Hilltop Hoods Initiative returns to offer 10k grant

Emerging Australian hip hop and soul artists are invited to apply for the 2016 Hilltop Hoods Initiative to further their careers.

Offering a grant of $10,000 to cover costs associated with manufacturing, marketing and distributing an album or EP, the Initiative is open to APRA AMCOS members who have not yet released an album commercially.

Along with the cash incentive, the winning artist will receive legal advice from Media Arts Lawyers and a Love Police ATM merchandise start-up kit.

The Hilltop Hoods Initiative is now in its 11th year and has supported the work of past winners including Sarah Connor, Jimblah, Chelsea Jane, I AM D and RUNFORYOURLIFE. 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)

• 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 midnight Tuesday 22 March 2016.

The winner will be announced Wednesday 11 May 2016.

How do I apply?

All applications must be received through the online application form and contain the following:

• A Dropbox link with MP3 files of your demo (maximum three tracks).

• A completed application form including bio, proposed budget and timeline.

• A press shot and a group/artist logo (if applicable).

**All files must be zipped for submission and placed in a Dropbox. The Dropbox link will then need to be placed in your application form. For assistance with Dropbox, please visit www.dropbox.com/help.

For more information on eligibility, details and entry form, please visit apraamcos.com.au/hth