Metallica – 2012 – Vancouver – Mark Teasdale/Flickr

Great news for musicians and fans alike as the B.C. government announces furthered initiatives of investment into Amplify BC that has been created to help with the growth and recovery of B.C.’s music industry. $22.5 million will be dedicated to the music sector over the next three years.

Started in 2018, Amplify BC has launched programs to help B.C. artists, venues, music companies, and the overall development of the industry. Supported by Creative BC, there are four programs offered to aid the scene.

• Career Development – 178 projects funded so far that help to support economic growth, career development, funding studio time, music videos while helping attract business to Vancouver-based recording studios.
• Live Music – 74 projects have been funded to help secure venues while helping aid live performances for artists within the city.
• Music Company Development – 33 projects have been funded to help the sustainability, growth, and longevity of B.C. music companies
• Industry Initiatives – 35 projects funded so far to create a diverse music scene by funding projects to help emerging artists, training, skill development, and research.

Ryan Guldemond – Lead Singer of Mother Mother – Jason Martin/Flickr

As a way to support the development of our music industry. Creative BC has established partnerships with Music BC and the First Peoples’ Cultural Council. The 2021-22 programs for Amplify BC and funding deadlines will be announced in summer 2021.

This comes as the industry, once flourishing, struggles to make it through the pandemic that has seen the shutdown of its biggest sector. But as musicians, venues, recording studios, and music stores work to keep their doors open the B.C. government has thankfully put this in as part of B.C.’s $10-billion COVID-19 response.

Atmosphere – Commodore Ballroom – Kristina Kimlickova/Flickr

So even though we can’t go out yet and see our favorite bands live, be rest assured that our government has a plan in place to keep this wonderful culture alive. This province-wide initiative will hopefully allow fans across B.C. to continue supporting their local artists, venues, and businesses.

Anyone who is an avid concert-goer or supporter of local music should thank Amplify BC for providing what should be seen as a win for the music scene. Not only in the big city of Vancouver but all across the province as the benefits of this plan will be felt all over.