The recipients of the third and final funding round 2025 in the Label Funding Programme are determined – Musicboard Berlin awards a total of 21,185.00 euros to 5 projects.
Through the Label Funding programme, Musicboard Berlin provides financial support to Berlin-based independent labels that help emerging artists in their professional development. The funding supports specific measures aimed at establishing artists in the field of pop music. While the funding gives labels the flexibility to realise parts of their promotion or marketing strategies, artists benefit from the labels’ expertise and professional networks.
The funding is awarded upon recommendation of an independent jury of Berlin-based music experts. In 2025, the jury appointed to the Label Funding programme consists of Beate Dietrich (Member Services at VUT, project manager at MEWEM), Eva Rölen (booking agent, artist and event manager), Ji-Hun Kim (chief editor Das Filter, freelance lecturer, DJ, music producer), and Peer Steinwald (Senior Director Creative Services at Budde Music).
The jury emphasises the crucial role of independent labels: »Pop music thrives not only through its artists, but also through its networks and infrastructure. For decades, Berlin’s label landscape has been defined by independence, international quality, and a continuous commitment to building and supporting the city’s diverse music scenes. Especially in today’s times, independent labels that demonstrate both a sense of connection to and engagement with the local pop landscape are more important than ever. The jury is therefore pleased to once again support label projects that stand out not only artistically, but also show that Berlin’s music world would not exist without the persistent passion of all these labels.«
In the third funding round 2025, 25 applications with a total volume of 109,655.00 euros were submitted by the application deadline on 15 August. On the recommendation of the jury, 5 projects are supported with a total of 21,185.00 euros:
Label Artist Funding
Energy Exchange Records EX Generation 4,985.00 euros
Waterfall Records Grateful Cat 4,500.00 euros
Altercat Records Mauricio Fleury 4,500.00 euros
Bretford Records / What Is Happening? I Feel It Everywhere! GmbH Dead Finks 3,700.00 euros
Mila Records M.O.M 3,500.00 euros
The Label Funding Programme will continue in 2026, subject to the availability of funds. Further details will be announced in early 2026.
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