Do I have to be a UK Resident to apply?

The Programme is currently open to England-based artists (due to our funding from The Arts Council) as we're trying to support upcoming artists growing in the UK Black music scene.

Can I send a file of my tracks as part of my submission?

No, as stated in the submission form, please apply only with links to your tracks. It is your responsibility to ensure links work within the form.

Links we ACCEPT:

• Private link on Soundcloud

• Unlisted video on YouTube

• Link to Google Drive

• Untitled Stream

• Disco

Links we DO NOT accept:

• WeTransfer

• Links which require downloading 

How long does it take to hear back if I have been successful?

Due to the high volume of submissions we receive, we’ll be unable to tell you if you’re unsuccessful. Be sure that someone from the team will contact you if you have made it to the last 20 shortlisted candidates.

When does the programme open/close?

The programme opens twice a year and takes on two artists each round. Check the Artist Development tab for the most recent updates regarding its launch.

To apply/read about the Artist Development programme, see here.

I applied, and I haven’t heard back.

We try to be fair by giving as many artists as possible a chance to showcase their talent on our stage. Please note that we are booked up to 3 months in advance.

Due to the volume of submissions we receive, we are unable to respond if you have been unsuccessful.

Occasionally, your music might not feel the right fit for us.

However, sign up for our Open Mic, which takes place at the end of our shows, and you can win two free tickets to our next show and have your track added to the ‘New Talent First’ playlist.

To apply to perform, see here.

For our next event, see here.

How long does it take to be playlisted on the ‘New Talent First’ playlist?

The team curates our playlist weekly with new playlist submissions, new music from our alumni or tracks we’ve been loving!

If your track has not been playlisted, please don’t be disheartened, as it might not feel like the right fit for our playlist or doesn’t meet the criteria listed when applying.

To apply for the playlist, see here.

Can I bring an instrument as part of my performance instead of a backing track?

No, please choose one of the two instrumental tracks; you can find these on the show event page here.

When can I sign up for The Open Mic?

Open Mic sign-ups open at the beginning of the show with the stage manager.

Can I sign up for The Open Mic later in the show?

Yes, you can, but please be aware that sign-ups are on a first-come, first-served basis. We cannot guarantee that sign-up slots will be available later in the night.

How/when does The Open Mic winner get decided?

At the end of the open mic, by a round of applause from the audience.

What’s the prize for The Open Mic winner?

The Open Mic winner will receive two free tickets to our next show, and their track will be added to our ‘New Talent First’ playlist here.

When is the next open mic?

Currently, our open mic occurs at the end of our Bloom showcases. See our event page here to find out when the next show will occur.