 impact report analysing the first three years of the fund revealed that Momentum has generated £13million for the UK music industry. PRS Foundation and Arts Council England initiated The Momentum Music Fund in 2013. Arts Council England originally established the need for this specific fund and supported the programme from 2013-18.
See a full rundown of all the artists supported so far.
The next deadline for applications to the Momentum Music Fund is 13 August 2018 via the PRS Foundation website. We are particularly interested in receiving more applications from outside of London.
Listen to the latest Momentum supported artists on the Spotify Momentum playlist.
Image: Happy Meals at The Great Escape 2018 - photo by Cameron Brisbane
