The Unsigned Guide looks at funding options out there for emerging bands and artists.
In a time when it can be difficult to get backing from record labels who are increasingly more prudent about their risk-taking on new artists, these days there are a number of ways that musicians can secure financial support for their music.
Whether it’s a one-off grant to get you out on tour, into a better studio or overseas to play at SXSW, or you’re thinking of setting up your own label or music business, it’s essential you investigate the music funding options available.
Grants, bursaries & funds
The Arts Council, PRS For Music Foundation, BPI and many more UK organisations offer a selection of grants, bursaries and funds to help advance promising music careers. Be realistic and make sure you have a clear project in mind – you won’t be awarded money to simply make ends meet.
Start-up loans
If you’re thinking of setting up your own music business, or are already running one, then start-up loans can be a great way to get a much needed cash injection that benefit from very low interest rates. Worth checking out to get things off the ground!
Crowdfunding
Many DIY musicians and bands have taken to raising their own money through campaigns funded by their fanbase. PledgeMusic, Kickstarter and other crowdfunding platforms have many success stories from artists who have a specific goal in mind – such as releasing an album – and have raised the money through a campaign funded by dedicated fans who are keen to buy exclusive merch and unique opportunities with their favourite band.
All the info you need in one place!
If you’re keen to find out more about the music funding opportunities available to you, we’ve created The Unsigned Guide’s Essential Guide to Music Funding as a free source of information summarising the options out there for emerging bands and artists.
This free 37 page PDF contains information about music funding opportunities and advice from Musicians’ Union, Arts Council England, PRS For Music Foundation, Creative Industry Finance, Help Musicians UK, Music Tank, BPI, Transmit Start-Up and Pledge Music. Each organisation has taken the time to present straightforward details of what they can offer grassroots musicians in terms of funding, support and development, and we’ve gathered it all together in one place for easy reference.
Bands and musicians can obtain their free 37 page copy of The Unsigned Guide’s Essential Guide to Music Funding by emailing louise@theunsignedguide.com
This is a guest post from The Unsigned Guide, a music industry directory providing emerging bands & artists, aspiring producers, music managers and start-ups with over 8,500 contacts across 50 areas of the music business including artist managers, record labels, music publishers, producers, radio stations, festivals, venues, gig promoters, PR companies, booking agents and much more.