TIDAL has teamed up with VC financiers Mark Lampert and Robert Nelsen to launch TIDAL Unplugged, ‘a million dollar’ artist grant program.
Funded by a donation from Lampert and Nelsen, TIDAL Unplugged will kick off on March 1 in Detroit, where local artists will have the chance to submit their music through TIDAL to receive part of the $1m dollar grant.
Following a pilot run in Detroit, TIDAL aims to expand the program into other markets.
The artists chosen will each work with the TIDAL Unplugged team to create a personalized program aimed to cover resources needed to further their musical career.
The grant can cover living expenses, equipment, studio time, and more as well as access to recording and creative resources.
The finalists, announced in May, will develop and finish four songs for distribution.
Once the tracks are complete, they will exclusively premiere on TIDAL and receive promotion through its TIDAL Rising program.
Artists will maintain 100% ownership of recording masters and the finalists will perform their songs in a TIDAL Unplugged showcase in November.
Lampert is the founder and General Partner of BVF Partners L.P. (“BVF”), a San Francisco-based, private biotechnology investment firm established in 1993 that manages the Biotechnology Value Fund, L.P. and related entities.
Nelsen is a co-founder and a Managing Director of ARCH Venture Partners.
TIDAL says that both have a long history of philanthropy outside of their venture capital endeavors.
“we recognize the power of streaming and the importance of supporting and encouraging emerging musicians.”
Jason Kpana, TIDAL
“The TIDAL Rising program is incredibly special to everyone at TIDAL – from the interns to the artist-owners – we recognize the power of streaming and the importance of supporting and encouraging emerging musicians,” said Jason Kpana, TIDAL SVP of Artist Relations.
“Being able to expand the program to support musicians in an authentic and substantial way is truly an honor.”Music Business Worldwide
