2017 Blog
Vinyl Flash Funding
PRS Foundation’s Flash Funding for Vinyl in association with Key Production Group & MODO
Following a successful partnership with MODO in 2016, PRS Foundation is pleased to announce the return of Flash Funding for Vinyl – offering emerging UK artists and bands the opportunity to develop their careers with:
· 500 x 12” VINYL FROM KEY PRODUCTION GROUP & MODO
Worth over £1,500, artists receive 500 x stunning 12” vinyl, with Modo supporting artists based on a menu of design options
· RELEASE STRATEGY MENTORING
Artists will receive expert advice from partners on release planning, promotion and sales strategies
· ONGOING PROMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Partners will help to promote each release, staggered through 2017
PRS Foundation’s Flash Funding programme addresses issues facing emerging music creators by responding to specific needs with an innovative approach to funding, involving video submissions, quick decision turnaround and high-profile industry experts and partners.
This year’s Flash Fund for Vinyl is launched on 3rd of May 2017, with a deadline on Monday 8th May at 11.59 pm. A longlist will be whittled down to 10 shortlisted applications taken to our Live Flash Funding Panel at The Great Escape on Friday 19th May (10.30am-12noon).
For the first time, industry delegates at The Great Escape will be able to see how Flash Funding decisions are made, with 4 artists selected for support by special guest industry experts:
· Pat Carr, Infectious Records/BMG
· Julie Weir, Music For Nations/Sony
· John Kennedy, Radio X
· Laura Mary-Carter, Blood Red Shoes, Solo Artist and Co-Founder of Jazz Life Records
· John Robb, Louder Than War
Delegates will get an insight into the strength of video application and musical submissions and will hear from those working on the front-line of new music to see how selected artists jump out and receive support. This level of insight is invaluable to artists, managers and team members putting themselves forward for support opportunities.
Who can apply?
· UK-based artists, bands and performers
· Self-releasing artists and artists signed to independent labels (unless financial support is clearly not needed)
· Artists with team members (e.g. management, booking agents, PR, pluggers) are welcome to apply but all video applications must be submitted by the artist.
· Artists with recent or upcoming recordings will be prioritised. Those whose related recordings have been previously released must justify demand for a vinyl release
· Those with a clear sales plan for resulting releases
What are we looking for?
We are looking to support those creating, recording, performing and promoting outstanding new music. We want to support the next generation of credible talent and artists that are most ready to reap the benefits of a vinyl release. Those receiving support must sell resulting vinyl and must show a clear plan for their release.
Artists supported in 2016 were:
· Barney Artist (London)
· Marsicans (Yorkshire)
· Robocobra Quartet (Northern Ireland)
· The Pictish Trail (Scotland)
· Weirds (Yorkshire)
Who should not apply?
· Artists signed to major labels are ineligible
· Artists funded recently through other PRS Foundation schemes are unlikely to receive support. If in doubt, ask your existing PRS Foundation contact
· Those deemed not in need of funding support will not be selected
· Those planning on giving away the resulting release
The application process
Our online application form allows artists to submit the following parts for consideration:
· 2 x Musical Examples (links to SoundCloud, Spotify, Bandcamp, MixCloud, YouTube, etc.)
· 1 x Video Submission (3 mins max)
· A 3 minute video must answer the following questions:
- - Describe your music and summarise your career to date (45 secs maximum)
- - What are your musical ambitions? (30 secs maximum)
- - Why is now the right time for you to make and release 500 x 12” vinyl? (45 secs maximum)
- - How do you plan to sell your vinyl? (30 secs maximum)
- - What will you do with the money raised from selling vinyl? (30 secs maximum)
While well produced videos are nice to see, you will only be judged on the strength of your music and your answers to the above questions. Passion goes a lot further than visual production values so feel free to use camera phones if you do not have access to professional standard filming equipment.
Application Deadline: Monday 8th May, 11.59 pm.
Please be aware that – if selected for panel discussion – your video application and musical submissions will be seen and discussed at The Great Escape and potentially broadcast live. If you are not comfortable with this, please apply for alternative funding opportunities.
APPLY HERE