Quick Response grants help Victorian musicians succeed abroad

Writing songs in Los Angeles, playing gigs in London and joining a trade mission to South America.

These are just some of the doors opening for Victoria’s musicians courtesy the state government’s Music Works Quick Response grants.

They were set up to quickly fund artists if a career opportunity suddenly came up, and they couldn’t wait for the normal grants processes to go through.

The latest recipients are:

Cash Savage and The Last Drinks ($8,699) to tour Europe, capitalising on a new record deal with German independent music company Membran, and promote the upcoming release of their studio album Good Citizens.

Ren Cuttriss-Garry ($1,500) to allow the community radio station 3MDR (Mountain District Radio) presenter to attend, and present at, the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia annual conference.

Michael Katz, ($10,000) for Harvey Sutherland to support Swedish electronic pop group Little Dragon at their London show, and undertake a series of media opportunities.

Demi Barton ($4,500) for a three week trip to Los Angeles to attend industry meetings and participate in the APRA AMCOS Songhubs program.

Simmer Town ($5,000) for six-piece electro hip-hop outfit Royalty Noise to join a tour with The Senegambian Jazz Band, Tumi and Nhatty Man to Ballarat and Castlemaine in regional Victoria.

Michael Guy Blackman ($5,000) for Chapter Music management, Guy Blackman and Ben O’Connor, to attend label, booking agent and publicist meetings to support the European and UK tour of their rostered artists The Goon Sax and Laura Jean.

Barely Dressed Records ($3,500) for Katie Besgrove, owner and general manager of Barely Dressed Records and Look Out Kid Artist Management, to attend Sounds Australia’s 2018 South American trade mission.

Ecca Vandal ($5,000) to open for punk band Basement with a seven-show UK tour.

Good Manners Music ($4,200) to travel to the US to capitalise on new opportunities for their clients.

Lily Tait ($1,386) to travel to Berlin, Germany, to premiere a new composition at Klangwerkstatt Festival für Neue Musik, attend rehearsals and workshops, and develop international networks.

Trent Sterling ($3,445) for The Seven Ups to perform at New Zealand’s Luminate festival and play two sideshows.

Custom-Made Touring & Artist Representation ($5,000) for its owner Dave Batty to attend business meetings in LA and Nashville.

Tanya McLaine on behalf of Sona Productions, ($3,000) to take the Maubere Timor ensemble to Womex 2018 to network and undertake professional development activities.

Sabrina Robertson ($3,500) for Robertson (Maths and Magic) and artist Alexander Biggs to attend Sounds Australia’s 2018 South American trade mission.