MUSIC AUSTRALIA

Record Label Development Scheme

Up to $150,000 for eligible record labels to support the holistic development and success of Australian recording artists.

About the program

The Music Australia Record Label Development Scheme (RLDS) aims to support competitive Australian labels discovering, developing, and promoting Australian talent. At the heart of what they do, labels finance the production and recording of artists’ music in order to support their artistic and career development. Labels are taking on financial risk and providing the essential support, knowledge, and expertise required for artists to break through the noise. 

Concerns with Australian artist discoverability and cut through, the fragmented media environment, and the potential impacts of emergent technologies and AI-generated music, are all significantly impairing the operations of our labels sector. 

Rising production costs, the shift from physical sales to digital formats, and the need to invest heavily in artist promotion and development in a highly saturated market, all pose significant challenges to a label’s ability to remain financially viable, and subsequently invest in and support Australian talent. 

The fund aims to provide financial support to Australian record labels, from local independents through to major label subsidiaries. An injection of capital in the form of direct grants, the Record Label Development Scheme requires applicants to provide a compelling contribution to ensure that a maximum ROI is achieved from the investment. 

Grants are available from $10,000 to $150,000 to eligible Australian record labels, and Australian subsidiaries of multinational record labels, that have been operating for a minimum of 3 years.  

Applicants must demonstrate clear and measurable outcomes for the investment, which can contribute towards costs, associated with a variety of eligible activities, including: 

  • Professional recordings, that enhance and increase the quality of output, whilst also contributing to the economic wellbeing of Australian recording studios, engineers and producers.  
  • Create high quality visual production including videos, digital content and artwork. 
  • Significant marketing and promotional campaigns aimed at building an artist’s brand and increasing their visibility and market penetration.  
  • Costs associated with production, manufacturing and freight of vinyl, CDs and cassettes (preferably manufactured in Australia and using sustainable materials). 
  • Artist development that includes refining an artist’s craft, honing artistic vision and enhancing professional skills, enabling them to grow and succeed. 
  • Outlays in technology that enhance business capabilities, the recruitment of additional staff and opportunities that lead to professional development training. 

This investment will make sure Australian labels can continue to compete effectively, support their artists, and contribute to the vibrant music ecosystem in Australia.  

We will consider eligible applications through an open competitive grant process. All applicants must be pre-approved, via an eligibility check process closing Tuesday 8 October 2024 3pm AEDT in advance of the closing date. 

The Music Australia Record Label Development Scheme is a competitive program. Applicants are advised to ensure that they meet all eligibility requirements, before submitting an application.  

Please read the following grants guidelines for further information. If you need advice about applying contact Music Australia: musicaustraliagrants@creative.gov.au or +61 2 9215 9028.  

This grant is open to organisations, partnerships and sole traders that are Australian domestic record labels and Australian subsidiaries of multinational record labels and have been operating for a minimum of 3 years. Please see the FAQs below for information on how to apply as a partnership.

To be considered eligible for the Music Australia Record Label Development Scheme, applying labels must:  

  • have an ABN
  • derive most of their revenue from the exploitation of master recordings of which they own or have licensed the copyright
  • deliver A&R and creative development services to their signed artists
  • have minimum annual recorded music trade revenues of $40,000 from core business activities earned as a record label, from their Australian roster
  • have a minimum of 3 artists that all meet the eligibility threshold of 5000 followers/fans, on any one of the following platforms: Amazon Music, Bandcamp, Discord, Facebook, Instagram, Soundcloud, Spotify, Tidal, TikTok, YouTube Music, or the artist’s mailing list
  • have a minimum of 3 active Australian musical artists on their roster. Active artists are defined as having had a release by the label in the last 18 months
  • have released at least 5 x singles and 1 x EP and/or 1 x LP of Australian artist recordings within the last 12 months.

Record labels may submit only one application, that includes multiple activities for more than one artist within the submission.  

The artistic output of the label must meet the Music Australia Council agreed definition of contemporary music, as follows: 

“Australian contemporary music is any genre or subgenre of music currently composed, written, produced by Australians and licensed, recorded, presented, and distributed through commercial and non-commercial activity. For the purposes of Music Australia’s initial investments, the focus will be on musical works that are new, original and relevant to contemporary Australia.” 

You cannot apply for this grant if: 

  • you have an overdue grant report 
  • you owe money to Music Australia/Creative Australia 
  • you are a group.

If you or your artist/s have applied to Creative Australia for Arts Projects for Individuals or Organisations in September 2024, or any other Creative Australia program, you cannot be successful in more than one fund for the same activities.

Activities and costs we will fund may include, but are not limited, to:  

  • Recording, editing, mixing and mastering at an Australian facility by an Australian artist signed to an Australian-based label. 
  • Pre-production, studio hire, producer, engineer, session musicians, guest artists, hard drives and equipment hire. 
  • Manufacturing of physical product, e.g. vinyl mastering, vinyl/CD pressing and associated freight. Music Australia encourages environmentally sustainable practices, and labels that can demonstrate to have been guided by Green Music Australia’s Sound Country: A Green Guide on Physical Music Products, will be reimbursed the difference in expenditure per unit, upon evidence of their tax invoices after 1 July 2025. 
  • Video production incurred in Australia (i.e. music videos, videos for online marketing purposes, and video recording of live performances for promotion or sale). Costs may include; Producer; Director; Director of Photography; Camera Assistant; Grip; Gaffer; Art Department; First Assistant Director (AD); Runner; Casting; Talent/Extras; Stylist; Make-Up/Hair; Camera; Lighting; Props; Permits; Insurance; Travel (domestic only); Wardrobe; Catering/Unit; Animation/VFX; Stock Footage; Editor; Grade; hard drive.  
  • Visual representation (artwork) including design; photography; images, incurred in Australia. 
  • Digital content creation incurred in Australia (i.e. reels for online social media marketing purposes). 
  • Australian marketing and promotion activities for new recordings by Australian artists signed to the record label. May include digital marketing; radio ads; social media ads; publicist, radio promotion, and posters. 
  • Budget allocations towards software are eligible if required for an activity (such as digital infrastructure and innovation).  
  • Business development activities that contribute to the expansion of a company’s operational capacity (e.g. human resources enhancement, undertaking strategic business travel within Australia, implementing technology solutions/enhancements to optimise revenue generation and/or enhance customer/audience experience etc.).   
  • New Australian position: the cost of a new position that is being created because of the proposed activity (salaried or contract) may be included as a distinct line item in the activity budget. In the description of the activity, applicants must include an explanation of why the new position is necessary for the undertaking of the proposed activity, and if the position is intended to continue beyond the initial RLDS-supported period, a rationale must be provided for how the position will be sustained by the company. (e.g. Creative Producer/Director, Data Analyst, Digital Marketing specialist). 
  • Current/ongoing position: A portion of salaries or wages for existing Australian staff or ongoing Australian contract employees (whether part-time or full-time) that are assigned to work on the proposed activities may be included as part of the “administrative and overhead expenses” section of the budget. All labour costs included must be undertaken by Australian-based staff or contract employees, and must be directly related to the proposed activities. 
  • Access costs are legitimate expenses and may be included in your application. We encourage applicants to ensure that their work is accessible to everyone. Budgets may include costs associated with making activities accessible to a wide range of people (e.g. translation to other languages, captioning, audio description, temporary building adjustments, and materials in other formats). If you are a d/Deaf applicant, an applicant with disability, or are working with d/Deaf artists or artists with disability, you may apply for access costs associated with the use of an interpreter, translation services, specific technical equipment, carer, or support worker assistance. Please contact Artists Services to discuss your specific needs. 

Music Australia funding can only be used for activities that occur after  the activity start date of 1 January 2025. Therefore, any costs incurred  before  this date (i.e. pre-production, recording costs, mixing, mastering etc.) are not eligible for funding. Activity invoiced after 1 January 2025 for costs incurred before this date is not eligible.  

Items which Music Australia will not accept in a funded project budget: 

  • Touring, showcase and other live performance activity.  
  • Catering, except during music video shoots.  
  • Live performance production expenses, unless directly related to content creation for this project.  
  • Costs relating to international artists.  
  • Staff & labour costs not directly related to the activity.  
  • Staff benefit costs.  
  • Fees relating to the compilation, review, or audit of applicant financial statements. 
  • Fees relating to the procurement of services of grant writers for preparing government funding applications. 
  • Cost of General Liability insurance.   
  • Taxes that are recoverable by the recipient (such as GST).  

Funding is available in the form of a direct grant.  

  • Applicants must have minimum annual recorded music trade revenues of $40,000 from core business activities earned as a record label, from their Australian roster. 
  • Eligible applicants may apply for up to 25% of the company’s two-year average of total annual recorded music revenue from label activity.  
  • The minimum funding request is $10,000 and the maximum funding is capped at $150,000.  
  • No expense paid for from the Music Australia funding can be allocated to an artists’ recoupable ledger. 

Artist Creation Fee  

The Music Australia Record Label Development Scheme funding is available for amounts ranging from $10,000 to $150,000 plus GST.  

In addition, a mandatory 10% artist creation fee will be added to the grant amount for eligible activities. This fee covers creative and artistic services provided by the artists for the project. This includes recording activities and video production that features the recording artist.  

For example, if the label receives $50,000 in funding, an extra payment of $5,000 will be added to the funding amount, bringing the total funding to $55,000. This artist creation fee is a non-recoupable expense, to be shared amongst the artists that are featured in the project activities. 

The artist creation fee will be paid upon documentation received after 1 July 2025. 

Co-Investment 

Applicants must demonstrate co-investment either as a financial contribution towards the identified project costs, or their investment towards items not covered by the Music Australia Record Label Development Scheme such as domestic or international touring, international release and related costs, creative direction and branding and media training. The co-investment must be cash and not in-kind and is to be clearly detailed in the application budget.  

Your application must comply with the following Protocols. We may contact you to request further information during the assessment process, or if successful, as a condition of your funding. 

  • Protocols for using First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property in the Arts 

All applications involving First Nations artists, communities or subject matter must adhere to these Protocols, and provide evidence of this in their application and support material. More information on the First Nations Protocols is available here. 

  • Commonwealth Child Safe Framework 

All successful applicants are required to comply with all Australian law relating to employing or engaging people who work or volunteer with children, including working with children checks and mandatory reporting. Successful organisations who provide services directly to children, or whose funded activities involve contact with children, will additionally be required to implement the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations. 

Before applying, you must read and understand these guidelines.  

  • Complete the pre-application eligibility check process no later than Tuesday 8 October 3pm AEDT electronically through the Creative Australia online Application Management System to determine eligibility. 
  • Once approved, submit a full application electronically through the Application Management System no later than Tuesday 12 November 3pm AEDT.

Pre-application Eligibility Check

To apply for the Music Australia Record Label Development Scheme, you must first ensure you meet the pre-application criteria by completing the eligibility check in the Application Management System.

The pre-application process will also determine the amount the label is eligible to apply for.

The Pre-application Eligibility Check includes the following criteria:

  • the application is for an Australian label, or Australian subsidiary of a multinational label, releasing contemporary Australian music
  • at least 3 active Australian artists on the label’s roster are supported through this funding
  • the audience engagement profile meets the minimum threshold of 5000 followers/fans for each artist, on any of the following platforms: Amazon Music, Apple Music, Bandcamp, Discord, Facebook, Instagram, Soundcloud, Spotify, Tidal, TikTok, YouTube Music, or the artist’s mailing list
  • the label has released at least 5 singles and 1 x EP or 1 x LP of Australian artist recordings within the last 12 months
  • Financial documentation (this information is used by Music Australia for the eligibility check only and is not provided to the industry advisors). This can include any or all of the following:
    • signed financial statements (including P&L & balance sheet) for the 2 most recently completed fiscal years
    • up to two years’ worth of PPCA statements
    • up to two years’ worth of streaming income statements
    • up to two years’ worth of BAS statements.

    The grant amount each label will be eligible to apply for, will be based on 25% of annual recorded music trade revenues (not profit). Please see FAQ for what income can be included to make up the minimum trade revenue

The budget is completed in the full application form. The maximum amount you are eligible to apply for will be entered by Music Australia, using the financial data provided in the pre-application eligibility check.

Anticipated outcomes for the Music Australia Record Label Development Scheme may include any of the following, depending on the type of activity undertaken. It is not expected that each applicant will achieve all the outcomes below. Applicants should provide a list of all anticipated outcomes they will report on in their final acquittal report, should their funding request be successful.  

Measurable outcomes:  

  • number of artists supported  
  • number of new recordings supported  
  • number of new performance opportunities for artists (including online)  
  • online and social media impact (metrics)  
  • traditional media impact (metrics): radio/video plays, interviews, articles, reviews, etc
  • critical success of supported projects  
  • sustainability of activity outcomes  
  • sales success of supported activities: units sold, streams, ticket revenue, etc
  • company growth/increased revenue  
  • number of international markets targeted  
  • increased revenue from international sales  
  • jobs created/retained  
  • tangible initiatives to improve or further embed diversity, equity and inclusion within company operations (i.e. staff training, hiring practices, artist signings).

For the Pre-application Eligibility Check you must provide financial documentation including any or all of the following

  • signed financial statements (including P&L & balance sheet) for the 2 most recently completed fiscal years
  • up to two years’ worth of PPCA statements
  • up to two years’ worth of streaming income statements
  • up to two years’ worth of BAS statements.

*This information does not go to the Industry Advisors and will be used by Music Australia for internal purposes only to determine the amount of funding you are eligible to apply for if you meet the pre-application eligibility criteria above.

No other support material is required for this pre-application stage.

If you are deemed eligible to submit a full application, you should include the following support material. The Industry Advisors may review this material to help them gain a better sense of your project and those involved.

  1. You must include audio of at least 3-4 artist recordings (existing or demo recordings).

Additional support material may include:

  1. Other artistic support material 

This should include relevant, recent examples of artistic work.

  1. Biographies and CVs 

You can include a brief bio or curriculum vitae (CV) for key artists, personnel or other collaborators involved in your project.

Brief bios or CV information should be presented as a single document no longer than two A4 pages in total.

  1. Letters of support 

Individuals, groups, or organisations can write letters in support of your project. A support letter should explain how the project or activity will benefit your label, artists or music professionals, other participants, or the broader community. It can also detail the support or involvement of key project partners, or evidence of consultation.

If relevant to your activity, letters of support must provide evidence of appropriate permissions and support from First Nations organisations, communities, and Elders. Please refer to the  First Nations Protocols  for more information.

You can include up to five letters of support, with each letter not exceeding one A4 page.

  1. Other support material

You may also include other evidence to support your application including the label co-investment and label and/or artist track record on music releases.

Types of support material we accept

Our preferred method of receiving support material is via URLs (weblinks).

You can provide up to three URLs (weblinks) that link to content that is relevant to your proposal. This may include video, audio, images, or written material.

Please note:  Our industry advisors will not access any URLs that require them to log in or sign up to a platform. Please do not provide links to Spotify or other applications that require users to log in or pay for access.

If you are linking to media files that are private or password protected like Vimeo, please provide the password in the password field on the application form.

Other accepted file formats

If you cannot supply support material via URLs, you may upload support material to your application in the following formats:

  • video (MP4, QuickTime, and Windows Media)
  • audio (MP3 and Windows Media)
  • images (JPEG and PowerPoint)
  • written material (Word and PDF).

The assessment process will use Industry Advisors, with relevant label experience. The assessment criteria includes project viability, quality and impact. 

We assess applications against the assessment criteria and against other applications. We consider each application on its merits, based on: 

  • how well it meets the criteria  
  • how it compares to other applications  
  • whether it provides value for money.

When assessing the extent to which the application represents value for money, we will give regard to:  

  • the overall objective/s to be achieved in providing the grant 
  • the relative value of the grant sought 
  • extent to which the geographic location of the application ensures that there is a spread of successful applications from across Australia including urban, regional and remote locations  
  • the extent to which different genres of music are represented to ensure there is diverse representation 
  • the extent to which the evidence in the application demonstrates that it will contribute to meeting the outcomes/objectives. 

After applicant and activity eligibility have been confirmed, applications will be assessed by a panel of Industry Advisors against to the following 3 criteria:  

Quality 

Advisors will assess the calibre of the artists and label staff involved and the quality of the music. They may consider: 

  • the track record of the key artists involved and their previous releases 
  • the degree to which the applicant demonstrates that it has the track record and organisational capacity (financial, human resources) to effectively execute the activities including their achievements, as evidenced by their biography and professional profile
  • the presence of diversity among leadership, staff, or contract employees, particularly underrepresented communities within the music industry   
  • the degree to which diversity is reflected within the applicant’s roster 
  • the cultural value of the project for Australian audiences. 
  • the strength of the artistic support material provided.

Impact 

Advisors will assess the impact your application will have on the growth and sustainability of original contemporary Australian music. They may consider: 

  • thoroughness of the applicant’s description of the proposed activity and its anticipated impacts  
  • degree to which expected results are well documented in the application, including a description of tangible, measurable, and realistic goals and a clear explanation of anticipated return on investment (ROI)
  • good and achievable range of project KPIs
  • potential to assist with increasing levels of Australian music on radio
  • potential to impact online audiences with significant streams/views/shares/likes/sales
  • applicant’s potential to achieve strong measurable critical and/or commercial impact  
  • extent to which the application demonstrates forward thinking strategic planning and focus on long-term growth and sustainability  
  • degree to which the company can leverage the investment to strengthen its profile/capital/human resources pool for future investment and growth  
  • how the work will support the development of First Nations, or female and/or non-binary, music artists.  

Viability 

Advisors will assess the viability of your budget, release strategies and marketing plans. They may consider: 

  • how viable and achievable the project is (as evidenced by the budget accuracy, release timelines and planning) 
  • the strength of the overall release plan, including the marketing and promotion campaign and audience development strategy, including evidence of demand   
  • the resources supporting the project (including financial and/or in-kind) 
  • effectiveness of the applicant’s articulation of its financial capacity to undertake the proposed activities  
  • stability and strength of the applicant’s financial position based on company’s financial statements  
  • the strength of the key people and partners involved, including confirmations of their involvement and their track record delivering similar recorded works and output
  • appropriate safety and wellbeing practices in place for artists and studios  
  • risk assessment on the project team.
Music

Key dates

Eligibility checks closed
Pre eligibility checks closed on Tuesday 8 October 2024. The Record Label Development Scheme is now closed to new applicants.

Full applications for record labels that applied and were deemed eligible through the pre-eligibility check stage close: Tuesday 12 November 2024, 3pm AEDT

  • Activity must start between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2025 and be completed within 18 months.  

Amount: $10,000 to $150,000

 


Please note: To apply you must be registered in our application management system a minimum of two business days prior to the closing date.

Contact

Contact Music Australia here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Applicants must have minimum annual recorded music trade revenues of $40,000 from core business activities earned as a record label, from their Australian roster. Please note that this figure is your revenue, not profits.

Eligible applicants may apply for up to 25% of the company’s two-year average of total annual recorded music revenue from label activity. 

The sources of revenue that could be counted towards your total includes the following:

  • on-demand streaming 
  • downloads
  • physical sales (CDs/Vinyl)
  • synchronisation licensing fees (for TV/film/advertising/games)
  • public performance and broadcast rights
  • brand partnerships where an artist endorses a product and the label receives a cut
  • label merchandise
  • artist merchandise if the label receives a cut
  • distributor advance on future earnings.

You must register for GST, if your business turnover (GROSS income) is $75,000 or over. If your label is registered for GST, then it’s likely a good indicator that you should clear the threshold minimum of $40,000 annual trade revenue.

If you have a Partnership ABN you will need to nominate someone to register and apply as an Individual. We do not accept registrations from Partnerships. In the application form you can nominate your Partnership to administer the grant.