A brand new fund has been set up to support the careers of 20 independently-driven music creators by one of BAPAM’s major funders Help Musicians UK. The Do it Differently fund is being called the most comprehensive support for this group of performers yet.

Worth a total of £200,000, the UK wide initiative will be open to application from producers, composers, songwriters, musicians, DJs and others at any stage of their career. The fund is for solo artists, groups or ensembles of six members or less. It will assist with three aspects of their work, which includes their own wellbeing, but also business and creative development. Creatively, that could be songwriting, composition, recording, releasing and touring. Do It Differently will also provide the music makers with access to top business experts to advise on developing sustainable business plans.

BAPAM Director Claire Cordeaux said: “Keeping healthy is an essential part of sustaining a successful career in music and we’re delighted that HMUK is supporting this holistic approach to awards for music creators. We’ve had some top performers, tour managers and psychotherapists advising us on the healthy touring programme and look forward to working with the award winners.”

To apply click here to head to the HMUK website, applications can be made online in a written or video format.