Category: News

Gettin’ Gone: A Country Music Export Workshop

Posted on by Dom Alessio

After the success of last year’s inaugural workshop, Sounds Australia is returning to the Tamworth Country Music Festival to present Gettin’ Gone: A Country Music Export Workshop at the Tamworth Community Centre at 9:30am on Thursday January 23.

Country music has seen massive growth over the past few years to become one of the most popular genres in the world. The opportunities for Australian country artists to tap into the global market and build an international career are now becoming more accessible – but at the same time, there have never been more challenges: whether it’s shifting trends, increasing costs of doing business, or an abundance of musical competition.

Hosted by Glenny G and Dom Alessio from Sounds Australia, this export workshop will help to put you, your artist or your music business in the best position to grow your international presence.

There will be two parts to the workshop: first up, an overview on Sounds Australia and advice on showcasing your music internationally, followed by a panel of experts in the country music space who will give you a realistic look at what it takes as an Australian artist to rise through the noise internationally.

Moderated by Glenny G, the panel will feature Catherine Britt, Megan Hopkins (Countrytown), Natalie Waller (ABC Music) and Samantha Pickard (Strut Entertainment).

This event is designed for artists, songwriters and industry of every level working in the Country, Americana, Folk and Singer-Songwriter spaces.

Attendance is completely free but registration is essential: https://apra.eventsair.com/2025tamworth/registration/Site/Register

Gettin’ Gone: A Country Music Export Workshop is part of the two-day Country Music Industry Engagement Days at this year’s Tamworth Country Music Festival.

9:30am – 10:00am General networking with coffee and pastries
10:00am – 10:30am Sounds Australia Overview
10:30am – 11:30am Panel
11:30am – 12:00pm Q&A and general networking

Sounds Australia Set To Deliver Inaugural Screen Composer Trade Misison

Posted on by Dom Alessio

In an exciting initiative designed to elevate Australian music talent within Los Angeles’ influential Media and Entertainment sectors, Sounds Australia’s inaugural Screen Composer Trade Mission kicks off next week to introduce eleven of Australia’s leading screen composers to the US market.

In partnership with the Australian Guild of Screen Composers, with support from VicScreen and DISCO, this mission is designed to draw focus to the exceptional quality and innovation of Australia’s Screen Composer sector, creating invaluable opportunities for collaboration across US Film, Television, Gaming, and Advertising.

2024 APRA Screen Music Awards – Photo by Lucinda Goodwin

Throughout the mission, which runs from 11 – 15 November, delegates will engage directly with top music teams from industry giants like Netflix, Amazon, Riot Games, Film Independent, Ignition Creative, and FOX Sports. These interactions will lay the groundwork for long-term creative partnerships, offering international audiences a fresh Australian perspective in sound and music.

Overall, international screen royalties for Australian composers increased by almost 20% in FY24 compared to FY23, with royalties for television alone jumping by nearly 90%.

The initiative also highlights Australia’s highly attractive 30% Post, Digital & VFX (PDV) offset, with additional state incentives up to 15%, which can reduce costs for US productions working with Australian composers, score recording, and sound services, underscoring why US productions should be connecting with Australia’s screen industry.

Participating in the mission are eleven outstanding Australian composers, ready to bring their expertise and unique vision to LA’s global entertainment network:

  • Adrian Leung
  • Angela Little
  • Antony Partos
  • Ash Gibson Greig
  • Ayda Akbal
  • Brett Rosenberg
  • Caitlin Yeo
  • Chiara Costanza
  • Lance Gurisik
  • Richard Pike
  • Vincent Goodyer

Take a listen to works from all of these incredible composers at our DISCO page.

Sounds Australia’s Inbound Exchange Program: India 2024

Posted on by Dom Alessio
Sounds Australia is eagerly anticipating the arrival of eight esteemed Indian music industry professionals into Sydney next week as part of our Inbound Exchange Program. Made possible with the support of Sound NSW, the delegation will experience some of the best live music across the SXSW Sydney showcases, along with a suite of events dedicated to fostering international connections and promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing.

The delegation is made up of the following people:

Anirudh Voleti – REPRESENT, Head Of Strategy
Anisha Gaba – Warner Music Group, Head of New Business, Brand Partnerships, Sync & Licensing
Anuj Gupta – Lollapalooza India, Business Head and Festival Director
Deepti Jasti – YouTube, Head of Music & Podcast Content Strategy
Peony Hirwani – Rolling Stone India, Senior Editor
Priyanka Khimani – Founder, Khimani & Associates
Roochay Shukla – Believe, Head of Creative Marketing – India & South Asia
Tej Brar – NODWIN Gaming, Head Of Festivals

India’s music market has risen exponentially to become the second-largest streaming market globally. With streaming growth surging, Indian audiences are investing more time and money in music, spurred by the rise of premium streaming platforms. This booming market presents immense potential for Australian music, offering new avenues for cross-border collaborations, audience expansion, and growth in streaming revenue from a rapidly expanding listener base.

Partnering on events with Awesome Black and YouTube Music, we are looking forward to a very busy and productive week that promises the building of new communities and inspiring pathways for future growth.

EOIs for Label and Management reps inclusion across the week’s events are still open and can be completed here:

https://www.cognitoforms.com/SoundsAustralia1/LabelEOISoundXSoundsInBoundExchangeIndiaFocus

https://www.cognitoforms.com/SoundsAustralia1/ManagerEOISoundXSoundsInBoundExchangeIndiaFocus

Trade Mission: Los Angeles – Expressions of Interest now open for Screen Composers

Posted on by administrator

 

Sounds Australia, in partnership with the Australian Guild of Screen Composers, are seeking expressions of interest from experienced and innovative local screen composers to make up the inaugural delegation of a Trade Mission in Los Angeles from 11th – 15th November 2024.

The aim of the Mission is to raise the profile and visibility of Australian music across the Media and Entertainment sectors in LA.

The successful applicants will have six nights accommodation covered, a contribution of $1,000 AUD towards flights, and be introduced to relevant US buyers and creatives across the Film, Television, Gaming and Advertising sectors, directly promoting the quality and capacity of our industry practitioners in the entertainment capital of the world.

The networks created from this trade mission are designed to develop ongoing, long-term artistic collaborations that will engage international audiences in the future.

Eligibility

All applicants/composers must be:

· Australian citizens, residing outside of the USA;
· and A composer member of APRA AMCOS

Assessment Criteria

An external panel of U.S. Industry advisors with diverse and relevant experience will assess the EOIs against the following criteria:

· Relative strength of the Applicant’s existing experience and calibre of work in Australia.

· The significance of the artistic and commercial impact of commissioned work(s) across film, tv channels, production houses or similar.

· High Evidence of Composer’s Work in Screen Media including:

    • Films: Listing of movies or documentaries scored by the composer, with links to IMDb profiles or official film pages.
    • Television: TV shows or series for which the composer has created music, with links to episodes or show websites.
    • Advertising: Commercials or branded content scored by the composer, with links to videos or advertising campaigns.
    • Gaming: Video games or mobile games with music by the composer, with links to game trailers or official game sites.
    • Other Screen Media: Any additional screen media (such as web series, VR experiences, etc.) featuring the composer’s work, with relevant links to the media.

· Examples of high-quality compositions, including any compositions suitable for sync licensing (include information about availability of tracks, instrumental versions and stems).

· Experience working with music supervisors, directors, and production companies.

Expectations for successful applicants

The applicants are expected to be available for the Monday – Friday (11th – 15th) to take dedicated one on one meetings with relevant LA based producers, editors, showrunners, and directors. The program will also potentially include keynotes or ‘in conversations’ for additional insights in to current trends and pathways for Australians into the LA market.

These meetings will run through the days, with evenings dedicated to broader networking events with relevant screen and music industry sectors

APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED

Applications close 30th August at 11.59pm AEST
Successful applicants will be informed by the last week of September.

 

Available Funding For SXSW 2025

Posted on by Dom Alessio

 

 

 

Applications recently opened to participate in SXSW 2025 in Austin, Texas next March. Perhaps you’re thinking of showcasing there, or you have a panel session idea you’d like to submit, or maybe you want to go and check it out first. If this is you, then you’re probably also contemplating applying for funding to support what you want to do.

We’ve rounded up the funding that is currently available to you, depending on where in Australia you live. Please carefully read the eligibility and criteria of the grant program you’re interested in applying for, to make sure it’s the right one for you. 

For the latest news on funding rounds opening and closing, we recommend signing up to the Sounds Australia newsletter and following us on social media, in particular Instagram and Facebook.

 

NATIONAL FUNDING

MUSIC AUSTRALIA

    • International Performance and Touring Activity
    • International Professional and Artistic Development
    • International Market and Audience Development

At the time of writing, these funds are currently closed. However, you will be able to apply for funding for SXSW when the next rounds open. Sign up to the Sounds Australia newsletter to find out when these funding rounds open.

 

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

ARTS ACT

    • Arts Activity Funding

Apply here: https://www.arts.act.gov.au/funding/arts-activities-funding

 

NEW SOUTH WALES

SOUND NSW

At the time of writing, no funding is currently available. Sign up to the Sounds Australia newsletter to find out when the next funding round opens.

 

CREATE NSW

At the time of writing, no funding is currently available. Sign up to the Sounds Australia newsletter to find out when the next funding round opens.

 

REGIONAL ARTS NSW

    • Regional Arts Fund Quick Response Grants

Apply here: https://regionalartsnsw.com.au/quick-response-grants/

 

NORTHERN TERRITORY

ARTS NT

At the time of writing, no funding is currently available. Sign up to the Sounds Australia newsletter to find out when the next funding round opens.

 

DARWIN COMMUNITY ARTS

    • Regional Arts Fund Quick Response Grants

Apply here: https://darwincommunityarts.org.au/qrg/

 

QUEENSLAND

ARTS QUEENSLAND

    • Performing Arts Market Development Fund

This fund is only open until July 18 before being paused: https://www.arts.qld.gov.au/aq-funding/performing-arts-market-development-fund

 

CITY OF GOLD COAST

    • Arts Development Fund

Apply here: https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/Council/Grants-funding-development-programs/Arts-grants-opportunities/Arts-Development-Fund

 

FLYING ARTS ALLIANCE

    • Regional Arts Fund Quick Response Grants

Apply here: https://flyingarts.org.au/raf/quick-response-grants/

 

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

MUSIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

    • Export Contribution Fund

Funding is automatically offered to any South Australian act officially selected for SXSW 2025.

    • Project Support Grants

The next round will open October 2024: https://mdo.sa.gov.au/projectsupportgrants

 

COUNTRY ARTS SA

    • Project Grants

Apply here: https://www.countryarts.org.au/available-grants/project-grants-round-two/

    • Regional Arts Fund Quick Response Grants

Apply here: https://www.countryarts.org.au/for-artists/grants/

 

TASMANIA

ARTS TASMANIA

At the time of writing, no funding is currently available. Sign up to the Sounds Australia newsletter to find out when the next funding round opens.

 

RANT ARTS

    • Regional Arts Fund Quick Response Grants

Apply here: https://www.rantarts.com/quick-response-grants

 

VICTORIA

CREATIVE VICTORIA

At the time of writing, no funding is currently available. Sign up to the Sounds Australia newsletter to find out when the next funding round opens.

 

REGIONAL ARTS VICTORIA

    • Regional Arts Fund Quick Response Grants

Apply here: https://www.rav.net.au/grants/quick-response-grants/

 

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

DEPARTMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, SPORTS AND CULTURAL INDUSTRIES

    • Contemporary Music Fund

Apply here: https://www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/funding/arts-funding/contemporary-music-fund-grant-program

    • Arts Projects For Individuals & Groups

The next round will open August 6: https://www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/funding/arts-funding/arts-projects-for-individuals-and-groups

 

REGIONAL ARTS WA

    • Regional Arts Fund Quick Response Grants

Apply here: https://regionalartswa.org.au/funding/quick-response-grant/

    • Project Grants

Apply here: https://regionalartswa.org.au/funding/raf-project-grants/

Sounds Australia at Amsterdam Dance Event 2024

Posted on by Dom Alessio

After much consultation with the sector, Sounds Australia is excited to announce the launch of a large-scale initiative at Amsterdam Dance Event (October 15 – 20, 2024), one of the most significant gatherings in the world for electronic music and its industry.
 
A pop-up activation over October 16 and 17, Australia House (ADE) will highlight the talent and global careers of our local dance and electronic community. Over two packed days, Sounds Australia will be facilitating meetings, networking events and press-focused activity, ensuring the pavilion serves as the prime destination to celebrate and connect with Australia’s dance and electronic cohort in market for ADE.
 
Ranked the third biggest EDM market in the world as determined by Spotify followers, Dance is one of Australia’s most thriving music exports right now, with local artists featuring prominently on festival and club lineups, winning high-profile awards and selling out huge global tours. Capitalising on this burgeoning time for the industry, Sounds Australia is leaning in and looking forward to strengthening pathways between Australia and the rest of the world.
 
In order for us to best curate activities within Australia House at ADE, please let us know if you are planning to be in Amsterdam during ADE by filling out this short survey: https://forms.office.com/r/xa4y2Z64ph
 
For Australian artist managers interested in attending ADE, there is specific funding available from the AAM through the Music Australia International Conference Contribution program. Applications are now open, closing on Sunday June 9: https://www.aam.org.au/maicc
 
AIR will have similar funding on offer for industry professionals from Australian independent labels. The next round of funding will open in June. For more information, visit’s AIR’s website: https://air.org.au/maicc/
 
There are also multiple grant programs from Music Australia which are open now, closing on Tuesday July 9: https://creative.gov.au/investment-and-development/

Funding may also be available from your state government. Please check our Funding page to see which grant programs are currently open: https://soundsaustralia.com.au/funding/

THE AUSSIE BBQ SummerStage Is Back For 2024

Posted on by Dom Alessio

Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage NYC and Sounds Australia are thrilled to present the return of THE AUSSIE BBQ SummerStage to Central Park, New York City on Saturday 15 June, in partnership with the American Australian Association.

It’s set to be a huge summer party, and we are so excited to announce that Jebediah, Last Dinosaurs, Northeast Party House, Sheppard, Sycco and Thelma Plum will be performing as part of this year’s show. This is your chance to discover your next favourite Australian act with this unmissable lineup of iconic talent, all for free, from 4pm.

What began 20 years ago in a carpark out the back of Emo’s in Austin, Texas has grown to become recognised globally as the place to discover the next generation of Australian talent. From Brighton to Bangalore, Singapore to SXSW, THE AUSSIE BBQ has been held in venues all around the world, and in June it will once again take place in New York’s Central Park.

Australia’s legendary national radio station triple j will be joining in on the action too, capturing interviews with the artists, chatting to the crowd, and taking stories of the day back home.

So write it in your diaries, add it to your iCal – however you do it, don’t forget to save the date, and we’ll see you in New York City in June.

For more information on the artists, as well as set times for the show, visit http://soundsaustralia.com.au/summerstage-2024. 

Sounds Australia Announces The Great Escape Festival 2024 Showcases

Posted on by Dom Alessio

Discover your next favourite Australian artist at this year’s The Great Escape Festival, taking place from May 15-18 in Brighton, UK.

24 Australian acts will make the pilgrimage to the UK in May to play in front of international industry and local music fans keen to see some of the most exciting talent coming out of the country.

The Australians confirmed to showcase at The Great Escape Festival this year are:

Allysha Joy 
Asha Jefferies
Battlesnake
Cat & Calmell
Elsy Wameyo
ENOLA
Forest Claudette 
Full Flower Moon Band
Go-Jo
Gretta Ray
Gut Health
HighSchool
Johnny Hunter
Keiynan Lonsdale
Kobie Dee
Platonic Sex
Radio Free Alice
Rowena Wise
Rum Jungle
Tamara & The Dreams
Teenage Dads
The Belair Lip Bombs
The Buoys
The Southern River Band

For the last 15 years, Sounds Australia has offered the Australian artists an additional opportunity to perform and be discovered at The Great Escape Festival. This year, don’t miss the two Australia Sounds Like showcases, presented in partnership with Tourism Australia and The Australian High Commission UK. On Thursday May 16 from 12-4pm, acts will perform across two stages at Komedia. Then on Saturday May 18, Australian music will take over Brighton Beach, with artists showcasing on three stages from 12-6pm.

Sounds Australia’s showcases have become renowned as the places to see the next generation of Australian artists, such as Amyl & The Sniffers, Budjerah, Confidence Man, Courtney Barnett, Cub Sport, DMA’S, Dune Rats, Gang Of Youths, Julia Jacklin, Mia Wray, Middle Kids, Pacific Avenue, Sampa The Great, Sycco, Tasman Keith, Teen Jesus & The Jean Teasers, The Rubens and Tkay Maidza.

Australia’s iconic national radio station triple j will be on ground at The Great Escape Festival to capture content and artist interviews, taking the stories of Australian music success back home to local audiences and fans.

To find out more about all the Australian artists performing at The Great Escape Festival, as well as information on our showcases, visit the Great Escape Festival page on our website.

The Music Australia International Conference Contribution – Publishers

Posted on by Dom Alessio

 

The Australasian Music Publishers’ Association Limited (AMPAL) in partnership with Sounds Australia presents the Music Australia International Conference Contribution – Music Publishers program.

Designed to ease the financial burden for selected Music Publishers who are attending major international music conferences in 2024, ICC funding will financially support selected AMPAL Members wanting to undertake professional development by attending an international trade conference and undertake an invaluable reconnaissance trip.

Applications for events occurring throughout 2024 will be divided into 2 rounds of opening and closing dates:

ROUND 1: Applications open for conferences taking place between May 1, 2024 and July 31, 2024

ROUND 2: Applications open for conferences taking place between August 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024

WHAT DO FUNDING RECIPIENTS RECEIVE

Contributions of up to $5,000 AUD will be awarded to selected Australian-operated music publishers who have been established for a minimum of two years. Funding will help cover essential costs associated with their attendance and international activity at their chosen event, such as travel expenses, accommodation, and event registration costs.

Whilst we realise the majority of music publisher representatives attending these events will be flying in and out of Australia, we understand some may be flying into events from different locations around the world – or already be based near the event location – and therefore they may not require the maximum $5,000 AUD of funding to attend the event. We therefore ask applicants to specify the funding amount they require to attend the event, and only ask for funds required.

Applications for Round 1 close Thursday March 28. For more information, and to apply, head to https://www.ampal.com.au/news-and-events/2024/3/music-australia-international-conference-contribution-publishers

The Music Australia International Conference Contribution – Independent Labels and Distributors

Posted on by Dom Alessio

 

The Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR), in partnership with Sounds Australia, presents the Music Australia International Conference Contribution – Independent Labels and Distributors program.

Designed to ease the financial burden for selected Independent Labels and Distributors who are attending major international music conferences in 2024, ICC funding will financially support selected AIR Associate, Full and Australian Distributor members wanting to undertake professional development by attending an international trade conference and undertake an invaluable reconnaissance trip.

Applications for events occurring throughout 2024 will be divided into 2 rounds of opening and closing dates:
ROUND 1: Applications for conferences taking place between May 1 and July 31, 2024
ROUND 2: Applications for conferences taking place between August 1 and December 31, 2024

WHAT DO FUNDING RECIPIENTS RECEIVE?

Contributions of up to $5000 AUD will be awarded to selected Australian-owned and operated independent labels and distributors who have been established for a minimum of two years. Funding will help cover essential costs associated with their attendance and international activity at their chosen event, such as travel expenses, accommodation and event registration costs.

Whilst we realise the majority of label and distributor representatives attending these events will be flying in and out of Australia, and we understand some may be flying into events from different locations around the world – or already be based near the event location – and therefore they may not require the maximum $5000 AUD of funding to attend the event. We therefore ask applicants to specify the funding amount they require to attend the event and only ask for funds required.

HOW MANY APPLICANTS WILL BE FUNDED?

There is no predetermined number of funding recipients. The number of applicants who receive funding will depend on how much funding is available per round, and the strength of applications received.

Please note that only one person per label/distributor will be funded.

Applications for Round 1 close this Friday March 22. For more information, and to apply, head to https://air.org.au/maicc/