The new initiative from Levi’s and BIGSOUND has awarded five homegrown musicians with a $4,500 grant.
Levi’s Music Relief Fund has awarded five Australian musicians with a cash boost of $4,500 in response to the devastating impacts of COVID-19 on the music industry.
The first round of recipients for the Levi’s Music Relief Fund are Angie McMahon, Mo’Ju, L-Fresh The Lion, Jesswar and Eliza & The Delusionals.
The new initiative, presented by Levi’s and BIGSOUND producer QMusic, has replaced the Levi’s Music Prize to focus on Australian and New Zealand musicians and changed its focus from international touring to national projects, mental health and skills development as a result of the pandemic.
In addition to the cash prize of $4,500 each, the recipients will also receive a customized online BLOCKS by Bolstr webinar which will involve a professional upskilling workshop as well as an online course with The Indigo Project to support mental and emotional wellbeing.
“I’m so grateful to have a prize that is just going to help me make and release music at this time,” said Angie McMahon.
“Obviously, we can’t be touring and we won’t be doing that again until it’s safe for people to be in shows. I’m in Melbourne, so I’m enjoying writing songs and being involved in art and music. I think that those things are going to be really important to help us get through such a strange time like this and stay connected.”
Mo’Ju, who has also been hit especially hard by Victoria’s strict lockdowns, welcomed the much-needed support, too.
“I’m in Victoria, so we have a pretty strict lock-down, but we’re trying to stay positive, stay creative and I’m working on new music. We have taken a massive hit to the income without live music, so every little bit counts, so thank you to everyone who has been a supporter,” she said.
Find out more about the Levi’s Music Relief Fund here.
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