Eight emerging songwriters and composers will be given a career break thanks to the 2011 Professional Development Awards (PDA), proudly presented by APRA.

Supporting emerging songwriters and composers, APRA in conjunction with music organisations and educational institutions, are pleased to be involved in the development of music creators at the early stages of their career.

Open to all emerging songwriters and composers, each PDA winner will receive a prize package made up of cash, product, travel, education and recognition, valued at over $25,000.

The APRA Professional Development Awards are held every two years and is given to eight emerging songwriters and composers across six categories:

• Popular Contemporary (3 Awards are given in this category including Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Hip Hop, Dance and R&B)
• Country
• Jazz
• Classical
• Film and Television
• Indigenous

All PDA award winners will take home this life changing prize package:

• $12,000 cash and Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch + Logic Studio courtesy of APRA|AMCOS
• Full day of studio time, including engineer, at Studios 301
• Distribution deal with MGM/Leading Edge (Popular Contemporary, Country, Film & TV, Indigenous winners only)
• Digital distribution courtesy MGM (Popular Contemporary, Country, Film & TV, Indigenous winners only)
• Digital distribution courtesy ABC Music (Jazz and Classical Award winners only)
• PCR300 Controller Keyboard and DR80C Condensor Microphone courtesy of Roland
• A unit of study in the Australian Institute of Music’s (AIM) Bachelor of Music Program.
• Attendance at the Seed Workshop (for 3 x popular contemporary winners only) courtesy of The Seed – an arts grant fund
• Attendance at the ASCAP US Film & TV Workshop (for Film & TV winner only) courtesy of ASCAP

Two additional awards offered in 2011

In association with the Professional Development Awards, APRA has partnered with the Big Day Out and the University of Tasmania as they present:

• Jessica Michalik Contemporary Music Endowment, and
• UTAS Stephen Schwartz Songwriting Award

Each award will provide a promising Australian songwriter or group with development grants of $10,000.

Key Dates:

• Applications open: Wednesday 13 October 2010
• Applications close: Monday 29 November
• Winner announced March 2011

For information including entry forms and terms & conditions head to www.apra-amcos.com.au/pda .

Head here to find out.

To all those who applied but were unsuccessful, we’d like to thank you for taking the time to apply and urge you to try again next year.

The Seed Team.

HERE IS WHAT WE FUNDED IN 2010… STAY TUNED AS THE OUTCOMES START ROLLING IN

ART FOR THE PUBLIC – TOTAL FUNDING $13,406.35

Jasmine Habbouchi is creating a mural on the walkway wall at Bondi Beach. The image Jasmine will use is of three young skater skeletons, the first covering his eyes, the second covering his ears and the third covering his mouth. This is symbolic of the famous quote “see no, hear no, speak no evil” – this subject has been selected as Jasmine feels the youth of today need to be oblivious to all the bad influences around them that stop them from getting ahead in life. Bondi Beach is a great tourist attraction and popular for its famous skate park. The vision is for the mural to become a landmark and the message in the artwork will be heard. NSW

Belinda Campbell will undertake her project titled ‘Intersections’. The project aims to take a deeper look at the life-stories of people who otherwise might be regarded as living on the fringe of society. Belinda’s subject: street-corner window-washers. In her role as photographer / biographer, she will photograph willing subjects and then interview them about their personal histories, their current lives and their visions for the future. Their portraits and written biographies will then be printed and displayed in a poster-board exhibition situated at Camperdown Memorial Rest Park, Sydney. NSW

Damian Collins will oversee two pieces of public art come to life in Devonport, Tasmania. The first will be a solo piece by artist Scott Neoh (Bonsai). The second will be done by up to 6 local young artists, who will have attended skill development workshops led by Bonsai in the days leading up to it. These workshops will focus on drafting the mural, aerosol skills and also address the legal & social issues often involved in aerosol art. Both murals will be done with Spray Paint and will feature in prominent public spaces. Being in a regional & somewhat remote location it is important to offer the youth positive methods of community engagement. Beautifying the city will also provide a better atmosphere for residents & tourists alike. TAS

MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP INITIATIVE – TOTAL FUNDING $40,000

The management workshop aims to address the lack of practical strategies when managing a band or performer in the early phase of their career. This workshop brings together a group of significant professionals in the music industry, including Philip Stevens, Correne Wilkie, John Watson, Brett Oaten, Simon Moor, Sebastian Chase, Sally Howland and Russell Thomas to name just a few! All of these representatives from the music industry will share their knowledge and offer strategic advice on ways to enhance performers’ opportunities in the music industry. The Management Workshop will be delivered as a three day intensive, including customised personal advice. Of the 193 applications received we are happy to announce the following successful participants in this year’s workshop:

Brooke Bedall, who co-manages Ash Grunwald. With multiple releases and tours both in Australia and overseas, this year is looking just as busy with another studio album release. Ash will develop his international profile via tours in Europe and return to Canada. Brooke is looking forward to all the good things she’s heard about the workshop and turning her role into a full time career. VIC

Angela Kohler is co-manager of Ball Park Music. In just over 12 months the band have released an EP, picked up iTunes Single of the Week and toured interstate. Their second EP ‘Conquer The Town, Easy As Cake’ will be released on a national level with extensive touring round the country for the second half of the year. QLD

Charles Wall co-manages reggae-pop act The Cool Calm Collective and manages himself, going under the name of Bobby Alu. The Cool Calm Collective have released one EP, played sold out shows and coveted festival slots. The Management Workshop will offer an opportunity to gain knowledge & new methods immediately helping the release & tour of an album early 2011. QLD

Melissa Gibson manages Fyah Walk. The roots-reggae act formed in 2007 and have since put out 2 albums ‘Sunrise Red’ and ‘Ocean Sounds’. Fyah Walk plays regularly to capacity crowds at home and has performed at renowned festivals such as WOMADelaide 2010, Kuranda Roots Reggae Festival, Island Vibe, Melbourne Reggae Festival and the Mullumbimby Music Festival. They have just completed their first tour of Western Australia and are looking to take their unique act overseas in 2011. VIC

Brendan “Oakies” Okeeffe manages Ganga Giri. Ganga Giri is an energetic and innovative live act. Delivering his unique and authentic take on multicultural Australia Ganga Giri’s music has been appreciated by music lovers in many countries including Australia, Japan, Europe, New Zealand, Canada and the USA. Oakies will build stronger networks with other independent music managers and share resources to make what they do become a more powerful and positive part of the music industry. VIC

Husky Gawenda is a self managed artist performing under the name Husky. One album into their career, Husky are fast becoming one of the Melbourne acts to keep an eye on. They were invited to play the Spiegeltent for the Melbourne International Arts Festival, capturing the hearts and imagination of a sell out crowd. The workshop will provide Husky with other managers to learn from, connect with and collaborate with in the future. VIC

Thomas Hyland plays in and manages post-punk band Ivy St. They have toured throughout Australia several times, through New Zealand and have independently released one EP and one album through Wireless Records / MGM. Ivy St’s debut album ‘Picture Machine’ was well received and led to spots at the Falls Festival and selected as a Triple J ‘Next Crop Artist’. Thomas will take skills from the workshop and continue working at turning Ivy St into a self-sustaining entity. TAS

Jen Cloher self manages her band Jen Cloher and The Endless Sea. Cloher’s debut album earned her an ARIA nomination for Best Female Artist. Since then she’s travelled the country over as a support act, a headline act and on many festival slots. The Age named her second album Hidden Hands one of the TOP Ten releases of 2009. Jen will share her experiences and concentrate on improving the business management aspect of her career. VIC

Jess McAvoy is a self managed artist and director of her label Henduwin Music with 10 self funded independent releases to date. Jess has sold out shows for numerous launches, toured nationally, secured various support slots with international artists and many high profile Australian acts. At the workshop, Jess hopes to gain a stronger understanding of what she needs to do to create her future vision. VIC

Adam Guzowski is a member of and manages alternative rock band Kasha. The band have one independent release under their belt – an EP titled ‘Five Songs For Sunstroke’ available in both Australia and overseas. Adam hopes to gain a deeper insight into the music business to further his and his band careers in the industry. ACT

Josef Fox-Muller is a bass player, independent record label director and music manager based in Brisbane. Currently Josef both plays in and manages Brisbane based acts Laneous & The Family Yah and Banawurun. His label, Bird Fire Records was started in 2008, has released 7 records to date. This year Laneous & The Family Yah will take their first steps towards touring Europe in 2011. QLD

Andrew Stone plays keys in and manages Brisbane band Montpelier. The band have toured Australia in support of their self-titled debut EP. Andrew looks forward to being among other managers to learn strategies that will benefit the Montpelier’s future – hoping to gain them national radio airplay and tour into further territories. QLD

Crystle Fleper is founder and director of [A:M] Authentic Management. [A:M] currently represents indie electro hipsters Polaroid Fame, garage rockers Lovers of Modern Art and it’s blues-rock offshoot Dead Shades. She is also Queensland editor of fasterlouder and works as events coordinator at Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts. Crystle’s foray into band management began in 2001 when she took up managing the band she performed in, Hot Rubber Glove. QLD

Nathan Farrell has 3 acts on his roster, Jon Cleary (in Australia), Laneous and the Family Yah (co-managed) and Thundamentals. New Orleans based pianist Jon Cleary, who’s toured with Bonnie Raitt, Taj Mahal, Dr John & John Schofield internationally. Locally, numerous national tours have seen his act Thundamentals headline, as well as share stages with the likes of Lyrics Born (USA), Drapht and Astronomy Class. He has also just signed on as Co-Manager of Brisbane act Laneous & The Family Yah. Nathan sees the opportunity to attend the workshop as invaluable for himself and his acts. NSW

Sal Kimber is the singer, songwriter and manager of ‘Sal Kimber & The Rollin’ Wheel’. Since the release of their debut album in 08 the band has been gallivanting around the countryside, playing both urban and rural festivals and shows. Most recently the band had 5 nominations in the 2010 Victorian / National Whittlesea Country Music Awards. Coming up, the band hope to tour Canada and will record album their second album later in the year. VIC

Kate Beasy manages alternative-pop group Skye Harbour. In 2008 the band won the MTV Kick Start award and after touring hard they bunkered down to perfect their debut LP. Now preparations are in order for the release of their new single Hunch and a national tour before they drop the album later this year. VIC

Carly Church is the co-manager of Spacifix, a 7 piece rock pop reggae band. MusicOZ have named them one of the top 5 live performers in 2010. This year the band will focus on building foundations in the Australian market. When Carly attends the workshop, she wishes to learn more about the ins and outs of management and have the opportunity to network with industry professionals. QLD

Melinda Kirwin plays in and manages The Falls, an indie-pop act from Darlinghurst. The band have one EP out on the streets and have just recorded their first full length album. In 2009 The Falls made the top 3 (out of over 2000 bands) in the Toohey’s Extra Dry UNCHARTED band comp. In the next 12 months Melinda would like to build a team of people around The Falls who share a passion for their music to assist in further developing and promoting the act, including an independent label and publishing company. NSW

Katie Jones manages The Frowning Cloud who have several releases to their name and have played many supports in different parts of Australia and festival slots including Laneway. Following the release of their debut LP, the band hope to headline a tour around Australia and to be able to take on a support slot offered in Europe. VIC

Eddie Narain manages Perth band The Joe Kings. The band are on the rise with only one EP to their name, having gained airplay on community radio, playing sold out shows and just being named Best Newcomers at the 2010 WAMi Awards. Eddie feels the workshop will help him grasp the concepts of being a manager and make the right decisions for the band, a great opportunity to discuss with like minded people, meet and learn from industry professionals. WA

Daisy Brown manages Adelaide 5 piece The Killgirls. This synth heavy indie electro-rock band played to 40,000 people at Adelaide’s Fringe 2010 Opening Night Party with Art vs Science. The Killgirls are gaining momentum having played to over 300 at Adelaide’s Parklife festival & picking up national airplay on Triple J. Daisy cant wait to receive professional development that stretches her practice to further her band into new territories. SA

Blair Stafford manages Melbourne based 16 piece jazz / electronic orchestra The RAah Project. In 2009 they released their debut album ‘The Score’. Giles Peterson (BBC Radio) named it the most important album of 2009. This year the band will be heading to the UK to record with the BBC Orchestra and then tour Japan. Through attending the workshop, Blair would like to gain skills to help him navigate his way to reach the goals he has for the band. VIC

Scott Large has been working with Tjupi Band from Papunya for the last 5 years. Tjupi Band are one of the peak desert bands, with performances at the Indigenous Music Awards in 2009, Triple J’s One Night Stand in 2010 and many desert music showcases. They come from the lineage of the Warumpi Band, with members being the sons of Sammy Butcher. Tjupi sing mostly in their traditional language “Luritja” and have 2 CDs released through CAAMA Music. NT

Brooke Kelly manages synth-pop act Voltaire Twins. After only releasing one single they’ve been invited to play countless festivals including Laneway, Good Vibrations and Summadayze. Having secured a distribution deal for their upcoming EP release, Brooke is looking forward to networking and picking up tips from like-minded managers to develop Voltaire Twins profile on a national and international level. WA

THE SEED AND SKINNYFISH INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY MUSIC INITIATIVE – UP TO $20,000

Supporting top end indigenous community bands, by generating paid performance opportunities and encouraging positive outcomes in community life through music.

BARUNGA FESTIVAL and MERREPEN ART & SPORTS FESTIVAL

LAZY LATE BOYS

SPRINGWATER

WHITE WATER BAND

YOUNG GUNS

ELCHO FESTIVAL

A big thankyou to everyone who applied this year, it was a mammoth task sorting through so many amazing applications.

Stay tuned for the 2010 successful applicants announcement!

The Seed Crew

Over the past five years, with the help of a bunch of like minded music loving folk they’ve been extremely proud to hand out over $400,000 to incredibly talented, motivated and original artists who could do with some financial support. It’s been an honour to give these people a helping hand.

Sign up to the mailing list and stay tuned for the 2011 round announcement and all things Seed.

John Butler Trio will be joined by Bluejuice, Gyroscope and Washington… AND triple j Unearthed will be searching for the region’s best band to open the event.

As part of this amazing opportunity, we here at The Seed are offering a spot for a representative of the winning NT band to attend our very special Management Workshop in the Blue Mountains in NSW. We will provide and arrange transport, accommodation and meals.

And that’s not all – triple j will be running an Unearthed song writing workshop on the Saturday morning for local musicians hosted by triple j’s Drive show presenter ‘The Doctor’.

So if you can see yourself hitting the high notes in front of thousands make sure you have your tracks uploaded by midnight Sunday 14th March. You must be an artist in the NT – Alice Springs region to be eligible.

Register as an artist now »

More about triple j’s One Night Stand in Alice Springs »