AmplifyWorld Launch $500k Artist Fund

10 July 2024 - Press release

AmplifyWorld, the fan engagement platform founded by Kasabian's Ian Matthews and tech entrepreneur Irfon Watkins, invites musicians to apply for cash grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000 through their newly launched Artist Fund.

AmplifyWorld, a leading fan engagement platform founded by Kasabian drummer Ian Matthews and serial tech entrepreneur Irfon Watkins (DOVU, Chapel) in Bristol, UK, has introduced a $500,000 Artist Fund to support forward-thinking musicians worldwide.

Following a successful trial at the Isle of Wight Festival, applications to the AmplifyWorld Artist Fund opened on Wednesday, July 10. Musicians from all genres, at any stage, can now apply for grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000 to advance their careers. To submit an application, artists must have a Discord account and a Spotify Artist profile.

"With governments in the UK and the US falling short in supporting musicians, independent players like us have to come up with solutions like this. We wanted to make sure grants were significant enough to really make an impact. That’s why artists can apply for up to $50,000,”  said Ian Matthews, Kasabian drummer and Founder of AmplifyWorld. 

AmplifyWorld is a decentralised fan engagement platform using cutting-edge Web3 technology to empower artists in community-building, music distribution, marketing, and promotion. The fund has been financed by reallocating AmplifyWorld’s marketing budget. Instead of investing in Meta and Google ads, they've decided to put half a million dollars directly into the hands of musicians. Grant recipients will also receive free access to AmplifyWorld’s advanced tools, which allow artists to distribute tracks, engage with fans via mailing lists, create smart links, build personalised web pages and domains, sell merchandise, encourage subscriptions and tips, and view transparent analytics—all in one place. 

“We’re looking for artists with exceptional talent who also have an ambitious and clear vision for their future that embraces innovation. Anyone not embracing innovation is going to have a much harder time cutting through,” added Matthews.

AmplifyWorld’s Artist Fund is looking for applicants who demonstrate exceptional musical talent and creativity, a clear vision and plan for using the grant, and who share AmplifyWorld’s passion for innovation and the power of music to connect people. Grants can cover all music-related expenses, from songwriting and recording to production, marketing, and touring. Applicants are encouraged to apply for an amount that matches their project scope.

Applications are open until September 1, 2024. Shortlisted applicants will undergo a second-round interview, with the first grantees announced before the end of the year.

Apply for the AmplifyWorld Artist Fund here.