Dave, Blossoms and Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes are among the latest acts to benefit from the Music Export Growth Scheme (MEGS).
A total of £250,000 has been awarded in support of 20 British acts drawn mainly from the UK music indie scene. The list of recipients also includes Afro B, Alex Francis, Amber Run, Chelou, Elder Island, Gengahr, John Smith, Kindness, Ladytron, Love Ssega, Moses Boyd Exodus, Our Girl, Pulled Apart By Horses, Self Esteem, Tom Speight, Tusks and Yussef Dayes.
The BPI-run scheme is funded through the Department for International Trade as part of the Government’s Exporting is GREAT campaign and is designed to boost British music exports by supporting small to medium sized music companies as they look to build on the potential of their artists in overseas markets.
MEGS now sees a return of around £12 for every £1 invested, highlighting the importance of UK music to our exports and the wider economy
Chris Tams
BPI
Chris Tams, BPI director of international overseeing the MEGS programme, said: “It is amazing to see the Music Export Growth Scheme going from strength to strength and flying the flag for British music overseas. This funding is even more important today with uncertainty around Brexit. MEGS now sees a return of around £12 for every £1 invested, highlighting the importance of UK music to our exports and the wider economy.”
Since launching in 2014, the initiative has to date supported 242 applications to the tune of almost £3.8 million.
Ladytron manager Steve Pross said: “With the collapse of PledgeMusic many British artists and their fans around the world have taken a hit to their finances and morale. I applaud the BPI for helping ameliorate the impact of Pledge’s failure with the Music Export Growth Scheme. This fund allows Ladytron to invest in marketing for its two North American tours this Fall to help broaden and grow its audience base. We are eternally grateful.”
On behalf of Blossoms, SJM Management’s Conrad Murray said: “We are grateful to the BPI for providing funding for Blossoms to assist them in their quest to break to America. The funds will be of great assistance.”
Applications for the next round of MEGS funding are now open and close on September 2.
