Music Commission News

The New Zealand Music Commission | Te Reo Reka o Aotearoa is pleased to announce the results for the Round 1 of Outward Sound 2025.

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 11 International Music Market Development Grant recipients this round:

1. Marlon Williams for US PR, marketing and touring to support new Māori language album, Te Whare Tīwekaweka.

2. ratbag for an inaugural visit to the UK for debut shows, writing sessions and promo activity ahead of her forthcoming EP.

3. Bakers Eddy for showcasing in and around SXSW and New Colossus Festival to build new international teams, and support the release of a new EP.

4. Borderline for showcasing in around SXSW, attending meetings with new label partner and writing sessions.

5. Drax Project for an 8 date tour of the UK to further grow and develop the band’s UK audience, and in support of the band’s debut live album, Live at the Jazz Cafe, London.

6. Frankie Venter for a US market trip, including showcasing at SXSW.

7. Heard & Seen for a LA sync mission around the Guild of Music Supervisors Awards as well as sync focused trips in Sydney and Melbourne.

8. Jude Kelly for showcasing and meetings in the UK.

9. Muroki for showcasing at The Great Escape and additional shows in the UK and Europe supporting new music releases.

10. teo glacier for a US market trip, including showcasing at SXSW.

11. Pippa Ryan-Kidd for conferences and showcases in and around Americana Week UK.

Round 2 of Outward Sound 2025 is currently open for applications. Applications close 3rd March Maehe 2025 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: ratbag | Photo credit: Felix Jackson