Source: APRA|AMCOS official site

Updated: 4 January 2012

hilltop hoods initiative back in 2012

The HTH Initiative is a $10,000 grant funded by Hilltop Hoods and APRA to help emerging Australian Hip Hop artists to manufacture, market and release an album. In past years the grant was restricted to South Australian residents but since 2009 we have made the grant available to applicants Australia-wide. In addition to the $10,000 in funding, the winner will receive legal advice courtesy of David Vodika and Media Arts Lawyers which can be used for general legal or specific career advice, plus a Shure Microphone prize pack. To top it off, the successful applicant will be invited to showcase at Song Summit, 26 - 28 May 2012 and will also have a support contact at APRA to help with a career guidance plan.

Applicants of any age can apply, but it is expected that you will be in the early stages of your career. To be eligible for the HTH initiative you must be:
    An emerging Australian based Hip Hop/Soul artist or group who has not released an album professionally.
    An Australian citizen or must have been a legal resident of Australia for the past two (consecutive) years.
    Applicants must be an APRA member or have at least made application to join APRA. For more information on joining APRA go to www.apra-amcos.com.au

You are not eligible if you are:
    A previous recipients of the HTH Initiative
    An APRA employee (or an immediate family member of an APRA employee)

The grant is for costs associated with manufacturing, marketing and distributing a CD of at least five original songs. This can include:
    Mastering
    CD artwork/design
    Marketing and promotional materials
    Postal and administrative costs associated directly with the project
    Manufacturing

Please note, the grant does not cover:
    Recording costs
    Merchandising
    Equipment purchases

A panel of judges made up of industry professionals (chosen by Hilltop Hoods) assess applications and demos then choose the recipient. This year’s judges are:
    Hau (ACT) - Artist (Koolism), JJJ Presenter (The Hip Hop Show)
    Nish (SA) - Grafitti Artist, Community Worker
    Ran-Dee (NSW) - Manager (Def Wish Cast, Dialectrix, and Alphamama), Booking Agent, and Promoter
    Raph (VIC) - Artist, Entrepreneur (The Beatbox Kitchen), Author (Behind The Beat)

To apply, visit APRA's official site and download the form.

The deadline is 28 February 2012, with the recipient announced on 30 March 2012.