Member Article

21 year-old North East singer secures music export funding

Young North East soul singer Lulu James is among a group of UK signed acts who will receive a share in £250k of funding to help export her music.

The South Shields artist will receive finance to support international touring and promotion through the second round of the Music Export Growth Scheme.

The first round of the scheme, which was established by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and the BPI (British Recorded Music Industry) to help small and medium-sized independent music companies, was launched in February this year.

In 2013, UK acts accounted for one in ten of all artist albums sold in the US and a quarter (24%) of all European album sales.

BPI and BRIT Awards chief executive Geoff Taylor said: “Very few countries can boast the same levels of musical excellence as the UK – in six of the last seven years we have produced the world’s best-selling album, made chart history in overseas markets and have been responsible for developing the careers of some of the biggest names in music. We break bands who go on to break records.

“BPI is at the centre of initiatives to support British artists and music companies and we hope that the Music Export Growth Scheme will help a new wave of British artists to define the sound of success in 2014 and beyond.”

Lulu James added: “I am so delighted that the BPI is supporting my project. This is a great opportunity to promote my music across Europe and for that I am so grateful.

“Massive thanks to team BPI for getting behind me and I can’t wait to get out there this summer!“

David Coppock, UKTI’s Regional Director for the North East, added: “The North East has long been a hot bed of musical talent from the likes of Sting, Lindisfarne, Chris Rea, Bryan Ferry and The Futureheads and more recently three X-Factor winners – James Arthur, Jo McElderry and Little Mix.

“UKTI is delighted to be able to support the industry in continuing this success and exporting its music around the world.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .