YOUR GATEWAY TO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY

Revised
Edition

The Unsigned
Guides Essential
Guide to Music
Funding
www.theunsignedguide.com
 02

Contents
Introduction......................................................... 03 Business Support & Finance For Your Music
Venture from Creative Industry Finance.............. 20
Creative Industry Finance
Getting you started & keeping you going............. 04
Help Musicians UK
Got a bright idea for a business?.......................... 23
Transmit Start-Up Loans
All about Grants for the Arts................................ 07
Arts Council England
Gathering A Crowd
Running A Music Crowdfunding Campaign.......... 26
Momentum Music Fund, Women Make Music
Remi Harris
& Other Opportunities Provided by PRS for
Music Foundation................................................ 10
PRS for Music Foundation The Direct To Fan Option Comes Of Age............... 31
Julian Wall, PledgeMusic
What the Music Export Growth Scheme
can offer you........................................................ 13 Completing a Funding Application....................... 34
BPI & UKTI Musicians Union

Easy Money? The Definitive UK Guide About The Unsigned Guide................................... 37

To Funding Music Projects................................... 17
MusicTank

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IntroDuction
Here at The Unsigned Guide, we are the dawn of a digital age, it stands to reason
regularly on the receiving end of enquiries that they are much more prudent about
from bands and musicians wanting to make their risk-taking on new artists these days.
a living from their craft, asking how they can Therefore, it is a good idea for any emerging
be supported financially, what they need to band or artist to look beyond the record
do to get signed by a record label or what companies and see what other outlets
In a climate and age where the other artists do to make ends meet. can help them fund the marketing and
Unfortunately, most artists we chat to release of their music. We hope this guide
music and arts industries in the UK are largely unaware of the music funding will clearly spell out the alternative routes
have undergone radical changes, some opportunities available to them which available to DIY musicians; grants, creative
led us to creating this booklet as a free funding, start-up loans and crowdfunding
of which have proven to be beneficial source of information summarising the are all covered within these pages.
for the DIY grassroots artist and options out there. We are pleased to Whilst we have tried to gather together as
welcome contributions from Arts Council much music funding information as possible,
some not, the topic of finding money England, PRS For Music Foundation, there are also other organisations providing
for development in these areas has Creative Industry Finance, Help Musicians ongoing funding programmes, as well as
UK, Music Tank, Musicians Union, BPI, one-off, ad hoc schemes and initiatives that
become very prominent. Transmit Start-Up and Pledge Music. All of crop up, so other organisations and websites
these organisations have taken the time to keep an eye on for details or events would
to present straightforward details of what be IdeasTap, Scottish Music Centre, Creative
they can offer grassroots musicians in Choices, UKTI, Arts Council Of Wales,
terms of funding, support and development, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Creative
and weve gathered it all together in one Scotland and Generator.
place for easy reference. On a more regional basis, members of
Of course, arts and music funding never The Unsigned Guide will be able to refer
has been and never will be handed out to the Music & Business Advice section of
without the proven demonstration of an our directory to locate charities, projects
idea worth evolving and real passion & and organisations based near you who
commitment to that idea. However, with may offer grants and other opportunities
the fundamental details of the options specifically to local musicians. Whilst this
available to you as a music maker, here at booklet is focused on what is available on a
your fingertips, you are now in an informed national level, there may be opportunities in
position to consider how you conduct your your area that you can tap into so take the
musical projects, how they could possibly time to investigate a little.
be adapted to obtain funding, or it may We extend our thanks in providing the information essential
spark fresh notions as to what direction to putting this guide together to: Chris Tams at BPI, Jonathan
Robinson & Jenny Tyler at Music Tank, Remi Harris, Joe
your music career could take. Frankland & Liam McMahon at PRS For Music Foundation,
Although record labels are still a primary Rebecca Williams at Arts Council, Genevieve Pace & Sarah
source of financial investment in new music Thirtle at Creative Industry Finance, Damian Baetans &
Richard Lyne at Transmit Start-Ups, Maddy Radcliff at
in the UK, with recent transformations Musicians Union, Matthew Mulcahy & Ashling Pickett
brought about by the economic climate and at Help Musicians UK and Julian Wall at Pledge Music.

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Help Musicians
Uk getting
you started
& keeping
you going

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Help Musicians UK is the leading charity

for professional musicians. We help at times
of crisis, but also at times of opportunity,
giving people the extra support they need at
a crucial stage.

Since 1921, weve been backing musicians

throughout their careers, including those
who are starting out. In 2015 we invested
more than 600,000 helping emerging artists.
We fund individuals and groups directly
through tailored schemes, and we also work
with a range of other organisations around
the UK to provide development and
In an ever-changing music industry we
are determined to help talent succeed Career
performance opportunities. without facing impossible financial
barriers. We want to see a thriving musical
Development
culture in the UK and will continue to Bursaries
play our part in supporting upcoming
musicians to ensure the vitality and Our Career Development Bursaries
diversity of the profession is sustained. help young artists access exceptional
opportunities in the UK and abroad.
Our funding schemes are evolving visit Whether you want to work with a mentor
our website to have a look at our current or coach, attend a masterclass or
opportunities. residency, or undertake a personalised
programme of development, this scheme
could be for you. To apply, you must be
primarily UK-based and aged between 21-
30.Grants range from 500 to 2,000. You
can find out how to apply and when the
latest deadlines are on our website.

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Emerging
Artists Fund
We have been working with leading direct-
Help Musicians UK
to-fan platform PledgeMusic to support a
diverse group of emerging bands and solo
artists. The scheme offers match funding
is an incredible
to selected acts when they complete a
successful PledgeMusic campaign. The
aim is to identify and support emerging
charity. They helped
artists who have the talent and the DIY
drive to build a long-term career. To find
out about current recipients and future
me when I was
application rounds, visit helpmusicians.
org.uk/emergingartistsfund starting out and
Support in
a crisis
make a real
As well as helping you get started, we difference to the
lives of thousands
provide specialist help to professionals
who are unable to work due to accident or
illness. If you know someone who needs

of musicians
our help, give us a call on 020 7239 9100,
email [email protected] or visit
our website.

every year.
Soweto Kinch
Jazz saxophonist, rapper and amabassador
for Help Musicians UK

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All
about
Grants
for
the Arts

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Arts Council England is an organisation

Ruth Sidgwick, Brunel 200 launch event

dedicated to promoting arts and culture
in England. The Arts Councils scope is not
limited to the visual arts. They develop, invest,
support and champion artistic and cultural
experiences and activities across the arts,
from theatre to digital art, reading to dance,
music to literature, and crafts to collections.
For musicians (or those working on music-
based projects) looking for support, the open
access Grants for the Arts scheme is a good
place to start. However do check the website
as targeted funds specifically aimed at
musicians are sometimes also available.

Grants for the How much

Arts from Arts can I apply
Council England for?
Individual musicians, musical These kind of grants range from 1,000
organisations and others who use music to 100,000 and in special circumstances
in their work can apply for Grants for the they will award larger grants for more
Arts. Grants are awarded for activities major projects. Grants for the Arts is a
carried out over a set period which: continuous funding programme so you
engage people in England in can apply at any time. There are no
arts activities deadlines but you need to allow enough
help artists and arts organisations time between when you apply and when
in England carry out their work your project starts.

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AudioActive
The Arts Council needs 6 weeks to Today, Rizzle Kicks are playing sell
process applications for 15,000 and out tours and recording a new album
under, and 12 weeks for applications for and have said of their early support from

did us a lot
more than 15,000. Find out more about AudioActive: AudioActive did us a lot of
the types of activity they fund in their How good and without them we may not have
to Apply guidance documents and visit got here! Rizzle Kicks

of good and
http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/gfta See more news and case studies
about Arts Council investment here:
http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/news/
Case Study
Rizzle Kicks/ without them
AudioActive Hip
Hop Foundation we may not
Arts Council funding has enabled many
creative music projects to flourish.
AudioActive is a pioneering charity
have got here!
working to nurture the talent and Rizzle Kicks
potential of children and young people.
Jordan Stephens and Harley Alexander-
Sule (aka Rizzle Kicks) took part in
AudioActives flagship project Hip Hop
Foundation, which was supported by Arts
Council Englands open-access funding
programme Grants for the Arts.
Rizzle Kicks involvement in the Hip
Hop Foundation was a major turning point
in their artistic careers, offering them the
opportunity to gain major exposure for
their work, including performing live to
thousands at Brighton Hip Hop Festival
2006 and 2007, with the likes of Blak
Twang and Soweto Kinch.

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Momentum Music
Fund, Women Make
Music & other
opportunities
provided by PRS For
Music Foundation

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PRS for Music Foundation was set up

as an independent charity in 2000, and is
supported through an annual donation from
PRS for Music. We support the performance
and creation of music of any genre by UK based
music creators. Since 2000, weve supported
over 5,200 projects to the tune of over 22m.
Our funding deadlines are publicised on our
website, through our newsletter and social
media. Applications are completed online and
are assessed by specialists from our UK-wide
network of advisors.

Our Funding
Momentum Music Fund is a partnership International Showcase Fund supports
between PRS for Music Foundation and acts to showcase at international music
Arts Council England and in association industry events such as SXSW, CMJ,
with Spotify offering grants of 5-15k Eurosonic and NH7. Apply to ISF at least
for artists and bands based in England 3 months before the industry event will
to break through to the next level of their take place.
career. Funding deadlines are 4 times a You are eligible if you have:
year. You are eligible if you: an invitation to showcase at an
are writing, recording and performing international industry conference
music in the commercial genres evidence of existing track record, i.e.
are working with a team, i.e. a manager, club level shows, support tour, press,
booking agent, PR, plugger, indie radio play, blog buzz
label, lawyer genuine interest in your music/act
have evidence of existing track record, from outside of the UK, i.e. from labels,
i.e. club level shows, support tour, agents, promoters, sync agencies
press, radio play, blog buzz

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Since 2000,
Women Make Music supports female Our Open Funding offers grants
music creators to increase their profile to Organisations (i.e. promoters,
as well as stimulate new collaborations. large performance groups, talent

weve supported
Women Make Music has 3 deadlines development organisations, venues
a year. and curators) and Music Creators (i.e.
songwriters, composers, artists, bands

over 5,200
You are eligible if you: and performers who are writing their
are a female artist/composer or own music or commissioning others).
music creator Deadlines are 3 times a year.

projects to
have been active/working in music
for at least 18 months You are eligible if you have:
have a project that would been active/working in music for at

the tune of
- support the creation, performance least 18 months
and promotion of outstanding new a project that would
music in any genre - support the creation, performance

over 22m.
- enable the UKs most talented music and promotion of outstanding new
creators to realise their potential music in any genre
- inspire audiences - enable the UKs most talented music
creators to realise their potential
- inspire audiences

We also work in partnership with other

organisations, funders and foundations
to provide musician residencies,
professional development schemes
and new music commissioning
programmes, including:
New Music Biennial
BBC Introducing and PRS Foundation
Showcases
Bliss Trust Composer Bursaries
Take Five (in partnership with Serious)
Musicians In Residence China (in
partnership with British Council)
Steve Reid Innovation Award
Beyond Borders

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What the
Music Export
Growth Scheme
can offer you

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The Music Export Growth Scheme has

geishaboy500 http://www.flickr.com/photos/geishaboy500/
been created to help support music marketing
activity in overseas territories. It is funded by
UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), the Government
organisation that supports UK business
overseas, and run by BPI, which represents
British recorded music businesses. The idea
behind the Scheme is to help stimulate growth
within the UKs creative economy.

This is a new scheme (launched at the or not. We will then let you know their
end of 2013) so is still fairly flexible and decision. If they dont feel an application
these guidelines are to help you with is appropriate, we will try and give some
your application and steer you in the guidance on where you can improve
right direction. The important thing is and services you can use to assist you.
to put a solid business case forward For further information on the Scheme,
including where we would see a return guidelines for application and deadlines
on investment for the grant being please go to BPIs website at: www.bpi.
requested. Each case will be looked at by co.uk/megs.aspx
the Selection Board and they will decide
if the application is right for funding

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Q3. Can I apply

The important thing is
Weve put together ten
questions that are commonly
asked about the Scheme and
for more than
tried to answer them as clearly
and precisely as possible.
one of my
artists? to put a solid business
Q1. Can I apply
A. Yes, though you must apply for one
artist or project on each application.
case forward including
for the Scheme? where we would see a
A company can be awarded no more
than two grants in any year of funding
so you may wish to restrict your

return on investment
A. You are eligible to apply if you are a UK-
applications accordingly.
based music company with a turnover of
less than 50 million and fewer than 250
Q4. How much
for the grant being
employees, as per the EU definition of an
SME (Small to Medium Enterprise).
can I get?
Q2. What is the
Music Export
A. You can apply for between 5,000 and
50,000 in your application. The grant requested.
Growth Scheme awarded can cover up to 70% of your
eligible costs so companies must part-
for exactly? fund at least 30% of the proposed activity
from their own resources, demonstrating
A. The Scheme has been set up to support their commitment to the plan. It is not
emerging artists, bands, DJs, performers, a Dragons Den style all-or-nothing
projects, etc. that have had their first request; if the Selection Board feel it is
success in the UK and are ready to try and a worthy project but the applicant has
break into an overseas market. overestimated their costs they may offer
If you want funding for a service rather a grant at a reduced level.
than an act, please get in touch with your
local UK Trade & Investment International
Trade Advisor who should be able to give
you more advice on any opportunities that
are available to you. Type your postcode
into their website to find your local office:
http://www.ukti.gov.uk/export.html

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Q5. What is an Q7. And if my Q9. When do I

eligible cost? application is need to apply by?
A. Thats marketing costs, tour support, successful, A. The scheme runs regularly throughout
venue costs, international travel, visa
costs, international promotion costs
when will I the year so for the latest information on
the next closing date for applications
including hire of session musicians/ receive the please visit www.bpi.co.uk/megs.aspx
singers etc. for TV performances and
other such things. Non eligible costs are
grant?
your normal day to day running costs, A. You will need to undertake your Q10. So I
salaries, UK travel and items unrelated
to the market you are applying for.
planned activity before you receive any
funding. The grant will only be distributed
understand it
on the presentation of invoices for eligible all now, how
Q6. When will I
spend. If the amount requested is a large
amount this may be awarded in two parts.
do I apply?
A. You will find the application form on the
find out if Ive BPI website at: www.bpi.co.uk/megs.aspx.

been successful Q8. Is anything The form is a downloadable, editable pdf.

You need to fill it in electronically in order
or not? expected of me for us to accept your application so if

A. If you get your application in by the in return? you are unable to edit it, you may need to
update your adobe software.
deadline of each round and you are Complete the form in as much detail
A. We need to make sure there is a return
entered into a round of funding you will as you can so that we have all the
on investment so you will need to comply
have a decision on whether you have information that we need available to
with any requests for information and
been successful or not in approximately us and then return your form, along with
provide updates at regular intervals
a month from the deadline date. any supporting documentation, via email
detailing the impact the funding has had
to [email protected].
on your artist. We do not intend for such
This is also the email address to send
requests to be onerous, but we do need to
any queries or questions to in relation
evaluate the success of the scheme and
to the Scheme.
the awards. BPI and UKTI may also call
upon you to do some marketing on behalf
of the Scheme or use your company name
in promotional material, case studies and
press releases

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Easy Money?
The Definitive UK
Guide To Funding
Music Projects
by Remi Harris
published by MusicTank, London, 2013

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Back to Contents 18

Exclusive Unsigned Guide

reader promotions

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Easy Money? is a must-read funding process essential to securing music
guide that puts the access to finance business funding.
issue firmly under the spotlight, providing This digital-only publication has
musicians, entrepreneurs, micro been designed to be used as both
business and SMEs with a hands-on a reference guide for selective use
answer to the question How can I get by readers wanting to know about
funding for my music project? a particular funding source and an
Building on her extensive knowledge ordered, comprehensive guide to the
of creative industries funding, former six key sources of funding options
AIM General Manager and UK Music available. The chapters are broadly
Director of Operations, author Remi ordered to take account of the level of
Harris identifies and considers the six funding sought, the associated costs
main sources of money: Grants, Friends of borrowing, and the processes involved,
& Family, Crowdfunding, Sponsorship, from the relatively straightforward to
Debt and Investment and the five-stage the complex.

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Back to Contents 19

This guides plain-

Packed with tips, advice and Artists and small music companies have
contributions from 40-plus artists, more control than ever, but navigating the
managers, entrepreneurs, music world of funding and finance is a daunting

speaking tone and

businesses and funding organisations - task. The attention to detail, pertinent
including End of the Road festivals Sofia case studies and practical advice in Remis
Hagberg, Red Grape Management and comprehensive guide make this essential

accessible structure
Carl Bart - this guides plain-speaking reading for the DIY sector.
tone and accessible structure demystifies Joe Frankland
how funding works for musicians, Senior Grants & Programmes Manager,

demystifies how
entrepreneurs and micro-businesses, PRS for Music Foundation
helping them discover sources of money
they were previously unaware or unsure This publication is timely. As the business

funding works
of. It also includes details and links to of making a living from music gets harder
100+ grant funding destinations. this is an essential guide to ways of getting
help, and learning the language needed to

for musicians.
get that help. Theres probably no such thing
as easy money from any funder, but as a
funder who cares about true talent finding
its way, anything that makes it more likely
that talent and funding find each other is
very welcome. Remi Harris provides a clear
and much needed guide to navigating the
tricky geography of the funding landscape.
Alan Davey
Chief Executive, Arts Council

Investment in British creative talent is at

a critical juncture. As our nation struggles
to move investment focus away from
industrial concerns to internet-driven,
knowledge-based youth enterprise, this
publication is significant in both its timing
and content. British music is a leading light
in the creative field, a rare export jewel.
Investment in music talent will define
whether this sector will grow or decline; its
as simple as that. Easy Money? will prove
a useful tool in helping us push towards the
hoped-for outcome.
Brian Message
ATC Management/ Chairman, MMF

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Back to Contents 20

Business
support & finance
for your music
venture from
Creative Industry
Finance

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Back to Contents 21

If youre looking for practical advice

and support to develop your business in the
music industry then the Creative Industry
Finance (CIF) scheme may well provide
the answer. The programme offers tailored
advice and the opportunity to access loan
finance from 2,500 upwards from one of
their lending partners.

Funded by Arts Council England, the The business support was incredibly
programme has supported over 150 helpful as Jeff [their advisor] had some
creative enterprises with almost 1000 very good connections to give us. As he is
hours of business advice since its himself a specialist in the music sector, he
England-wide launch in September 2014. understood our needs perfectly and the
Businesses receive one to one support connections really helped, says Ryan Nile
from a business advisor who provides of Ulteria.
help and advice on a range of issues Oftentimes, just being able to discuss
including business planning, accessing business plans with an advisor is a boost in
new markets and preparing to apply for itself. Amy Richardson from pop/producer
finance. duo Them & Us told us, The advice from
Ulteria is a record label, publishing our Creative Industry Finance business
and management company that was advisor has been extremely helpful in
supported by the Creative Industry gaining insight into the different financial
Finance programme. For them, their options for our project. Theyve also helped
business advisor was invaluable at hugely with business training and cash flow
helping improve their business know-how projections, which is really important for a
and networking. successful business model

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The business support

Stevan Krakovic, Director of the Music
Producers Guild and manager of Shock
and Awe Studios needed support on their

was incredibly helpful

upgrade and expansion plans. He told
us, [our] business advisor was fantastic
and a great help. She helped us to focus,

as Jeff [their advisor]

and optimise our strategy and business
plan

The One,
Two Project
Who can apply?
Creative Industry Finance is open to
had some very good
If you run a grassroots, small music venue
then our One, Two Project is for you. With
a wide range of creative and cultural
enterprises, from micro-businesses and
sole traders through to major institutions.
connections to give
our partners at the Music Venue Trust,
this Creative Industry Finance initiative
offers free business support for venue
They welcome applications from charities
and social enterprises, as well as
commercial businesses.
us. As he is himself a
owners and promoters.

Eligibility
specialist in the music
criteria sector, he understood
ARTISTE:
To be considered for support under this
programme, you need to:
Be based in England
our needs perfectly
Be trading for at least 18 months
Show how creativity is at the heart of
your business
and the connections
ACCESS:
BUSINESS
To get the ball rolling head to our website
www.creativeindustryfinance.org.uk to
really helped.
submit your application. If in doubt, give
SUPPORT us a call on 0207 759 1114 or email us at
[email protected].
Ryan Nile of Ulteria

FINANCE We are happy to discuss your application,

including signposting you to a relevant
alternative means of support if your
creativeindustryfinance.org.uk
business is not the right fit for this
programme.

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Back to Contents 23

Got a bright
idea for a
business? Talk
to Transmit

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In 2012 the Government set up the Start-

Up Loans Programme to help kick-start a new
generation of entrepreneurs with tailor-made
financial support not normally available from
traditional banking relationships.

ARE YOU? WHAT DO I GET?

Wondering what it would be like to run An unsecured loan of up to 25,000
your own creative business such as a for each founder (director/partner)
design company, music business, film A low interest rate of 6% APR over
production or photography business? a repayment period of between 12
and 60 months
Passionate and ambitious about an idea
Quality business mentoring from
you have? Want to turn your creative
business people who have run creative
hobby into a business?
businesses to guide you all the way,
Ready to take control of your future? from the initial application, to business
planning and development
Not sure about working for someone else?
Exclusive discounts from global
If this sounds like you, you live in England business partners including O2,
or Scotland and have a new business idea Santander, Paypal, Worldpay
or a business less than 3 years old, then and Regus.
you can apply for a loan.

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Back to Contents 25

WHY IS THIS LOAN

DIFFERENT?
WHAT DO I
DO NEXT? The programme isnt
The programme isnt just about providing
financial help you get a business
Applying is easy
To start with, just register with us here just about providing
financial help
mentor with extensive knowledge of and we will be in touch with you to
the creative sector to help you on your discuss the next steps
enterprise journey and help you fulfil www.transmitstartups.co.uk/tug1

you get a business

your potential. Our mentors have years
of experience of starting up and running For more information and examples
their own companies and can help you of repayments visit our website

mentor with extensive

avoid the early mistakes many businesses www.transmitstartups.co.uk/
make when starting out. start-up-loans
Applying is quick and easy, loans are

knowledge of the
affordable and based on clear terms, Any questions?
and you get access to a whole range of Email us at
products and services from big name [email protected]

creative sector to help

brands that would not normally be or pick up the phone
available to new businesses. 0191 490 9328.
Transmit Start-Ups is an official

you on your enterprise

delivery partner for the Start-Up Loans
Programme. The directors have over 30
years experience in the creative sector.
If you want to set up a creative business
then get in touch!
journey and help you
fulfil your potential.

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Back to Contents 26

Gathering
A Crowd
Running
A Music
Crowdfunding
Campaign
by Remi Harris

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Back to Contents 27

Crowdfunding has become incredibly

Neate Photos www.flickr.com/photos/neate_photos/5440130376

high-profile in the music industry. Amanda
Palmer became one the most well-known
names associated with it, when she raised
over a million dollars from donors using the
Kickstarter platform in order to produce her
album, art book and tour. Meanwhile, on the
music-specialist crowdfunding site Pledge
Music, Ginger Wildheart raised money from
over 6000 pledgers to record a triple album.
Remi Harris takes a look at the use of crowd
funding for songwriters and composers.

Remi Harris shows creatives, arts organisations

and entrepreneurs how to write about what
they do in a way that makes funders want to Continuing run schemes that offer members of the
public the opportunity to contribute
back them. To find out more about what she A Tradition to the commissioning of new classical
work. The Royal Philharmonic Society,
offers including workshops, business planning Of Public for example, was set up 200 years ago
and coaching on getting grants please visit: Subscription in order to be put on concerts paid for
by members subscriptions, and has
www.remiharrisconsulting.com It turns out that composers are well commissioned many new works including,
versed in having their work funded by famously, Beethovens 9th Symphony.
public subscriptions and donations. A Their fundraising for composers and
recent survey of BASCA members that performances of new work continues to
asked how commissions are funded this day. Another example is Birmingham
revealed that 48% of the 97 respondents Contemporary Music Groups Sound
had had a commission paid for from Investment program, which allows the
Individual Giving or Fundraising Schemes, public to purchase units of 150 towards
so the tradition of public subscription the cost of commissioning new music,
as a way of funding composition is well in return for benefits such as a named
embedded. A number of Orchestras acknowledgement, an invitation to

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Independent
Websites such
rehearsals or a chance to meet
the composer.
Dr Gwendolyn Tietze, the groups Fundraising
as Pledge Music,
Director of Development says that the
scheme has been highly successful, Online crowdfunding platforms can
We launched Sound Investment in 1991 also offer the individual composer or

Indiegogo, Kickstarter,
with two aims: to raise money to be able songwriter or small organisation the
to commission more composers; and to option of doing this sort of fundraising
involve more people in the excitement independently without having the

My Major Company
of creating new work. So far, Sound infrastructure of a commissioning
Investment has helped us premiere organisation or music publisher to
68 new works by a variety of emerging financially support their writing. Websites

and others are all

and established UK and international such as Pledge Music, Indiegogo,
composers, raised over 300,000 for new Kickstarter, My Major Company and
commissions, and it has involved over 300 others are all geared up to connect

geared up to connect
individual donors. individuals with music projects in need
Some media writers have seen new of funding. But how suitable are these
opportunities from the rise of online platforms for the work of songwriters
crowdfunding, with independent film
and video game makers able to use the
technology to plug into an alternative
and composers? Certainly, one of the
most obvious challenges is that most of
the active crowdfunding campaigns for
individuals with music
source of money to put projects into
production. Richard Jacques, an award-
winning media writer has been asked to
music online are being run by performers.
The typical model is that supporters will
be offered a physical or digital album
projects in need
create music for the online trailers used
to generate crowdfunding income, and
says these platforms can work well to get
and access to a live performance as
a reward for their support, which may
not be something that all writers can
of funding.
interesting and more indie projects off the offer. Another issue is that in order to
ground. Richard recommends keeping an crowdfund you need a crowd. Writers
eye on projects that are in development who are also artists and have their own
as a way of tapping into potential score- fan base are likely to have a ready-made
writing opportunities. group to approach, but others will find
that this is something that has to be
developed from scratch.
On the surface, crowdfunding sites
may not seem like a natural home for
writers and composers, but digging a
little deeper, it is clear that there are
advantages to them. One of the benefits
of these sites is that they do allow more
unusual and interesting projects to

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Life Cycle Of A
Projects can take
find their audience without necessarily
appealing to the commercial mainstream.
Projects can take almost any shape or Crowd-Funding
almost any shape
style, giving huge scope for creativity in
how the work is delivered. Writers may Campaign
find that they get a refreshing amount Crista Kende is a professional freelance

or style, giving huge

of support from their contacts and enjoy violist based in New York City. For over a
the experience of a dialogue with their decade she played on a viola on loan from
network and the public directly as they a foundation, but when she completed

scope for creativity

create their work. her Masters at the conservatoire Julliard
Author Miranda Ward experienced she had to find an instrument of her own.
these benefits when she crowd-funded As she also has a job working at crowd-

in how the work

the publication of her first book F**k The funding site Indiegogo, it was natural
Radio, Weve Got Apple Juice: Essays on for her to turn to the platform to raise
a rock n roll band. The book is a memoir money for a world-class instrument to

is delivered.
based on her experiences as a freelance continue her career. Crista set out to raise
writer and her friendship with Oxford- US $ 24,000 over a 30-day campaign, and
based band Little Fish. The book explores kindly shared some details of the process
the nature of success and creativity, with The Works.
through the story of the band. Miranda Speaking from her New York office,
was supported by fans of the band, Crista says: There was definitely a lot of
readers of her blog and the local music planning, a few months (worth). I dont
community in Oxford to write the book. think I understood the whole process that she would be able to put the money Crista estimated that she already
There was demand for the book, which until I did it for myself. During the raised towards the cost of the Viola, and knew around 75% of the people who
Miranda was able to demonstrate to the campaign she had to be very proactive not spend it on fulfilling the perks. She contributed some were family members,
publisher Unbound, by getting grassroots about contacting people, publicising her offered Viola lessons, a Crista Channel but others were loosely connected to
financial support. Miranda remarked, campaign, updating her page and other where she would release one recording her, and people that she would not have
Fans of the band were prepared to throw social media and responding to queries, each month of Viola pieces performed approached for funding had it not been in
their money at it and spread the word. Its really like a part time job, spending a on her new Viola and tickets to a recital the context of the campaign.
She warns, though, that independent few hours per day you work for it, she amongst other benefits. Cristas primary tip is not to approach
fundraising does take a great deal of says. This included reaching out to Viola 25% of the money was raised within people feeling as if you are simply
work, I was really happy to do it, but its and Classical Music groups on sites like the first week. Then there was a lull in asking for money, the exercise needs to
quite an exhausting processI felt like Reddit, and contacting people on Twitter the middle weeks, which Indiegogo says be treated as, creating a market place
I was a broken record constantly saying she thought would be able to publicise most campaigns experience. 2 days from for your services and finding a way to
support this thingand then you have to her campaign. She got a late boost from the end date, there was still $11,000 communicate with your audience on
sit down and actually write itI felt I had a mention on Norman Lebrechts widely dollars to raise, but the target was a different level. She says that in her
a responsibility to these people [who had read Slipped Disc blog in the UK, and all reached by continually reminding people experience, people are actually very
pledged money].it is a lot of investment of this helped her break out of her inner of the countdown to the deadline, which interested.
on both sides. circle and reach strangers. spurred some late funders into action. In
The kind of perks that Crista included the end, 188 different people contributed
in her campaign were carefully chosen so between $5 and $1500 to the campaign.

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Classic Early Adopters with fans reinvesting or encouraging

friends to back the campaign in order How They
Crowdfunding Over on this side of the Atlantic, and in
to hear the next demo. After a change
of distributor and label personnel, the
Did It...
a popular music genre, BASCA member
A few examples of successful crowd- resulting album Allies was released in Discover more about the campaigns
Rob Flanagan of London band Some
funding campaigns for classical Europe and online by My Major Company/ highlighted in this blog:
Velvet Morning used the French site My
music projects: Warner Music on May 13th 2013.
Major Label to raise 100,000 for the
Armenian Guitarist Gohar Vardanyan Amanda Palmers Kickstarter
groups second album. The three-piece
raised $3,000 for her debut recording campaign
The Declassified raised $25,000 for
write all of their music together, and had
already released their own debut album Within Reach Ginger Wildheart on Pledge Music
the launch of a new organisation for and an EP, before launching their funding Birmingham Contemporary Music
classical music So crowdfunding is something that isnt
campaign in late 2010. The site offers Groups Sound Investment scheme
new, but the online platforms available
Lincoln Youth Symphony fundraised members a chance to invest in projects The history of the Royal
put it into the reach of every songwriter,
for a commission on Kickstarter with profits being split between the Philharmonic Society
composer and author whatever their
Serenata Renaissance and Folk Music investors, the band and the record label.
genre or size of project. The crowdfunding Richard Jacques
Group on Pledge Music This campaign saw the majority of the
platforms will offer support to you as you Miranda Ward and Little Fish
money coming from investors hoping to
plan your campaign. Pledge Music, for on Unbound
make a return on a few hundred or few
example, can offer guidance on choosing
thousand pounds speculated on the band, Crista Kende raised $24,000
the right funding target, using a ratio
and fans putting in smaller amounts. Fans to purchase a viola
that look at online engagement with
and investors were offered copies of the Some Velvet Morning raised 100,000
fans. They also offer advice on the right
album and other rewards such as T-shirts, of investment on My Major Company
rewards to offer, and introductions to
studio visits, vinyl and artwork prints,
their partners who can help with publicity,
depending on their level of investment. Written by Remi Harris, Remi Harris Consulting.
manufacturing and fulfilment. Or theres
The money was raised within 6 weeks. This article first appeared in issue 37 of
Indiegogos Customer Happiness team, The Works - the magazine of BASCA, the
Rob says that the groups good quality
which offer extensive online advice about British Academy of Songwriters, Composers
audio-visual material was important in
how to organise a campaign. Ultimately, and Authors. Reproduced with kind permission.
winning the backing of investors on the
though, the best way to pick up some
site, We got a synch in the trailer of a
inspiration is to look at successful
film called Kickass with one of our songs
campaigns, so there are links to all the
called How To Start A Revolution, and
campaigns mentioned in this article listed
were allowed to use the footage for our
below which might spark even greater use
video. I intercut the film footage with
of crowdfunding for new music.
video of us performing, which ended up
looking like a very high quality product.
Some Velvet Morning also posted demo
material online, telling fans that as each
new fund-raising milestone was reached,
another demo would be released. This
helped to drive the campaign forward,

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PledgeMusic
the direct
to fan option
comes of age
by Julian Wall, PledgeMusic

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PledgeMusic opened some six

Scarlet
years ago and today, it is probably the
leading direct-to-fan pre-ordering and
crowdfunding music-company, launching
1000+ new projects each year, working
with bands and artists from all musical
genres and at all levels of development.

Recent projects on PledgeMusic have Further details of all projects

included The Libertines, Bring Me The on PledgeMusic can be found on
Horizon, Killing Joke, The Darkness, Def http://www.pledgemusic.com.
Leppard, Slade, Queensrche, Ginger Alongside the above, PledgeMusic is
Wildheart, The Jam, Ash, Idlewild, also working with many new, developing
Reverend & The Makers, Erasure, China and embryonic artists, who are taking their
Crisis, OMD and UB40. At the time of first steps in building a recording career.
writing (February 2016), PledgeMusic is Over the past 12 months, PledgeMusic
campaigning and providing album pre- partnered with a range of music
ordering store pages for new titles by organisations to help unsigned artists.
Marillion, Megadeth, Rob Zombie, The
Wonderstuff, Primal Scream, Gary Numan,
Right Said Fred and Jeff Healey amongst Help
others. Many of these are in conjunction
with labels, publishing and artist Musicians UK
management companies as well as
In conjunction with Help Musicians
stand-alone artists who wish to self-
UK, PledgeMusic have been running an
release their music.

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The business of
Emerging Artists Fund to provide finance for three new acts to run their own
(through PledgeMusic campaigns and PledgeMusic campaigns and play live
additional contributions from Help at the event.

making music has

Musicians UK) to support a diverse range The acts chosen Sankofa, Gerry
of new artists who have the talent and the Cinnamon and Scarlet all gained
DIY drive to build a long-term career. This significant exposure from being part of the

never been stronger.

on-going programme was announced in new partnership and went on to secure
2015 and in the first year has helped over their targetted PledgeMusic funding. The
20 new artists and bands including Elf Kid, three acts benefitted from significant

The tools have never

Telegram, Lottery Winners, Roseau, Ghost career boosts - singer/songwriter Gerry
Riders In The Sky and The Pearl Harts. Cinnamon played at the 2015 Scottish
Details of this programme and how to apply Alternative Music Awards and T In The

been better.
can be found on the Help Musicians UK Park Festival; Sankova as well as securing
web-site;: https://www.helpmusicians. the funding they required to record their
org.uk/emerging-musicians/current- debut album, found themselves live dates
opportunities/emerging-artists-fund supporting name artists and Scarlett
secured the services of an international Benji Rogers,
artist management agency. Founder and
CEO of PledgeMusic

recording artist Tom Robinson. Notable has taught me a lot. It has taught me that
Gerry Cinnamon Sankofa highlight coming from the partnership to good enough never is, and that its easy
date have included MALKA, who funded her to look at the music business and see only
debut album via a PledgeMusic campaign gloom and doom. However, I see hope,
Karousel Music and whose subsequent singles went on brilliance, and opportunities like never
to get considerable airplay on Radio 1 and before. The business of making music has
Karousel Music are a not-for-profit 6Music.
Liverpool community interest company, promoting All of the above partnerships provide
never been stronger. The tools have never
been better. The fans are more numerous
Sound City co-operation and collaboration amongst
artists and industry, lobbying for writers
an immensely valuable platform in gaining
exposure for new, developing artists and
and ready to participate than at any time
in history I could not be more grateful
Founded in 2008, the Liverpool Sound City and performers. PledgeMusic teamed up helping them to begin developing their to the incredible artists who grace our
festival and conference has gone from with Karousel in 2014 to promote concert career. PledgeMusic is committed to platform with their brilliance and bravery
strength to strength. From the beginning, nights for new and developing talent and helping unsigned artists and bands and each and every day.
the event has been very forward on have been reguarly staging them since. working with them to launch campaigns
featuring new and up-coming bands. In Acts that have performed at these events and break through. Writing on the 6th For further information about
2015 the Sound City organisers partnered include MALKA, The Galleons, The Black anniversary of PledgeMusic, Founder PledgeMusic, please contact Julian
with PledgeMusic to offer the opportunity Feathers, SHEL and 6Music presenter and and CEO Benji Rogers says, Six years at [email protected]

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Completing
a Funding
Application

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Most funding awards will require

applicants to complete a comprehensive
application form. Whilst these forms can
appear intrusive and complicated, they
are usually relatively straight forward
to complete.

www.theMU.org
@WeAreTheMU
#BehindEveryMusician

Read Give yourself

the brief adequate time
Is this the right funding for your idea/ to complete
project? Most funding awards have fairly
strict briefs and youre unlikely to win an
the form
award if your project doesnt clearly meet It may require you to obtain information
the criteria. However, some organisations from other people and/or organisations.
also offer open funding awards which
invite a wider and less specific range of
applications.

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Back to Contents 36

Provide only
Answer the
negotiate rates with artists, depending
on their profile and expertise.
the information
that is required
Answer the questions fully, but dont
Be mindful
that financial
questions fully,
include superfluous data that will render
the application difficult or overly time-
consuming to assess.
evidence will
be required
but dont include
Some applications request video
footage in addition to or instead of written It is often necessary to provide receipts superfluous data
that will render
accounts and proposals. and/or invoices for every financial
transaction undertaken as part of a funded
project. Bear this in mind when obtaining
Proof the
the application
quotes and costings as part of your

application budgeting.

thoroughly
before Be true to
your word
difficult or overly
submitting
Check for typos, consistency and also
You will need to deliver your project as
outlined in your application. Dont write
time-consuming
to assess.
ensure that all of the numerical entries in things purely for the benefit of obtaining
your budget(s) add up appropriately. funding, as you will be required to
demonstrate that you have executed a
project as promised, in terms of finance,
Be realistic creativity and delivery.
in your
forecasting
Where you are asked to provide budgets,
be economic and resourceful but dont
underestimate the true cost of resources
or peoples skills. If youre hiring musicians
as part of your project, use MU rates where
applicable as these are widely recognised
by funding assessors.
You may also need to individually

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