11 talented UK-based artists to receive the ground-breaking PPL Momentum Music Fund support in its latest round

The artists who have been selected by a network of industry experts, are:

August Charles – EP release
Beaux – debut album
Beren Olivia – EP release
Calva Louise – Recording and promotion
Chiedu Oraka – Mixing, mastering, promotion and marketing of new mixtape project
Dana Masters – debut album release
Hana Lili – EP release
Hinako Omori – Touring and live production
Lilla Vargen – EP release
mui zyu - Recording
Overpass – Promotion and touring

PPL Momentum Music supported Chiedu Oraka said, 

“The PPL Momentum Music fund will help take my music to the next level. Having this level of support will enable me to release a life changing project.”

Elizabeth Sills, Grants & Programmes Manager at PRS Foundation said:

“We’re delighted to be supporting 11 talented music creators in this latest round of our PPL Momentum Music Fund. 10 years since the launch of the Momentum Music Fund, this ground-breaking targeted funding scheme continues to play an incredibly vital role today in supporting those exciting artists and bands at crucial tipping points get to that next level in their careers.”

Kate Reilly, Chief Membership and People Officer at PPL, said:

“Congratulations to the 11 outstanding performers who will now have the chance to record, market, and tour more of their music thanks to the PPL Momentum Music Fund. By giving talented artists the help they need at a crucial point in their development, the fund delivers a consistent pipeline of new talent for the £4bn British music industry and ultimately supports jobs and venues in the wider musical ecosystem. We can’t wait to see what comes next for these artists.”

Gerwyn Evans, Deputy Director of Creative Wales said: 

“These artists have something special. Their passion for music and their fearless ambition is what makes this fund so significant, as we know that it will give them a very real opportunity to be heard by audiences across the UK and beyond.

“Growing and nurturing artists, venues and businesses in Wales is a key priority for Creative Wales, so it’s vitally important that we work with the PPL Momentum Music Fund which dedicates financial support to accelerate artists and create equal opportunities for those looking to break through.

“I’d like to congratulate all recipients, particularly Hana Lili, a shining Welsh star who is a real beacon for Welsh music who is already making waves in the industry.”

Jo Wright, Music Development Officer at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said, 

“The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is proud to partner with PRS Foundation on the PPL Momentum Music Fund, a vital initiative which enables our artists to take that all important next step in the development of their professional music careers. We are committed to providing valuable, meaningful opportunities for our artists develop and reach their full potential. This funding programme not only offers artists the opportunity to record and tour their work but it also enables them to connect with the UK-wide industry and showcase work on an international stage. Congratulations to all the artists taking part in this current round and to Northern Ireland acts, Lilia Vargen and Dana Masters, who will benefit greatly from this opportunity.”

PPL Momentum Music Fund is targeted support for artists who have reached a crucial tipping point and are ready to take the next step in their careers. Managed by PRS Foundation, the PPL Momentum Music Fund awards grants of £5,000-£15,000 using funds from PRS Foundation, PPL, Creative Wales and Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

The next deadline to apply for PPL Momentum Music Fund support is 18^th August 2023 at 6pm. Applicants can find out more and apply on PRS Foundation’s website.

PPL became headline sponsors of the Momentum Music Fund in February 2020. Since then, 161 talented music creators at tipping points in their careers have received this vital support to break through to the next level. This type of support is crucial for both music creators’ careers and the wider industry as the 10 Years of Momentum Report (2013-23) found. To date, the fund has been transformational with over £5.2 million awarded to artists across the whole of the UK, resulting in:

• Helping to generate £22 million for the UK music industry
• 526 artists awarded PPL Momentum Music Fund support
• Creation of 275 albums (including Mercury Prize nominated albums and dozens of top twenty chart placements)
• Support for over 300 UK tours and over 1,600 live dates
• Over 7,300 applications received over 40 funding rounds with a 7% success rate of funds being granted

PRS Foundation and Arts Council England initiated The Momentum Music Fund in 2013. Arts Council England originally established the need for this specific fund and supported the programme from 2013-18.

For a full rundown of all the artists supported so far see: https://prsfoundation.com/funding-support/funding-music-creators/next-steps/ppl-momentum-music-fund/momentum-artists/

Listen to the latest PPL Momentum Music Fund supported artists on the Spotify Momentum playlist.