Music Commission News

The New Zealand Music Commission | Te Reo Reka o Aotearoa is delighted to announce the results for the Round 5 of Outward Sound 2024.

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 13 International Music Market Development Grant recipients this round:

1. Huia for attending BIGSOUND 2024 as a delegate.

2. Theia and TE KAAHU for Canadian tours including a Folk Alliance International 2025 showcase.

3. The Veils for a UK and Europe album release tour for Asphodels.

4. The Dollys for attending the Australian Country Music Academy and Tamworth Country Music Festival 2025.

5. Harry Charles for an O1 Visa application as well as a production and writing trip to Los Angeles.

6. Georgia Lines for a live show and writing sessions in Los Angeles.

7. Mel Parsons for performing at Folk Alliance International 2025 as an official showcasing artist in Montreal, Canada.

8. Nicole Thomas (NicNak Media Ltd) to attend Folk Alliance International 2025 as a delegate.

9. Deva Mahal for a 12 date European and UK tour to pre-promote an upcoming EP.

10. 9lives for a 13 date Europe tour (as special guest for the Kanii #BLUE tour) and weeklong songwriting collaborations in NYC and London.

11. Gracie Moller for an O1 Visa application as well as networking and songwriting in Los Angeles.

12. lilbubblegum for a 3 date Australian headline tour in support of PROTAGONIST and Q3 single releases including ‘DON’T TOUCH’ and ‘Osiris’.

13. SXMPRA for a 5 date Australian tour supporting US artist, Ski Mask The Slump God and a 28 date co-headline tour of the USA with US artist, KXLLSWXTCH in support of the first phase of SXMPRA’s debut album roll-out.

Round 1, the first round of Outward Sound 2025 is currently open for applications. Applications close 16th December 2024 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: Deva Mahal | Photo credit: Russell Kleyn