The Yukon government has replaced the Sound Recording Fund with a new Performing Musicians Fund to be more responsive to the needs of content creators and distribution models.

Economic Development Minister Ranj Pillai made the announcement this morning.

The new program is designed to support the growth of Yukon musicians in export markets and help them earn the majority of their income from their music.

Eligible expenses under the new Fund include activities that help musicians:

improve their skills;

secure professional sound recordings;

apply to showcases;

audition for bookings;

market newly-released music; and develop opportunities to earn income from their work.

Emerging musicians can apply for 75 per cent of expenses for eligible activities to a maximum of $10,000 per fiscal year. Established musicians can apply for 75 per cent of expenses for eligible activities to a maximum of $30,000 per fiscal year.

Development of the Performing Musicians Fund was informed by engagement with industry on their requested changes and feedback received from organizations such as Music Yukon and other funding agencies across Canada, the government said. The new Performing Musicians Fund will be open for applications on July 4.

Virtual information sessions on the new Performing Musicians Fund will take place June 13 at 2:30 p.m. and June 15 at 10 a.m.

To register for an information session, to see a breakdown of eligible activities or to apply, visit https://Yukon.ca/funding-yukon-musicians.

“The Sound Recording Fund was established nearly 20 years ago, and since then, the music industry has significantly changed,” Pillai said.

“By replacing the program with the new Performing Musicians Fund, we are helping local artists reach new markets and better meet current industry standards.

“I want to thank all the stakeholders and musicians who contributed to the development of this new fund, and I look forward to seeing more Yukon musicians continue to succeed.”

Economic Development’s commercially-focused Yukon Sound Recording Program (YSRP) launched in 2005.

While the industry has undergone significant changes since then with the introduction and acceptance of online music streaming services and new recording technologies, the program had not been updated.