DOT INC, Laura Welsh and Pete Robertson among the latest songwriters and producers to receive Hitmaker fund support
- Six behind the scenes songwriters and producers to receive vital support from the ground-breaking Hitmaker fund
- Support will be used for creative and professional development activities such as attending writing camps, equipment and studio costs
PRS Foundation, the UK’s leading charitable funder of new music and talent development announces today (25th March 2021) the latest producers and songwriters to receive support from the ground-breaking Hitmaker fund are:
DOT INC – Time to create
Fergus Brignall – Equipment and training
Josh Crocker – Studio space hire
Laura Welsh – Songwriting camp
Pete Robertson – Time to work with talented upcoming artists
Sarah Close – Equipment
Kwame Safo, Grants & Programmes Manager (Industry Funds) at PRS Foundation said,
“Huge congratulations to all six of the songwriters and producers selected in the first Hitmaker round of 2021. Music creation is at the centre of the music industry and so this type of support is vital, particularly at this unprecedented time, to be able to develop the careers of talented behind-the-scenes songwriters and producers across the UK.”
At a time when it is becoming harder for up and coming behind the scenes creatives to earn sufficient funds to forge a sustainable career in the music business, PRS Foundation’s Hitmaker fund serves to address the need to support these creators who are the bedrock of the modern music industry.
Hitmaker supported songwriter and producer Sarah Close said
“As an independent songwriter producer, being selected for the Hitmaker fund means that I can invest in new equipment and instruments for my studio that will benefit me in all aspects of my career for years to come. I’m very grateful to the PRS Foundation for this opportunity.”
Hitmaker support offers songwriters, producers and music creators working behind the scenes in popular music genres to further develop their careers and writing/production credits with grants of up to £10,000. Under the previous guise of the pilot Writer Producer Fund, Hitmaker has supported talent that has worked with the likes of Nicki Minaj, Paramore, Stormzy, Kylie and many more.
Additionally, supported songwriters and producers have developed into a community of behind-the-scenes music creators, through Hitmaker events and a unique online network designed to connect talent and encourage collaboration.
PRS Foundation’s Hitmaker fund is open to UK based behind-the-scenes songwriters, producers and music creators that have had at least three commercially exploited works, whether performed live, received media coverage, radio play, streams or released via commercial channels.
Spotify is the exclusive digital partner for Hitmaker. The partnership enables more talented producers and songwriters to be supported across the three deadlines in 2021 and a closer working relationship between 2021 supported grantees and the Spotify team for promotional and marketing opportunities.
Aaron Buckingham, Songwriter and Publishing Relations at Spotify said,
“Huge congratulations to these six hugely talented songwriters and producers. The music we’ve heard so far has been really exciting and we’re delighted to be supporting them as they take these next steps of their music careers.”
Hitmaker applicants can apply for support for:
- Time to create
- Training / Skills courses at places such as Point Blank / SSE
- Creative / Professional development
- Studio hire
- Purchase of equipment / software / hardware (covers up to 25% of costs)
- Tracking
- UK writing space rental / lease
- Maternity leave and childcare
The next deadline for applications to be submitted by is Wednesday 2nd June 2021 at 6pm. Applicants will need to submit at least two tracks with registered cuts.
