BC Government: Ensuring people in the music industry can keep rocking

March 5, 2021

VICTORIA – More than 100 B.C. musicians are getting support to advance their careers, thanks to the Province’s music fund, Amplify BC.

“Music has provided us comfort during this pandemic and the people behind the industry need our support now to come back strong in the future,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “We’re proud to help B.C. artists grow their careers so they can keep sharing their talent and inspiring people both here and around the world.”

Through Amplify BC, 113 emerging and established musicians have received $1.27 million to support their career development. Musicians can use these grants to record, make music videos or market their music. Supporting diverse and regional artists is a priority for Amplify BC.

These grants help B.C. musicians make and share their work. For example, Indigenous pop artist Carsen Gray from Skidegate received a grant to produce her next album and music videos for her singles. In Vancouver, soul vocalist Rian Peters, known as IAMTHELIVING, and rapper/producer Teon Gibbs received a grant to create their six-track, collaborative EP ‘JNGL’, music video and marketing materials.

Amplify BC is administered by Creative BC. These grants are part of the B.C. government’s $7.5-million investment in Amplify BC this year to sustain the sector and support resilience.

Quotes:

Bob D’Eith, Parliamentary Secretary for Arts and Culture –

“I worked directly with the music industry last spring to help tailor Amplify BC to meet its immediate needs and address the challenges from the pandemic. Making sure we continue to support and develop the next generation of musicians was a priority. I’m so proud to help these musicians build their careers.”

Prem Gill, CEO, Creative BC –

“Amplify BC continues to support B.C.’s music industry responsively. This year’s funding is crucial to stabilizing and sustaining the artists and businesses in the music sector that have been among the world’s hardest hit by the pandemic.”

Carsen Gray, pop singer and songwriter –

“I’ve been busy writing songs during the pandemic here. This grant gives me the ability to produce my next record and promote it. I’m so thankful for this opportunity to share my music with people.”

Teon Gibbs, rapper and producer –

“It’s definitely hard to be an artist right now, when we can’t perform or tour. This grant is really great because it’s helping us produce and release our next project, so that we can keep building our audience and hopefully have an even bigger tour when it’s safe again. Support like this is truly a difference maker and through all the uncertainty, it’s going to really help us grow our careers.”

Quick Facts:

• Since Amplify BC was launched, the program has helped:
  • 1,207 artists with career development projects;
  • 185 music companies expand, sustain and diversify their activities;
  • 412 recipients via Music BC;
  • 21 Indigenous artists and industry professionals through the First Peoples’ Cultural Council;
  • 236 live music events, festivals and concert presenters expand and sustain performances throughout the province; and
  • 81 industry-building events and initiatives.

Learn More:

Read more about how Amplify BC is supporting Carsen Gray and IAMTHELIVING and Teon Gibbs to create: https://bccreates.com/

For a full list of recipients, visit: https://www.creativebc.com/programs/amplify-bc

Contact:

Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
Media Relations
Government Communications and Public
Engagement
250 208-4309

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: news.gov.bc.ca/connect

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