Charting UK music success: Government awards £2 million funding for music exports

Budding musicians across the UK have received a multi-million pound boost as the Department for International Trade (DIT) and record labels’ association the BPI have awarded a total £2.2 million to promote British music exports since 2014.

Today (Friday, 19th August), an extra 15 acts have received grants totalling £213,310 in the tenth round of funding through the Music Exports Growth Scheme (MEGS). This includes West African funk inspired band Ibibio Sound Machine, Scottish rock group The XCERTS, and country singer-songwriter Ags Connolly. Please see full list below.

Through the scheme more than 150 UK artists have to date received financial support to promote their music and profile in overseas markets.

International Trade Minister Mark Garnier, said:

“From Little Mix to Rudimental, the UK is top of the charts when it comes to musical talent and our artists continue to inspire millions across the world. Our music industry is a hugely successful UK export, with one in every six albums sold across the world by a home-grown act.

“The £2 million investment, through the Music Export Growth Scheme, is helping to boost the profile of UK acts on the world stage, making us an outward looking and truly global Britain.”

Chris Tams, BPI Director of International overseeing the MEGS programme, said:

“The Music Exports Growth Scheme is making a real difference by offering practical support to smaller music companies and their diverse range of artists who have the talent but not always the means to develop their potential in key overseas markets. It’s great news that over 150 mainly indie-signed UK acts have benefitted from more than £2m in funding to date, boosting British music exports in the process.”

Since the scheme launched in 2014, it has helped a diverse range of acts such as 2016 BRIT Awards winners Catfish and the Bottlemen, London Grime MCs Ghetts and Afrikan Boy, MOBO-winning singer/saxophonist YolanDa Brown, Mercury Prize winning Scottish hip hop act Young Fathers, and Mercury Prize shortlisted artist Eska.

MEGS, which is funded by government and managed by the BPI, was re-launched in October 2016, making additional funding available in grants through to 2020 to help UK music companies, music labels, distributors and management companies promote their artists and export to overseas markets.

Delivered through the Exporting is GREAT campaign, small and medium sized music companies are eligible to apply to the BPI for MEGS grants ranging from £5,000 to £50,000 to help promote their UK artists around the world – giving them the opportunity to go global with their talents.

The scheme typically contributes to the live touring, marketing and other promotional costs of the successful applicants, and to date has seen an average return of around £10 for every £1 invested.

Applications for the next round (11) of MEGS funding are now being received. For details or to download an application form please visit the MEGS page on the BPI website: https://www.bpi.co.uk/megs

Full list of MEGS recipients in the tenth round of funding:

• Ags Connolly

• Amber Run

• Blaenavon

• Boston Manor

• Bruno Major

• Dan Croll

• Django Django

• Dream Wife

• Ibibio Sound Machine

• Johnny Flynn & The Sussex Wit

• Mount Kimbie

• Roddy Woomble

• The XCERTS

• This is the Kit

• Will Joseph Cook