Horizons Cymru have announced the Welsh musicians and record labels, awarded funding from the Horizons Launchpad 2020.
The 33 chosen Welsh artists/record labels awarded funding:
- Aleighcia Scot
- Eadyth
- Faith
- Foxxglove
- Hako
- Hemes
- High Grade Grooves
- HVNTER
- Ifan Pritchard
- K(E)NZ
- Kingkhan
- Leila Mckenzie
- Los Blancos
- Mace the Great
- Madi
- Magugu
- Malan Jones
- Mass Accord
- Mawpit
- Minas
- Monique B
- Phoenix Rise
- Razkid
- Recordiau Jigcal
- Rona Mac
- Something Out of Nothing Records
- Sonny Double 1
- Swannick
- Sywel Nyw
- SZWE
- Thallo
- The Honest Poet
- Traxx
This year has seen Horizons’ most diverse selection to date, with a record number of female and black musicians awarded funding. Putting a spotlight on the exciting growth of MOBO (music of black origin) throughout Wales.
Musicians from a range of genres have received funding to aid their career development.
If you’re unfamiliar with Horizons and the work they do. Horizons are a Welsh music collective, formed from a partnership between BBC Cymru Wales and the Arts Council of Wales. Focused on supporting Welsh musicians, producers and record labels. Horizons have an active presence on social media, and are advocates for Welsh talent. Investing, supporting, and providing a platform for music in our country to grow.
The Horizons Launchpad established in 2014, has so far helped to support more than 200 Welsh artists, in over 60 towns. Providing £210,000 worth of funding, to pay for the for likes of studio time, music equipment, promotion of releases and a multitude of projects, for the musicians selected each year.
During an extremely tough year for music as a whole. Horizons Launchpad have awarded £40,000 in total, between a mix of musicians, taking the crucial next steps in their careers. Welsh record labels High Grade Grooves (Caernarfon), Recordiau Jingcal (Cardiff) and Something Out of Nothing (Cardiff) also received funding, as Horizons deepened its support of grassroots, who foster and provide a platform for emerging talent.
Deciding which lucky applicants are chosen to receive funding, is a panel of 25 experts from across the Welsh music industry. Made up of musicians, DJs, industry representatives, radio presenters, PR, bloggers, and many more!
This year, I was given the incredible opportunity to be a part of the Horizons Launchpad Panel
Being on the launchpad panel for 2020 has been such a rewarding experience. It was amazing to see a number of applicants that were so passionate about developing their music careers. Showcasing such an innovative flair, while remaining considerate of the implications of COVID-19.
I was moved by musicians who took the DIY approach in hand, and yearned to create something otherworldly. Whether it was recognising the importance of social media self-promotion, or thinking about utilising the skills of Welsh freelancers to help with their creations. Music from all genres are bursting out of Wales, and it is clear to hear the love for music, that every single person who applied has!
The most treasured part of the process for me, was seeing the sheer determination that everyone applying possessed. It’s no secret that 2020 has brought unprecedented challenges to music, but the passion and creativity of so many of YOU, is just completely inspiring.
I want to say a huge congratulations to every artist or label awarded funding, and also a massive well done to everyone who had taken the time to apply to the Horizons Launchpad. You’ve all done yourselves, and Welsh music, extremely proud!
Horizons will be celebrating this years Launchpad Results with a multi-platform virtual festival, highlighting the new artists!
You can follow the activity on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
For more information about the Horizons Launchpad and how to apply in the future, visit bbc.co.uk/horizons
Press information provided by Bill Cummings of Sound & Vision PR
Becky and the Bands 