Editors, Nina Nesbitt (pictured), Shame and Dream Wife are among the latest wave of acts to receive government backing in the Music Exports Growth Scheme (MEGS), which has now awarded over £2.6m to artists.
The scheme encourages artists to set their sights on the world stage, with funding helping to maximise their chances of going global or further increasing their international exposure.
In the latest round, 20 acts received grants totalling almost £300,000 to help fund their projects across Europe, North America, Asia and Australia.
Scottish singer-songwriter Nina Nesbitt said: 'I am so overwhelmed to be chosen as one of the artists to receive the MEGS award. The grant will make a huge difference to my career and allow me to run a two-month long campaign in the USA.
'Having the funding means I can now take on big opportunities, such as supporting Clean Bandit and Jake Bugg across America, and give myself the best chance at becoming established in another territory. Thank you!'
Speaking on behalf of Dream Wife, Stephen Richards of Lucky Numbers Music said: 'We’re delighted for Dream Wife to receive the MEGS grant - it will allow the band to take the next step in their career and assist in expanding their growing reputation as an incredible and important live band internationally.'
The scheme is jointly run by the Department for International Trade (DIT) and UK record label association the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).
Other acts to receive funding in the latest round include indie ska outfit Heavyball, who said: 'It was a real honour to receive the BPI Music Export Growth Scheme Grant, and it’s difficult to articulate just how much it means to us as a band. The money is always welcome, of course, but the fact that someone is, quite literally, prepared to put their money where their mouth is means so much more.
'We’re really excited about what the money means to expand our reach in Europe, and hope that we can repay the faith shown in us.'
BPI Director of International Chris Tams said: 'The Music Export Growth Scheme gives a diverse range of talented British artists the opportunity to grow their fanbase in key international markets through touring and marketing support.
'In the process, it helps to promote the profile of British music overseas and, crucially, helps to boost our exports with a return on investment to date of over £10 for each £1 put in by the UK Government.'
Applications for the next round of MEGS funding are now open and close on 28 May.
For details or to download an application form, visit the BPI website.
Full list of latest MEGS recipients:
Blanco White
Dream Wife
Editors
Emma Gatrill
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes
Gavin James
George Fitzgerald
Heavyball
JONES
Kelly Lee Owens
Let's Eat Grandma
MiC LOWRY
Nina Nesbitt
Novo Amor
Otzeki
Paul Draper
RY X
Shame
The Spitfires
Thomas Slinger aka Gemini
The scheme encourages artists to set their sights on the world stage, with funding helping to maximise their chances of going global or further increasing their international exposure.
In the latest round, 20 acts received grants totalling almost £300,000 to help fund their projects across Europe, North America, Asia and Australia.
Scottish singer-songwriter Nina Nesbitt said: 'I am so overwhelmed to be chosen as one of the artists to receive the MEGS award. The grant will make a huge difference to my career and allow me to run a two-month long campaign in the USA.
'Having the funding means I can now take on big opportunities, such as supporting Clean Bandit and Jake Bugg across America, and give myself the best chance at becoming established in another territory. Thank you!'
Speaking on behalf of Dream Wife, Stephen Richards of Lucky Numbers Music said: 'We’re delighted for Dream Wife to receive the MEGS grant - it will allow the band to take the next step in their career and assist in expanding their growing reputation as an incredible and important live band internationally.'
The scheme is jointly run by the Department for International Trade (DIT) and UK record label association the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).
Other acts to receive funding in the latest round include indie ska outfit Heavyball, who said: 'It was a real honour to receive the BPI Music Export Growth Scheme Grant, and it’s difficult to articulate just how much it means to us as a band. The money is always welcome, of course, but the fact that someone is, quite literally, prepared to put their money where their mouth is means so much more.
'We’re really excited about what the money means to expand our reach in Europe, and hope that we can repay the faith shown in us.'
BPI Director of International Chris Tams said: 'The Music Export Growth Scheme gives a diverse range of talented British artists the opportunity to grow their fanbase in key international markets through touring and marketing support.
'In the process, it helps to promote the profile of British music overseas and, crucially, helps to boost our exports with a return on investment to date of over £10 for each £1 put in by the UK Government.'
Applications for the next round of MEGS funding are now open and close on 28 May.
For details or to download an application form, visit the BPI website.
Full list of latest MEGS recipients:
Blanco White
Dream Wife
Editors
Emma Gatrill
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes
Gavin James
George Fitzgerald
Heavyball
JONES
Kelly Lee Owens
Let's Eat Grandma
MiC LOWRY
Nina Nesbitt
Novo Amor
Otzeki
Paul Draper
RY X
Shame
The Spitfires
Thomas Slinger aka Gemini
