DECADE OF EXCELLENCE: GRID SERIES TOUCHES DOWN IN GEELONG FOR ITS 10TH YEAR
Marking a decade of success, GRID Series have launched their artist development program in Geelong, welcoming applications from the region’s aspiring musicians.
GRID Series (Grass Roots Indie Development) is an innovative artist development initiative dedicated to empowering emerging musicians from outer suburban and regional locations throughout Australia. Designed to bridge the gap between the industry and historically ignored communities, the program provides artists with unparalleled access to an exceptional range of resources that will empower them to hone in on their creative and professional skills.
Amidst the constraints of limited access to studios, producers, contacts and industry knowledge, artists residing beyond the confines of inner city music hubs often face a greater challenge in sharing their craft with the world. GRID Series cuts through the noise to address these challenges in their meticulously curated program, which includes intensive mentoring, song development, recording sessions, video content, and coveted live performance opportunities. The program creates new pathways for its participants to attain visibility and establish their rightful place within the Australian music landscape, unearthing some of the most exciting, thought provoking and dynamic artists in the country. Notable alumni of GRID Series’ transformative programs include the likes of Srirachi, Jag, Angie McMahon, Gordon Koang, Flewnt, NIASHA, Jacki Tut, Nomad, Manny Lado and Franjapan.
The program boasts an all-star team of industry professionals on board to assist artists with creating and releasing new work and building pathways for that work to connect with new audiences. This year’s team of producers, mentors and content creators include award winning songwriter and producer Joel Ma (Haiku Hans, Moju), ARIA nominated engineer, songwriter and producer Becki Whitton, acclaimed producer Ariel Blum (NIASHA, St.Ives), music festival programmer Rich Moffat (Groovin’ the Moo, Falls Festival, Splendour in the Grass), director of Broken Leg PR Monique Matosic, founder of The Operatives Jerry Poon, triple j's assistant music director Claire Mooney, and founding member of 76M Films Paul Huyhn.
The program is open to solo artists or bands who write original music, live in Geelong, are available on all key dates (listed on the application form), and are aged 17 years and over. Accepting applications from all genres, GRID Series works with artists whose material represents the diversity of lived experiences in the regions they work with. Four successful applicants will have the opportunity to create a new track in collaboration with one of the program’s producers, receive bespoke one-on-one mentoring with the industry mentors, create an artist documentary with Naarm's most highly sought after film collective, and receive live performance opportunities within the Geelong region and beyond.
To apply, artists will need to submit their application via the GRID Series website, in either written, video or audio format. The application involves answering a set of questions and providing a link to a demo of original work. All participants are also required to nominate a friend/collaborator/family member as their designated ‘hype person’, who will also undergo the same intensive mentorship and will accompany the artist/band during their scheduled activities to create additional content for them to promote their work.
Applications open on the 1st of September and will close on the 2nd of October. The program will begin on the 25th of October, running over a 5-month period until March 2024. For those requiring assistance in submitting their application, the GRID Series team is on hand to assist.
GRID Series Geelong 2023 is proudly supported by Creative Victoria and City of Greater Geelong.
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