The Hilltop Hoods Initiative is back for another year, with emerging Australian hip hop and soul artists encouraged to get involved for their chance to land a $10,000 grant courtesy of the Hoods and APRA AMCOS.
Now in its 12th year, the Initiative has supported the work of the likes of Sarah Connor, I AM D and Jimblah – three examples of just how thriving the Australian hip hop industry has become in recent years. The grant itself is not intended to be spent on the completion of an album, but to also be put towards other elements of the process including vinyl manufacture, artwork, publicity and mastering.
The winning artist will also receive legal advice thanks to Media Arts Lawyers and David Vodicka, as well as a merch start up kit courtesy of Love Police ATM. Open to APRA AMCOS members who have not yet released a commercial album on an industry recognised album, the Hilltop Hoods Initiative is a great opportunity for up and comers to grasp.
The entries will be judged by a panel comprising some of the most respected names in Australian hip hop, while the Initiative also introduces a new judge in our Editor in Chief, Sosefina Fuamoli to the board for 2017.
“We couldn’t be more excited about this year’s Initiative,” Suffa MC has said. “We were so impressed with a previous recipient, I AM D, that we distributed his EP M.N.T.N.S through our label Golden Era Records. This year is extra exciting as we’re bringing a new judge on board, Sose Fuamoli of the AU Review. We can’t wait to see what this year’s Initiative brings.”
Applications are now open and will be closing at 5pm AEDT, March 21st. The winner of the 2017 Hilltop Hoods Initiative will be revealed on May 11th.
HILLTOP HOODS INITIATIVE JUDGING PANEL
Hau (ACT) | Artist (Koolism), Presenter (triple j’s The Hip Hop Show)
Sosefina Fuamoli (SA) | Editor of the AU Review
Nish (SA) | Graffiti Artist, Indigenous Community Worker, Promoter
Ran-Dee (NSW) | Manager (Def Wish Cast, NTSC), Booking Agent, Promoter
Raph (VIC) | Artist, Clothing Label Owner (Blank Clothing), Author (Behind the Beat)
Tom Thum/Tommy Illfigga (QLD) | MC, Beat Boxer, Graffiti Artist, B-Boy, Producer
For more information on how you can enter visit the APRA AMCOS page here.
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