Melb MC Sinks Takes Out $10,000 Hilltop Hoods Initiative

Melbourne-based MC Sinks has been crowned the 12th winner of the annual APRA AMCOS/Hilltop Hoods Initiative, walking away the recipient of $10,000 in funding to help further his music career.

Sinks — a previous triple j Unearthed competition winner and support act for artists such as Action Bronson, Mobb Deep, Souls Of Mischief, Taskforce, Deltron 3030 and more — joins an esteemed list of winners for the initiative that includes the likes of Astro Travellers, Sarah Connor, Jimblah, Chelsea Jane, I AM D and RUNFORYOURLIFE, among others.

"This is a massive honour," he said of the win in a statement. "Having seen so many talented recipients in the past years, I feel truly humbled to have been successful in the Initiative.

"I'm really looking forward to making the most of this grant by putting out the best music I can. Big shout-outs to APRA AMCOS and the Hilltop Hoods!"

The rapper, known to the taxman as Alex Sinclair, will put the grant towards the manufacturing and promotion of his upcoming album, with the prize also including legal advice from David Vodicka and Media Arts Lawyers, as well as a merchandising start-up kit from Love Police ATM.

Hilltop Hoods' DJ Debris described Sinks in a statement as "a dope rapper with a great sound" and that he and his bandmates were "stoked" for his win, while APRA AMCOS Head of Member Services Dean Ormston said the company was pleased to once again be a part of giving an up-and-coming artist that crucial leg up in the industry.

"We're all about what's best for the careers of our members," Ormston said. "It's been great to again partner with the Hilltop Hoods for this wonderful opportunity, and to offer Sinks the chance to take his music further. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for this prolific writer."

The 2017 Hilltop Hoods Initiative was judged by a panel of artists, experts and music fans that included new recruit Sosefina Fuamoli (The AU Review) as well as returning faces Hau (triple j), artist/promoter Nish, manager/booker/promoter Ran-Dee, artist/author/clothier Raph Boogie and MC/beatboxer/graffiti artist/producer Tom Thum.

More information about the Initiative is available on APRA AMCOS' website.