Top Nottingham music acts awarded funding to raise global profile

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Rising Nottingham music stars Halina Rice and Amber Run have been awarded funding to unveil the best of this country’s talent to the world with £1.4 million to attract new fans, drive revenue, and boost the music industry.

Streaming has made music more globally accessible than ever before, bringing increased opportunity and competition in equal measure for UK artists. Despite drawing more money through music exports, our share of the global recorded music market has been steadily declining, falling from 17% of global music consumption in 2017 to now under 10%.

The Music Export Growth Scheme (MEGS) is a lifeline for independent UK acts and companies, providing critical support with grants of £5,000 – £50,000 to break artists into the international music scene who, after achieving domestic success, have sights set on a global following.

Its track record speaks volumes for the impact it continues to have on the UK music industry. MEGS has supported the international careers of over 522 British artists, delivered an estimated £81.5 million financial return for the UK economy, and helped increase employment in SME record labels by over 10%.

Business Secretary Peter Kyle said: “Streaming has revolutionised access to music for fans worldwide, but it has also created unique challenges for smaller artists and independent labels.

“This scheme moves the dial for indie music by funding global tours and promotion, removing the financial hurdles which would otherwise prevent our best home-grown talent from blossoming into international success stories.”

“Securing MEGS funding is a launchpad that will help Nottingham artists and labels reach the ears of new fans and follow in the footsteps of past recipients like Ezra Collective and Dave who turned this opportunity into standout global success.”

The UK is the third biggest music market in the world – the biggest in Europe – and the second biggest exporter of recorded music after the US. A diversity of acts from across the UK is fundamental to the industry’s continued success.

That us why the government is committed to ensuring MEGS reaches artists and companies wherever they are based. Around two thirds of the MEGS recipients were originally from outside London, helping develop record labels and accelerate success across the country.

For every pound from government, MEGS generates an economic return of £14 and a tangible cultural payoff, with successful acts going on to achieve 18 BRIT Award nominations and 6 wins, 19 shortlists for the Mercury Prize and 4 Album of the Year wins, and hundreds of millions in global streams.

Sophie Jones, BPI Chief Strategy Officer, said: “In an increasingly competitive global landscape, the Music Export Growth Scheme is a vital springboard for UK artists looking to reach international audiences and build their profiles, and a critical resource for the UK’s SME music businesses and independent sector. It’s also a proven financial success, generating a significant return on investment, and a great example of what can be achieved when industry and Government come together in support of Britain’s world-class music ecosystem.

“MEGS alumni have gone on to become BRIT Award and Mercury Prize-winners, chart-toppers and household names. We’re excited to see what the future holds for the 68 fantastic artists supported by this latest round, and grateful to the UK Government for their continued support of the Scheme.”

Halina Rice said: “I am thrilled once again to receive this funding – many thanks to the MEGS selection panel. This supports me to take the show to new venues across France, Germany, Ireland and Italy and to deliver the immersive show to new international audiences!”

Amber Run said: “We’re incredibly grateful to have received much-needed MEGS funding to help make our Australian tour happen this year. Taking our full band show to the other side of the world is something we’ve dreamed of for a long time, and we’re so happy to finally be able to make it happen thanks to the MEGS Selection Panel.”