
The vinyl revival may only add up to a small part of the overall recorded music market, but for new and unsigned acts the chance to have their music released in the form of a 7” or 12” record retains a special appeal that goes beyond simply sales.
From today that process gets a little bit easier for a select number of U.K. acts, thanks to a new and novel funding scheme from PRS for Music Foundation, the independent charitable arm of U.K. collecting society PRS for Music.
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Launched in association with Brighton-based music specialist packaging company Modo, the “Flash Funding” scheme is open to British artists across all genres and offers five emerging acts the opportunity to get 500 12” vinyl pressings worth over £1,500 ($2,250) free of charge.
As well as physical vinyl product, the chosen artists will receive bespoke design support from the Modo creative team, as well as release planning, promotion and sales strategy support. Acts wanting to apply have until midnight GMT on Wednesday, Dec. 9 to do so at the PRS for Music Foundation website with the first wave of successful applicants due to be announced 14 December.
Included among the panel of judges is John Kennedy (Radio X), Julie Weir (Visible Noise), Nigel Adams (Full Time Hobby), Pip Newby (Play It Again Sam) and Sade Lawson (Relentless Records).
“Flash Funding for vinyl is a brilliant idea as it helps give bands something to sell to people at gigs after they’ve been blown away by an amazing set,” commented Radio X’s John Kennedy.
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His words were echoed by Vanessa Reed, PRS for Music Foundation’s executive director, who called the initiative “an exciting new way for us to offer and deliver targeted support to music creators quickly and directly.”
Since its inception in 2000, PRS for Music Foundation has given more than £22 million ($33 million) to over 5,000 new music initiatives by awarding grants and leading partnership programs that support music sector development, ranging from composer residencies and commissions to live showcases in the U.K. and overseas. Each year it receives £1.5 million ($2.3 million) from PRS for Music to back the creation and promotion of new British talent.