Band’s £10,000 overseas funding boost

LEEDS band Pulled Apart by Horses is among a handfull of acts that have won funding from the Music Export Growth Scheme.

The group will now receive almost £10,000  to support touring, international marketing and other overseas activities.

The £2.5m music scheme was announced by the government last October and is a partnership between the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) to boost sales of music overseas.

This is the scheme’s fourth round and brings the total amount of grants given to 60 independent labels, artists and management companies across the UK to more than £1m this year.

Phil Patterson, UKTI music sector specialist said: “The UK has a strong musical heritage that dates back through many decades.

“UKTI is proud to support this thriving sector which strengthens the reputation of our country as a world leader in creativity whilst helping to grow the UK economy.
“Now in its fourth round, the Music Export Growth Scheme has already helped independent label acts such as Imogen Heap, Public Service Broadcasting and Metronomy get much deserved global recognition and go on to support acts at sell-out international tours.

“Announced during Export Week this round’s successful sixteen demonstrate the depth of our home-grown talent with acts from reggae to pop and rock.
“We look forward to them taking their sound around the world and gaining more international fans.”   

Successful applicants have already gone onto secure support slots on tours with the Rolling Stones, Manic Street Preachers, Kaiser Chiefs, Black Sabbath, Kasabian and Keziah Jones.

The financial assistance forms part of the government’s efforts to get 100,000 small and medium-sized businesses exporting. 

Independent music companies and bands can apply for amounts between £5,000 and £50,000.