triple j, Warner Music Australia launch campaigns to assist artists during COVID-19 lockdown

triple j and Warner Music are giving a leg-up to artists doing it tough during the lockdown.

From today, triple j unveils its Unearthed Level Up Grants, which are meant to help-out emerging musicians whose promising careers are currently put on hold. 

The grants are designed “in response to the unprecedented impact of COVID-19 on the Australian music community,” and are intended to assist independent artists by underwriting recordings costs and building a career during these strange times.

A total of 15 grants are available across different genres, for Indigenous artists and for artists living in regional areas.

triple j

Each grant is valued at up to $7,000, the funds from which can be spent on several elements of career development, from buying instruments or home studio recording equipment, to session performer fees, studio hire fees and more.

The new grants available are:
5 offered to 5 artists across these several genres Band, Solo, Hip-Hop, Heavy, Producers / Dance / Electronic artists
2 offered to Indigenous artists
8 offered to artists based in regional areas – one for each state and territory

These new funding opportunities, announced Thursday, are part of the ABC’s wider Fresh Start Fund, worth $5 million and announced last month with the intention to support local content creators during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Applications are now open for triple j’s Unearthed Level Up Grants, and close at midnight, June 7. To be considered, you’ll need to have at least one song uploaded to Unearthed.

For more visit triplejunearthed.com or email freshstart@abc.net.au

Warner Music Group

Meanwhile, Warner Music Australia today launches its Got Ya Back project, a charity auction which raises much-needed funds for Support Act.

Music fans can bid on bags stuffed with goodies and merch, from a signed Coldplay drumskin, a Rita Ora AAA pass, and a t-shirt worn by My Chemical Romance’s Gerard Way.

There’s a total 16 backpacks up for grabs, with the auction kicking off on on eBay tonight (May 7) at 8pm AEST and running until Sunday May 17, at 8pm AEST.

All proceeds go to local musicians and the supporting industries who’ve been hit hardest by the global health emergency through Support Act.

This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.