In a music industry that is only becoming more competitive, local Melbourne band The Good China’s success is helped along by the provision of a $5,000 grant under the Victoria Rocks program.
Local band The Good China has been awarded a Victoria Rocks grant from the government, designed to give new musicians a boost in the local music industry.
The $5,000 grant handed out to Victorian musicians who apply, is awarded to bands to help contribute towards the cost of self-promotion and the production of recorded material.
The program was launched in 2007 by former Arts Minister Lynne Kosky, who said that Victoria was at the centre of Australia’s fast-developing music scene.
“In Victoria we enjoy a lively and diverse music culture both in the inner city and in rural and regional Victoria,” Ms Kosky said.
“However, today’s musicians face challenges breaking into the music scene. Changes in the industry over the last decade have eroded opportunities for many artists trying to develop their careers creatively and professionally.”
The Victoria Rocks grants have been developed as a way for new artists and bands to have a helping hand in launching their music career in an industry full of challenges.
Mietta Sanciolo’s band The Good China applied for the Music Career Building grant, and was subsequently awarded $5,000.
“This means that all our advertising, CD pressing, stickers, posters and other merchandise were able to be covered by the government,” she said.
“Some band members have backgrounds in advertising and marketing so we were able to execute a professional plan and have the funds to support it.
“It was a big weight off of our shoulders.”
There are three grants available for application under the Victoria Rocks program, including the Music Career Building Grant, Music Touring Grant and Strategic Music Industry Partnerships.
The Good China is a unique eight-piece indie pop band, where band members bounce between instruments from song to song, abandoning the classic ‘front man and backing band’ set-up.
They have been compared to such bands as Architecture in Helsinki. Good China band member Nick McMillan was asked how he felt about the comparison.
“We’re both from Melbourne; we both have lots of members and lots of instruments,” Nick said.
“It’s an easy connection for people to make.
“I don’t see a problem with the comparison; I absolutely loved “In Case We Die” and they’re an incredibly talented and entertaining band to see live.” He said.
The Good China has become bigger than it was originally expected, in more ways than one.
“The Good China, as strange as it was when we formed is now one of the most important things in my life,” Mietta said.
“To randomly meet seven other people and then just suddenly become so close is such a great feeling.
“We feel very blessed that we all get along so well and I guess if we get sick of one person, there’s seven others to hang around!”
The Good China are currently on tour for their Old Maps/New Roads EP that was launched last month, and is available for purchase at all good music stores.
More information about the Victoria Rocks program can be found at www. http://www.arts.vic.gov.au/content/public/funding_programs/victoria_rocks.aspx.
The Good China’s Myspace is www.myspace.com/thegoodchinaband.
