After helping emerging artists such as Stella Donnelly, Alex Lahey and more, Levi’s Music Prize will now extend to New Zealand artists.
Since launching at BIGSOUND in 2017, the Levi’s Music Prize has awarded $125,000 to Australia artists, with New Zealand talent now also eligible for a stake in the annual $100K prize pool.
“It’s been a big year for Australian music,” Levi’s Marketing Manager for Australia & New Zealand Nicky Rowsell said.
“The depth of talent in this country is stronger than ever and we’re proud to be a part of it in some small way by being able to provide funding via the Levi’s Music Prize to assist emerging artists reach a few of their international career goals.
“In order to keep the prize evolving and growing; we’d like to extend the opportunity to New Zealand artists that have played BIGSOUND dating back to 2014.
“Hopefully this encourages more New Zealand artists to participate in BIGSOUND and I look forward to seeing the healthy competition created from our close neighbours.”
Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, Hatchie and Emerson Snowe have also taken out the prize since its inception, with funding assisting in recording or touring equipment, video production, promotion costs and more.
"It's impossible to overstate how the generosity of the Levi's Music Prize has impacted the lives of our winners so far,” BIGSOUND Executive Producer Joel Edmondson said.
“Every year we welcome a number of New Zealand acts to BIGSOUND and it's great that they can now also benefit from the possibility of winning this career-changing prize."
Earlier this year, it was announced that Stage & Screen would contribute an additional $5,000 to each winning artist in travel.
Applications for Round 2 close December 9, with Australian and New Zealand artists who have performed on the official BIGSOUND line-up in the past five years able to apply.
Check out the BIGSOUND website for all the details.
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