Remember when The Killers pulled out all stops in Sydney to launch the American Express Music Backers’ Program at Selina’s in Coogee?
Well now, American Express has announced the first round of recipients of the program, backing the goals, ambitions and passions of six musicians, businesses and fans, as part of its $1 million pledge to support Australia’s music industry. It’s a good time.
The winners are going to get the support that will help turn their lifelong dreams supporting the music industry into a reality.
Here’s who’s in:
- Ricochet Songs, started by musician and DJ Kirsty Peters (aka KLP), will be able to launch its free program to mentor and support the next generation of female producers and songwriters;
- GRID Series, an artist development program in Melbourne’s outer suburbs, will continue to discover and support the rise of diverse, original and independent musicians in wider communities;
- Musicians Maddy Jane and Keelan Mak will be able to complete their albums and go on their respective tours
- Selina’s will continue its refurbishment of aspects of the venue to enable more live music acts; and
- Super fan Zach Edwards will receive tickets and be able to create an independent music review site and podcast series to document the multiple gigs he attends each week.
The final six were judged by a panel of industry experts including Roger Field, CEO of Live Nation Australasia; Kathy McCabe, National Music Editor, Daily Telegraph; George Ash, President, Universal Music Asia Pacific; Tim Worton, Group Director, Arenas; Millie Millgate, Executive Producer, Sounds Australia; Nick Yates, General Manager of Artist Management, Unified Music Group; and Holly Rankin – AKA Jack River, Musician and Festival Curator.
Check out more here.