Music Commission News

The New Zealand Music Commission | Te Reo Reka o Aotearoa is thrilled 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 19 International Music Market Development Grant recipients this round:

1. 9lives for a UK/European tour supporting Lancey Foux.

2. Southeast for Australian business meetings in support of their roster.

3. EDY for a writing and producing trip across Australia.

4. Theia for a Canadian tour including several festivals.

5. Kaylee Bell for the renewal of US visas.

6. Bic Runga for an Australian tour in support of her newest release, Red Sunset.

7. Vera Ellen for supporting Yumi Zouma on their European tour.

8. Hemi Hemingway for a debut headline tour of UK/Europe and showcasing at The Great Escape 2026, in support of his sophomore album, Wings of Desire.

9. Xile for supporting Gideon on their UK tour.

10. ratbag for UK performances in and around The Great Escape 2026.

11. Elliot & Vincent for supporting Unknown Mortal Orchestra on their North America tour.

12. Written By Wolves for supporting Solence on their UK/Europe tour.

13. Office Dog for a 13 date tour of UK/Europe, and showcasing at The Great Escape 2026.

14. Kiki Rockwell for a 13 date headline tour of Europe.

15. Corrella for two regional festival performances in Australia.

16. Heard & Seen for sync, score, artist collaborations and international partnerships.

17. Ringlets for a debut tour of the UK/Europe, and showcasing at The Great Escape 2026.

18. Aidan Fine for US market development visit, including songwriting and producer sessions.

19. CHAII for an Asia-focused international press and market development tour.

Round 2 of Outward Sound 2026 is currently open for applications. Applications close 2nd March 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: Vera Ellen | Photo credit: Nicola Sandford