Armidale-based Mad Proppa Deadly is among the recipients of the NSW Government’s largest ever music funding round, announced on Friday.
The Indigenous music organisation, led by Nate Weatherall, delivers culturally appropriate music education and creative development for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, particularly those living in regional communities. The organisation uses music as a platform for storytelling, connection, and self-expression, delivering workshops and recording opportunities, including on-site around the region through a custom-built mobile studio.
Mad Proppa Deadly will receive support through the new First Nations Industry Development fund, introduced as part of the 2024/2025 Sound NSW grants program. The fund is designed to back organisations that foster talent and deliver development projects within First Nations communities. Other recipients include We Are Warriors Creative Workshops and Awesome Black Studio.
Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, John Graham, said the $9.3 million in grants across the Sound NSW programs would help revitalise the state’s music scene after years of challenge.
“You actually can’t overstate it – if we don’t support our local artists, they will struggle to survive the onslaught of American music on the streaming platforms,” he said.
“This year’s grants put particular focus on First Nations music, regional artists and some of the crucial organisations that foster talent and industry development. For this industry to grow, we have to support the ecosystem and that’s what these grants do.”
The 2024/2025 Sound NSW funding round includes three main streams: Contemporary Music Development Grants, the Touring and Travel Fund, and a Strategic Funding Program. New categories introduced this year specifically target First Nations artists and organisations, with nearly $1.2 million allocated to support both creative and industry development projects.
Mad Proppa Deadly’s inclusion reflects the government’s commitment to regional music and Indigenous-led initiatives. In this round, 29 per cent of Contemporary Music Development Grants and 30 per cent of Touring and Travel Fund grants went to recipients based in regional New South Wales.
Other First Nations artists to receive support under the new First Nations Creative and Professional Development fund include Dan Sultan, BARKAA, Becca Hatch, Nooky, Mi-kaisha, and Kobie Dee. In total, 21 First Nations artists and acts received more than $575,000 to create, record, and promote new music.
The broader Contemporary Music Development stream saw grants awarded to well-known acts such as DMAs, Hermitude, Middle Kids, The Rubens, MAY-A, and Jack River to support recording and promotion of new music.
Touring and Travel Fund grants, totalling $1.8 million, will support 144 artists and industry professionals. Recipients include Hayden James for a US tour, SPEED performing at Coachella, total tommy for their debut UK and Europe tour, and Sarah Blasko and Kita Alexander for international and national tours.
A further $3.25 million in strategic funding will support 10 key industry-wide initiatives, including an Australian Women in Music regional delegates program, APRA regional and songwriting workshops, and the development of a best practice safety guide for festivals by the Australian Festivals Association.
Head of Sound NSW, Emily Collins, said the programs were designed to drive innovation and ensure long-term sustainability for the sector.
“Sound NSW is proud to support projects that aren’t just about performance, but about self-determination and storytelling, and growing the next generation of artists and leaders,” she said.
“These programs are an investment in the sustainability and long-term success of NSW music.”
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