More funding for musicians and venues as performers hit city streets

William Elm at Blak Sounds 2019, VMDO First Peoples. Image by Jacinta Keefe

Music Works will provide 77 music projects involving close to 7,000 music industry professionals with grants totalling almost $1.7 million – supporting artists and businesses across the state.

The grants will allow artists to record new albums, stage festivals and make music videos while supporting recipients to reconnect with audiences, pursue new business opportunities, advance their careers and recover from the impacts of the pandemic.

Recipients include singer-songwriter Alice Skye, who will use her grant to undertake a two-month studio residency to develop music for her third album – the follow-up to her 2021 release I Feel Better, But I Don’t Feel Good.

Alice also joins hundreds of Victorian musicians who will bring live performances to the streets of Melbourne over the next four weeks, as part of the Melbourne leg of the Victorian Government’s On The Road Again initiative in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

The program will see close to 700 busking performances along with pop-up shows by well-known musicians hitting the city streets, including much-loved artists Uncle Kutcha Edwards, Gordi and Emma Donovan.

The $9 million On The Road Again initiative will spread its wings to Melbourne’s suburbs later this year, with more events to be rolled out across metropolitan Melbourne and shows already happening across regional Victoria.

Recognising the challenges facing live music venues the $8 million Victorian Live Music Venues Support program is also now underway, helping eligible venues get back to the business of staging live music events. The support will provide more than 160 live music venues with grants of between $20,000 and $65,000.

To find out more about On The Road Again performances, visit vmdo.com.au/ontheroadagain and follow @WhatsOnMelb on Instagram for performance details.

Chitra Ridwan, THORNBURY, $27,500

To record the debut album by Melbourne musician Chitra, with producer John Castle and mastering by David Walker.

The trustee for Grant Hansen Trust, DERRIMUT, $31,000

To record Blackfire’s third album, aimed to inspire and educate the wider communities on First Nations culture, history and politics.

Peter Colin Harper, COLLINGWOOD, $18,963

To support ten-piece band, Black Jesus Experience (BJX) to record, mix and master Earth to Earth, a suite of nine new original works in collaboration with First Peoples musician Sean Ryan and classical flautist Dominique Chaseling.

Association of Artists Managers (AAM), NEWTOWN, $10,350

To support The Music Passport Program 2022, an export development trip tailored to emerging artist managers.

Charlotte Buckton, PRESTON, $12,600

To record, mix and master Charlotte Le Lievre's debut album Songs from the Barrier Line, exploring themes of grief and healing through connection, including working with five Victorian musicians and Victorian audio engineers.

Alexander O'Gorman, FITZROY, $28,060

To support Purple Wayne Studios to invite a series of musicians and artists to create new works within a professional recording facility.

Emily Paige Duggan, BALLARAT CENTRAL, $44,076

To compose, adapt, record and tour Paige Duggan’s new musical compositions, including production of animation and film clips.

OK Motels Pty Ltd, BALLARAT CENTRAL, $16,480

To support OK Motels to tour with Victorian artists to present live music in small town pubs.

Ela Stiles, FITZROY NORTH, $14,800

To support Ela Stiles to record, mix and master her fourth full-length album Not a Stranger, and produce a video clip for the first single.

Ainslie Wills, ROMSEY, $4,800

To support Ainslie Wills to mix and master their self-produced four-track EP with Victorian engineer Jono Steer, ahead of an international release.

Charlie Woods Music, HEIDELBERG HEIGHTS, $5,000

To support Charlie Needs Braces to record, produce, release and perform their debut album Saltwater People.

Good Morning PTY LTD, PRESTON, $10,900

To support Good Morning to record two new tracks as part of a double A side single, to be released during their upcoming North American tour.

Music Production For Women, HAWTHORN, $35,000

To support a music summit that aims to equip women and non-binary artists with skills to take preliminary steps into music production and electronic music performance.

Tibi Access, GLADSTONE PARK, $4,737

To support Groove Tunes, an accessible gig that will include Auslan interpreters, a sensory zone, braille tickets and more, to educate the music industry on creating accessible events.

WeEmptyRooms, CREMORNE, $15,675

To support DEAD to release a new album as a series of nine split 7" singles, featuring local and international bands, promoted via a PR campaign delivered by Karen Conrad.

ENDLESS RECORDS PTY LTD, BENDIGO, $19,035

To support Endless Records, a regional Victorian independent record label, to release and promote five new albums, including publicity, vinyl pressing and art direction.

Abbotsford Events Incorporated, PRAHRAN, $39,985

To support Mind Your Langridge Street Fest, a community street festival with an organic marketing campaign, to increase exposure for live artists and provide a platform to perform to new audiences.

Jen Cloher, THORNBURY, $20,000

To support Jen Cloher to travel to New Zealand with Annelise Hickey to film the first film clip of Cloher’s fifth studio album.

Evelyn Ida Morris, ST KILDA, $30,920

To create movement based short films to accompany each song on the new album by Evelyn Ida Morris, Like Comfort. Including collaboration with dancers, Amiel Courtin-Wilson, Zoe Theodore and Emmett Aldred.

Amaya Laucirica, PRESTON, $17,750

To produce, mix and master the fifth album by Amaya Laucirica, including the creation of film clips and a national publicity campaign.

Lisa Lerkenfeldt, SOUTH YARRA, $19,800

Lisa Lerkenfeldt to record and release a sophomore album and cassette single, including the creation of visual content and an album premiere at The Substation.

Candice Lorrae Lloyd, MARIBYRNONG, $16,890

To support The Merindas to develop their live band, aiming to create music charts for their music catalogue and undertake rehearsals to prepare a 60 minute show, with collaboration from Music Composer Phil Turcio.

Simona Castricum, BRUNSWICK, $25,838

To support the recording, production, release and touring of Simona Castricum’s fourth studio album with digital and vinyl release, including PR by Brain Drain and release through Trans-Brunswick Express Record Label.

Music in Exile Limited, COLLINGWOOD, $40,000

To support Music in Exile to implement the Building Bridges program, offering online collaboration and development of new work, including opportunities for Gordon Koang, Mindy Meng Wang, Ausecuma Beats and Camile el Feghali.

C.L Bowerman & J.L Bowerman & J.A Gibson & J.S Karagiozis & J.T Wilson, SUNBURY, $19,956

To support Melbourne punk band Between You and Me (BYAM) to support Canadian punk band, Bearings on a tour throughout America and Canada, in support of BYAM's sophomore album release.

Jordan Tarento, ALPHINGTON, $16,785

To record and produce live studio performance videos for Jordan Tarento's debut album, including release and promotion by Earshift Music.

Zack Buchanan, BRUNSWICK EAST, $33,725

To support The Outdoor Type to record a debut album, followed by a media campaign for the release of three singles and the album.

June Diana Lamb, BRUNSWICK, $14,516

To record, produce, mix and master June Jones’ new EP in collaboration with three featuring artists, including the creation of cover art and press photos.

Tomboi Pty Ltd, BRUNSWICK, $22,806

To support Tomboi, an independent record label and management business based in Melbourne to represent emerging and established LGBTQIA+, POC and Women artists creating challenging and distinctive contemporary music that is under-represented in the broader music landscape.

David Arden, MILL PARK, $35,000

To support David Arden to create a new body of work titled, Meetra the Ballad of James Arden - Rise Up.

Ben Mastwyk, COLLINGWOOD, $19,833

To record, mix, master and produce artwork for Ben Mastwyk’s fourth studio album, including collaboration with musicians, engineers, a producer and photographer.

Hopestreet Recordings Pty Ltd, BRUNSWICK, $23,000

To support Immy Owusu to write, record and release a debut album.

Merpire Music, BRUNSWICK, $23,116

To support Merpire and band to travel to United Kingdom to support Pillow Queens (IRE) on tour. The band will perform in Manchester, Glasgow, Newcastle, Brighton, London, Birmingham and Bristol.

Alice Skye Music, WARRANDYTE, $30,000

To support Alice Skye to undertake a two month studio residency to write and collaborate with producers, composers and artists.

The Operatives HQ Pty Ltd, FOOTSCRAY, $31,000

To support new record label The Operatives Records, including promotion, marketing, manufacturing of two releases for Emma Volard and Yung Shogun.

Brady Jones, SHEPPARTON, $15,000

To support Bricky B to create a new EP titled Out of the Darkness.

BURN GENTLY ENTERPRISES PTY LTD, NORTHCOTE, $40,000

To support Sensible Antixx to finance the clearing of copyright licensing for Burn Gently, an upcoming Australian Hip Hop documentary.

Daniel Carlson, BLACKWOOD, $32,700

To support Our Carlson in hosting two Purple Day music events in Blackwood and Melbourne, raising awareness for epilepsy and destigmatising mental health issues.

Tess Amelia Guthrie, FITZROY NORTH, $9,950

To support Tess Guthrie to refine their production skills, blending genres hyper pop and folktronica through the creation of a collaborative EP, with supporting national PR campaign.

Georgia E Delves, STRATHFIELDSAYE, $12,739

To release Georgia State Line’s debut album In Colour including an Auslan accessible album release event, partnered with Auslan Stage Left and The Brunswick Ballroom.

Footscray Community Arts Centre on behalf of The Hackkets, FOOTSCRAY, $19,900

To support The Hackkets to release their new album So Far, So Good, including the creation of a music video, a publicity campaign and a launch event.

Still Here Arts and Culture, MOOROOPNA, $15,000

To support Neil Morris (aka DRMNGNOW) to develop two cinema quality music film accompaniments for the project Baiyiya Lotjpa Nhawul Garra - Song, Story, Seen, Now.

Lisa Salvo, PRESTON, $15,500

To support On Diamond to record, produce, mix and master their second album, including release and promotion by Mistletone.

Anita Louise Quayle, KINGSBURY, $16,954

To support Beyond the Lake to record and release a new album of ambient instrumental music with nine Victorian-based musicians, to promote positive mental health and wellbeing, with a focus on cultural and gender diversity.

Keelan Mak, TRAVANCORE, $14,000

To support Keelan Mak to release their second EP Brave Face, a body of work consisting of six songs that tell the trials and experiences of a young queer male navigating the Australian youth landscape.

Angela Anika Ostendorf, COLLINGWOOD, $25,000

To write, produce and record Hachiku’s sophomore album, including production by Anika Ostendorf in collaboration with Victorian classical music ensemble Newmarket Collective.

The Stroppies, BRUNSWICK, $10,986

For The Stroppies to support Paul Weller on his United Kingdom tour and to play two headline shows to promote the release of their new album.

Live Nation Australia Venues Pty Ltd, ST KILDA, $21,233

To support On Stage, a new program at The Palais Theatre transforming it into an intimate and accessible performance venue, featuring twelve performances by emerging artists across diverse demographics.

No Retreat Pty Ltd, BRUNSWICK, $34,000

To support a series of free-entry performances, featuring over 200 female and gender non-conforming musicians, artists and industry professionals from the Victorian music community. A selection of the performances will be showcase events for local record labels.

Georgia Fields, ROSANNA, $19,905

To support Georgia Fields to record her third album, an expansive pop album integrating elements of indie, modern folk and art music with producer/drummer Josh Barber. On The Map PR will execute a digital media campaign, maximising their capacity to connect with new and existing markets.

Emily Ulman, MELBOURNE, $15,400

To record, mix, master and release the fifth album by Emily Ulman, titled The Shiver and the Freeze, including promotion by Slow Clap and vinyl pressing.

City of Greater Geelong, GEELONG, $35,500

To support Surround Sounds Geelong & The Bellarine Music Festival, a program that activates music and cultural venues across the Geelong and Bellarine region.

Auspicious Arts Projects Inc. on behalf of The Space Company, GEELONG WEST, $17,000

To support The Space Company to record an album of musical works from the theatre show double bill Stardust + The Mission, featuring the original cast and new music by composer Nadje Noordhuis, created in collaboration with show creators/cast members, Joel Carnegie and Gunditjmara man Tom Molyneux.

Auspicious Arts Projects Inc. on behalf of Josephine Camilla Alexandra, ASCOT VALE, $5,972

To support Josie Alexandra (aka X4NDR4) to commission industry professionals, including director and cinematographer Barun Chatterjee, to co-direct and craft the cinematic score of the first track on their debut sonic, spoken-word, cinematic album.

Empress, THORNBURY, $9,100

To support Empress to record, mix, master and produce a music video for their debut album, including a social media campaign and marketing.

Contemporary Music Victoria Inc. on behalf of Fionna Allan, CASTLEMAINE, $22,000

To support Gold Sounds Music Conference, a regional event designed to bring regional music communities together by providing professional development sessions.

Annaliese Redlich, FITZROY NORTH, $25,000

To produce and release the second season of All Ears Podcast, a series that explores connections, ritual and sense of belonging. Including collaborating with Melbourne musician Davey Lane, mastering by Monkey Marc and publicity by Slow Clap.

Alyse Newman on behalf of Ruby Gill, FITZROY NORTH, $12,350

To independently release Ruby Gill’s debut album, I’m Gonna Die with This Frown on My Face.

Beyond the Valley Music Festival, CREMORNE, $40,000

To support Beyond the Valley, a regional music and camping festival, including a diverse line up of Australian and international artists performing over four days.

Komang Rosemary Amalina Clynes, BRUNSWICK, $9,105

To support electronic music producer Komang to master and release her debut EP, titled Mythologies, an exploration of Balinese traditional elements with electronic R&B and trip-hop.

Bridge xr, ABBOTSFORD, $36,000

To support Bridge xr to develop a world class virtual reality space at the Northcote Theatre, where concerts will be experienced both live and in a virtual reality environment, giving artists access to global audiences.

Alice Ivy PTY LTD, PASCOE VALE, $30,010

To support Alice Ivy to relocate to Los Angeles to write and record music for her third studio album, with high profile American artists, including touring activities in America.

Cable Ties Band, ABBOTSFORD, $36,172

To support Melbourne punk trio Cable Ties to record, mix and master their third album, and create visual elements for its release.

Auspicious Arts Projects Inc. on behalf of Madi Das, BRIGHTON, $20,234

To support Madi Das to record and release two EPs that blend Indian and American influences. Madi will work with a regional Victorian singer to record vocals and percussion, to be integrated with additional musical and vocal elements, produced in America.

ArtHouse Gippsland, BRIAGOLONG, $20,000

To support Inward Goods Festival, a 400-person capacity community music and art festival held in the Wellington Shire town of Briagolong. The festival provides a safe and accessible environment and engages the local community, specifically young people.

SalamFest Inc, WEST MELBOURNE, $40,000

To support SalamFest to create a contemporary reimagining of traditional Muslim Music by engaging fifteen Victorian artists and creatives.

Holly Thomas, HARCOURT, $19,950

To support Holly Thomas to develop, record, mix and edit three suits of drum tracks and sample packages at various recording studios in Victoria. Including collaborations with audio engineers Laura Hancock, Matthew Redlich, Alex O’Gorman and Alex Bennett.

Wind & Birds, ST KILDA EAST, $25,085

To present Solar Sessions, a series of free, all-ages net zero carbon live music events showcasing latest technologies, aiming to educate music industry professionals and artists

Eloise Antonie Willis-Hardy, FLEMINGTON, $20,000

To support Vigilantonie to undertake creative development, record and produce a debut album, including digital release, PR and video production for singles and music videos.

Foley Magazine, FAIRFIELD, $10,000

To support Foley Magazine to produce print music magazines featuring interviews, thought pieces and information on the Melbourne/Narrm music scene.

KMM MUSIC PTY LTD, MIA MIA, $14,233

To record and promote Cosmic Psychos' thirteenth studio album Feelin' Lucky, to celebrate their 35th year milestone of being an active Australian music group, including a national tour and music festival.

Rack Off Records, CARLTON, $13,848

To record, mix, master Blonde Revolver’s debut album and create artwork and photography for promotion including production of a music video.

BOOGIE UNIT, SURRY HILLS, $40,000

To support three-day live music Boogie Festival, including diverse line-up of emerging and established Victorian artists.

Squaring Circles, NORTHCOTE, $17,260

To support Squaring Circles to post-produce, market and release their second concept album.

Anna Smyrk, PRESTON, $14,810

To record and promote two new singles by Anna Smyrk in collaboration with Joel Quartermain, Sarah Guppy, Giulia McGauran, Shoelace Creative and Anna’s long-standing band.

Ticketscout Pty Ltd, NORTHCOTE, $10,000

To support The Corner Hotel and Northcote Social Club in programming events that reflect recommendations made by Arts Access Victoria to engage audiences from the deaf community, including Auslan interpreted contemporary live music performances and marketing campaigns.

Casey Rice, CASTLEMAINE, $39,073

To support central Victorian electronic music collective &SO to collaborate with visual artist Christian Thompson to record a suite of new music for a limited-edition vinyl art-release, remixes for digital release and performance and exhibition outcomes.