Greater Good Announces 2024 Shortlist For Their Independent Artist Initiative

Sydney-based music services company Good Intent has announced the shortlist for their Greater Good Independent Artist Initiative 2024. For its fourth year in a row, the company is providing developmental and financial support to independent artists who are spearheading the next generation of Australian music.

The initiative will provide a career-changing package to one artist which includes in-kind services and a cash grant totalling up to $30,000. Chief Operating Officer Rick Bridgman wrote that Good Intent is grateful to be in a position to provide authentic, philanthropic help to artists who are pushing the envelope in music.

"The past few years we've discovered so many incredible artists from across the country, heard their stories and provided guidance to help develop their careers,” he said.

“The best part about this is we get to see the growth of the winners, and all applicants alike, it's why we do what we do and we can't wait to dive into more music.”

This year, the shortlist is filled with a varying list of talented artists spanning Australia who each make for a promising winning candidate for the services on offer. Hailing from Melbourne, Italian-Australian rapper DoloRRes is in the running alongside Tokyo-via-Melbourne violinist, vocalist and producer Elle Shimada, 3-piece alternative rock band Belle Haven, electronic/soul/pop outfit Empress, flautist and composer Erica Tucceri, indie-pop artist Holly Hebe, experimental rock-pop duo Mannequin Death Squad and soulful pop artist Velvet Bloom.

Sydney artists shine bright on the shortlist, with indie rock band Civic Video, alt-rockers Good Pash, Blacktown rapper and producer Isaac Puerile, soulful singer-songwriters PA777IENCE, RISSA and Ruby Jackson, Gamilaraay electronic composer and vocalist THOM and pop/rock/funk/hip-hop fusion band Thunder Fox leading the way.

Representing Brisbane on the shortlist is 17-year-old indie-pop/rock muso Ixaras and alternative indie-rock three-piece Selfish Sons, meanwhile, Perth is led by alt-rock band LATE 90s and from Adelaide we have indie punks Oscar The Wild.

On social media, Good Intent stated that 700 acts across Australia and New Zealand applied for the initiative this year. 

“Huge thank you to the 700 acts that took the time to apply this year, we were blown away by the response,” they said.

“This year we had such a good time listening to and discovering so many great acts, but also had an incredibly tough job deciding on our Greater Good shortlist – so much quality across AU & NZ, we love to see and hear it.”

The successful shortlisted applicants will receive a package with PR, marketing, management consultation, and creative assistance provided by Good Intent as well as a photo shoot at the Good Loco studios, a 25% discount off photo/videography studio, merchandise discount and a poster print and distribution discount.

The winner of the initiative – which is to be announced next year alongside new music from the artist – will receive a $4,000 cash grant, an artist services-supported release package, a recording and production package, a vinyl package, EPK development, a merchandise package, a Purple Sneakers promo package, a sponsorship package, a poster print and distribution package, accounting consultation, and legal consultation.

Byron Bay band Lazy Ghost won the Greater Good Independent Artist Initiative for 2023, citing that the opportunity “significantly” advanced their career. As we slowly but surely head into 2025, we’re excited to see which of these phenomenal acts take out the Greater Good Independent Artist Initiative next.