Hilltop Hoods have laid down $10,000 for emerging hip-hop and soul artists to help their careers.
The $10000 grant will include covering costs associated with manufacturing, promoting and distributing an album or EP. The grant is available for artists who have not yet released a commercial album through an industry recognised label.
“We couldn’t be more excited about this year’s Initiative,” said Hilltop Hoods’ Suffa MC.
“We were so impressed with a previous recipient, I AM D, that we distributed his EP ‘M.N.T.N.S’ through our label Golden Era Records. This year is extra exciting as we’re bringing a new judge on board, Sose Fuamoli of the The AU Review. We can’t wait to see what this year’s Initiative brings.”
The grant is not intended to cover the costs of recording or mixing an album but it can be used for costs like mastering, publicity, artwork and vinyl manufacture.
Entries will be judged by a panel comprising some of the most respected figures in Australian hip hop:
• Hau (ACT) – Artist (Koolism), presenter (triple j’s The Hip Hop Show)
• Sosefina Fuamoli (SA) – Editor of The AU Review
• Nish (SA) – Graffiti artist, Indigenous community worker, promoter
• Ran-Dee (NSW) – Manager (Def Wish Cast, NTSC), booking agent, promoter
• Raph (VIC) – Artist, clothing label owner (Blank Clothing), author (Behind The Beat)
• Tom Thum/Tommy Illfigga (QLD) – MC, beat boxer, graffiti artist, b-boy, producer
Applications are open now and close Tuesday 21 March 2017, 5pm AEDT.
The winner will be announced Thursday 11 May 2017.
For more information on eligibility and how to enter, visit apraamcos.com.au/hilltop-hoods-initiative/
