Amex is giving away 50 recording sessions during Studio Week

American Express is helping 50 musicians gain access to some of the best recording studios in Australia through its latest million-dollar Music Backers Fund.

Applications are now open for the American Express Music Backers Studio Week, the third initiative announced as part of a fund to give local artists a leg up amid COVID-19.

The launch of Studio Week comes after a study commissioned by Amex found 79% of Aussie artists said lockdown meant they were focussing more closely on making music.

However, many said they were unable to access the expertise or equipment due to restrictions. As a result, 64% of respondents said they had released no or less original music since March.

About 27% of the 368 musicians surveyed said mentoring from industry experts would be valuable to them during the ongoing pandemic.

Amex will fund a full day at one of 10 legendary recording studios around Australia for each of the 50 winning artists, beginning November 9.

They’ll be paired with some of Australia’s most well-known music producers including Simon Cohen, Rohan Sforcina and Anna Laverty.

Before that even happens though, all recipients will get to attend a virtual mentoring workshop, hosted by leaders in management, production and music media.

“The pandemic has impacted artists hard; it has made creating and releasing music, and connecting with fans, more challenging than ever,” Nick Yates said, a senior artist manager at UNIFIED Music Group and Studio Week workshop host.

“This latest initiative from American Express will provide signed and unsigned artists the opportunity they need to keep doing what they do best, and in turn ensure the country is able to continue to listen to new music.”

After spending a week in the studio, a judging panel will review all recorded tracks.

From there, one artist, band or group will be awarded a $5,000 grant to contribute towards releasing and promoting their new track.

It’s set to be a massive boost for the winners, with the survey finding that 43% of artists listed studio time as a key area of support they need at the moment.

“For an artist, time in a quality studio to create and collaborate is priceless, especially during these current times,” Simon Cohen, Studios 301 Sydney, Producer and Engineer said.

“Due to pandemic restrictions, many Australian musicians have been unable to access the expertise they need to create and finalise their music.

“The American Express Music Backers Studio Week will give artists a much-needed boost by providing them with full access to equipment, sound engineers and producers, like myself.”

The study also found that 43% of Aussies are concerned the impact of COVID-19 will cause their favourite artists to release music less frequently.

The American Express Music Backers Studio Week follows on from previous initiatives for the music industry, including the ‘Nominate A Mate’ program where you can nominate someone doing great things for music to receive $1,500.

In addition, grants of between $2,000 and $50,000 are open for artists and businesses.

Applications for Studio Week close on September 13, 2020, at 11.59pm AEDT.

To apply and for more information head to www.amex.com.au/MusicBackers.