BELEM is an EU-funded initiative that aims to build capacity for music publishers, songwriters, platforms and labels to democratise and monetise access to lyrics. The BELEM coalition strives to break down cultural barriers by making human-translated lyrics accessible to all listeners.
Music publishers, songwriters and translators are now invited to apply to create translated/adapted versions of either new or existing songs.
Projects can have a budget of up to €5000, with BELEM providing €3000 and the publisher contributing €2000. Music publishers can submit works they would like to see translated, and European publishers and writers can also apply to become translators for the project.
The budget can include:
- Songwriter fees for days working on the project works (ex. this could be just the translating songwriter or a team consisting of the original writer and multiple translator songwriters).
- Studio fees (this could be a full songwriting camp scenario or just demo fees for new works created).
- Travel and accommodation fees (for working meetings between songwriters or to attend the songwriting camp).
- Per diems / meal expenses (for days working on the project).
