Music Export Growth Scheme’s latest £1.4 million round helps 68 artists across the UK reach new global audiences
- Independent artists receiving support in 24th round of funding include Dry Cleaning, The Molotovs, anaiis, Beth McCarthy and Black Country, New Road
- MEGS has now supported over 500 artists over 12 years, generating a return on investment of nearly £14 for every £1 received from Government
The BPI, the trade association for the UK’s record companies and labels and the representative voice of British recorded music, today announces details of the latest (24th) round of Music Export Growth Scheme (MEGS) funding.
Developed and administered by the BPI, MEGS boosts music exports by supporting small-to-medium-sized, independent UK companies as they build the commercial profile of their artists in key markets internationally. It is a successful partnership between industry and the UK Government with joint funding received from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) alongside investment from the UK recorded music industry, which on average contributes 64% of total spend.
For this £1.4 million round, funding has been distributed to support 68 UK artists from a range of genres and backgrounds as they look to build their international profiles. Artists receiving support in this round include Dry Cleaning, The Molotovs, anaiis, Beth McCarthy and Black Country, New Road – a full list of recipients is below.
As international touring costs rise and global competition intensifies, MEGS is essential both to British SME music businesses looking to break new talent on the global stage, and to artists aiming to build their audiences internationally. The scheme has previously supported the international careers of more than 450 British artists including Dave, Rina Sawayama, Self Esteem, Jungle, Young Fathers, Kae Tempest and 2025 BRIT Award winners Ezra Collective.
Over the scheme’s 23 previous Rounds, MEGS has invested over £7.9 million in British music, leading to an estimated £73.5 million financial return to the UK economy and a return on investment of nearly £14 for every £1 received from Government.
See NOTES below for the full recipient artist list and see here for artist quotes.
Sophie Jones, BPI Chief Strategy Officer, said:
“In an increasingly competitive global landscape, the Music Export Growth Scheme is a vital springboard for UK artists looking to reach international audiences and build their profiles, and a critical resource for the UK’s SME music businesses and independent sector. It’s also a proven financial success, generating a significant return on investment, and a great example of what can be achieved when industry and Government come together in support of Britain’s world-class music ecosystem.
MEGS alumni have gone on to become BRIT Award and Mercury Prize-winners, chart-toppers and household names. We’re excited to see what the future holds for the 68 fantastic artists supported by this latest round, and grateful to the UK Government for their continued support of the Scheme.”
Business Secretary Peter Kyle said:
“Streaming has revolutionised access to music for fans worldwide, but it has also created unique challenges for smaller artists and independent labels.
“This scheme moves the dial for indie music by funding global tours and promotion, removing the financial hurdles which would otherwise prevent our best home-grown talent from blossoming into international success stories.”