Following the success of their last program which wrapped up earlier this year, GRID Series have announced their return to Geelong with an all-star team of mentors, producers, and filmmakers, all ready to help empower the region's local musicians.
Applications now open and GRID Series are seeking four artists or bands to participate in their intensive program designed to forge new pathways in their musical careers. The program includes major opportunities such as collaborating with renowned producers to create a new track, receive bespoke one-on-one mentoring from industry experts, star in an artist short-film directed by Victoria's best up-and-coming filmmakers, and perform live across the Geelong region and beyond.
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 18 and over. Accepting applications from all genres, GRID Series works with artists whose material represents the diversity of lived experiences of the regions they represent.
Applications open on 3 September 2024 and close on 2 October 2024. The program will commence on the 14 of November 2024, running over a 7-month period until May 2025.
For those needing assistance with their application, the GRID Series team is on hand to assist.
This year's team of producers and mentors include:
- Award-winning songwriter and producer Joel Ma (Mo'ju, TZU)
- Critically acclaimed songwriter and producer Beatrice (Haiku Hands, Kardajala Kirridarra)
- Producer and multi-instrumentalist Anthony Liddell (Kaiit)
- Artist manager and A&R consultant Adam "Weez" Booth (Telenova, KYE, and Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum, ARIA/APRA award-winning producers Styalz Fuego)
- Sweetie Zamora (Director of Labels & Project Management at Remote Control Records)
- N'fa Forster-Jones (Cool Out Sun)
- Director of Broken Leg PR, Monique Matosic,
- triple j Unearthed community producer, Anika Luna
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 under-resourced 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.
For artists living outside of inner-city music hubs, limited access to studios, producers, and industry connections can make sharing their craft with the world a challenge. GRID Series cuts through these barriers with their meticulously curated program, paving the way for participants to gain visibility while 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 Geelong 2023/24 artists Baraka The Kid, Wild Gloriosa, Ridzyray, Daisy Kilbourne, and LENNi, all five of whom were just announced as part of ALWAYS LIVE, as well artists from past program that include Srirachi, Jag, Angie McMahon, Gordon Koang, Flewnt, NIASHA, Jacki Tut, Nomad, Manny Lado, and Franjapan.
On top of supporting a brand new cohort of emerging artists from Geelong, this year's program will also solidify the incredible outcomes from last year's cohort through additional artist-led professional development opportunities supported by by the Victorian Government in partnership with City of Greater Geelong.
Ariel Blum, GRID Series co-founder
We are so thrilled to be returning to Geelong in 2024 for a second year.Last year we were overwhelmed by the number of artists who applied for our program, showing the richness and volume of incredible artistry from the region.
To be able to offer these opportunities to Geelong musicians for a second time is a great honour, such is the breadth and depth of music being created and ready to be shared with the rest of the world.
2023/24 participant Wild Gloriosa
GRID Series to me is fostering community, and aiding in growth which is a really beautiful thing.Everyone I met at GRID was just such a kind person, and kindness comes from the soul—we still all talk and catch up. It was such a boost to help my career when it was feeling unrealistic.
This came along and showed me how I could and should be doing things.
Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks
Victoria is Australia's live music heartland and it's vital that our music community can build their careers no matter where they live.The Allan Labor Government is proud to once again back GRID to help uncover and mentor the next generation of music leaders from the Geelong region.
Once again there is an incredible line up of industry experts involved and I'm excited to see, and hear, how this year's program will help a new crop of local artists take their careers to the next level.
Greater Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan
The council is committed to providing opportunities for emerging musicians in Geelong.After last year's success, we are pleased to partner with the Victorian Government and GRID Series again to continue supporting our local talent.
This program is an amazing opportunity for emerging artists in Geelong to receive the support they need to achieve their dreams.
