Heavier Wallets for Heavy Bands in British Columbia

Introduction

The aim of this article is to rally heavy bands to go after the funding they deserve. Below are a few thoughts on applying for recording grants, and some ideas on how a hardcore band might want to frame it. Now’s the time to show the value of your music and get the funding to push your band forward.

Creative BC’s Career Development Program funds 75% of sound recording, music videos, and marketing costs up to $10,000 for emerging artists.

The Career Development program is open until just September 11, 2024, but there is still time to get an application in. Diversity in local music is needed, and hardcore music plays a crucial role in enriching the cultural landscape. By embracing the raw energy and unique perspectives that hardcore brings, we can ensure a more vibrant and inclusive music scene. If you’re part of a hardcore band, this is your chance to secure funding that can elevate your music, expand your reach, and contribute to the diversity that Creative BC is looking to support. Don’t miss this opportunity to make your mark and help shape the future of heavy music in our region.

Raw, Garage, Live-Off-the-Floor

You decide what’s best for your career advancement, pitch it with confidence. Focus on what works best in your genre — whether that’s garagey, live-off-the-floor recordings that capture your raw energy or something else that resonates with your audience. This approach is well within the scope of the Career Development grant, so tailor your application to highlight how it will best serve your band and your fans.

Prove it

Proving your case doesn’t have to be so complicated, even if grant writing isn’t your strong suit. Using real numbers and data that you can back up is ideal — whether it’s your recent increase in show attendance, merchandise sales, or streaming numbers. These concrete examples help build a compelling case for why your project deserves funding.

Another effective approach is to include testimonials or quotes from fans, venues, or industry professionals that highlight your band’s impact and potential. You can also reference similar projects or successful releases in your genre to show how your proposed project aligns with industry trends. The key is to present clear, relatable evidence that supports the value and viability of your project, making it easier for the grant committee to see the potential impact of their investment in your band.

Here are some examples of ways you might answer questions on the Project Plan form. I wouldn’t recommend copying these, make them personal — but hopefully they give you some ideas.

Project Plan Examples Question: How do these goals fit within your career trajectory?

“Our live shows are where we truly thrive, making them the heart of our income. We’ve seen significant growth in our show attendance and want to build on this momentum by attracting a more diverse audience. To capture the raw, unfiltered energy of our performances, we’re aiming for a garagey, live-off-the-floor recording. This approach will let listeners feel the chaos and intensity of our shows, enticing them to experience it live. We want our recordings to be a gateway, drawing more people to our performances and amplifying the impact of our music in the hardcore scene.”

Question: How will this project increase your music revenues, and lead to new business opportunities?

“This project will boost our music revenues by leveraging the increasing demand for our live shows, which are our main income source. Over the past year, we’ve seen a __% increase in show attendance, with ticket sales and merchandise making up __% of our revenue. By releasing a garagey, live-off-the-floor recording that captures the raw energy of our performances, we aim to attract a wider and more diverse audience, further driving attendance.

For instance, after our last release, we saw a __% rise in ticket sales within __ months, and we expect similar growth with this project. We anticipate a __% increase in overall revenue within six months of the release, fueled by more show attendance, merchandise sales, and potential licensing opportunities. This recording will help us expand our reach and open up new business opportunities in the heavy music scene.”

Tips on Addressing Marketing

Addressing marketing in your grant application might feel unappealing, especially for hardcore artists who value authenticity and DIY ethics. However, you can still employ a marketing strategy that aligns with your values while staying true to your punk rock roots. Here are some ideas:

Focus on Live Performances

• Example: “We will continue to prioritize live shows as our main form of promotion, using our performances to connect with fans directly and spread our music through word-of-mouth.”
• Emphasize the importance of live shows as a primary marketing tool. Hardcore bands thrive on the energy of live performances, and using gigs as a way to spread the word is both authentic and effective.

Collaborate with Other Bands and Artists

• Highlight your efforts to collaborate with other bands and artists within the scene. This not only helps with exposure but also strengthens the sense of community and mutual support.
• Example: “We plan to work closely with other bands in the scene, organizing split releases, collaborative shows, and cross-promotion to reach a wider audience while staying true to our roots.”

Emphasize Community Over Promotion

Frame your marketing efforts as a way to build and support the community rather than promoting yourselves. Highlight how your band is contributing to the local scene, supporting other bands, or organizing events.

Example: “We’re committed to growing our local hardcore community by sharing our music through grassroots networks and collaborating with other bands to create a unified scene.”

The number one mistake that bands make is thinking that money solves everything. They think they are going to get a marketing grant and all is going to be well. At the end of the day, marketing dollars do not make up for a lack of good content. <Danielle McNeill on Fritz Media Podcast></Danielle>

Other Tips

• Creative BC offers several resources to help you with applying for the Career Development grant, be sure to read them thoroughly.
• Ask for clarification— the folks running these programs are extremely helpful and want you to be successful.
• Reach out to other bands in your community that have received grants before and get their advice.
• If you think convincing writing is not your forte, I would recommend writing out your thoughts as chaotically as you wish and dumping them into ChatGPT. Try the following prompt: “I’m applying for the Creative BC Career Development grant for my <genre> band. Make my thoughts below structured and convincing: <paste your thoughts>”

Final Thoughts

The time has never been better to secure funding for your heavy band. It’s a great opportunity to bring more attention and support to diverse genres like hardcore, metal, and punk. Taking a couple of hours to write a strong application could make a significant impact on your band’s future. Let’s get more funding flowing into the scene and keep pushing the boundaries of heavy music.