New breaks for UK electronica

23rd June 2003

The PRS Foundation is continuing to break new ground by extending its support for pioneering electronic music through its unique Live Connections scheme.

Live Connections is the UK's only funding scheme specifically aimed at electronic music of any genre and targets UK-based writers of electronic/dance music. The scheme, now in its third year, was devised to get writers out of the studio and into the public arena, to give more people the chance to experience new electronic music.

The PRS Foundation will make 10 awards of up to £2,500 to dance music creators for a one-off performance of their work, either as a live PA as part of a club night or as a stand-alone event.

Last year's awards resulted in some dynamic performances and installations by an eclectic range of artists , including London Elektricity, the Mighty Jungulator, Normal Position, Pippa Murphy and DAVE the Drummer - with genres ranging from contemporary classical to full-on techno and live drum 'n' bass.

This year, the PRS Foundation is particularly looking to support music creators who are writing innovative electronic music, which is imaginatively presented and which has the capacity to draw new audiences. An advisory panel of electronic/dance music specialists selected by PRSF will consider all applications and will listen to an example of the music creator's work.

Tony Colman of London Elektricity commented

“Thanks to the PRS Foundation support we were able to rehearse and promote our show extensively which contributed to us selling out the Jazz Café in Camden on a Tuesday night! We devised a method of playing our (drum and bass) show completely live, because it became clear when we were rehearsing that relying on playback from computers or sequencers would take away some of the energy and excitement of the live performance. Although I was a bit nervous about delivering a completely live performance I think it really paid off as we had a fantastic response from the audience. We aimed to break new ground in live electronic music with our show and, with the help of the PRS Foundation, we certainly succeeded.”

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS TO LIVE CONNECTIONS: THURSDAY 14th AUGUST 2003

Please note that PRSF can only support projects which are backed by organisations which have an established infrastructure to support live performances, potentially by unknown music creators.

Application forms and guidelines for Live Connections can be downloaded from www.prsfoundation.co.uk/apply or you can request a copy from Ben Lane on 020 7306 4044.

Please feel free to call Rachel Nelken on 020 7306 4231 to discuss your application. Awards will be announced by the end of October 2003.

PLEASE NOTE

Although The PRS Foundation receives generous support from the Performing Right Society Ltd, the Foundation is a separate legal entity and a registered charity. We would appreciate it if you would credit support for funding to The PRS Foundation and not the Performing Right Society Ltd.