2012
2012 GRANTS
The Seed Fund supports emerging musicians, artists and arts workers via our 3 grant categories and 5 strategic initiatives in 2012.
MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP // TOTAL PROJECT VALUE $45,000
The Management Workshop is a one-stop shop for practical strategies to manage artists in the establishment phase of their career. Now in it's seventh year, the workshop has hosted some of Australia's leading emerging managers. The Management Workshop provides a platform for strategic advice and ways to enhance opportunities for bands and solo artists forging pathways in the music industry.
Ainslie Wills first made a quiver on the Australian music scene in 2007 after being unearthed by triple j. Following the release of two singles 'Fighting Kind' and 'Stop Pulling The String' this year, both lifted from her forthcoming debut album 'You Go Your Way, I'll Go Mine', Wills brand of neo-folk-rock is slowly and surely making it's way through Australia, Europe and America. Sharing the stage with the likes of Husky, Gossling and more recently, 360, on an episode of Rockwiz, Ainslie Wills is fast becoming a name on everyone's lips. VIC (self-managed)
- The Seed management workshop was an inspiring, thought provoking and all-encompassing experience that has positively altered the way in which I operate as a self managed artist.
Ben Robinson started in the music industry as a club promoter and DJ. Under the alias Audageous he has played at festivals such as Parklife, Stereosonic and The Big Day out in Perth, as well as playing shows across Australia and overseas. Recently he has taken a step behind the stage, managing the electro-pop duo Sun City and electro-indie band Crooked Colours both from Perth. Sun City have seen a rapid rise recently off the back of their second EP 'Set Alight'. They've built a solid fan base in Australia and overseas and are planning to tour the US following a national tour at the end of the year. Crooked Colours will be touring in support of their recently released self-titled debut EP, including a set on the Parklife stage in Perth. WA (manager)
- The Seed is an amazing opportunity for any aspiring manager or self-managed musician out there to further their skills needed in this industry. The skills I have learnt in a week would have taken me a lifetime to learn on my own and the speakers I have had the privilege to meet are industry leaders that I would have never gotten the opportunity to meet outside The Seed.
Anthony Zaccaria has been in music since he was 18, working through various roles in product marketing, artist relations and digital media. Since then he has been working as a digital strategist for record labels & music festivals whilst growing his management business, 'Bolster Music'. Anthony and his brother Alex manage Loon Lake, Parachute Youth, Trumpdisco and Airwolf. NSW (manager)
- The passion and drive from everyone who participated in The Seed (speakers & facilitators included!) was inspiring The whole workshop has had an immediate impact on me as a manager and the careers of my acts. It was a humbling and enlightening experience and one that I refer to weekly.
Daniel Dow is from the Komet and Peibre Tribes of Murray Island in the Torres Strait. He began his musical career as a boy playing in his father's pioneering church in Townsville. Over the last 15 years, Daniel has performed in bands, tribute shows, musicals and stage & screen acting in Australia and Internationally. Daniel is the founder of Indigenous Performing Artist Management and represents the careers of Impossible Odds, Classik Nawu and Georgia Corowa; he is also a board member of Ailan Traks, a Torres Strait Islander Arts production company and teaches at the Aboriginal Centre for Performing Arts. QLD (manager)
- The Seed, for me is more like a Rites-of-Passage for music managers. I am now more equipped, more inspired and more determined to see my Artists' reach their potential. Through The Seed I have Come of Age!
Ellen Kirk manages 8 Bit Love, an electronic/dance band from Melbourne. With an APRA Songwriters Award and the VicRocks Get Equipped Grant under their belts, the band is gearing up for the release of their sophomore EP ‘In 3D’. With a live show that can be described as a boisterous frenzy of cowbell playing, screaming and dancing, their tunes are sure to get stuck in people’s heads. Recently sharing stages with the likes of Jebediah, The Vines and Muscles as well as playing Parklife, Push Over and The Hills Are Alive, 8 Bit Love are winning over the hearts of music lovers. VIC (manager)
- The Seed Management Workshop was an amazing experience that has allowed me to find confidence in the work that I do and broaden my knowledge in ways I could never have known. I would encourage any manager to apply!
Francis Harrison has been actively involved with band management for the past twenty years, the main focus being Melbourne ska all-stars, The Resignators. The bands infectious sound and trend defying style has taken them around the world. As one of Australia's hardest working independent bands, The Resignators have seen it all, playing over 500 shows both nationally and internationally. This road hardened sextet know how to get any room of people on their feet and skanking to their Ska infused beats. VIC (manager)
I learned more in 4 days at The Seed workshop than I did at RMIT in 2 years.
Hannah Fox is a Melbourne based events producer and band manager. Fox has over the past few years, gained recognition for her work developing the career of local soul band Clairy Browne & the Bangin' Rackettes, as well as her progressive music program for Melbourne Festival and collaboration on MONA FOMA and the Melbourne International Jazz Festival. Clairy Browne and the Bangin' Rackettes are a nine-piece soul band. Their debut album Baby Caught the Bus moves through their original interpretation of soul, jump blues, doo-wop, ska and r'n'b, while telling a story which is very much about the here and now. Produced by the gifted Steve Schram, the record won Album of the year on ABC Radio National and is now breaking new ground in Japan, USA and Europe. VIC (manager)
- It was an absolute privilege to be a part of The Seed, I met lots of amazing people that I know I will cross paths with in the future and took away a huge amount of golden advice and practical tools of the trade.
Jess Fairfax currently manages 9-piece Latin Reggae outfit Madre Monte. Formed in 2008, Madre Monte's sound is representative of Colombia's unique culture, a marbled ancestry of African, Indigenous and European descent. Through their music Madre Monte give a history lesson in traveling sounds, rhythms and instruments. Over the last four years the band have been performing to crowds and festivals around the country, played residencies at some of Melbourne's most notorious music institutions and have released 2 EP's to date Reaction and Raza:Madre. VIC (manager)
- The Seed were four of the most inspiring days of my life. I feel so strong and enriched with the knowledge I have acquired and the new friendships and connections I have formed and I walk with confidence into a music industry which at times can be quite scary! I want to thank John, Danielle, Carlo, Garth, Stacia and all the panelists and crew who put The Seed together as you are equipping Australian musicians and their managers with such power to really kick some butt!
Jess Harlen, recently dubbed "an artist to watch" by Rolling Stone, signed to hip hop label Obese records in 2010 (Plethora Records). Harlen then released her debut album Neon Heartache for which she was awarded Best Female Artist at prestigious The Age EG Awards. Jess is currently nominated in 3 categories at the Maori Music Awards 2012, and her recent sophomore album Park Yard Slang is currently receiving critical acclaim in Australia. Her signature style has been described as 'a combination of relaxed cool and obvious care' (Rave Magazine), 'strong and delicate, soulful and streetwise, with traces of Lauryn Hill, MIA and Florence and the Machine' (Canberra Times) and 'speckled with Motown and hip hop influences but retaining it's own uniqueness' (3D World). QLD (self-managed)
- The workshop completely levelled the playing field and offered access to elite management teams and their trade secrets on the basis of respect for hard-workers in a difficult industry. Entirely encouraging and all inclusive, I learnt more in a week than I have tried to teach myself over the past 6 years. My only regret is I didn't do this sooner. Truly insightful.
Josh McAuliffe manages Nu-Disco / Boogie Funk band Bastian's Happy Flight. Following a Music Technology degree at WAAPA, among other things, Josh co-found the events agency Bourgeois Bogan, fronted electronic band Electric Limosine and co-managed the launch and creative direction Shape nightclub in Perth. At present, Josh is co-director of Leibowitz and Weinberg, a Perth/Sydney based artist-touring agency. Bastian's Happy Flight are a band of electronic musicians / visionists taking a genuine adoration of the hitherto pinnacle of pop and injecting it back into itself. WA (manager)
- What a mind blowing 3 days. So much was learnt, so many great relationships were formed, I can't wait to see where this journey goes. I highly recommend The Seed to anyone entering into the artist management realm.
Matt Blanchard currently manages Oliver Tank and Guerre as well as running the record label 'Yes Please'. 2011 was a huge year for Oliver Tank, filled with many firsts. His debut EP 'Dreams' was released in November to incredible reviews all over the globe. Get Up also used the single in their marriage equality campaign, which was the highest trending viral video on YouTube the week of it's release and is their most successful campaign ever, with over 5 million views. 2012 has kicked off with a bang, a string of high profile Australian supports, showcases at The Great Escape UK and Liverpool Sound City and a run of sold out headline shows in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide. NSW (manager)
- The Seed management workshop more than lives up to the name, it's an action packed 3 days of cultivating ideas and refining skills. As a manager I have benefited immensly from the experience and couldn't recommend it more. Now it's time to fertilize my artist's with these new tools and watch their careers grow.
Meesha Astill manages Perth band Rainy Day Women. In just 15 months, the band has been making the right kind of noise. The band's debut single 'If' was nominated for the 2011 WAM Song Of The Year, garnering radio attention nationwide. This year, Rainy Day Women released debut EP Sleigh Bed, before heading east to perform at Melbourne's St Kilda Festival and FUSE in Adelaide. The band returned home and took to the festival stage in WA for Groovin The Moo and the 2012 WAMi Festival Opening Party. At the 2012 WAMi Awards, Rainy Day Women were nominated for Breakthrough Act and Most Promising New Act. New single 'Sleigh Bed' is currently enjoying a lengthy run on rotation at triple j. Meesha's business, MimiMuse Management, recently signed Warning Birds to the roster. WA (manager)
- I feel incredibly privileged to have been part of The Seed Management Workshop. The generosity shown by those involved and their willingness to help and give information freely, was truly remarkable.
Mike Solo is the owner, director, promoter, publicist and manager behind Sydney-based label Bird's Robe Records and The Bird's Robe Collective agency, aimed at promoting progressive and experimental music. In addition to managing sleepmakeswaves, Pirate, The Red Paintings and super FLORENCE jam, Mike has played a significant role developing bands such as Anubis, Toehider, Dumbsaint, Solkyri and Meniscus; producing events such as Featherfest; and touring international acts 65daysofstatic, Ruins-alone and Vampillia. Mike has experience as a touring and session drummer, as well as tour managing. He has just returned home from overseeing sleepmakeswaves' Australian, US and European tours, including SXSW, Peats Ridge and Dunk festivals. NSW (manager)
- Thank you to The Seed crew for an absolutely inspirational and humbling experience. I was blown away by the time and effort provided to educate and guide us. The quality of discussion was outstanding and cut straight to the issues we face in trying to develop our favourite artists and share them with the world - on top of that, we were given the opportunity for one-on-one time with an incredible range of the most respected people in the music industry, to ask our own burning questions. One of the best experiences of my life and one I will never forget.
Monique Rothstein manages Panama, KIDS AT RISK and Convaire. Monique's career in music started ten years ago as a freelance music journalist in WA. In 2007 she moved to Sydney and commenced working at a production company, sourcing music for a user generated content project for Telstra. Soon after, began working as head of PR and marketing at independent record label, Creative Vibes, managing international labels such as Music For Dreams and Stones Throw Records. When the label closed its doors in 2009, Monique started her own PR agency called Positive Feedback. NSW (manager)
- The Seed workshop was one of the most pivotal, important and defining moments of my career in the music industy. The combination of well-selected participants, inspiring and generous speakers and facilitators created the optimal space for taking everything up a notch.
Nadeena Dixon is undertaking her Graduate Certificate In Indigenous Arts Management through the Victorian College of the Arts at Melbourne University. She is a specialist facilitator in Indigenous performance skills, having presented and delivered Indigenous youth music and songwriting skills via Young Black and Deadly Music Skills Development Program – Koori Radio Sydney. Already well established within Indigenous music communities for having penned the Indigenous anthem 'Aboriginal Land' she gained attention via Qantas In-flight Airplay featuring as an Indigenous artist with a song titled 'Butterfly'. Nadeena is the Yabun 2012 Artist of the Year for her contribution to the Indigenous music industry. NSW (self-managed)
- Big thanks to The Seed Fund. As an emerging Indigenous cultural arts and music manager, I gained access to powerful skills and knowledge from a fantastic panel of music industry experts. The workshop has confirmed my belief that Indigenous music has a strong contribution in its ability to add to the richness and diversity of the Australian music industry.
Owen James Newcomb is Manager and bassist for bands Band of Frequencies and Afro Dizzi Act as well as co-founder and executive director of production house Low Pressure Productions. For over 15 years, Owen Newcomb (known as OJ) has been practicing as a professional bassist; OJ is also driven to be involved in management and over the last 20 years has worked on over 20 album releases, 2 International Album releases, 5 International tours as well as multiple local & national tours. QLD (self-managed)
- The Seed management workshop is AMAZING!! Thank you so much to the people who conceptualised this project & the hard working team that put this workshop together. I have learnt more in the last 3 Days then I would in 3 UNI courses. A message to the artists of Australia: you can have total faith in the music industry. It has the most dedicated, approachable, passionate, caring, inspiring & just outright awesome people working so hard to make it all tick. Believe in your self & go for it. I love my job.
Sam Hussey began as a film producer for advertising agencies and record labels. Through those channels Sam was asked to manage hip-hop artist Joelistics. Since being thrown in the deep end coming up swimmingly, Sam has taken on the careers of Evil Eddie and Tourism. Joelistics has always drawn on influences from a wide variety of sources. As a solo artist his sound is grounded in the boom bap of hip hop whilst keenly revisiting his love of beat poetry, shoe gazer electronica and folk to create an album that is both introspective and electrifying. His self-deprecating view allows the listener to discover for themselves the joyous optimism and redemption that co-pilots the album. QLD (manager)
- It sounds weird to say I loved hearing horror stories from managers talking about bands, but it let me discuss how they overcame issues with being a band manager and come out stronger. To have top managers in a room and discuss issues with nothing held back was amazing to figure out issue I faced as a manager and how I can overcome them as well
Sam Dutch is the director of Grindin' a Sydney based company with the aim of releasing, touring and managing quality Australian and International artists. Under Grindin' Sam manages Sky'High, Chasm, Dialectrix, Dr Don Don and Kween G. Sky'high (real name Skh'ai Gerrey) cites Scottish, Aboriginal and Fijian roots and describes herself as a "true blue Aussie through and through". Voted Best Female MC in the 2010 Ozhiphop Awards, there's little doubt that there is anyone on the planet that sounds quite like her. The highly acclaimed and respected NZ producer P-Money is handling the entire album's production which will see it's release through Sydney's Elefant Traks. NSW (manager)
- It doesn't matter what genre of music you are from The Seed offers a great insight into how the Australia music industry works for managers and self managed artists. From the information sessions to one on one time with the right people in the business you really do get a wealth of knowledge from attending.
Scott Mellis is an Australian singer / songwriter, who has performed mainly as a solo acoustic act, and occasionally with a band, he relocated to Melbourne where he built a positive reputation within the music industry and secured support gigs with local and visiting artists as well as performing as a headline act. He has visited the UK twice, where he played in London as well as at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. In 2010 Scott secured a coveted 3 year working visa for the United States. Since that time he has been based in Los Angeles, spending his time touring throughout the US and recording. Scott's EP, Dancing for the Murder of Desire, has received positive acclaim internationally since its release in 2011 and his following in Australia continues to grow. QLD (self-managed)
- The Seed is a great opportunity for any manager in the Australian music industry, experienced or not to connect with each other under the same roof.
Scott Mesiti started Cross Section with Ted Gardner approx 4 years ago. Cross Section is predominantly management, currently working with acts such as Floating Me, The Cairos, Over-Reactor and assisting with the development of younger acts such as Pigeon, The Foreign Objects and Barrel House. Consisting of members from some of Australia's finest progressive rock acts of the past two decades – Karnivool, COG and Scary Mother – Sydney-based group, Floating Me, released their debut self-titled album in 2011. The album went on to earn them an ARIA nomination in the Hard Rock / Metal category. Scott is also one of the co-founders of Festival Of The Sun in Port Macquarie. NSW (manager)
- The Seed has changed the way I look at managing my acts and I would encourage young managers to apply. Not only did it give me many tools for my business in the future, it injected a new found spirit and sense of community in what can be a lonely profession. I will be forever grateful for this opportunity.
Stefan Emslie lives, breaths and loves music. From playing in bands, studying Media Communications majoring in Popular Music to being heavily involved in the behind the scenes of some of Australia biggest events, Stefan has dedicated his life to music and it's industry. Stefan manages Art of Sleeping who's strong instrumental hooks, ambient rhythmic textures and the prominent vocal strength of front man Caleb Hodges explains why Art of Sleeping's live reputation in their hometown precedes them. Empty Hands' sees current go-to producer, Yanto Browning (The Medics, Tara Simmons, The Jungle Giants, The Belligerents) take the helm as a first taste of their EP release planned for later this year. QLD (manager)
- The Seed brings people together through knowledge, passion and love for music. Where else can you discuss your flaws and get a helping understanding in return.
Tim Baker, over 2011/12 has taken The Rubens from playing to a handful of people in small venues to one of the most exciting acts in Australia. Despite handing over The Rubens to new management in the US and Aus, Tim Baker strides forward with two new signings that will now join the Ratbag Music roster; Americana-indie-twang stars The Mountains and purveyors of Brooklyn-cool DRIFFS. On top of management he also runs a creative/party company Cries Wolf which curates underground warehouse parties and promotes creatives in all walks across Australia. NSW (manager)
- The Seed was the intensive 4 day workshop I needed to kick my arse into gear as a manager. The Seed has equipped me with the tools and resources I need to properly represent my artists.
Tom Spender is a Melbourne based musician, songwriter and producer. Spender co-founded Offcutts, which achieved national and international significance, he also founded The Sneaker Trio and was a long-standing member and songwriter with The Custom Kings. More recently Spender has focused on his collaboration and production in a variety of mediums. Artists include the likes of Gotye, Kimbra, Bertie Blackman, The Hello Morning, Sophia Brous and Rohypnotised (NY). Not limited to original production and composition he has also produced a number of sound designs and scores for theatre work, short films and numerous advertising tvc's. This year Spender is focusing on launching an album of his original composition and production in a project based upon diverse artistic collaboration also incorporating a live show. VIC (self-managed)
- If you've ever stared at a blank page with a burning desire to cut your own path in the music industry, this is were you should start. A transformational program fostering and enriching the industry at its roots.
Tristan Ludowyk has been performing professionally for the past 16 years on trumpet, guitar, keys and bass. His role in the music industry began after joining Latin hip-hop/funk group LABJACD in 2004. In 2008 he co-founded The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra whom he currently manages. The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra deliver contemporary African funk to dance floors. Tristan also records and produces for artists, some of whom are signed to his label HopeStreet Recordings. He also provides mentorship to artists on the HopeStreet roster The Cactus Channel and The Bombay Royale. VIC (self-managed)
- The Seed answered all of the questions I've been searching for over the years, while connecting me with a group of kindred spirits, each with a passion for music. It's been a real game changer.
PUBLICISE IT // TOTAL FUNDING $15,000
This category exists in line with The Seed's philosophy, to nurture artists throughout their careers. The Seed recognizes that publicists play an increasingly important role in the promotion of emerging artists and we are therefore seeking to fund managers (including self-managed artists) to contract a publicist for a promotional campaign up to the value of $5000. The campaign must be in support of a new Australian release (EP or Album only) or a campaign involving an Australian release and associated tour.
With just 1 EP and a single behind her, EMMA LOUISE has had a fruitful couple of years. Further to the rousing interest within Australia – labels from across the globe were soon clambering to work with her but it wasn't too long before the ears of Vertigo/Universal Germany and New York's indie-label kings Frenchkiss Records were pricked and deals were inked. Her shows in America, including much talked about South By South West showcases, provided the necessary formative steps while back home, tours with Josh Pyke, Boy & Bear and sold out headline shows have cemented a solid live following. The Seed will contribute $5000 to publicise the release her debut album & subsequent national tour – early 2013. Emma's manager Rick Chazan attended the Management Workshop in 2011.
"The grant was invaluable. Emma’s project was relatively high scale for an independent artist and the funding allowed us to have strong publicity coverage for the album"
Rick Chazan, Management
It is only just the beginning for NGAIIRE with recording of her debut album underway, an album that is bound to turn a few heads with its obvious eclectic sound and no partiality to a particular style of writing. Drawing harmony influences from vintage Disney movies, to the vocal yearnings of Jeff Buckley, to the enigmatic cool of Erykah Badu, Ngaiire has created her own brand of indie infused soul, a combination that is sure to welcome in the next year as one of her biggest years yet. The Seed will contribute $5000 to publicise the release Ngaiire's debut album & subsequent national tour – early 2013. Ngaiire attended the Management Workshop in 2009
“From our perspective, it has been an incredibly rewarding time to be working with you – particularly given we were really forcing some doors with Dirty Hercules only to see you finish the year supporting Alicia Keys, and then to Glastonbury. We know you know how stoked we have been with everything you have worked so hard to achieve.
It is to your complete credit that the pocket of media who had been waiting in anticipation for you to release your own record were so happy to take that first single and run with it – it has been a wonderfully successful campaign, and fantastic to be a part of”
Melanie Lewis, Publicist for Heapsaflash Music Media Management
TINPAN ORANGE has been building a strong grass roots fan base on the national festival and touring circuit over the past three years. Having performed at some of the biggest and best festivals, including Woodford, Falls Festival, Sunset Sounds, Chill Island, Port Fairy, Queenscliff, Darwin Festival to name a few. In the past 18 months, Tinpan Orange has toured overseas to Europe and Canada, most recently singing on with The Agency Group for representation in North America. The Seed will contribute $5000 to publicise the release of Tinpan Orange's third album 'Over The Sun' & subsequent national tour – late 2012. Jesse Lubitz attended the Management Workshop in 2008.
"This program was so fantastic for us - being selected for the 'Publicise it' program helped us when we needed it most. We'd poured our heart, soul and funds into creating an album that we were (are still are) really proud of, and having this assistance with publicity was so important to us getting the album 'out there'."
Tinpan Orange
ART ON THE STREET // TOTAL FUNDING $14,800
WHY: We are seeking to fund visual artists who are undertaking projects delivering art to outdoor, or prominent indoor public spaces. These art pieces should be a form of social commentary, communication and inspiration, between the artist and the general public. The art must be made available at no financial cost to the general public.
THE BACK ALLEY GALLERY – Lismore, NSW // Grant $4,800
The Back Alley Gallery (BAG) is an open-air gallery showcasing works by a collective of artists in the laneways of Lismore, NSW. The project currently includes thirteen artists from Lismore, Byron Bay, Murwillumbah, Nimbin, Coffs Harbour, Brisbane, and Germany. Each design is at the artist's discretion and includes graff art, street art, large scale murals, paste ups, stencils, yarn bombing, installations and more.
The works will be displayed in situ, using the natural backdrop of the City Centre. This includes a variety of materials in walls and doors such as brick, plasterboard, corrugated iron and also windows, gates and other structures to display other installations and living gardens The laneways of Lismore become activated via people travelling to see the artworks and events taking place here include: the Uni Games Back Alley Gallery Breakfast for over 450 students and the Lismore Lantern Parade with 30,000 people in attendance.
"My involvement with The Back Alley organisers was both a professionally fulfilling and community-enhancing project to be a part of. As an artist who does not usually work within the 'street art' scene I was pleasantly surprised to be involved in the plywood project. I enjoyed the interaction with the public, the sense of contribution fellow artists demonstrated and the opportunity to produce an artwork which can be installed in a non-gallery environment. Overall, I found the organisation and support provided by The B.A.G to be highly professional. I would welcome the opportunity to be involved in similar projects in the future." - Chris Barnes (Tarfeather)
DON'T UNGANGLE THE TRONGOLOPE – Hobart, TAS // Grant amount $5,000
Don't Ungangle The Trongolope is an illustrated cautionary tale by Aedan Howlett and Lachlan McKenzie, with each page of the tale to be painted as a large street art mural on a building in Hobart. The tale will be up to 20 pages/artworks long. The result will be a story in physical form that can be seen, read and explored by the public as they walk around the city. The text to accompany the "pages" and a map outlining a route to take to find the story will be available as a free download.
The work will be painted in surroundings relevant to the images. It will also be published as a book and will continue as an ongoing story with further works created worldwide available free online.
CONNECTION – Perth, WA // Grant $5,000
Connection will be a series of street murals by street artist YOK, that aims to connect suburbs from Mt Lawley and Claremont to the Perth city and all the way to Fremantle. A common character will be found on different city walls in the CBD and Fremantle. Each character will have a visually similar pair or partner. It will be like a game for the general public to find the matching partner. A map of the locations will be silkscreened and distributed about city cafes and galleries, to encourage people to explore their city to discover these mysterious new members of the community. Limited edition prints will be offered to the first 25 people that find all 3 characters and send pictures to YOK via Facebook and Instagram.
"With funding from The Seed we were able to paint murals around Perth, Fremantle and surrounding areas.
They provided us with the capital to produce a lot more murals then we would normally be able to afford. It's great to see The Seed supporting artists in this field to paint walls, and add a bit of colour and culture to Perth's grey walls. It really has helped us to lift our profile and and give a bit of life to some drab car parks and lane ways.
Thanks so much for the support and I hope to see more Seed-funded project with other visual artists in the future." - YOK
FALLS // SOUTHBOUND // PORT FAIRY // REGGAETOWN // QUEENSCLIFF // NANNUP
For the 5th year running The Seed in partnership with 4 amazing festivals is able to offer performance opportunities to band/s whose manager attends the Management Workshop in 2012.
Reggaetown (Cairns, QLD) has selected Bobby Alu to perform on Saturday 1st Sept 2012.
Nannup Music Festival (Nannup, WA) – has selected Ainslie Wills to perform in March 2013.
Queenscliff Music Festival (Queenscliff, VIC) has selected Loon Lake to open the mainstage on Friday 23rd Nov 2012.
Port Fairy Folk Festival (Port Fairy, VIC) // Act yet to be selected.
The Falls Music and Arts Festival (Lorne, VIC) // Act yet to be selected.
Southbound (Bunbury, WA) // Act yet to be selected.
BIGSOUND 2012 // Project value $1,180
The Seed will provide complimentary BIGSOUND conference registration to managers (the year following their attendance at our workshop) to support their networking and continued learning. This year we will send: Bridget Turner (Boys, Boys, Boys!, Simone Girlfunkle), Cesar Rodriguez (Texture Like Sun, Pip Norman aka Countbounce, Axolotl), Karinda Mutabazi (Roscoe James Irwin) and Nick Lynagh (Numbers Radio, Them Swoops)
SKINNYFISH // Project value $18,750 performance fees paid to remote Indigenous Musicians
Supporting Top End Indigenous community bands, by generating paid performance opportunities and encouraging positive outcomes in community life through music. For the third year The Seed is happy to confirm a partnership with Skinnyfish Music that enables us to roll out this initiative. Through existing and established festivals and events, this initiative creates paid performance opportunities for remote community bands in and around their homelands.
So far, we've paid the following bands at the following festivals:
Barunga Festival (Fri 8th to Sun 10th June 2012, Barunga, NT).
Mambali Band – $500, Miyarramba Band – $500, Bad T Boys – $500, North Tanami Band – $500, Lonely Boys – $500, Springwater Band – $500,
Western Wind – $250 and T-Lynx – $500.
Yugul Mangi (Ngukurr) Festival (Fri15th to Sun 17th June 2012, Ngukurr, NT) Yugul Band – $150, Tribal Vision – $360, Black Cloud – $360, NT Express – $360, Taxman – $360 Mambali – $360, Milyakburra Band – $360, T-Lynx – $360, Lonely Boys – $360, Bad T Boys – $360 and Yugul Voice – $360. Gunbalanya Stone Country Festival (Saturday the 25th August 2012 in Gunbalanya, NT). Matter of Soul, Sunset Liverpool, Rock Wallaby, West Arnhem Boss and Bininji Band. Each band was paid $750.
Bush Bands Bash (Fri 7th September, Alice Springs NT) Sandridge Band, Irrunytju Band, Central Desert Band, Desert Mulga and Sunshine Reggae. Each band is to be paid $750. More to come for the completion of this 2012 project.
BUSH BANDS BUSINESS // $5000 funding for mentors
In conjunction with Music NT and Alice Desert Festival, 2012 will see The Seed Fund, fund mentors to attend Bush Bands Business to be held in Alice Springs and surrounds in late 2012. We are proud to announce we are sending Paula 'Jonesy' Jones of Jones PR and Bill Cullen of One Louder Entertainment to attend Bush Bands Business and mentor remote community bands.
Song Cycles INBOUND project
We have run for the second year, a pilot program that takes urban music industry professionals into the heart of remote Australia to take a peek into the lives of Aboriginal musicians and remote Aboriginal community festivals with a music focus. Our hope is that these professionals will discover the high level of musicianship and song writing craft that exists in these communities and be forever changed by the experience.
In 2012, Denise Foley (Q Music) and Susan Forrester (Big Day Out) attended Ngukurr Festival. Lars Brandle (Billboard Magazine) and Andrew Walker (Buxton Walker) will attend Bush Bands Bash in September.
INSIDE OUT // More information to be released in the coming months, stay tuned!