2003-2004 Incubator Awardees: 

The Incubator began in January of 2003 and as a pilot program offering selected Austin-based artists a year-long professional training, financial assistance and mentorship program to develop business skills and learn best practices in the production and marketing of a full-length album.  The program continues to evolve and expand.

In the words of the past participants themselves, the Incubator has been an incredible success & journey.  Here, in their own words, is what the first  graduates of the Incubator have to say about their experience in the program:

Country/Singer/Songwriter Tucker Livingston "When things have been difficult, they would tell me "These are growing pains." I still have these growing pains.  Part of the pain is knowing that it is time to leave the nest, that this is only the beginning. I guess it's always the beginning of something, but the patience and dedication that has permeated all the movements of the Foundation around me is something really unique.  For here is a collection of people in the music industry, albeit a handful, who truly care about art and artists alike. This is the truth.  Some of these times I will look back on for the rest of my life."
Urban/Hip Hop OVERLORD "Anytime that something's being done for the first time, there's a learning curve that's enormous, for the artist and organization.  There were so many people that were so helpful and passionate and involved that I had never encountered in regards to this industry ever.  I felt like the enthusiasm was that something that bled into the musicianship and I think everyone generally got excited about what we were doing with the project.   My personal advice would be to look at it as a labor intensive course that you're going to be hands-on in every aspect of your career.  There's no grade, there's pass-fail and the right attitude matters.  Are you going to go to class, study & do the homework because no one can do that for you?  You're going to get out of it exactly what you're going to put into it. "
Rock/Pop WideAwake "We suggest that you jump into the Incubator program immediately.  Start the once a week meetings right when you get it and take advantage of what you've got right away.  Be grateful that you won & that you have the attention of someone willing to give their time & that there's money�.You're either an open person or not -  you need to be open to advice. Maybe musicians are inherently arrogant & think that they know what's up,  but take advantage of people who've gone a little bit ahead of you.  You can learn something from their mistakes.  Realize this early and not 3-4 months into program.  Get acquainted with what AMF is and what are the steps to the Incubator program. "