Good News: Vanda & Young, Jaxsta, Tones And I, fresh funding & more
Welcome to Good News by TMN, today’s top music industry headlines with a positive spin.
Vanda & Young songwriting comp extends deadline, adds more prizes
The Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition are giving artists more time to enter this year’s competition due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Entries will now close on October 29 (instead of May 14) and 10 runner-up prizes of a $1,000 have been announced, courtesy of “an anonymous donor”. For more details and to enter, click here.
Amy Shark, Tones And I to appear at Gold Coast Music Awards
Australian legends Tones and I, Amy Shark and Sophie Monk are among the special guests to feature in the Gold Coast Music Awards on April 30 at 7pm and live streamed on Facebook.
Announcing winners across 10 categories, the presentation will also feature lounge room performances from some of the city’s best up and coming acts. Learn more here.
ABC announces $5m fund for musicians affected by COVID-19
The ABC has announced a music fund as part of its $5million Fresh Start initiative for Australian artists affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis from May 4 until June 12. Specific guidelines and details on how to apply for the fund will be available closer to the opening date. Learn more here.
‘Dance Monkey’ becomes Spotify’s most-streamed bop by a female
Tones And I has just kicked another historical goal with her global hit song, ‘Dance Monkey’ now the most-streamed song ever by a female artist on Spotify.
“Seeing Tones surpass seven billion global streams of ‘Dance Monkey’ within 12 months since release is a monumental achievement and we are incredibly proud of her,” said management.
SoundCloud links with Pharrell to help emerging creators
SoundCloud has partnered with Pharrell Williams to release a forthcoming music compilation to champion and empower emerging creators. Williams made the announcement today via Instagram.
Spotlighting what’s next in music, SoundCloud is calling on undiscovered creators to submit their uploads for a chance to be one of 10 tracks hand-picked by Williams. Learn more here.
South Australia increases support fund for the arts
The South Australian government has increased its COVID-19 Arts Grants Package from $1.5 million to $2.5 million, to help creatives and associations.
Rolled out through Arts South Australia, the investment offers payments to arts organisations, Quick Response Grants for independent artists and Collaboration Grants. Learn more here.
Jaxsta Pro will be free for at least the remainder of 2020
Jaxsta Pro is a subscription platform to help music industry professionals connect, create opportunities, and enhance their careers. It’s now free until at least year’s end.
Giving all music industry professionals free access to Jaxsta Pro is Jaxsta’s way of supporting the music community. Click here to register for free access to Jaxsta Pro.