Hilltop Hoods Initiative Returns With Another $10,000 Grant For 12th Year Running

Every year since 2005, the Hilltop Hoods have teamed up with APRA AMCOS to give an emerging artist a leg up in the industry with their $10,000 Hilltop Hoods Initiative.

Having previously lined the pockets and bolstered the careers of acclaimed Aussie artists such as Astro Travellers, Sarah Connor, Jimblah, Chelsea Jane, I AM D and RUNFORYOURLIFE, the generous grant is back for its 12th year to help another up-and-comer manufacture, promote and distribute an album or EP — that is, assist with costs for processes such as mastering, publicity, artwork and vinyl pressing (though not the actual recording and mixing itself).

In addition to the cash prize, the Hilltop Hoods Initiative — open to any APRA AMCOS members who have not yet released a commercial album on an industry-recognised label — also brings with it legal advice from David Vodicka of Media Arts Lawyers as well as a Love Police ATM merchandising start-up kit.

Sometimes the rewards go beyond those immediately apparent on paper too, with previous recipient I AM D so impressing the Hoods that they decided to distribute his EP, M.N.T.N.S, through their own Golden Era Records label.

With a new judge joining the fray for 2017 — The AU Review editor Sosefina Fuamoli — alongside the existing panel of ACT artist and triple j presenter Hau, South Australian artist, community worker and promoter Nish, NSW manager, booker and promoter Ran-Dee, Victorian artist, author and clothier Raph, and Qld MC, beat-boxer, graffiti artist and producer Tom Thum, this year's grant is looking to lift up another worthy contender above the pack and help give them the resources necessary to get the ball rolling on the next stage of their emerging career.

"We couldn't be more excited about this year's Initiative," the Hoods' Suffa said in a statement.

"This year is extra exciting as we're bringing a new judge on board, Sose Fuamoli of the The AU Review," Suffa said. "We can't wait to see what this year's Initiative brings."

Applications for the 2017 Hilltop Hoods Initiative are open now, running through till 5pm AEDT on Tuesday 21 March. The winner will be announced on Thursday 11 May.

If you're eligible to do so, get your entries in over on APRA AMCOS' website.