Vancouver, B.C. (September 16, 2025) – Today, Creative BC announces 105 grants through the Demo Recording program (the Program), totalling $210,000 distributed to recipients across the province.
The Program supports new and emerging artists from systemically excluded groups living in B.C. to create demo recordings and engage in mentorship with local music producers. The Program provides $2,000 grants to reduce barriers to music creation for new and emerging artists.
These grants will support artists with a mentorship to provide feedback, guidance, and other necessary opportunities for career growth, including assisting with budget development, networking, release strategies, and preparing music for release. Recipients will be able to use their grants to create demo recordings of original songs or compositions; and arrangements or interpretations of existing works for classical, jazz, opera, and other genres where this is common practice.
The Program is designed to support artists and producers to gain opportunities in the music industry, engaging in skills development building professional capacity for new and emerging artists, investing in producers to mentor and develop new talent, and creating new business opportunities for producers and recording studios.
The 2024/25 Demo Recording program represents a collaborative investment in British Columbia’s music and sound recording industry through the Province of British Columbia’s Amplify BC initiative and the City of Vancouver’s Vancouver Music Fund.
Through the Vancouver Music Fund, the City of Vancouver provides targeted support for Indigenous and underrepresented groups working and living on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. The Fund aligns with the strategic recommendations outlined in the Vancouver Music Strategy and the City’s 10-year cultural plan, Culture|Shift, which seeks to rebalance support and amplify diversity within the music and cultural sector.
The Province of British Columbia matched these funds through Amplify BC, expanding program accessibility to residents throughout the province. These provincial contributions are part of B.C.’s historic $42 million investment, which encompasses music industry infrastructure support and initiatives designed to facilitate the recovery and growth of British Columbia’s music industry through 2027.
Applications were scored according to the priorities of the program, including economic impact, investment in B.C. talent, innovation, and support for equity-deserving groups who experience systemic barriers to industry participation. Creative BC together with panels of industry professionals representing a variety of genres, industry backgrounds, regions and demographics, selected the successful recipients of the Program.
105 recipients will be granted $2,000 each, including Cherry Pick, Punching Knives, Ada Ferguson, Ricky de Souza, and Thule van den Dam.
See the full list of recipients on the Knowledge Hub.
To learn more about the Demo Recording program, visit Creative BC’s website: www.creativebc.com/funding-programs/demo-recording
Quotes:
Honourable Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
“Supporting artists who face systemic barriers with access to demo recording and mentorship is a powerful way to foster career development. Through the Demo Recording program, we’re creating meaningful opportunities for artists, producers, and studios to collaborate and grow. Our government is committed to ensuring B.C.’s music industry reflects the full strength and diversity of our province.”
Prem Gill, CEO, Creative BC
“Congratulations to the 105 recipients of this round of funding through the Demo Recording Program. By pairing funding with mentorship, Creative BC helps emerging musicians build their professional profiles, expand their networks, and access new career opportunities. Funded by the Province of B.C., the program has supported 226 artists to date, strengthening both individual careers and the future of B.C.’s music industry.”
Mayor Ken Sim, City of Vancouver
“The Vancouver Music Fund provides important opportunities for new and emerging artists to gain experience and share their voices. We’re proud to support this year’s program and celebrate the incredible talent that makes Vancouver’s music community so vibrant.”
YungHondo, Recording Artist, Program Recipient
“Receiving the Demo Recording grant from Creative BC is a powerful step towards my journey as an artist. I appreciate the opportunity I’ve had to work closely with Austin [“Deus” Glabus-MacLeod] to structure songs that hold quality and blending in sound to create a story that is true to the world. This grant means more than just funding; it’s an investment in my vision and creation, bringing life to the demo songs and sharing something impactful with the world.”
Media Contact:
Creative BC
Lisa Escudero
media@creativebc.com
+1 604-730-2235
Featured Image: YungHondo
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About Creative BC
Creative BC is an independent society created and supported by the Province to sustain and help grow British Columbia’s creative industries: motion picture, interactive and digital media, music and sound recording, and magazine and book publishing. The organization delivers a wide range of programs and services with a mandate to expand B.C.’s creative economy. These activities include: administration of the provincial government’s motion picture tax credit programs; delivery of program funding and export marketing support for the sector; and provincial film commission services. Combined, these activities serve to attract inward investment and market B.C. as a partner and destination of choice for domestic and international content creation. The agency acts as an industry catalyst and ambassador to help B.C.’s creative sector reach its economic, social, environmental, and creative potential both at home and globally. Website: www.creativebc.com