The Australia Council for the Arts is giving 10 Australian bands the opportunity to take their music across the oceans through its International Pathways initiative, assisting contemporary musicians with the cost of touring internationally.

Bands receiving support include Empire of the Sun, Cloud Control, Tripod, Jeff Lang, Eddy Current Suppression Ring, The Middle East, 50 Lions, The Fumes, Midnight Juggernauts and The Little Stevies.

‘For ten years International Pathways funding has been providing support to Australian musicians to make their mark overseas’, says Paul Mason, Director of Music at the Australia Council for the Arts.
‘It’s a really important initiative when you consider the distance, airfares and logistical challenges of touring the world. Our funding makes sure the international market is aware of the new and emerging sounds coming from our shores’.

‘The results are really clear – in ten years of funding we’ve repeatedly seen artists who are at a pivotal point in their career step up to international touring and reach new audiences, make connections with international business partners and move their career to a new level’, says Mason.

After receiving two APRA awards, Empire of the Sun have booked a six date tour of the US, including New York, LA and a headline slot on Perry’s Stage at Chicago’s Lollapalooza festival in August. The tour is set to launch this well-known electro band to North American audiences.

Eddy Current Suppression Ring are embarking on a huge 13 date tour of the US following the release of their third album, Rush to Relax. Their second tour in the US will take in the vibrant US garage rock scene with performances in Texas, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, New York State, Illinois, Washington State and California.

Blue Mountains based Cloud Control will tour the UK in July for a five date showcase. Following their ‘album of the week’ achievements on Triple J, Triple R and FBi Radio, and impressive reviews for their debut album, Cloud Control hope to capitalise on the success of their Great Escape performance in 2009 and secure a UK and European release for their album.

Hypnotic acoustic band, The Middle East, are touring the UK and Europe for an 18 date showcase including Germany, France, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Belgium and Holland. With the support of International Pathways, the first European tour for the band includes appearances at the world renowned Glastonbury and T in the Park festivals.

Indie-dance pioneers, Midnight Juggernauts, hope to follow the success of their previous European tours to promote their latest album, Crystal Axis, with a 12 date tour in July of the UK, Europe and the US.

The closing date for the next International Pathways grant round is 29 November for tours starting after 28 Feb 2011.   

Media contact: Cameron Woods, 02 9215 9030, 0412 686 548
c.woods@creative.gov.au