Blossoms & Dave among the latest British music acts to benefit from Music Export Growth Scheme funding to grow their careers overseas

The latest round of Music Export Growth Scheme (MEGS) funding has seen £250,000 awarded in support of 20 British acts drawn mainly from the vibrant UK music indie scene.

The BPI-run scheme is funded through the Department for International Trade as part of the Government’s Exporting is GREAT campaign and is designed to boost British music exports by supporting small to medium sized music companies as they look to build on the potential of their artists in overseas markets.

In this latest round of funding, music companies representing a diverse range of British musicians have been backed to grow and amplify their artists’ presence in key and growing markets, including in the US and Canada, Australia, Japan and China as well as across Europe.  

Artists to benefit in this 16^th round include 2019 Mercury Prize shortlisted Dave, BRIT nominated Blossoms, experimental pop project Self Esteem, Liverpool-based quartet Ladytron, singer-songwriter Tom Speight, Bristol collective Elder Island, London Jazz musician Yussef Dayes, and afrobeats artist Afro B. 

The Scheme has to date supported 242 successful applications to the tune of £3,767,106.76. The companies funded estimate their total financial returns to be just over £36m – equating to around £12 for every £1 invested by the scheme (in its first 14 rounds). The acts supported have reported multiple business wins, including 53 record label deals, 47 publishing & sub-publishing deals, 135 synchronisation licensing deals as well as numerous festival appearance offers, TV, radio and press promotional opportunities.

Chris Tams, BPI Director of International overseeing the MEGS programme, said “It is amazing to see the Music Export Growth Scheme going from strength to strength and flying the flag for British music overseas. This funding is even more important today with uncertainty around Brexit. MEGS now sees a return of around £12 for every £1 invested, highlighting the importance of UK music to our exports and the wider economy.”

A Department for International Trade spokesperson said:

“The music industry contributes hugely to our economy. The Music Export Growth Scheme celebrates the best of British music and helps them to launch their careers abroad. We look forward to continuing to help unlock the global potential of up-and-coming artists with the next round of funding.” 

Ladytron manager Steve Pross said: “With the collapse of PledgeMusic many British artists and their fans around the world have taken a hit to their finances and morale. I applaud the BPI for helping ameliorate the impact of Pledge’s failure with the Music Export Growth Scheme. This fund allows Ladytron to invest in marketing for its two North American tours this Fall to help broaden and grow its audience base. We are eternally grateful.”

Punk rock band Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes said: “MEGS has been integral to our development internationally. We are an independent band with our own label and it can be difficult to fund the kind of loss-making touring that just has to take place to gain ground overseas. The MEGS grant helps to lower the loss and maintain our momentum as a dynamic and exciting rock band on the global stage.”

SSJM Management’s Conrad Murray said, on behalf of Blossoms: “We are grateful to the BPI for providing funding for Blossoms to assist them in their quest to break to America. The funds will be of great assistance.”

Self-releasing artist Love Ssega said: “I’m beyond proud to receive MEGS funding. For a self-releasing, self-producing artist such as myself, this is a humungous co-sign from the BPI and DIT! Creative British music has always had an impact on the international stage and I am glad my work in different areas and live potential is being recognised. This award will enable me to return to China, which is likely to become one of the biggest music markets. The place is so exciting and moving fast, so I’m glad the BPI can see my vision fully. I can see the demand, so as a British act, I want to be there early and set the tone. From South London to Shanghai, the sky’s my limit, and this MEGS Award takes me that step closer to the Moon.”

Singer-songwriter Tom Speight said: ‘‘I want to send MEGS, the BPI and DIT a massive thank you for giving me the opportunity to tour America/Canada in October!!! This wouldn’t be possible without their support, I'm so incredibly grateful for them getting behind independent acts such as myself and giving musicians a chance to help promote their music overseas.’’