Photo – Moulettes from http://www.moulettes.co.uk/photos 

The UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) and the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) through the Music Export Growth Scheme (MEGS) have granted a further £200,000 to UK-based independent music companies.  The funding will help smaller independent music companies reach a wider global audience in markets such as the USA Asia and Europe.

Trade and Investment Minister, Lord Maude said: “The UK has a vibrant creative sector that generated over £17 billion in exports during 2013. The Music Export Growth Scheme has helped a new generation of British musical talent gain international recognition and boost the sales of UK music abroad; creating jobs and growth for the UK economy. I wish the latest recipients well as they grow their fan base abroad.”

The successful companies will use the money to support the following music acts and writers:

  • Catfish and the Bottlemen (British band originally from North Wales)
  • Crystal Fighters (formed in London)
  • Denai Moore (originally from Spanish Town, Jamaica, based in London)
  • Ephemerals (from London)
  • Songwriters Greig Watts (Elstead, Sussex), Georgie Dennis (Norwich) and Christopher Wortley (Southampton)
  • Kero Kero Bonito (from London)
  • Lower Than Atlantis (from Watford)
  • Martin Harley (from Hertfordshire)
  • Max McElligot (from London)
  • Moulettes (originally from Glastonbury, relocated to Brighton)
  • Petite Noir from (London and Cape Town)
  • The Bohicas (Essex)
  • The Twilight Sad (Glasgow)
  • Turbowolf (from Bristol)

The funding will be matched by the music companies to pay for items such as overseas marketing and promotion, session musicians, tour support, booking agents and other expert services in the territories the artists hope to tour. The songwriters will travel overseas to co-write with international writers which will deliver great revenue streams back to the UK through publishing and sync deals.

Commenting on the Music Export Growth Scheme, funding recipient, Martin Harley, added: “As an independent and emerging artist it can be daunting to work on your development in a new region. The BPI and UKTI’s support to promote the new album through marketing and touring is massive.”