Music funding shifts from albums to singles and videos

A new funding scheme for New Zealand musicians will shift the focus from albums to singles and videos.

NZ On Air's Making Tracks scheme, launched today, will put $2 million towards funding the recording of 200 single tracks and 200 music videos a year.

The album-based programmes it replaces allocated funding to 50 recording projects and 17 music videos a year.

It attracted controversy after it was revealed that Annabel Fay - daughter of high-ranking Rich Lister Sir Michael Fay - had received more than $50,000 in state funding for her recording and video efforts.

Broadcasting Minister Jonathan Coleman welcomed the new scheme, calling it a "sea-change in music funding" that would lead to greater musical diversity.

Making Tracks was contemporary and adaptive to the changing music environment, he said.

"The impact of digital media is changing listening habits with more people listening to singles. Making Tracks acknowledges there are more media platforms for music and it creates more opportunities for aspiring artists."

Artists can receive up to three grants a year worth up to $10,000 each, with up to $4000 to record the song and $6000 to make a music video.

NZ On Air chief executive Jane Wrightson said the scheme was a major overhaul of music funding.

"It will create more opportunity for more artists to record great songs for a wider range of New Zealand audiences," she said.

"By focusing on singles, and limiting funding to three grants a year per artist, we will be able to make support available to a wider range of music."

The new scheme comes after a NZ On Air-commissioned review that assessed the state of the domestic music industry, its funding support and audience demand.

Making Tracks replaces three previous funding schemes that funded albums, singles by new artists, and music videos.

Artists will be able to apply from June 3 with monthly allocations under the new scheme coming into effect from July 1.

About 60 percent of the grants will be for music aimed at commercial radio, with the remainder going towards alternative radio and internet releases.