Music Australia is proud to announce renewed support for Australian record labels, with the return of the Record Label Development Scheme and the launch of the inaugural Marketing and Manufacturing Grants
Unveiled at the sold-out AIR Indie-Con conference in Adelaide today, these matched funding initiatives are designed to support a broad range of Australian labels, from local independents through to major label Australian subsidiaries.
First introduced in 2024, the Record Label Development Scheme (RLDS) is a groundbreaking initiative that, in its first round, invested over $1.7 million in 23 record labels, to support the creation of new professional recordings, digital content and artwork, marketing and promotional campaigns, production, manufacturing and freight, and artist development.
Considered updates to the Record Label Development Scheme in Round 2 reflect Music Australia's commitment to more equitable Australian label support. Matched funding grant amounts range from $15,000 to $125,000 to competitive Australian labels that have operated for a minimum of three years and are committed to discovering, developing, and promoting Australian talent in global markets. The application process has been simplified by removing the expression of interest stage and the requirements related to artist's audience analytics and minimum annual trade revenues.
Complementing the scheme, the new Marketing & Manufacturing (M&M) Grants serve as a companion program aimed at smaller Australian labels with a minimum of two active Australian artists on their roster. A streamlined opportunity, the Marketing and Manufacturing Grants will provide funding to support the crucial areas of marketing, promotion, manufacturing and distribution with grants of $2,000 to $10,000.
Director of Music Australia Millie Millgate said: "The record label landscape is ever evolving, and the role labels of all sizes play, in the development and growth of Australian artists is critical. Both the revised Record Label Development Scheme and the newly created Marketing and Manufacturing grants, provide a key opportunity for Music Australia to co-invest alongside the commercial sector through a matched funding model – bolstering the terrific work that is already being undertaken by our Australian record labels."
Music Australia is also incentivising record labels to manufacture using environmentally sustainable materials. Where labels can demonstrate they have been guided by Green Music Australia's Sound Country: A Green Guide on Physical Music Products, Music Australia will subsequently reimburse the price difference.
The Record Label Development Scheme and Marketing & Manufacturing Grants will ensure Australian labels can continue to compete effectively, support their artists, and contribute to the vibrant music ecosystem in Australia.
The Record Label Development Scheme and the Marketing & Manufacturing Grants are now open, closing Tuesday 14 October 3PM AEDT.
