Music Commission News

The New Zealand Music Commission | Te Reo Reka o Aotearoa is thrilled to announce the results for the Round 3 of Outward Sound 2026.

Outward Sound provides assistance for market development initiatives, encouraging and supporting the entry of New Zealand music and musicians into global markets. New Zealand music industry practitioners (artists, managers etc.) and firms (record companies and associated businesses) can apply for assistance through the programme for a range of international market development activities including:

– Market visits
– In-market representation
– Publicity and promotion
– Marketing materials
– Showcases, trade fairs and other events

The Outward Sound programme is implemented and managed by the New Zealand Music Commission. It is inclusive of music from all genres, styles and niches and applicants may target the international markets that are appropriate to them. Bands, composers, songwriters, producers, and solo artists – at different stages of international market development – are able to access the programme. The foundations of the programme are research, collaboration, network development and information sharing.

For further information, please visit the International section of our website here.

Congratulations to the 23 International Music Market Development Grant recipients this round:

1. Vera Ellen for performing at The Great Escape followed by a 33 UK/EU Tour supporting Aldous Harding.

2. lilbubblegum for a US market visit for label and publishing meetings and collaborative songwriting sessions.

3. LEAO for supporting Tinariwen on their Europe tour Scandinavia dates.

4. Will Swinton for a 16 date tour including Lollapalooza.

5. The Bats for a 6 date Australia tour of and 17 date Europe & UK tour of in support of the release of their 11th album, Corner Coming Up.

6. Rei for a 6 date tour performing at Festivals including Haka and Taonga Pūoro workshops and production sessions with Canadian musicians.

7. Nadia Reid for a 10 date tour of Australia with full band.

8. Borderline for their tour in Australia to support the release of debut self-titled album.

9. Son & Water for a 4 date tour of Australia in support of debut album.

10. Tami Neilson for the renewal of US O Visa.

11. Emerson for her debut Australian tour in support of her debut EP, Leap!

12. Mountain Boy for a 3 date tour of Australia in support of sophomore album release, The Nights.

13. DC Maxwell for an Australian tour including showcasing at BIGSOUND 2026 in support of the release of album, The Singer.

14. Rita Mae for US writing sessions through her new label Empire.

15. Lil’ Chief Records for attending the A2IM Indieweek conference in June.

16. IA for attending WOMEX 2026.

17. DAWSON for attending the 2026 ADE festival/conference.

18. Ben Malone for a US writing, production and networking trip.

19. Karl Sölve Steven for attending the Providenza residency programme in Corsica, France, Elektronmusikstudion in Stockholm, Sweden, Unsound Music Festival in Warsaw, Poland and the World Soundtrack Awards in Ghent, Belgium.

20. Mikeyy for 3 UK/Europe shows and writing sessions.

21. Aubrie Mitchell for attending a week-long seminar/masterclass for mixing in Paris, a week-long writing camp in NYC, a 10 day writing trip in LA, and a week-long writing trip in Sydney.

22. Jessica Leigh for a US market visit to participate in NYC’s Anti Social Songwriting Camp and build release/production portfolio through songwriting and production sessions.

23. Imani-J for a 20 day US trip for a songcamp & showcase, high-level pre-release EP pitching, Bam Marley content production and building Afro-focused A&R networks.

Round 4 of Outward Sound 2026 is currently open for applications. Applications close 27 July 2026 at 5:00PM (NZST).

For further Outward Sound funding timelines, please visit our website here.

More information on the scheme can be obtained by emailing international@nzmusic.org.nz

Media enquiries should also be directed to international@nzmusic.org.nz Artist photos are available upon request.

Pictured: Rei | Photo credit: Sean Richards