Funding Support: Record Label Development Scheme

Music Australia has announced a new grant program for Australian record labels to support homegrown recording artists. The program aims to provide financial support to Australian record labels (including local subsidiaries of multinational labels), in discovering, developing, and promoting local talent by funding activities such as recordings, digital content, marketing, artist development, and business development activities. 

Pre-Application Eligibility Expression of Interest

To apply for the Music Australia Record Label Development Scheme, you must first ensure you meet the pre-application criteria by completing the eligibility check in the Application Management System.

The pre-application process will also determine the amount your label is eligible to apply for. To be eligible for the RLDS, the record label must be Australian or an Australian subsidiary, have at least three active Australian artists with a minimum of 5,000 followers each, have released 5 singles and 1 EP or LP in the last 12 months, and provide signed financial statements from the last two fiscal years​. 

Applicants must comply with Protocols for using First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property in the Arts, and the Commonwealth Child Safe Framework. 

Key Dates

The Eligibility check closes on Tuesday 8 October 2024, 3pm AEDT. 

Full applications close Tuesday 12 November 2024, 3pm AEDT. 

Note: The funded activity must start between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2025 and be completed within 18 months.   

Funding Overview

Grants are available from $10,000 to $150,000 to eligible Australian record labels, and Australian subsidiaries of multinational record labels, that have been operating for a minimum of 3 years.

In addition, a mandatory 10% artist creation fee will be added to the grant amount for eligible activities to cover creative and artistic services provided by the artists for the project.

This includes recording activities and video production that features the recording artist. 

Eligible Activities 

Eligible activities and costs that may be applied for include: 

• Recording and Production Costs: Includes expenses for recording, editing, mixing, mastering, pre-production, studio hire, producer fees, session musicians, equipment hire, and related costs at an Australian facility with Australian artists.

• Physical Product Manufacturing: Covers costs for manufacturing physical music products (e.g., vinyl/CD pressing), with additional reimbursement for environmentally sustainable practices as guided by Green Music Australia.

• Video Production: Expenses for creating music videos, promotional videos, and live performance recordings in Australia, including costs for production, direction, camera work, editing, and other associated roles and materials. 

• Digital and Visual Content: Costs for creating visual artwork (design, photography) and digital content (e.g., social media reels) in Australia, as well as marketing and promotional activities for new recordings. 

• Marketing and Promotion: Funding for Australian marketing and promotion activities, including digital marketing, radio ads, social media ads, publicist fees, and other promotional materials. 

• Business Development and Staffing: Budget for business development activities, including creating new positions, a portion of salaries for existing staff related to the project, and making activities accessible to a diverse audience, including costs for interpreters, translation services, and other accessibility needs. 

Assessment Criteria

The assessment process will use Industry Advisors, with relevant label experience. The assessment criteria includes project: 

• Quality: Highlighting the calibre and track record of artists and label staff, showcasing diversity in the roster and the cultural value of the project. 

• Impact: Emphasising the potential growth of Australian music, measurable goals, expected return on investment (ROI), and support for underrepresented communities, such as First Nations or female artists. 

• Viability: Demonstrating the strength of the budget, marketing plans, release strategies, and financial stability of the label, supported by strong partnerships and risk management. 

Application Process

Music Australia will consider eligible applications through an open competitive grant process. All applicants must be pre-approved, via an eligibility check process in advance of the closing date. Once approved, applications will be invited to submit a full application.

To apply for the grant, applicants must be registered in the Creative Australia application management system a minimum of two business days prior to the closing date.

Please note: Registrations take up to two business days to process.  

Further Information and Support

 For comprehensive details, eligibility requisites, and guidance on the grant application process, we invite  prospective applicants to get in touch with our experienced Gild R&D Incentives & Grants team here.