When COVID hit, Levi's® Music Prize pivoted quickly by re-imagining the award.
The new Levi's® Music Relief Fund, in partnership with BIGSOUND, focus shifted from international touring to domestic projects, skill development and the well-being of the artist.Now, the first five recipients of the new award have been revealed. "BIGSOUND is proud to be a part of the story of winners Angie McMahon, L-FRESH THE LION, Mo'Ju, Jesswar and Eliza & the Delusionals," QMusic CEO Angela Samut says.
"Since performing at BIGSOUND, these artists have gone on to release albums, tours and connect with international audiences.
"We are thankful to Levi's who are helping them during this time of financial hardship as well as The Indigo Project and Bolstr."
Angie McMahon says this award will help her continue to release music, which will in turn keep her community connected. "I'm so grateful to have a prize that is just going to help me make and release music at this time.
"Obviously, we can't be touring and we won't be doing that again until it's safe for people to be in shows.
"I'm in Melbourne, so I'm enjoying writing songs and being involved in art and music. I think that those things are going to be really important to help us get through such a strange time like this and stay connected."
Fellow Victorian, Mo'Ju (formerly known as Mojo Juju) is also in lockdown in Melbourne and says the Levi's® Music Relief Fund is a wonderful support during the COVID-19 restrictions and coming out of it.
"I'm in Victoria, so we have a pretty strict lockdown, but we're trying to stay positive, stay creative and I'm working on new music," Mo'Ju says.
"We have taken a massive hit to the income without live music, so every little bit counts, so thank you to everyone who has been a supporter."
Head of Marketing at Levi's® Australia and New Zealand, Trent Bos congratulates the next five winners of the Levi's® Music Relief Fund.
"We care about music and we care about people, so we're going beyond financial support, and investing in the skillset of artists as well as investing in their mental and emotional needs," Mr Bos says.
Each winner has each been awarded $4,500 cash to go towards their music career, plus a BLOCKS by Bolstr. customised online workshop to support the winners upskilling through ongoing COVID-related restrictions, an online course with The Indigo Project to support self-development, insight and personal growth, and an outfit from Levi’s®.
Previous winners of the Levi's® Music Prize include G Flip, The Teskey Brothers, Amyl & The Sniffers, Stella Donnelly, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever and Hatchie.
