Breadcrumb Home NextGen Fund Round 11 Recipients NextGen Fund Round 11 Recipients Copy URL https://www.youthmusic.org.uk/nextgen-fund-round-11-recipients Announcing the recipients of the eleventh round of the Youth Music NextGen Fund: 43 young creatives bringing their ideas to life with a grant of up to £3,000. Round 11 of the Youth Music NextGen Fund has been made possible thanks to the Players of People’s Postcode Lottery, and support from PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited). NextGen Fund Round 11 Recipients Copy URL https://www.youthmusic.org.uk/nextgen-fund-round-11-recipients Announcing the recipients of the eleventh round of the Youth Music NextGen Fund: 43 young creatives bringing their ideas to life with a grant of up to £3,000. Round 11 of the Youth Music NextGen Fund has been made possible thanks to the Players of People’s Postcode Lottery, and support from PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited). AFFIEJAM West Midlands AFFIEJAM is a multi-disciplinary artist from Birmingham, known as a songwriter, musician, illustrator and DJ. In 2024, after breaking her hand, she self-produced her debut mixtape 'MAKES + BREAKS' with an accompanying mixed-media zine. Now, AFFIEJAM will create a self produced EP called 'WORKSHOPPING LIFE', where one track is released as a single first. Accompanying visuals in the form of an interactive digital (and limited print) zine, listening party and a concept music video. The title reflects how "we cannot do life alone." Pronouns: she/her Instagram Instagram Afrobaby Yorkshire and the Humber Afrobaby is a British/Nigerian artist from Bradford, blending electronic, indie, R&B, and Liquid Drum and Bass. Her debut EP 'SAFE SPACE' explores mental health and self-discovery. With continuing support from BBC Introducing, she performed at the Bradford City of Culture 2025 launch, showcasing her empowering, genre-defying sound. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram AIIME C Wales AIIME C is a vocalist and MC inspired by pop, liquid drum & bass, and garage. Her NextGen Fund project, 'Up in the Air', is an EP inspired by the Air element in astrology. It will blend genres like pop, drum and bass, and hip-hop, featuring meaningful lyrics and soft, airy vocals. The album art will have colourful pastel clouds, reflecting the EP’s dreamy and ethereal vibe. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Instagram TikTok Airz South East 'Penny for your Thoughts' is an EP aimed to evoke emotion and empathy from the listener. Airz wants to be able to fufill his vision for this project visually as it touches on key themes we see in day to day society. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Akam North West Akam is a multidisciplinary artist blending internet culture with alternative electronic and pop soundscapes. Born in Finland to Kurdish parents, Akam later moved to the UK, where his upbringing shaped his music. A self-taught producer, he oversees every aspect of his work. Now, he is creating a 9-track, mostly self-produced EP that pushes the boundaries of experimental pop while showcasing his artistic growth. Pronouns: he/him TikTokInstagram Alice-Lily East of England Alice-Lily connects with audiences through heartfelt lyricism and soulful melodies. Her debut EP, 'Players, Parties & Platonic Love' tells stories of navigating friendships and community in early adulthood. With a pop-soul and hip-hop blend at the base, her second EP will explore into identity, reflecting on the balance between our social connections and solitude. "My main message is to encourage listeners to reflect and reconnect with themselves in a fast paced world and take time to slow down." Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Alika South East Alika is a Tanzanian-born, Kent-raised artist. With the release of three NextGen Fund-supported singles, she plans to launch "HyperR&B", a genre she's created by blending R&B vocals, hip-hop rhythms, and hyperpop energy. Through this project, she aims to inspire other women, especially Black women, to embrace music production and encourage the industry to recognise and support women in these roles. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Amadeus TMM West Midlands Amadeus TMM is a Birmingham-based musician, producer, and artist. Starting with trumpet at age three, he is self-taught on drums, piano, and bass. Alongside his music featuring on GRMDaily, LinkUpTv and BBC 1Xtra, he's produced for many local artists and has performed at many small festivals. Now, he is working on the follow-up to his project, 'The Modern Mozart Vol. 1', which he will write, produce, and engineer himself. Pronouns: he/him Instagram Anthony Layde Northern Ireland Artist-producer Anthony Layde forges a distinct musical path, blending the ancient with the avant-garde. A Belfast native, he draws upon on his Irish dancing roots and homeland's folklore. Described by Hot Press (2024) as a fusion of "primal beats with ethereal, otherworldly vocals", Anthony's music is both raw and transcendent. His upcoming EP is a snapshot of his life as he confronts his destiny on a country road in Ireland’s forgotten Northern state. Exploring themes of toxic masculinity and queer identity, the EP utilises synth-folk production and vulnerable lyricism against the backdrop of a folk tale inspired by Irish mythology. Pronouns: he/him TikTokInstagram BEASTIE Greater London BEASTIE is a producer-vocalist, blending alternative R&B, hip-hop, and electronic sounds. His Trinidadian and Tobagonian roots shape his music, bringing rhythm and storytelling into everything he creates. His latest project, 'SOFIA EP', fuses melancholic melodies with bold production, reflecting his journey as an independent artist. 'MARIA: Stories in Sound' will be a 4-track EP exploring BEASTIE's evolution as a producer-vocalist through vivid storytelling and live instrumentation. Collaborating with musicians and visual artists, he will push creative boundaries. The project will culminate in an immersive live showcase, connecting with fans and showcasing my growth as an independent artist. Pronouns: he/him TikTokInstagram Dahlia Rae West Midlands Birmingham-born singer and rapper Dahlia Rae featured on The Rap Game UK Series 5, seamlessly blending rap and honey-smooth vocals, earning praise from DJ Target, Krept & Konan. With captivating lyrics and hard-hitting bars, 'Welcome to Wonderland' will be the fourth act in her three-part EP series and Dahlia's first full-length mixtape. Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, it invites listeners into her world, blending introspection with imagination. Through captivating storytelling, Dahlia explores identity, self-discovery, and personal growth, creating a deeply immersive yet accessible sonic journey. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Elijah Ayité Scotland Elijah finds empowerment through immersion in West African Rhythms that connect him to his roots. Percussionist first, producer second, and festival organiser third, Elijah has accrued experiences in Ghana, Cuba, and Senegal. 'Chronicle Tones: The Mixtape' is a collaborative community mixtape blending traditional West-African rhythm/culture with modern Hip-Hop to inspire and empower people from Global Majority backgrounds, connecting them with their roots. It will celebrate African musical heritage and its evolution through colonial history, revealing a story of resilience during hardships (that many still face). Pronouns: he/him Instagram Eva Kiss Yorkshire and the Humber Backed by a 4-piece band, Eva's theatrical performance style captivates crowds with shockingly raw lyrics and spiky alternative grunge soundscapes. Themes of female rage, liberation, and recovery pair with the gritty sounds of Nirvana, SoundGarden, and Fiona Apple. Her next project is centred around the release of four singles, high-quality music videos and live show experiences. By delivering visually and sonically impactful music that tells a story and inspires change, Eva hopes to build a community of bold, unapologetic individuals who feel seen and empowered. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Haaji Ka Halva North East Haaji Ka Halva is an electronic music producer and DJ, who uses a sampler pad to deconstruct and reassemble well-know dance tracks. She loves blending vocal samples of South Asian songs from her childhood over old-school rave classics. These hybrid sets, both live and online, combine live performance with DJ-ing and expressive visuals. With the NextGen Fund grant, she aims advance her production, mastering and marketing skills, so that she can release high-quality remixes and original material. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Hana Greater London Hana is a second generation Egyptian artist. Her EP will explore the complexities of identity/heritage/self-worth/familial-expectations/peer-pressure as a second generation UK citizen through honest lyricism and soulful melodies whilst showcasing traditional Arabic sounds e.g., oud and tabla. "This project is for anyone who’s ever questioned where they fit in, offering a soundtrack of resilience, reflection, and discovery." Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram HerOrangeCoat Yorkshire and the Humber Hailing from West Yorkshire and armed with her ukulele, HerOrangeCoat crafts songs that show a remarkable ability to turn indie-folk melancholy into an enticing musical journey. Her next project proposes a series of woodland recordings and songwriting. She will go to five sites to write and record five songs in situ using a field recorder. These songs will be released as a live EP which draws upon nature as both an inspiration and setting for the music. Pronouns: she/her Instagram IBack Greater London IBack is an independent music/rap artist from Kent, showcasing introspective lyricism, fresh flows and a captivating stage presence. Her goal for this project is to release three singles and create a consistent buzz across her social media platforms by building a strong sonic and visual identity through self-made videos and brand awareness. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram iowna South West iowna is a musician, activist and creative technologist based in Bath, Somerset. Now creating as a solo artist, her project will be a meeting place for trip-hop and alternative-rock. Lyrically, the project is a discussion of iowna's identity as a neurodiverse woman. The project looks at ownership; what the world takes from you, taken by others and what you take away from yourself. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jaiye Greater London “My name means “enjoy life,” and that’s what my music is all about feeling things in the moment and being present with that emotion. I grew up around sound… my mum drums, my brother raps, my sister DJs. Music’s always been in me. A year and a half ago I started recording, but jamming and free flowing have always been my roots. Following the music has been such a beautiful journey so far. Whether I’m in the studio or live with a band, my aim is to provoke something that hits and that looks different for each individual..from the words connecting, the textures, a head nod or the rhythm that catches you. Live. Dream. Feel. That’s the message — if you can live something and dare to dream it, then you can feel it into existence. That’s how my music came to life, and that’s what I want people to take away from it.” Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jasmin Jet Scotland Jasmin's project is her debut album/EP, reflecting on her life experiences so far. It explores the highs and lows of navigating life, from personal challenges to moments of growth. The aim is to share her story in a way that feels universal, allowing others to relate to the journey. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Josh Hicks Wales Josh Hicks is an artist from Newport, South Wales. His unique soulful voice blends pop, soul and jazz to create a sound that is nostalgic and fresh. Drawing inspiration from Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse and Adele, his music showcases a rich, genre-defying style. His plan to release two singles and work with a new producer and cowriters to continue developing his new sound. Pronouns: he/himInstagram MaiMaiMaia South East MaiMaiMaia is a queer Transgender woman who specialises in producing experimental electronic music. Her influences are varied, but mainly take inspiration from Detroit Techno, IDM, Ambient, Jungle, Hyperpop, BubblegumBass, Acid and Hardcore Techno with her own twists. T4T Records is a DIY Record label focusing on Trans music-makers and experimental music. With an event to celebrate the label launch, alongside an album release which I am in the final steps of completing. After gaining industry experience, Maia wishes to implement a co-operative business model for the label. Pronouns: she/herInstagram makaya Scotland makaya is a multi-disciplinary artist, composer and writer based in Glasgow. Their work broadly explores the relationship between contemporary Black life and the archives of slavery and colonialism; working within the intersections of Black oral histories and Gaelic traditions they recontextualise folk songs, slave spirituals, and sean-nós in experimental timbres. With NextGen Fund support, they will finish recording a mixtape and develop a corresponding live performance of electronic experiments in drone folk - the songs draw on linkages between Irish and Jamaican folk histories, bringing these cultures together in experimental, electronic sonic landscapes. Pronouns: they/themInstagram May0 West Midlands May0 is an Afrobeat artist with a love for storytelling. She uses singing and rap to express feelings and capture real-life experiences. 'UNiDAZE' is a collection of songs that takes the listener through the highs, lows and in-betweens of May0's university experience. Each song tells a story of lessons learned, defining moments, hard times, relationships, growth and self-discovery through the medium of Afrobeat music. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram MIETTE. South East MIETTE. blends ethereal and industrial dance music, a hypnotic, gothic fusion of techno electronica that exists in the void between dark and light. His project 'FÊTEVERTIGO' is an immersive, ritualistic touring event blending music, performance, and visual art. A celebration of chaos and transcendence, it explores the relationship between body, sound, and spirituality, challenging norms and inviting audiences to lose themselves in the experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Mistry South East Mistry blends soulful melodies with elements of Pop, Chilled Rap and Desi music, drawing from his South Asian heritage. He is aiming to release his third EP 'Growing Pains', songs based on the experience of a South Asian navigating their twenties, towards the end the year. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Muckerhood Northern Ireland Derry-based Muckerhood is a solo music project in which Niall Grace writes, produces, stages, choreographs and performs tracks that together blend an eclectic mix of genres, from folk pop to electronic rock, whilst embracing local roots and local vocal sound, falling somewhere under the art rock sphere. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Nailbreaker East Midlands Nailbreaker is an autistim spectrum artist from Northamptonshire who has been independently touring and releasing music for the past five years. His new project will be the follow-up to his debut Nailbreaker album, 'Robert Knight Wine Cellar' released in November last year. This album aims to expand on the sounds and themes of the first, but with more professional recording. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Numa North West Numa is a beatboxer based in Manchester specialising in Techno and Drum & Bass. His performances feature a 100% vocal EDM set. He has performed at major festivals, including Beat-Herder and Boomtown. He is currently working on an innovative one-hour beatboxing performance with an orchestra, crafting a powerful and dynamic storytelling experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram ONYINYÉ West Midlands ONYINYÉ is a singer and rapper who uses her artistry to speak about God, social, political injustice and more. 'Growing Pains' is an album that explores her experience of moving from Ireland to England, and going from a teenage Black girl to young adult, covering the difficulties and beauty of the process that many can relate to but rarely discuss - the fear of getting older. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram PLASTYK West Midlands Karlie is a trans-femme, lesbian, neurodiverse, DJ / nightlife worker. She started DJing when she was very young, and came out as trans during the pandemic. She runs several trans community events and DJ in the London queer scene. The NextGen Fund supported event - PLASTYK - is a lesbian club night that is accessible and affordable, supporting the people at the intersection of queerphobic and transphobic structures in the UK. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Rachel Halaburda East Midlands Rachel is a music photographer and filmmaker. Her work has been featured in various magazines, including NME, Rolling Stone and Clash, and her short films have premiered in her local cinema and art galleries. Rachel's NextGen Fund project ‘Through Her Eyes’ is an interactive portrait photography project, giving a voice to and providing exposure for women in music. Displayed at an exhibition, each photograph will have a QR code below, to listen to the artists music and an audio clip of them discussing their experience within the industry. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Rivkala North East Rivkala is a Manchester-born, North-East based vocalist, songwriter, pianist, bandleader, stylist, choreographer, artistic director and all-round showgirl, using music as a vessel for storytelling and social commentary, with a firm jazz, neo-soul rooting. Rivkala will be recording her second EP, titled 'Masquerades', which expands on the audio-visual world established in EP1, exploring themes of performance in everyday life (gender roles, masking neurodivergence/mental illness, professionalism, etc). Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ronn Greater London Ronn is a musician and composer from Hyderabad, India, with 2 BBC TV Show credits. He's currently pursuing Music at University of Westminster, London. Ronn specialises in rap, songwriting, and music production, and his voice reflects South Indian roots, expressed through Telugu language. He is working on a Telugu hip-hop album featuring artists from across India and the UK, blending regional and international languages and cultures into one musical journey. Each track transports listeners to a new Indian city, reflecting its unique vibe, slang, and musical influence, creating the sonic experience of an all-India tour. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Roukaya B North West Roukaya B is a multifaceted creative, blending timeless soulful vocals with sultry melodies and a dynamic fashion sense. She fuses jazz, R&B and alternative styles. Her NextGen Fund project explores mental health, hypersensitivity, spirituality and the human voice as an instrument. It seeks funding to enhance current demos, collaborate with producers, engineers, videographers, producers and stylists and host a premier event. The goal: create a fully realised, impactful audiovisual experience. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ryhme East Midlands Loughborough's Ryhme is a peer mentor in youth work, inspiring young people to create music, and wants to continue inspiring loads more through his own project. His EP dives into his highs and lows, showing how his mindset and morals have evolved while still battling self-doubt. The lead track normalises feelings of self-hate, confusion, and not feeling enough - with the other songs embracing Ryhme's background. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
AFFIEJAM West Midlands AFFIEJAM is a multi-disciplinary artist from Birmingham, known as a songwriter, musician, illustrator and DJ. In 2024, after breaking her hand, she self-produced her debut mixtape 'MAKES + BREAKS' with an accompanying mixed-media zine. Now, AFFIEJAM will create a self produced EP called 'WORKSHOPPING LIFE', where one track is released as a single first. Accompanying visuals in the form of an interactive digital (and limited print) zine, listening party and a concept music video. The title reflects how "we cannot do life alone." Pronouns: she/her Instagram Instagram Afrobaby Yorkshire and the Humber Afrobaby is a British/Nigerian artist from Bradford, blending electronic, indie, R&B, and Liquid Drum and Bass. Her debut EP 'SAFE SPACE' explores mental health and self-discovery. With continuing support from BBC Introducing, she performed at the Bradford City of Culture 2025 launch, showcasing her empowering, genre-defying sound. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram AIIME C Wales AIIME C is a vocalist and MC inspired by pop, liquid drum & bass, and garage. Her NextGen Fund project, 'Up in the Air', is an EP inspired by the Air element in astrology. It will blend genres like pop, drum and bass, and hip-hop, featuring meaningful lyrics and soft, airy vocals. The album art will have colourful pastel clouds, reflecting the EP’s dreamy and ethereal vibe. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Instagram TikTok Airz South East 'Penny for your Thoughts' is an EP aimed to evoke emotion and empathy from the listener. Airz wants to be able to fufill his vision for this project visually as it touches on key themes we see in day to day society. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Akam North West Akam is a multidisciplinary artist blending internet culture with alternative electronic and pop soundscapes. Born in Finland to Kurdish parents, Akam later moved to the UK, where his upbringing shaped his music. A self-taught producer, he oversees every aspect of his work. Now, he is creating a 9-track, mostly self-produced EP that pushes the boundaries of experimental pop while showcasing his artistic growth. Pronouns: he/him TikTokInstagram Alice-Lily East of England Alice-Lily connects with audiences through heartfelt lyricism and soulful melodies. Her debut EP, 'Players, Parties & Platonic Love' tells stories of navigating friendships and community in early adulthood. With a pop-soul and hip-hop blend at the base, her second EP will explore into identity, reflecting on the balance between our social connections and solitude. "My main message is to encourage listeners to reflect and reconnect with themselves in a fast paced world and take time to slow down." Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Alika South East Alika is a Tanzanian-born, Kent-raised artist. With the release of three NextGen Fund-supported singles, she plans to launch "HyperR&B", a genre she's created by blending R&B vocals, hip-hop rhythms, and hyperpop energy. Through this project, she aims to inspire other women, especially Black women, to embrace music production and encourage the industry to recognise and support women in these roles. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Amadeus TMM West Midlands Amadeus TMM is a Birmingham-based musician, producer, and artist. Starting with trumpet at age three, he is self-taught on drums, piano, and bass. Alongside his music featuring on GRMDaily, LinkUpTv and BBC 1Xtra, he's produced for many local artists and has performed at many small festivals. Now, he is working on the follow-up to his project, 'The Modern Mozart Vol. 1', which he will write, produce, and engineer himself. Pronouns: he/him Instagram Anthony Layde Northern Ireland Artist-producer Anthony Layde forges a distinct musical path, blending the ancient with the avant-garde. A Belfast native, he draws upon on his Irish dancing roots and homeland's folklore. Described by Hot Press (2024) as a fusion of "primal beats with ethereal, otherworldly vocals", Anthony's music is both raw and transcendent. His upcoming EP is a snapshot of his life as he confronts his destiny on a country road in Ireland’s forgotten Northern state. Exploring themes of toxic masculinity and queer identity, the EP utilises synth-folk production and vulnerable lyricism against the backdrop of a folk tale inspired by Irish mythology. Pronouns: he/him TikTokInstagram BEASTIE Greater London BEASTIE is a producer-vocalist, blending alternative R&B, hip-hop, and electronic sounds. His Trinidadian and Tobagonian roots shape his music, bringing rhythm and storytelling into everything he creates. His latest project, 'SOFIA EP', fuses melancholic melodies with bold production, reflecting his journey as an independent artist. 'MARIA: Stories in Sound' will be a 4-track EP exploring BEASTIE's evolution as a producer-vocalist through vivid storytelling and live instrumentation. Collaborating with musicians and visual artists, he will push creative boundaries. The project will culminate in an immersive live showcase, connecting with fans and showcasing my growth as an independent artist. Pronouns: he/him TikTokInstagram Dahlia Rae West Midlands Birmingham-born singer and rapper Dahlia Rae featured on The Rap Game UK Series 5, seamlessly blending rap and honey-smooth vocals, earning praise from DJ Target, Krept & Konan. With captivating lyrics and hard-hitting bars, 'Welcome to Wonderland' will be the fourth act in her three-part EP series and Dahlia's first full-length mixtape. Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, it invites listeners into her world, blending introspection with imagination. Through captivating storytelling, Dahlia explores identity, self-discovery, and personal growth, creating a deeply immersive yet accessible sonic journey. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Elijah Ayité Scotland Elijah finds empowerment through immersion in West African Rhythms that connect him to his roots. Percussionist first, producer second, and festival organiser third, Elijah has accrued experiences in Ghana, Cuba, and Senegal. 'Chronicle Tones: The Mixtape' is a collaborative community mixtape blending traditional West-African rhythm/culture with modern Hip-Hop to inspire and empower people from Global Majority backgrounds, connecting them with their roots. It will celebrate African musical heritage and its evolution through colonial history, revealing a story of resilience during hardships (that many still face). Pronouns: he/him Instagram Eva Kiss Yorkshire and the Humber Backed by a 4-piece band, Eva's theatrical performance style captivates crowds with shockingly raw lyrics and spiky alternative grunge soundscapes. Themes of female rage, liberation, and recovery pair with the gritty sounds of Nirvana, SoundGarden, and Fiona Apple. Her next project is centred around the release of four singles, high-quality music videos and live show experiences. By delivering visually and sonically impactful music that tells a story and inspires change, Eva hopes to build a community of bold, unapologetic individuals who feel seen and empowered. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Haaji Ka Halva North East Haaji Ka Halva is an electronic music producer and DJ, who uses a sampler pad to deconstruct and reassemble well-know dance tracks. She loves blending vocal samples of South Asian songs from her childhood over old-school rave classics. These hybrid sets, both live and online, combine live performance with DJ-ing and expressive visuals. With the NextGen Fund grant, she aims advance her production, mastering and marketing skills, so that she can release high-quality remixes and original material. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Hana Greater London Hana is a second generation Egyptian artist. Her EP will explore the complexities of identity/heritage/self-worth/familial-expectations/peer-pressure as a second generation UK citizen through honest lyricism and soulful melodies whilst showcasing traditional Arabic sounds e.g., oud and tabla. "This project is for anyone who’s ever questioned where they fit in, offering a soundtrack of resilience, reflection, and discovery." Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram HerOrangeCoat Yorkshire and the Humber Hailing from West Yorkshire and armed with her ukulele, HerOrangeCoat crafts songs that show a remarkable ability to turn indie-folk melancholy into an enticing musical journey. Her next project proposes a series of woodland recordings and songwriting. She will go to five sites to write and record five songs in situ using a field recorder. These songs will be released as a live EP which draws upon nature as both an inspiration and setting for the music. Pronouns: she/her Instagram IBack Greater London IBack is an independent music/rap artist from Kent, showcasing introspective lyricism, fresh flows and a captivating stage presence. Her goal for this project is to release three singles and create a consistent buzz across her social media platforms by building a strong sonic and visual identity through self-made videos and brand awareness. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram iowna South West iowna is a musician, activist and creative technologist based in Bath, Somerset. Now creating as a solo artist, her project will be a meeting place for trip-hop and alternative-rock. Lyrically, the project is a discussion of iowna's identity as a neurodiverse woman. The project looks at ownership; what the world takes from you, taken by others and what you take away from yourself. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jaiye Greater London “My name means “enjoy life,” and that’s what my music is all about feeling things in the moment and being present with that emotion. I grew up around sound… my mum drums, my brother raps, my sister DJs. Music’s always been in me. A year and a half ago I started recording, but jamming and free flowing have always been my roots. Following the music has been such a beautiful journey so far. Whether I’m in the studio or live with a band, my aim is to provoke something that hits and that looks different for each individual..from the words connecting, the textures, a head nod or the rhythm that catches you. Live. Dream. Feel. That’s the message — if you can live something and dare to dream it, then you can feel it into existence. That’s how my music came to life, and that’s what I want people to take away from it.” Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jasmin Jet Scotland Jasmin's project is her debut album/EP, reflecting on her life experiences so far. It explores the highs and lows of navigating life, from personal challenges to moments of growth. The aim is to share her story in a way that feels universal, allowing others to relate to the journey. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Josh Hicks Wales Josh Hicks is an artist from Newport, South Wales. His unique soulful voice blends pop, soul and jazz to create a sound that is nostalgic and fresh. Drawing inspiration from Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse and Adele, his music showcases a rich, genre-defying style. His plan to release two singles and work with a new producer and cowriters to continue developing his new sound. Pronouns: he/himInstagram MaiMaiMaia South East MaiMaiMaia is a queer Transgender woman who specialises in producing experimental electronic music. Her influences are varied, but mainly take inspiration from Detroit Techno, IDM, Ambient, Jungle, Hyperpop, BubblegumBass, Acid and Hardcore Techno with her own twists. T4T Records is a DIY Record label focusing on Trans music-makers and experimental music. With an event to celebrate the label launch, alongside an album release which I am in the final steps of completing. After gaining industry experience, Maia wishes to implement a co-operative business model for the label. Pronouns: she/herInstagram makaya Scotland makaya is a multi-disciplinary artist, composer and writer based in Glasgow. Their work broadly explores the relationship between contemporary Black life and the archives of slavery and colonialism; working within the intersections of Black oral histories and Gaelic traditions they recontextualise folk songs, slave spirituals, and sean-nós in experimental timbres. With NextGen Fund support, they will finish recording a mixtape and develop a corresponding live performance of electronic experiments in drone folk - the songs draw on linkages between Irish and Jamaican folk histories, bringing these cultures together in experimental, electronic sonic landscapes. Pronouns: they/themInstagram May0 West Midlands May0 is an Afrobeat artist with a love for storytelling. She uses singing and rap to express feelings and capture real-life experiences. 'UNiDAZE' is a collection of songs that takes the listener through the highs, lows and in-betweens of May0's university experience. Each song tells a story of lessons learned, defining moments, hard times, relationships, growth and self-discovery through the medium of Afrobeat music. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram MIETTE. South East MIETTE. blends ethereal and industrial dance music, a hypnotic, gothic fusion of techno electronica that exists in the void between dark and light. His project 'FÊTEVERTIGO' is an immersive, ritualistic touring event blending music, performance, and visual art. A celebration of chaos and transcendence, it explores the relationship between body, sound, and spirituality, challenging norms and inviting audiences to lose themselves in the experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Mistry South East Mistry blends soulful melodies with elements of Pop, Chilled Rap and Desi music, drawing from his South Asian heritage. He is aiming to release his third EP 'Growing Pains', songs based on the experience of a South Asian navigating their twenties, towards the end the year. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Muckerhood Northern Ireland Derry-based Muckerhood is a solo music project in which Niall Grace writes, produces, stages, choreographs and performs tracks that together blend an eclectic mix of genres, from folk pop to electronic rock, whilst embracing local roots and local vocal sound, falling somewhere under the art rock sphere. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Nailbreaker East Midlands Nailbreaker is an autistim spectrum artist from Northamptonshire who has been independently touring and releasing music for the past five years. His new project will be the follow-up to his debut Nailbreaker album, 'Robert Knight Wine Cellar' released in November last year. This album aims to expand on the sounds and themes of the first, but with more professional recording. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Numa North West Numa is a beatboxer based in Manchester specialising in Techno and Drum & Bass. His performances feature a 100% vocal EDM set. He has performed at major festivals, including Beat-Herder and Boomtown. He is currently working on an innovative one-hour beatboxing performance with an orchestra, crafting a powerful and dynamic storytelling experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram ONYINYÉ West Midlands ONYINYÉ is a singer and rapper who uses her artistry to speak about God, social, political injustice and more. 'Growing Pains' is an album that explores her experience of moving from Ireland to England, and going from a teenage Black girl to young adult, covering the difficulties and beauty of the process that many can relate to but rarely discuss - the fear of getting older. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram PLASTYK West Midlands Karlie is a trans-femme, lesbian, neurodiverse, DJ / nightlife worker. She started DJing when she was very young, and came out as trans during the pandemic. She runs several trans community events and DJ in the London queer scene. The NextGen Fund supported event - PLASTYK - is a lesbian club night that is accessible and affordable, supporting the people at the intersection of queerphobic and transphobic structures in the UK. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Rachel Halaburda East Midlands Rachel is a music photographer and filmmaker. Her work has been featured in various magazines, including NME, Rolling Stone and Clash, and her short films have premiered in her local cinema and art galleries. Rachel's NextGen Fund project ‘Through Her Eyes’ is an interactive portrait photography project, giving a voice to and providing exposure for women in music. Displayed at an exhibition, each photograph will have a QR code below, to listen to the artists music and an audio clip of them discussing their experience within the industry. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Rivkala North East Rivkala is a Manchester-born, North-East based vocalist, songwriter, pianist, bandleader, stylist, choreographer, artistic director and all-round showgirl, using music as a vessel for storytelling and social commentary, with a firm jazz, neo-soul rooting. Rivkala will be recording her second EP, titled 'Masquerades', which expands on the audio-visual world established in EP1, exploring themes of performance in everyday life (gender roles, masking neurodivergence/mental illness, professionalism, etc). Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ronn Greater London Ronn is a musician and composer from Hyderabad, India, with 2 BBC TV Show credits. He's currently pursuing Music at University of Westminster, London. Ronn specialises in rap, songwriting, and music production, and his voice reflects South Indian roots, expressed through Telugu language. He is working on a Telugu hip-hop album featuring artists from across India and the UK, blending regional and international languages and cultures into one musical journey. Each track transports listeners to a new Indian city, reflecting its unique vibe, slang, and musical influence, creating the sonic experience of an all-India tour. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Roukaya B North West Roukaya B is a multifaceted creative, blending timeless soulful vocals with sultry melodies and a dynamic fashion sense. She fuses jazz, R&B and alternative styles. Her NextGen Fund project explores mental health, hypersensitivity, spirituality and the human voice as an instrument. It seeks funding to enhance current demos, collaborate with producers, engineers, videographers, producers and stylists and host a premier event. The goal: create a fully realised, impactful audiovisual experience. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ryhme East Midlands Loughborough's Ryhme is a peer mentor in youth work, inspiring young people to create music, and wants to continue inspiring loads more through his own project. His EP dives into his highs and lows, showing how his mindset and morals have evolved while still battling self-doubt. The lead track normalises feelings of self-hate, confusion, and not feeling enough - with the other songs embracing Ryhme's background. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
Afrobaby Yorkshire and the Humber Afrobaby is a British/Nigerian artist from Bradford, blending electronic, indie, R&B, and Liquid Drum and Bass. Her debut EP 'SAFE SPACE' explores mental health and self-discovery. With continuing support from BBC Introducing, she performed at the Bradford City of Culture 2025 launch, showcasing her empowering, genre-defying sound. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram AIIME C Wales AIIME C is a vocalist and MC inspired by pop, liquid drum & bass, and garage. Her NextGen Fund project, 'Up in the Air', is an EP inspired by the Air element in astrology. It will blend genres like pop, drum and bass, and hip-hop, featuring meaningful lyrics and soft, airy vocals. The album art will have colourful pastel clouds, reflecting the EP’s dreamy and ethereal vibe. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Instagram TikTok Airz South East 'Penny for your Thoughts' is an EP aimed to evoke emotion and empathy from the listener. Airz wants to be able to fufill his vision for this project visually as it touches on key themes we see in day to day society. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Akam North West Akam is a multidisciplinary artist blending internet culture with alternative electronic and pop soundscapes. Born in Finland to Kurdish parents, Akam later moved to the UK, where his upbringing shaped his music. A self-taught producer, he oversees every aspect of his work. Now, he is creating a 9-track, mostly self-produced EP that pushes the boundaries of experimental pop while showcasing his artistic growth. Pronouns: he/him TikTokInstagram Alice-Lily East of England Alice-Lily connects with audiences through heartfelt lyricism and soulful melodies. Her debut EP, 'Players, Parties & Platonic Love' tells stories of navigating friendships and community in early adulthood. With a pop-soul and hip-hop blend at the base, her second EP will explore into identity, reflecting on the balance between our social connections and solitude. "My main message is to encourage listeners to reflect and reconnect with themselves in a fast paced world and take time to slow down." Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Alika South East Alika is a Tanzanian-born, Kent-raised artist. With the release of three NextGen Fund-supported singles, she plans to launch "HyperR&B", a genre she's created by blending R&B vocals, hip-hop rhythms, and hyperpop energy. Through this project, she aims to inspire other women, especially Black women, to embrace music production and encourage the industry to recognise and support women in these roles. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Amadeus TMM West Midlands Amadeus TMM is a Birmingham-based musician, producer, and artist. Starting with trumpet at age three, he is self-taught on drums, piano, and bass. Alongside his music featuring on GRMDaily, LinkUpTv and BBC 1Xtra, he's produced for many local artists and has performed at many small festivals. Now, he is working on the follow-up to his project, 'The Modern Mozart Vol. 1', which he will write, produce, and engineer himself. Pronouns: he/him Instagram Anthony Layde Northern Ireland Artist-producer Anthony Layde forges a distinct musical path, blending the ancient with the avant-garde. A Belfast native, he draws upon on his Irish dancing roots and homeland's folklore. Described by Hot Press (2024) as a fusion of "primal beats with ethereal, otherworldly vocals", Anthony's music is both raw and transcendent. His upcoming EP is a snapshot of his life as he confronts his destiny on a country road in Ireland’s forgotten Northern state. Exploring themes of toxic masculinity and queer identity, the EP utilises synth-folk production and vulnerable lyricism against the backdrop of a folk tale inspired by Irish mythology. Pronouns: he/him TikTokInstagram BEASTIE Greater London BEASTIE is a producer-vocalist, blending alternative R&B, hip-hop, and electronic sounds. His Trinidadian and Tobagonian roots shape his music, bringing rhythm and storytelling into everything he creates. His latest project, 'SOFIA EP', fuses melancholic melodies with bold production, reflecting his journey as an independent artist. 'MARIA: Stories in Sound' will be a 4-track EP exploring BEASTIE's evolution as a producer-vocalist through vivid storytelling and live instrumentation. Collaborating with musicians and visual artists, he will push creative boundaries. The project will culminate in an immersive live showcase, connecting with fans and showcasing my growth as an independent artist. Pronouns: he/him TikTokInstagram Dahlia Rae West Midlands Birmingham-born singer and rapper Dahlia Rae featured on The Rap Game UK Series 5, seamlessly blending rap and honey-smooth vocals, earning praise from DJ Target, Krept & Konan. With captivating lyrics and hard-hitting bars, 'Welcome to Wonderland' will be the fourth act in her three-part EP series and Dahlia's first full-length mixtape. Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, it invites listeners into her world, blending introspection with imagination. Through captivating storytelling, Dahlia explores identity, self-discovery, and personal growth, creating a deeply immersive yet accessible sonic journey. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Elijah Ayité Scotland Elijah finds empowerment through immersion in West African Rhythms that connect him to his roots. Percussionist first, producer second, and festival organiser third, Elijah has accrued experiences in Ghana, Cuba, and Senegal. 'Chronicle Tones: The Mixtape' is a collaborative community mixtape blending traditional West-African rhythm/culture with modern Hip-Hop to inspire and empower people from Global Majority backgrounds, connecting them with their roots. It will celebrate African musical heritage and its evolution through colonial history, revealing a story of resilience during hardships (that many still face). Pronouns: he/him Instagram Eva Kiss Yorkshire and the Humber Backed by a 4-piece band, Eva's theatrical performance style captivates crowds with shockingly raw lyrics and spiky alternative grunge soundscapes. Themes of female rage, liberation, and recovery pair with the gritty sounds of Nirvana, SoundGarden, and Fiona Apple. Her next project is centred around the release of four singles, high-quality music videos and live show experiences. By delivering visually and sonically impactful music that tells a story and inspires change, Eva hopes to build a community of bold, unapologetic individuals who feel seen and empowered. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Haaji Ka Halva North East Haaji Ka Halva is an electronic music producer and DJ, who uses a sampler pad to deconstruct and reassemble well-know dance tracks. She loves blending vocal samples of South Asian songs from her childhood over old-school rave classics. These hybrid sets, both live and online, combine live performance with DJ-ing and expressive visuals. With the NextGen Fund grant, she aims advance her production, mastering and marketing skills, so that she can release high-quality remixes and original material. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Hana Greater London Hana is a second generation Egyptian artist. Her EP will explore the complexities of identity/heritage/self-worth/familial-expectations/peer-pressure as a second generation UK citizen through honest lyricism and soulful melodies whilst showcasing traditional Arabic sounds e.g., oud and tabla. "This project is for anyone who’s ever questioned where they fit in, offering a soundtrack of resilience, reflection, and discovery." Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram HerOrangeCoat Yorkshire and the Humber Hailing from West Yorkshire and armed with her ukulele, HerOrangeCoat crafts songs that show a remarkable ability to turn indie-folk melancholy into an enticing musical journey. Her next project proposes a series of woodland recordings and songwriting. She will go to five sites to write and record five songs in situ using a field recorder. These songs will be released as a live EP which draws upon nature as both an inspiration and setting for the music. Pronouns: she/her Instagram IBack Greater London IBack is an independent music/rap artist from Kent, showcasing introspective lyricism, fresh flows and a captivating stage presence. Her goal for this project is to release three singles and create a consistent buzz across her social media platforms by building a strong sonic and visual identity through self-made videos and brand awareness. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram iowna South West iowna is a musician, activist and creative technologist based in Bath, Somerset. Now creating as a solo artist, her project will be a meeting place for trip-hop and alternative-rock. Lyrically, the project is a discussion of iowna's identity as a neurodiverse woman. The project looks at ownership; what the world takes from you, taken by others and what you take away from yourself. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jaiye Greater London “My name means “enjoy life,” and that’s what my music is all about feeling things in the moment and being present with that emotion. I grew up around sound… my mum drums, my brother raps, my sister DJs. Music’s always been in me. A year and a half ago I started recording, but jamming and free flowing have always been my roots. Following the music has been such a beautiful journey so far. Whether I’m in the studio or live with a band, my aim is to provoke something that hits and that looks different for each individual..from the words connecting, the textures, a head nod or the rhythm that catches you. Live. Dream. Feel. That’s the message — if you can live something and dare to dream it, then you can feel it into existence. That’s how my music came to life, and that’s what I want people to take away from it.” Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jasmin Jet Scotland Jasmin's project is her debut album/EP, reflecting on her life experiences so far. It explores the highs and lows of navigating life, from personal challenges to moments of growth. The aim is to share her story in a way that feels universal, allowing others to relate to the journey. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Josh Hicks Wales Josh Hicks is an artist from Newport, South Wales. His unique soulful voice blends pop, soul and jazz to create a sound that is nostalgic and fresh. Drawing inspiration from Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse and Adele, his music showcases a rich, genre-defying style. His plan to release two singles and work with a new producer and cowriters to continue developing his new sound. Pronouns: he/himInstagram MaiMaiMaia South East MaiMaiMaia is a queer Transgender woman who specialises in producing experimental electronic music. Her influences are varied, but mainly take inspiration from Detroit Techno, IDM, Ambient, Jungle, Hyperpop, BubblegumBass, Acid and Hardcore Techno with her own twists. T4T Records is a DIY Record label focusing on Trans music-makers and experimental music. With an event to celebrate the label launch, alongside an album release which I am in the final steps of completing. After gaining industry experience, Maia wishes to implement a co-operative business model for the label. Pronouns: she/herInstagram makaya Scotland makaya is a multi-disciplinary artist, composer and writer based in Glasgow. Their work broadly explores the relationship between contemporary Black life and the archives of slavery and colonialism; working within the intersections of Black oral histories and Gaelic traditions they recontextualise folk songs, slave spirituals, and sean-nós in experimental timbres. With NextGen Fund support, they will finish recording a mixtape and develop a corresponding live performance of electronic experiments in drone folk - the songs draw on linkages between Irish and Jamaican folk histories, bringing these cultures together in experimental, electronic sonic landscapes. Pronouns: they/themInstagram May0 West Midlands May0 is an Afrobeat artist with a love for storytelling. She uses singing and rap to express feelings and capture real-life experiences. 'UNiDAZE' is a collection of songs that takes the listener through the highs, lows and in-betweens of May0's university experience. Each song tells a story of lessons learned, defining moments, hard times, relationships, growth and self-discovery through the medium of Afrobeat music. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram MIETTE. South East MIETTE. blends ethereal and industrial dance music, a hypnotic, gothic fusion of techno electronica that exists in the void between dark and light. His project 'FÊTEVERTIGO' is an immersive, ritualistic touring event blending music, performance, and visual art. A celebration of chaos and transcendence, it explores the relationship between body, sound, and spirituality, challenging norms and inviting audiences to lose themselves in the experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Mistry South East Mistry blends soulful melodies with elements of Pop, Chilled Rap and Desi music, drawing from his South Asian heritage. He is aiming to release his third EP 'Growing Pains', songs based on the experience of a South Asian navigating their twenties, towards the end the year. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Muckerhood Northern Ireland Derry-based Muckerhood is a solo music project in which Niall Grace writes, produces, stages, choreographs and performs tracks that together blend an eclectic mix of genres, from folk pop to electronic rock, whilst embracing local roots and local vocal sound, falling somewhere under the art rock sphere. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Nailbreaker East Midlands Nailbreaker is an autistim spectrum artist from Northamptonshire who has been independently touring and releasing music for the past five years. His new project will be the follow-up to his debut Nailbreaker album, 'Robert Knight Wine Cellar' released in November last year. This album aims to expand on the sounds and themes of the first, but with more professional recording. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Numa North West Numa is a beatboxer based in Manchester specialising in Techno and Drum & Bass. His performances feature a 100% vocal EDM set. He has performed at major festivals, including Beat-Herder and Boomtown. He is currently working on an innovative one-hour beatboxing performance with an orchestra, crafting a powerful and dynamic storytelling experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram ONYINYÉ West Midlands ONYINYÉ is a singer and rapper who uses her artistry to speak about God, social, political injustice and more. 'Growing Pains' is an album that explores her experience of moving from Ireland to England, and going from a teenage Black girl to young adult, covering the difficulties and beauty of the process that many can relate to but rarely discuss - the fear of getting older. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram PLASTYK West Midlands Karlie is a trans-femme, lesbian, neurodiverse, DJ / nightlife worker. She started DJing when she was very young, and came out as trans during the pandemic. She runs several trans community events and DJ in the London queer scene. The NextGen Fund supported event - PLASTYK - is a lesbian club night that is accessible and affordable, supporting the people at the intersection of queerphobic and transphobic structures in the UK. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Rachel Halaburda East Midlands Rachel is a music photographer and filmmaker. Her work has been featured in various magazines, including NME, Rolling Stone and Clash, and her short films have premiered in her local cinema and art galleries. Rachel's NextGen Fund project ‘Through Her Eyes’ is an interactive portrait photography project, giving a voice to and providing exposure for women in music. Displayed at an exhibition, each photograph will have a QR code below, to listen to the artists music and an audio clip of them discussing their experience within the industry. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Rivkala North East Rivkala is a Manchester-born, North-East based vocalist, songwriter, pianist, bandleader, stylist, choreographer, artistic director and all-round showgirl, using music as a vessel for storytelling and social commentary, with a firm jazz, neo-soul rooting. Rivkala will be recording her second EP, titled 'Masquerades', which expands on the audio-visual world established in EP1, exploring themes of performance in everyday life (gender roles, masking neurodivergence/mental illness, professionalism, etc). Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ronn Greater London Ronn is a musician and composer from Hyderabad, India, with 2 BBC TV Show credits. He's currently pursuing Music at University of Westminster, London. Ronn specialises in rap, songwriting, and music production, and his voice reflects South Indian roots, expressed through Telugu language. He is working on a Telugu hip-hop album featuring artists from across India and the UK, blending regional and international languages and cultures into one musical journey. Each track transports listeners to a new Indian city, reflecting its unique vibe, slang, and musical influence, creating the sonic experience of an all-India tour. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Roukaya B North West Roukaya B is a multifaceted creative, blending timeless soulful vocals with sultry melodies and a dynamic fashion sense. She fuses jazz, R&B and alternative styles. Her NextGen Fund project explores mental health, hypersensitivity, spirituality and the human voice as an instrument. It seeks funding to enhance current demos, collaborate with producers, engineers, videographers, producers and stylists and host a premier event. The goal: create a fully realised, impactful audiovisual experience. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ryhme East Midlands Loughborough's Ryhme is a peer mentor in youth work, inspiring young people to create music, and wants to continue inspiring loads more through his own project. His EP dives into his highs and lows, showing how his mindset and morals have evolved while still battling self-doubt. The lead track normalises feelings of self-hate, confusion, and not feeling enough - with the other songs embracing Ryhme's background. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
AIIME C Wales AIIME C is a vocalist and MC inspired by pop, liquid drum & bass, and garage. Her NextGen Fund project, 'Up in the Air', is an EP inspired by the Air element in astrology. It will blend genres like pop, drum and bass, and hip-hop, featuring meaningful lyrics and soft, airy vocals. The album art will have colourful pastel clouds, reflecting the EP’s dreamy and ethereal vibe. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Instagram TikTok Airz South East 'Penny for your Thoughts' is an EP aimed to evoke emotion and empathy from the listener. Airz wants to be able to fufill his vision for this project visually as it touches on key themes we see in day to day society. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Akam North West Akam is a multidisciplinary artist blending internet culture with alternative electronic and pop soundscapes. Born in Finland to Kurdish parents, Akam later moved to the UK, where his upbringing shaped his music. A self-taught producer, he oversees every aspect of his work. Now, he is creating a 9-track, mostly self-produced EP that pushes the boundaries of experimental pop while showcasing his artistic growth. Pronouns: he/him TikTokInstagram Alice-Lily East of England Alice-Lily connects with audiences through heartfelt lyricism and soulful melodies. Her debut EP, 'Players, Parties & Platonic Love' tells stories of navigating friendships and community in early adulthood. With a pop-soul and hip-hop blend at the base, her second EP will explore into identity, reflecting on the balance between our social connections and solitude. "My main message is to encourage listeners to reflect and reconnect with themselves in a fast paced world and take time to slow down." Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Alika South East Alika is a Tanzanian-born, Kent-raised artist. With the release of three NextGen Fund-supported singles, she plans to launch "HyperR&B", a genre she's created by blending R&B vocals, hip-hop rhythms, and hyperpop energy. Through this project, she aims to inspire other women, especially Black women, to embrace music production and encourage the industry to recognise and support women in these roles. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Amadeus TMM West Midlands Amadeus TMM is a Birmingham-based musician, producer, and artist. Starting with trumpet at age three, he is self-taught on drums, piano, and bass. Alongside his music featuring on GRMDaily, LinkUpTv and BBC 1Xtra, he's produced for many local artists and has performed at many small festivals. Now, he is working on the follow-up to his project, 'The Modern Mozart Vol. 1', which he will write, produce, and engineer himself. Pronouns: he/him Instagram Anthony Layde Northern Ireland Artist-producer Anthony Layde forges a distinct musical path, blending the ancient with the avant-garde. A Belfast native, he draws upon on his Irish dancing roots and homeland's folklore. Described by Hot Press (2024) as a fusion of "primal beats with ethereal, otherworldly vocals", Anthony's music is both raw and transcendent. His upcoming EP is a snapshot of his life as he confronts his destiny on a country road in Ireland’s forgotten Northern state. Exploring themes of toxic masculinity and queer identity, the EP utilises synth-folk production and vulnerable lyricism against the backdrop of a folk tale inspired by Irish mythology. Pronouns: he/him TikTokInstagram BEASTIE Greater London BEASTIE is a producer-vocalist, blending alternative R&B, hip-hop, and electronic sounds. His Trinidadian and Tobagonian roots shape his music, bringing rhythm and storytelling into everything he creates. His latest project, 'SOFIA EP', fuses melancholic melodies with bold production, reflecting his journey as an independent artist. 'MARIA: Stories in Sound' will be a 4-track EP exploring BEASTIE's evolution as a producer-vocalist through vivid storytelling and live instrumentation. Collaborating with musicians and visual artists, he will push creative boundaries. The project will culminate in an immersive live showcase, connecting with fans and showcasing my growth as an independent artist. Pronouns: he/him TikTokInstagram Dahlia Rae West Midlands Birmingham-born singer and rapper Dahlia Rae featured on The Rap Game UK Series 5, seamlessly blending rap and honey-smooth vocals, earning praise from DJ Target, Krept & Konan. With captivating lyrics and hard-hitting bars, 'Welcome to Wonderland' will be the fourth act in her three-part EP series and Dahlia's first full-length mixtape. Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, it invites listeners into her world, blending introspection with imagination. Through captivating storytelling, Dahlia explores identity, self-discovery, and personal growth, creating a deeply immersive yet accessible sonic journey. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Elijah Ayité Scotland Elijah finds empowerment through immersion in West African Rhythms that connect him to his roots. Percussionist first, producer second, and festival organiser third, Elijah has accrued experiences in Ghana, Cuba, and Senegal. 'Chronicle Tones: The Mixtape' is a collaborative community mixtape blending traditional West-African rhythm/culture with modern Hip-Hop to inspire and empower people from Global Majority backgrounds, connecting them with their roots. It will celebrate African musical heritage and its evolution through colonial history, revealing a story of resilience during hardships (that many still face). Pronouns: he/him Instagram Eva Kiss Yorkshire and the Humber Backed by a 4-piece band, Eva's theatrical performance style captivates crowds with shockingly raw lyrics and spiky alternative grunge soundscapes. Themes of female rage, liberation, and recovery pair with the gritty sounds of Nirvana, SoundGarden, and Fiona Apple. Her next project is centred around the release of four singles, high-quality music videos and live show experiences. By delivering visually and sonically impactful music that tells a story and inspires change, Eva hopes to build a community of bold, unapologetic individuals who feel seen and empowered. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Haaji Ka Halva North East Haaji Ka Halva is an electronic music producer and DJ, who uses a sampler pad to deconstruct and reassemble well-know dance tracks. She loves blending vocal samples of South Asian songs from her childhood over old-school rave classics. These hybrid sets, both live and online, combine live performance with DJ-ing and expressive visuals. With the NextGen Fund grant, she aims advance her production, mastering and marketing skills, so that she can release high-quality remixes and original material. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Hana Greater London Hana is a second generation Egyptian artist. Her EP will explore the complexities of identity/heritage/self-worth/familial-expectations/peer-pressure as a second generation UK citizen through honest lyricism and soulful melodies whilst showcasing traditional Arabic sounds e.g., oud and tabla. "This project is for anyone who’s ever questioned where they fit in, offering a soundtrack of resilience, reflection, and discovery." Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram HerOrangeCoat Yorkshire and the Humber Hailing from West Yorkshire and armed with her ukulele, HerOrangeCoat crafts songs that show a remarkable ability to turn indie-folk melancholy into an enticing musical journey. Her next project proposes a series of woodland recordings and songwriting. She will go to five sites to write and record five songs in situ using a field recorder. These songs will be released as a live EP which draws upon nature as both an inspiration and setting for the music. Pronouns: she/her Instagram IBack Greater London IBack is an independent music/rap artist from Kent, showcasing introspective lyricism, fresh flows and a captivating stage presence. Her goal for this project is to release three singles and create a consistent buzz across her social media platforms by building a strong sonic and visual identity through self-made videos and brand awareness. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram iowna South West iowna is a musician, activist and creative technologist based in Bath, Somerset. Now creating as a solo artist, her project will be a meeting place for trip-hop and alternative-rock. Lyrically, the project is a discussion of iowna's identity as a neurodiverse woman. The project looks at ownership; what the world takes from you, taken by others and what you take away from yourself. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jaiye Greater London “My name means “enjoy life,” and that’s what my music is all about feeling things in the moment and being present with that emotion. I grew up around sound… my mum drums, my brother raps, my sister DJs. Music’s always been in me. A year and a half ago I started recording, but jamming and free flowing have always been my roots. Following the music has been such a beautiful journey so far. Whether I’m in the studio or live with a band, my aim is to provoke something that hits and that looks different for each individual..from the words connecting, the textures, a head nod or the rhythm that catches you. Live. Dream. Feel. That’s the message — if you can live something and dare to dream it, then you can feel it into existence. That’s how my music came to life, and that’s what I want people to take away from it.” Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jasmin Jet Scotland Jasmin's project is her debut album/EP, reflecting on her life experiences so far. It explores the highs and lows of navigating life, from personal challenges to moments of growth. The aim is to share her story in a way that feels universal, allowing others to relate to the journey. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Josh Hicks Wales Josh Hicks is an artist from Newport, South Wales. His unique soulful voice blends pop, soul and jazz to create a sound that is nostalgic and fresh. Drawing inspiration from Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse and Adele, his music showcases a rich, genre-defying style. His plan to release two singles and work with a new producer and cowriters to continue developing his new sound. Pronouns: he/himInstagram MaiMaiMaia South East MaiMaiMaia is a queer Transgender woman who specialises in producing experimental electronic music. Her influences are varied, but mainly take inspiration from Detroit Techno, IDM, Ambient, Jungle, Hyperpop, BubblegumBass, Acid and Hardcore Techno with her own twists. T4T Records is a DIY Record label focusing on Trans music-makers and experimental music. With an event to celebrate the label launch, alongside an album release which I am in the final steps of completing. After gaining industry experience, Maia wishes to implement a co-operative business model for the label. Pronouns: she/herInstagram makaya Scotland makaya is a multi-disciplinary artist, composer and writer based in Glasgow. Their work broadly explores the relationship between contemporary Black life and the archives of slavery and colonialism; working within the intersections of Black oral histories and Gaelic traditions they recontextualise folk songs, slave spirituals, and sean-nós in experimental timbres. With NextGen Fund support, they will finish recording a mixtape and develop a corresponding live performance of electronic experiments in drone folk - the songs draw on linkages between Irish and Jamaican folk histories, bringing these cultures together in experimental, electronic sonic landscapes. Pronouns: they/themInstagram May0 West Midlands May0 is an Afrobeat artist with a love for storytelling. She uses singing and rap to express feelings and capture real-life experiences. 'UNiDAZE' is a collection of songs that takes the listener through the highs, lows and in-betweens of May0's university experience. Each song tells a story of lessons learned, defining moments, hard times, relationships, growth and self-discovery through the medium of Afrobeat music. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram MIETTE. South East MIETTE. blends ethereal and industrial dance music, a hypnotic, gothic fusion of techno electronica that exists in the void between dark and light. His project 'FÊTEVERTIGO' is an immersive, ritualistic touring event blending music, performance, and visual art. A celebration of chaos and transcendence, it explores the relationship between body, sound, and spirituality, challenging norms and inviting audiences to lose themselves in the experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Mistry South East Mistry blends soulful melodies with elements of Pop, Chilled Rap and Desi music, drawing from his South Asian heritage. He is aiming to release his third EP 'Growing Pains', songs based on the experience of a South Asian navigating their twenties, towards the end the year. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Muckerhood Northern Ireland Derry-based Muckerhood is a solo music project in which Niall Grace writes, produces, stages, choreographs and performs tracks that together blend an eclectic mix of genres, from folk pop to electronic rock, whilst embracing local roots and local vocal sound, falling somewhere under the art rock sphere. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Nailbreaker East Midlands Nailbreaker is an autistim spectrum artist from Northamptonshire who has been independently touring and releasing music for the past five years. His new project will be the follow-up to his debut Nailbreaker album, 'Robert Knight Wine Cellar' released in November last year. This album aims to expand on the sounds and themes of the first, but with more professional recording. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Numa North West Numa is a beatboxer based in Manchester specialising in Techno and Drum & Bass. His performances feature a 100% vocal EDM set. He has performed at major festivals, including Beat-Herder and Boomtown. He is currently working on an innovative one-hour beatboxing performance with an orchestra, crafting a powerful and dynamic storytelling experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram ONYINYÉ West Midlands ONYINYÉ is a singer and rapper who uses her artistry to speak about God, social, political injustice and more. 'Growing Pains' is an album that explores her experience of moving from Ireland to England, and going from a teenage Black girl to young adult, covering the difficulties and beauty of the process that many can relate to but rarely discuss - the fear of getting older. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram PLASTYK West Midlands Karlie is a trans-femme, lesbian, neurodiverse, DJ / nightlife worker. She started DJing when she was very young, and came out as trans during the pandemic. She runs several trans community events and DJ in the London queer scene. The NextGen Fund supported event - PLASTYK - is a lesbian club night that is accessible and affordable, supporting the people at the intersection of queerphobic and transphobic structures in the UK. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Rachel Halaburda East Midlands Rachel is a music photographer and filmmaker. Her work has been featured in various magazines, including NME, Rolling Stone and Clash, and her short films have premiered in her local cinema and art galleries. Rachel's NextGen Fund project ‘Through Her Eyes’ is an interactive portrait photography project, giving a voice to and providing exposure for women in music. Displayed at an exhibition, each photograph will have a QR code below, to listen to the artists music and an audio clip of them discussing their experience within the industry. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Rivkala North East Rivkala is a Manchester-born, North-East based vocalist, songwriter, pianist, bandleader, stylist, choreographer, artistic director and all-round showgirl, using music as a vessel for storytelling and social commentary, with a firm jazz, neo-soul rooting. Rivkala will be recording her second EP, titled 'Masquerades', which expands on the audio-visual world established in EP1, exploring themes of performance in everyday life (gender roles, masking neurodivergence/mental illness, professionalism, etc). Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ronn Greater London Ronn is a musician and composer from Hyderabad, India, with 2 BBC TV Show credits. He's currently pursuing Music at University of Westminster, London. Ronn specialises in rap, songwriting, and music production, and his voice reflects South Indian roots, expressed through Telugu language. He is working on a Telugu hip-hop album featuring artists from across India and the UK, blending regional and international languages and cultures into one musical journey. Each track transports listeners to a new Indian city, reflecting its unique vibe, slang, and musical influence, creating the sonic experience of an all-India tour. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Roukaya B North West Roukaya B is a multifaceted creative, blending timeless soulful vocals with sultry melodies and a dynamic fashion sense. She fuses jazz, R&B and alternative styles. Her NextGen Fund project explores mental health, hypersensitivity, spirituality and the human voice as an instrument. It seeks funding to enhance current demos, collaborate with producers, engineers, videographers, producers and stylists and host a premier event. The goal: create a fully realised, impactful audiovisual experience. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ryhme East Midlands Loughborough's Ryhme is a peer mentor in youth work, inspiring young people to create music, and wants to continue inspiring loads more through his own project. His EP dives into his highs and lows, showing how his mindset and morals have evolved while still battling self-doubt. The lead track normalises feelings of self-hate, confusion, and not feeling enough - with the other songs embracing Ryhme's background. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
Airz South East 'Penny for your Thoughts' is an EP aimed to evoke emotion and empathy from the listener. Airz wants to be able to fufill his vision for this project visually as it touches on key themes we see in day to day society. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Akam North West Akam is a multidisciplinary artist blending internet culture with alternative electronic and pop soundscapes. Born in Finland to Kurdish parents, Akam later moved to the UK, where his upbringing shaped his music. A self-taught producer, he oversees every aspect of his work. Now, he is creating a 9-track, mostly self-produced EP that pushes the boundaries of experimental pop while showcasing his artistic growth. Pronouns: he/him TikTokInstagram Alice-Lily East of England Alice-Lily connects with audiences through heartfelt lyricism and soulful melodies. Her debut EP, 'Players, Parties & Platonic Love' tells stories of navigating friendships and community in early adulthood. With a pop-soul and hip-hop blend at the base, her second EP will explore into identity, reflecting on the balance between our social connections and solitude. "My main message is to encourage listeners to reflect and reconnect with themselves in a fast paced world and take time to slow down." Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Alika South East Alika is a Tanzanian-born, Kent-raised artist. With the release of three NextGen Fund-supported singles, she plans to launch "HyperR&B", a genre she's created by blending R&B vocals, hip-hop rhythms, and hyperpop energy. Through this project, she aims to inspire other women, especially Black women, to embrace music production and encourage the industry to recognise and support women in these roles. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Amadeus TMM West Midlands Amadeus TMM is a Birmingham-based musician, producer, and artist. Starting with trumpet at age three, he is self-taught on drums, piano, and bass. Alongside his music featuring on GRMDaily, LinkUpTv and BBC 1Xtra, he's produced for many local artists and has performed at many small festivals. Now, he is working on the follow-up to his project, 'The Modern Mozart Vol. 1', which he will write, produce, and engineer himself. Pronouns: he/him Instagram Anthony Layde Northern Ireland Artist-producer Anthony Layde forges a distinct musical path, blending the ancient with the avant-garde. A Belfast native, he draws upon on his Irish dancing roots and homeland's folklore. Described by Hot Press (2024) as a fusion of "primal beats with ethereal, otherworldly vocals", Anthony's music is both raw and transcendent. His upcoming EP is a snapshot of his life as he confronts his destiny on a country road in Ireland’s forgotten Northern state. Exploring themes of toxic masculinity and queer identity, the EP utilises synth-folk production and vulnerable lyricism against the backdrop of a folk tale inspired by Irish mythology. Pronouns: he/him TikTokInstagram BEASTIE Greater London BEASTIE is a producer-vocalist, blending alternative R&B, hip-hop, and electronic sounds. His Trinidadian and Tobagonian roots shape his music, bringing rhythm and storytelling into everything he creates. His latest project, 'SOFIA EP', fuses melancholic melodies with bold production, reflecting his journey as an independent artist. 'MARIA: Stories in Sound' will be a 4-track EP exploring BEASTIE's evolution as a producer-vocalist through vivid storytelling and live instrumentation. Collaborating with musicians and visual artists, he will push creative boundaries. The project will culminate in an immersive live showcase, connecting with fans and showcasing my growth as an independent artist. Pronouns: he/him TikTokInstagram Dahlia Rae West Midlands Birmingham-born singer and rapper Dahlia Rae featured on The Rap Game UK Series 5, seamlessly blending rap and honey-smooth vocals, earning praise from DJ Target, Krept & Konan. With captivating lyrics and hard-hitting bars, 'Welcome to Wonderland' will be the fourth act in her three-part EP series and Dahlia's first full-length mixtape. Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, it invites listeners into her world, blending introspection with imagination. Through captivating storytelling, Dahlia explores identity, self-discovery, and personal growth, creating a deeply immersive yet accessible sonic journey. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Elijah Ayité Scotland Elijah finds empowerment through immersion in West African Rhythms that connect him to his roots. Percussionist first, producer second, and festival organiser third, Elijah has accrued experiences in Ghana, Cuba, and Senegal. 'Chronicle Tones: The Mixtape' is a collaborative community mixtape blending traditional West-African rhythm/culture with modern Hip-Hop to inspire and empower people from Global Majority backgrounds, connecting them with their roots. It will celebrate African musical heritage and its evolution through colonial history, revealing a story of resilience during hardships (that many still face). Pronouns: he/him Instagram Eva Kiss Yorkshire and the Humber Backed by a 4-piece band, Eva's theatrical performance style captivates crowds with shockingly raw lyrics and spiky alternative grunge soundscapes. Themes of female rage, liberation, and recovery pair with the gritty sounds of Nirvana, SoundGarden, and Fiona Apple. Her next project is centred around the release of four singles, high-quality music videos and live show experiences. By delivering visually and sonically impactful music that tells a story and inspires change, Eva hopes to build a community of bold, unapologetic individuals who feel seen and empowered. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Haaji Ka Halva North East Haaji Ka Halva is an electronic music producer and DJ, who uses a sampler pad to deconstruct and reassemble well-know dance tracks. She loves blending vocal samples of South Asian songs from her childhood over old-school rave classics. These hybrid sets, both live and online, combine live performance with DJ-ing and expressive visuals. With the NextGen Fund grant, she aims advance her production, mastering and marketing skills, so that she can release high-quality remixes and original material. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Hana Greater London Hana is a second generation Egyptian artist. Her EP will explore the complexities of identity/heritage/self-worth/familial-expectations/peer-pressure as a second generation UK citizen through honest lyricism and soulful melodies whilst showcasing traditional Arabic sounds e.g., oud and tabla. "This project is for anyone who’s ever questioned where they fit in, offering a soundtrack of resilience, reflection, and discovery." Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram HerOrangeCoat Yorkshire and the Humber Hailing from West Yorkshire and armed with her ukulele, HerOrangeCoat crafts songs that show a remarkable ability to turn indie-folk melancholy into an enticing musical journey. Her next project proposes a series of woodland recordings and songwriting. She will go to five sites to write and record five songs in situ using a field recorder. These songs will be released as a live EP which draws upon nature as both an inspiration and setting for the music. Pronouns: she/her Instagram IBack Greater London IBack is an independent music/rap artist from Kent, showcasing introspective lyricism, fresh flows and a captivating stage presence. Her goal for this project is to release three singles and create a consistent buzz across her social media platforms by building a strong sonic and visual identity through self-made videos and brand awareness. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram iowna South West iowna is a musician, activist and creative technologist based in Bath, Somerset. Now creating as a solo artist, her project will be a meeting place for trip-hop and alternative-rock. Lyrically, the project is a discussion of iowna's identity as a neurodiverse woman. The project looks at ownership; what the world takes from you, taken by others and what you take away from yourself. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jaiye Greater London “My name means “enjoy life,” and that’s what my music is all about feeling things in the moment and being present with that emotion. I grew up around sound… my mum drums, my brother raps, my sister DJs. Music’s always been in me. A year and a half ago I started recording, but jamming and free flowing have always been my roots. Following the music has been such a beautiful journey so far. Whether I’m in the studio or live with a band, my aim is to provoke something that hits and that looks different for each individual..from the words connecting, the textures, a head nod or the rhythm that catches you. Live. Dream. Feel. That’s the message — if you can live something and dare to dream it, then you can feel it into existence. That’s how my music came to life, and that’s what I want people to take away from it.” Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jasmin Jet Scotland Jasmin's project is her debut album/EP, reflecting on her life experiences so far. It explores the highs and lows of navigating life, from personal challenges to moments of growth. The aim is to share her story in a way that feels universal, allowing others to relate to the journey. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Josh Hicks Wales Josh Hicks is an artist from Newport, South Wales. His unique soulful voice blends pop, soul and jazz to create a sound that is nostalgic and fresh. Drawing inspiration from Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse and Adele, his music showcases a rich, genre-defying style. His plan to release two singles and work with a new producer and cowriters to continue developing his new sound. Pronouns: he/himInstagram MaiMaiMaia South East MaiMaiMaia is a queer Transgender woman who specialises in producing experimental electronic music. Her influences are varied, but mainly take inspiration from Detroit Techno, IDM, Ambient, Jungle, Hyperpop, BubblegumBass, Acid and Hardcore Techno with her own twists. T4T Records is a DIY Record label focusing on Trans music-makers and experimental music. With an event to celebrate the label launch, alongside an album release which I am in the final steps of completing. After gaining industry experience, Maia wishes to implement a co-operative business model for the label. Pronouns: she/herInstagram makaya Scotland makaya is a multi-disciplinary artist, composer and writer based in Glasgow. Their work broadly explores the relationship between contemporary Black life and the archives of slavery and colonialism; working within the intersections of Black oral histories and Gaelic traditions they recontextualise folk songs, slave spirituals, and sean-nós in experimental timbres. With NextGen Fund support, they will finish recording a mixtape and develop a corresponding live performance of electronic experiments in drone folk - the songs draw on linkages between Irish and Jamaican folk histories, bringing these cultures together in experimental, electronic sonic landscapes. Pronouns: they/themInstagram May0 West Midlands May0 is an Afrobeat artist with a love for storytelling. She uses singing and rap to express feelings and capture real-life experiences. 'UNiDAZE' is a collection of songs that takes the listener through the highs, lows and in-betweens of May0's university experience. Each song tells a story of lessons learned, defining moments, hard times, relationships, growth and self-discovery through the medium of Afrobeat music. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram MIETTE. South East MIETTE. blends ethereal and industrial dance music, a hypnotic, gothic fusion of techno electronica that exists in the void between dark and light. His project 'FÊTEVERTIGO' is an immersive, ritualistic touring event blending music, performance, and visual art. A celebration of chaos and transcendence, it explores the relationship between body, sound, and spirituality, challenging norms and inviting audiences to lose themselves in the experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Mistry South East Mistry blends soulful melodies with elements of Pop, Chilled Rap and Desi music, drawing from his South Asian heritage. He is aiming to release his third EP 'Growing Pains', songs based on the experience of a South Asian navigating their twenties, towards the end the year. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Muckerhood Northern Ireland Derry-based Muckerhood is a solo music project in which Niall Grace writes, produces, stages, choreographs and performs tracks that together blend an eclectic mix of genres, from folk pop to electronic rock, whilst embracing local roots and local vocal sound, falling somewhere under the art rock sphere. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Nailbreaker East Midlands Nailbreaker is an autistim spectrum artist from Northamptonshire who has been independently touring and releasing music for the past five years. His new project will be the follow-up to his debut Nailbreaker album, 'Robert Knight Wine Cellar' released in November last year. This album aims to expand on the sounds and themes of the first, but with more professional recording. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Numa North West Numa is a beatboxer based in Manchester specialising in Techno and Drum & Bass. His performances feature a 100% vocal EDM set. He has performed at major festivals, including Beat-Herder and Boomtown. He is currently working on an innovative one-hour beatboxing performance with an orchestra, crafting a powerful and dynamic storytelling experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram ONYINYÉ West Midlands ONYINYÉ is a singer and rapper who uses her artistry to speak about God, social, political injustice and more. 'Growing Pains' is an album that explores her experience of moving from Ireland to England, and going from a teenage Black girl to young adult, covering the difficulties and beauty of the process that many can relate to but rarely discuss - the fear of getting older. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram PLASTYK West Midlands Karlie is a trans-femme, lesbian, neurodiverse, DJ / nightlife worker. She started DJing when she was very young, and came out as trans during the pandemic. She runs several trans community events and DJ in the London queer scene. The NextGen Fund supported event - PLASTYK - is a lesbian club night that is accessible and affordable, supporting the people at the intersection of queerphobic and transphobic structures in the UK. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Rachel Halaburda East Midlands Rachel is a music photographer and filmmaker. Her work has been featured in various magazines, including NME, Rolling Stone and Clash, and her short films have premiered in her local cinema and art galleries. Rachel's NextGen Fund project ‘Through Her Eyes’ is an interactive portrait photography project, giving a voice to and providing exposure for women in music. Displayed at an exhibition, each photograph will have a QR code below, to listen to the artists music and an audio clip of them discussing their experience within the industry. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Rivkala North East Rivkala is a Manchester-born, North-East based vocalist, songwriter, pianist, bandleader, stylist, choreographer, artistic director and all-round showgirl, using music as a vessel for storytelling and social commentary, with a firm jazz, neo-soul rooting. Rivkala will be recording her second EP, titled 'Masquerades', which expands on the audio-visual world established in EP1, exploring themes of performance in everyday life (gender roles, masking neurodivergence/mental illness, professionalism, etc). Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ronn Greater London Ronn is a musician and composer from Hyderabad, India, with 2 BBC TV Show credits. He's currently pursuing Music at University of Westminster, London. Ronn specialises in rap, songwriting, and music production, and his voice reflects South Indian roots, expressed through Telugu language. He is working on a Telugu hip-hop album featuring artists from across India and the UK, blending regional and international languages and cultures into one musical journey. Each track transports listeners to a new Indian city, reflecting its unique vibe, slang, and musical influence, creating the sonic experience of an all-India tour. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Roukaya B North West Roukaya B is a multifaceted creative, blending timeless soulful vocals with sultry melodies and a dynamic fashion sense. She fuses jazz, R&B and alternative styles. Her NextGen Fund project explores mental health, hypersensitivity, spirituality and the human voice as an instrument. It seeks funding to enhance current demos, collaborate with producers, engineers, videographers, producers and stylists and host a premier event. The goal: create a fully realised, impactful audiovisual experience. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ryhme East Midlands Loughborough's Ryhme is a peer mentor in youth work, inspiring young people to create music, and wants to continue inspiring loads more through his own project. His EP dives into his highs and lows, showing how his mindset and morals have evolved while still battling self-doubt. The lead track normalises feelings of self-hate, confusion, and not feeling enough - with the other songs embracing Ryhme's background. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
Akam North West Akam is a multidisciplinary artist blending internet culture with alternative electronic and pop soundscapes. Born in Finland to Kurdish parents, Akam later moved to the UK, where his upbringing shaped his music. A self-taught producer, he oversees every aspect of his work. Now, he is creating a 9-track, mostly self-produced EP that pushes the boundaries of experimental pop while showcasing his artistic growth. Pronouns: he/him TikTokInstagram Alice-Lily East of England Alice-Lily connects with audiences through heartfelt lyricism and soulful melodies. Her debut EP, 'Players, Parties & Platonic Love' tells stories of navigating friendships and community in early adulthood. With a pop-soul and hip-hop blend at the base, her second EP will explore into identity, reflecting on the balance between our social connections and solitude. "My main message is to encourage listeners to reflect and reconnect with themselves in a fast paced world and take time to slow down." Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Alika South East Alika is a Tanzanian-born, Kent-raised artist. With the release of three NextGen Fund-supported singles, she plans to launch "HyperR&B", a genre she's created by blending R&B vocals, hip-hop rhythms, and hyperpop energy. Through this project, she aims to inspire other women, especially Black women, to embrace music production and encourage the industry to recognise and support women in these roles. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Amadeus TMM West Midlands Amadeus TMM is a Birmingham-based musician, producer, and artist. Starting with trumpet at age three, he is self-taught on drums, piano, and bass. Alongside his music featuring on GRMDaily, LinkUpTv and BBC 1Xtra, he's produced for many local artists and has performed at many small festivals. Now, he is working on the follow-up to his project, 'The Modern Mozart Vol. 1', which he will write, produce, and engineer himself. Pronouns: he/him Instagram Anthony Layde Northern Ireland Artist-producer Anthony Layde forges a distinct musical path, blending the ancient with the avant-garde. A Belfast native, he draws upon on his Irish dancing roots and homeland's folklore. Described by Hot Press (2024) as a fusion of "primal beats with ethereal, otherworldly vocals", Anthony's music is both raw and transcendent. His upcoming EP is a snapshot of his life as he confronts his destiny on a country road in Ireland’s forgotten Northern state. Exploring themes of toxic masculinity and queer identity, the EP utilises synth-folk production and vulnerable lyricism against the backdrop of a folk tale inspired by Irish mythology. Pronouns: he/him TikTokInstagram BEASTIE Greater London BEASTIE is a producer-vocalist, blending alternative R&B, hip-hop, and electronic sounds. His Trinidadian and Tobagonian roots shape his music, bringing rhythm and storytelling into everything he creates. His latest project, 'SOFIA EP', fuses melancholic melodies with bold production, reflecting his journey as an independent artist. 'MARIA: Stories in Sound' will be a 4-track EP exploring BEASTIE's evolution as a producer-vocalist through vivid storytelling and live instrumentation. Collaborating with musicians and visual artists, he will push creative boundaries. The project will culminate in an immersive live showcase, connecting with fans and showcasing my growth as an independent artist. Pronouns: he/him TikTokInstagram Dahlia Rae West Midlands Birmingham-born singer and rapper Dahlia Rae featured on The Rap Game UK Series 5, seamlessly blending rap and honey-smooth vocals, earning praise from DJ Target, Krept & Konan. With captivating lyrics and hard-hitting bars, 'Welcome to Wonderland' will be the fourth act in her three-part EP series and Dahlia's first full-length mixtape. Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, it invites listeners into her world, blending introspection with imagination. Through captivating storytelling, Dahlia explores identity, self-discovery, and personal growth, creating a deeply immersive yet accessible sonic journey. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Elijah Ayité Scotland Elijah finds empowerment through immersion in West African Rhythms that connect him to his roots. Percussionist first, producer second, and festival organiser third, Elijah has accrued experiences in Ghana, Cuba, and Senegal. 'Chronicle Tones: The Mixtape' is a collaborative community mixtape blending traditional West-African rhythm/culture with modern Hip-Hop to inspire and empower people from Global Majority backgrounds, connecting them with their roots. It will celebrate African musical heritage and its evolution through colonial history, revealing a story of resilience during hardships (that many still face). Pronouns: he/him Instagram Eva Kiss Yorkshire and the Humber Backed by a 4-piece band, Eva's theatrical performance style captivates crowds with shockingly raw lyrics and spiky alternative grunge soundscapes. Themes of female rage, liberation, and recovery pair with the gritty sounds of Nirvana, SoundGarden, and Fiona Apple. Her next project is centred around the release of four singles, high-quality music videos and live show experiences. By delivering visually and sonically impactful music that tells a story and inspires change, Eva hopes to build a community of bold, unapologetic individuals who feel seen and empowered. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Haaji Ka Halva North East Haaji Ka Halva is an electronic music producer and DJ, who uses a sampler pad to deconstruct and reassemble well-know dance tracks. She loves blending vocal samples of South Asian songs from her childhood over old-school rave classics. These hybrid sets, both live and online, combine live performance with DJ-ing and expressive visuals. With the NextGen Fund grant, she aims advance her production, mastering and marketing skills, so that she can release high-quality remixes and original material. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Hana Greater London Hana is a second generation Egyptian artist. Her EP will explore the complexities of identity/heritage/self-worth/familial-expectations/peer-pressure as a second generation UK citizen through honest lyricism and soulful melodies whilst showcasing traditional Arabic sounds e.g., oud and tabla. "This project is for anyone who’s ever questioned where they fit in, offering a soundtrack of resilience, reflection, and discovery." Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram HerOrangeCoat Yorkshire and the Humber Hailing from West Yorkshire and armed with her ukulele, HerOrangeCoat crafts songs that show a remarkable ability to turn indie-folk melancholy into an enticing musical journey. Her next project proposes a series of woodland recordings and songwriting. She will go to five sites to write and record five songs in situ using a field recorder. These songs will be released as a live EP which draws upon nature as both an inspiration and setting for the music. Pronouns: she/her Instagram IBack Greater London IBack is an independent music/rap artist from Kent, showcasing introspective lyricism, fresh flows and a captivating stage presence. Her goal for this project is to release three singles and create a consistent buzz across her social media platforms by building a strong sonic and visual identity through self-made videos and brand awareness. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram iowna South West iowna is a musician, activist and creative technologist based in Bath, Somerset. Now creating as a solo artist, her project will be a meeting place for trip-hop and alternative-rock. Lyrically, the project is a discussion of iowna's identity as a neurodiverse woman. The project looks at ownership; what the world takes from you, taken by others and what you take away from yourself. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jaiye Greater London “My name means “enjoy life,” and that’s what my music is all about feeling things in the moment and being present with that emotion. I grew up around sound… my mum drums, my brother raps, my sister DJs. Music’s always been in me. A year and a half ago I started recording, but jamming and free flowing have always been my roots. Following the music has been such a beautiful journey so far. Whether I’m in the studio or live with a band, my aim is to provoke something that hits and that looks different for each individual..from the words connecting, the textures, a head nod or the rhythm that catches you. Live. Dream. Feel. That’s the message — if you can live something and dare to dream it, then you can feel it into existence. That’s how my music came to life, and that’s what I want people to take away from it.” Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jasmin Jet Scotland Jasmin's project is her debut album/EP, reflecting on her life experiences so far. It explores the highs and lows of navigating life, from personal challenges to moments of growth. The aim is to share her story in a way that feels universal, allowing others to relate to the journey. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Josh Hicks Wales Josh Hicks is an artist from Newport, South Wales. His unique soulful voice blends pop, soul and jazz to create a sound that is nostalgic and fresh. Drawing inspiration from Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse and Adele, his music showcases a rich, genre-defying style. His plan to release two singles and work with a new producer and cowriters to continue developing his new sound. Pronouns: he/himInstagram MaiMaiMaia South East MaiMaiMaia is a queer Transgender woman who specialises in producing experimental electronic music. Her influences are varied, but mainly take inspiration from Detroit Techno, IDM, Ambient, Jungle, Hyperpop, BubblegumBass, Acid and Hardcore Techno with her own twists. T4T Records is a DIY Record label focusing on Trans music-makers and experimental music. With an event to celebrate the label launch, alongside an album release which I am in the final steps of completing. After gaining industry experience, Maia wishes to implement a co-operative business model for the label. Pronouns: she/herInstagram makaya Scotland makaya is a multi-disciplinary artist, composer and writer based in Glasgow. Their work broadly explores the relationship between contemporary Black life and the archives of slavery and colonialism; working within the intersections of Black oral histories and Gaelic traditions they recontextualise folk songs, slave spirituals, and sean-nós in experimental timbres. With NextGen Fund support, they will finish recording a mixtape and develop a corresponding live performance of electronic experiments in drone folk - the songs draw on linkages between Irish and Jamaican folk histories, bringing these cultures together in experimental, electronic sonic landscapes. Pronouns: they/themInstagram May0 West Midlands May0 is an Afrobeat artist with a love for storytelling. She uses singing and rap to express feelings and capture real-life experiences. 'UNiDAZE' is a collection of songs that takes the listener through the highs, lows and in-betweens of May0's university experience. Each song tells a story of lessons learned, defining moments, hard times, relationships, growth and self-discovery through the medium of Afrobeat music. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram MIETTE. South East MIETTE. blends ethereal and industrial dance music, a hypnotic, gothic fusion of techno electronica that exists in the void between dark and light. His project 'FÊTEVERTIGO' is an immersive, ritualistic touring event blending music, performance, and visual art. A celebration of chaos and transcendence, it explores the relationship between body, sound, and spirituality, challenging norms and inviting audiences to lose themselves in the experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Mistry South East Mistry blends soulful melodies with elements of Pop, Chilled Rap and Desi music, drawing from his South Asian heritage. He is aiming to release his third EP 'Growing Pains', songs based on the experience of a South Asian navigating their twenties, towards the end the year. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Muckerhood Northern Ireland Derry-based Muckerhood is a solo music project in which Niall Grace writes, produces, stages, choreographs and performs tracks that together blend an eclectic mix of genres, from folk pop to electronic rock, whilst embracing local roots and local vocal sound, falling somewhere under the art rock sphere. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Nailbreaker East Midlands Nailbreaker is an autistim spectrum artist from Northamptonshire who has been independently touring and releasing music for the past five years. His new project will be the follow-up to his debut Nailbreaker album, 'Robert Knight Wine Cellar' released in November last year. This album aims to expand on the sounds and themes of the first, but with more professional recording. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Numa North West Numa is a beatboxer based in Manchester specialising in Techno and Drum & Bass. His performances feature a 100% vocal EDM set. He has performed at major festivals, including Beat-Herder and Boomtown. He is currently working on an innovative one-hour beatboxing performance with an orchestra, crafting a powerful and dynamic storytelling experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram ONYINYÉ West Midlands ONYINYÉ is a singer and rapper who uses her artistry to speak about God, social, political injustice and more. 'Growing Pains' is an album that explores her experience of moving from Ireland to England, and going from a teenage Black girl to young adult, covering the difficulties and beauty of the process that many can relate to but rarely discuss - the fear of getting older. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram PLASTYK West Midlands Karlie is a trans-femme, lesbian, neurodiverse, DJ / nightlife worker. She started DJing when she was very young, and came out as trans during the pandemic. She runs several trans community events and DJ in the London queer scene. The NextGen Fund supported event - PLASTYK - is a lesbian club night that is accessible and affordable, supporting the people at the intersection of queerphobic and transphobic structures in the UK. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Rachel Halaburda East Midlands Rachel is a music photographer and filmmaker. Her work has been featured in various magazines, including NME, Rolling Stone and Clash, and her short films have premiered in her local cinema and art galleries. Rachel's NextGen Fund project ‘Through Her Eyes’ is an interactive portrait photography project, giving a voice to and providing exposure for women in music. Displayed at an exhibition, each photograph will have a QR code below, to listen to the artists music and an audio clip of them discussing their experience within the industry. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Rivkala North East Rivkala is a Manchester-born, North-East based vocalist, songwriter, pianist, bandleader, stylist, choreographer, artistic director and all-round showgirl, using music as a vessel for storytelling and social commentary, with a firm jazz, neo-soul rooting. Rivkala will be recording her second EP, titled 'Masquerades', which expands on the audio-visual world established in EP1, exploring themes of performance in everyday life (gender roles, masking neurodivergence/mental illness, professionalism, etc). Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ronn Greater London Ronn is a musician and composer from Hyderabad, India, with 2 BBC TV Show credits. He's currently pursuing Music at University of Westminster, London. Ronn specialises in rap, songwriting, and music production, and his voice reflects South Indian roots, expressed through Telugu language. He is working on a Telugu hip-hop album featuring artists from across India and the UK, blending regional and international languages and cultures into one musical journey. Each track transports listeners to a new Indian city, reflecting its unique vibe, slang, and musical influence, creating the sonic experience of an all-India tour. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Roukaya B North West Roukaya B is a multifaceted creative, blending timeless soulful vocals with sultry melodies and a dynamic fashion sense. She fuses jazz, R&B and alternative styles. Her NextGen Fund project explores mental health, hypersensitivity, spirituality and the human voice as an instrument. It seeks funding to enhance current demos, collaborate with producers, engineers, videographers, producers and stylists and host a premier event. The goal: create a fully realised, impactful audiovisual experience. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ryhme East Midlands Loughborough's Ryhme is a peer mentor in youth work, inspiring young people to create music, and wants to continue inspiring loads more through his own project. His EP dives into his highs and lows, showing how his mindset and morals have evolved while still battling self-doubt. The lead track normalises feelings of self-hate, confusion, and not feeling enough - with the other songs embracing Ryhme's background. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
Alice-Lily East of England Alice-Lily connects with audiences through heartfelt lyricism and soulful melodies. Her debut EP, 'Players, Parties & Platonic Love' tells stories of navigating friendships and community in early adulthood. With a pop-soul and hip-hop blend at the base, her second EP will explore into identity, reflecting on the balance between our social connections and solitude. "My main message is to encourage listeners to reflect and reconnect with themselves in a fast paced world and take time to slow down." Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Alika South East Alika is a Tanzanian-born, Kent-raised artist. With the release of three NextGen Fund-supported singles, she plans to launch "HyperR&B", a genre she's created by blending R&B vocals, hip-hop rhythms, and hyperpop energy. Through this project, she aims to inspire other women, especially Black women, to embrace music production and encourage the industry to recognise and support women in these roles. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Amadeus TMM West Midlands Amadeus TMM is a Birmingham-based musician, producer, and artist. Starting with trumpet at age three, he is self-taught on drums, piano, and bass. Alongside his music featuring on GRMDaily, LinkUpTv and BBC 1Xtra, he's produced for many local artists and has performed at many small festivals. Now, he is working on the follow-up to his project, 'The Modern Mozart Vol. 1', which he will write, produce, and engineer himself. Pronouns: he/him Instagram Anthony Layde Northern Ireland Artist-producer Anthony Layde forges a distinct musical path, blending the ancient with the avant-garde. A Belfast native, he draws upon on his Irish dancing roots and homeland's folklore. Described by Hot Press (2024) as a fusion of "primal beats with ethereal, otherworldly vocals", Anthony's music is both raw and transcendent. His upcoming EP is a snapshot of his life as he confronts his destiny on a country road in Ireland’s forgotten Northern state. Exploring themes of toxic masculinity and queer identity, the EP utilises synth-folk production and vulnerable lyricism against the backdrop of a folk tale inspired by Irish mythology. Pronouns: he/him TikTokInstagram BEASTIE Greater London BEASTIE is a producer-vocalist, blending alternative R&B, hip-hop, and electronic sounds. His Trinidadian and Tobagonian roots shape his music, bringing rhythm and storytelling into everything he creates. His latest project, 'SOFIA EP', fuses melancholic melodies with bold production, reflecting his journey as an independent artist. 'MARIA: Stories in Sound' will be a 4-track EP exploring BEASTIE's evolution as a producer-vocalist through vivid storytelling and live instrumentation. Collaborating with musicians and visual artists, he will push creative boundaries. The project will culminate in an immersive live showcase, connecting with fans and showcasing my growth as an independent artist. Pronouns: he/him TikTokInstagram Dahlia Rae West Midlands Birmingham-born singer and rapper Dahlia Rae featured on The Rap Game UK Series 5, seamlessly blending rap and honey-smooth vocals, earning praise from DJ Target, Krept & Konan. With captivating lyrics and hard-hitting bars, 'Welcome to Wonderland' will be the fourth act in her three-part EP series and Dahlia's first full-length mixtape. Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, it invites listeners into her world, blending introspection with imagination. Through captivating storytelling, Dahlia explores identity, self-discovery, and personal growth, creating a deeply immersive yet accessible sonic journey. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Elijah Ayité Scotland Elijah finds empowerment through immersion in West African Rhythms that connect him to his roots. Percussionist first, producer second, and festival organiser third, Elijah has accrued experiences in Ghana, Cuba, and Senegal. 'Chronicle Tones: The Mixtape' is a collaborative community mixtape blending traditional West-African rhythm/culture with modern Hip-Hop to inspire and empower people from Global Majority backgrounds, connecting them with their roots. It will celebrate African musical heritage and its evolution through colonial history, revealing a story of resilience during hardships (that many still face). Pronouns: he/him Instagram Eva Kiss Yorkshire and the Humber Backed by a 4-piece band, Eva's theatrical performance style captivates crowds with shockingly raw lyrics and spiky alternative grunge soundscapes. Themes of female rage, liberation, and recovery pair with the gritty sounds of Nirvana, SoundGarden, and Fiona Apple. Her next project is centred around the release of four singles, high-quality music videos and live show experiences. By delivering visually and sonically impactful music that tells a story and inspires change, Eva hopes to build a community of bold, unapologetic individuals who feel seen and empowered. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Haaji Ka Halva North East Haaji Ka Halva is an electronic music producer and DJ, who uses a sampler pad to deconstruct and reassemble well-know dance tracks. She loves blending vocal samples of South Asian songs from her childhood over old-school rave classics. These hybrid sets, both live and online, combine live performance with DJ-ing and expressive visuals. With the NextGen Fund grant, she aims advance her production, mastering and marketing skills, so that she can release high-quality remixes and original material. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Hana Greater London Hana is a second generation Egyptian artist. Her EP will explore the complexities of identity/heritage/self-worth/familial-expectations/peer-pressure as a second generation UK citizen through honest lyricism and soulful melodies whilst showcasing traditional Arabic sounds e.g., oud and tabla. "This project is for anyone who’s ever questioned where they fit in, offering a soundtrack of resilience, reflection, and discovery." Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram HerOrangeCoat Yorkshire and the Humber Hailing from West Yorkshire and armed with her ukulele, HerOrangeCoat crafts songs that show a remarkable ability to turn indie-folk melancholy into an enticing musical journey. Her next project proposes a series of woodland recordings and songwriting. She will go to five sites to write and record five songs in situ using a field recorder. These songs will be released as a live EP which draws upon nature as both an inspiration and setting for the music. Pronouns: she/her Instagram IBack Greater London IBack is an independent music/rap artist from Kent, showcasing introspective lyricism, fresh flows and a captivating stage presence. Her goal for this project is to release three singles and create a consistent buzz across her social media platforms by building a strong sonic and visual identity through self-made videos and brand awareness. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram iowna South West iowna is a musician, activist and creative technologist based in Bath, Somerset. Now creating as a solo artist, her project will be a meeting place for trip-hop and alternative-rock. Lyrically, the project is a discussion of iowna's identity as a neurodiverse woman. The project looks at ownership; what the world takes from you, taken by others and what you take away from yourself. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jaiye Greater London “My name means “enjoy life,” and that’s what my music is all about feeling things in the moment and being present with that emotion. I grew up around sound… my mum drums, my brother raps, my sister DJs. Music’s always been in me. A year and a half ago I started recording, but jamming and free flowing have always been my roots. Following the music has been such a beautiful journey so far. Whether I’m in the studio or live with a band, my aim is to provoke something that hits and that looks different for each individual..from the words connecting, the textures, a head nod or the rhythm that catches you. Live. Dream. Feel. That’s the message — if you can live something and dare to dream it, then you can feel it into existence. That’s how my music came to life, and that’s what I want people to take away from it.” Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jasmin Jet Scotland Jasmin's project is her debut album/EP, reflecting on her life experiences so far. It explores the highs and lows of navigating life, from personal challenges to moments of growth. The aim is to share her story in a way that feels universal, allowing others to relate to the journey. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Josh Hicks Wales Josh Hicks is an artist from Newport, South Wales. His unique soulful voice blends pop, soul and jazz to create a sound that is nostalgic and fresh. Drawing inspiration from Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse and Adele, his music showcases a rich, genre-defying style. His plan to release two singles and work with a new producer and cowriters to continue developing his new sound. Pronouns: he/himInstagram MaiMaiMaia South East MaiMaiMaia is a queer Transgender woman who specialises in producing experimental electronic music. Her influences are varied, but mainly take inspiration from Detroit Techno, IDM, Ambient, Jungle, Hyperpop, BubblegumBass, Acid and Hardcore Techno with her own twists. T4T Records is a DIY Record label focusing on Trans music-makers and experimental music. With an event to celebrate the label launch, alongside an album release which I am in the final steps of completing. After gaining industry experience, Maia wishes to implement a co-operative business model for the label. Pronouns: she/herInstagram makaya Scotland makaya is a multi-disciplinary artist, composer and writer based in Glasgow. Their work broadly explores the relationship between contemporary Black life and the archives of slavery and colonialism; working within the intersections of Black oral histories and Gaelic traditions they recontextualise folk songs, slave spirituals, and sean-nós in experimental timbres. With NextGen Fund support, they will finish recording a mixtape and develop a corresponding live performance of electronic experiments in drone folk - the songs draw on linkages between Irish and Jamaican folk histories, bringing these cultures together in experimental, electronic sonic landscapes. Pronouns: they/themInstagram May0 West Midlands May0 is an Afrobeat artist with a love for storytelling. She uses singing and rap to express feelings and capture real-life experiences. 'UNiDAZE' is a collection of songs that takes the listener through the highs, lows and in-betweens of May0's university experience. Each song tells a story of lessons learned, defining moments, hard times, relationships, growth and self-discovery through the medium of Afrobeat music. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram MIETTE. South East MIETTE. blends ethereal and industrial dance music, a hypnotic, gothic fusion of techno electronica that exists in the void between dark and light. His project 'FÊTEVERTIGO' is an immersive, ritualistic touring event blending music, performance, and visual art. A celebration of chaos and transcendence, it explores the relationship between body, sound, and spirituality, challenging norms and inviting audiences to lose themselves in the experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Mistry South East Mistry blends soulful melodies with elements of Pop, Chilled Rap and Desi music, drawing from his South Asian heritage. He is aiming to release his third EP 'Growing Pains', songs based on the experience of a South Asian navigating their twenties, towards the end the year. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Muckerhood Northern Ireland Derry-based Muckerhood is a solo music project in which Niall Grace writes, produces, stages, choreographs and performs tracks that together blend an eclectic mix of genres, from folk pop to electronic rock, whilst embracing local roots and local vocal sound, falling somewhere under the art rock sphere. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Nailbreaker East Midlands Nailbreaker is an autistim spectrum artist from Northamptonshire who has been independently touring and releasing music for the past five years. His new project will be the follow-up to his debut Nailbreaker album, 'Robert Knight Wine Cellar' released in November last year. This album aims to expand on the sounds and themes of the first, but with more professional recording. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Numa North West Numa is a beatboxer based in Manchester specialising in Techno and Drum & Bass. His performances feature a 100% vocal EDM set. He has performed at major festivals, including Beat-Herder and Boomtown. He is currently working on an innovative one-hour beatboxing performance with an orchestra, crafting a powerful and dynamic storytelling experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram ONYINYÉ West Midlands ONYINYÉ is a singer and rapper who uses her artistry to speak about God, social, political injustice and more. 'Growing Pains' is an album that explores her experience of moving from Ireland to England, and going from a teenage Black girl to young adult, covering the difficulties and beauty of the process that many can relate to but rarely discuss - the fear of getting older. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram PLASTYK West Midlands Karlie is a trans-femme, lesbian, neurodiverse, DJ / nightlife worker. She started DJing when she was very young, and came out as trans during the pandemic. She runs several trans community events and DJ in the London queer scene. The NextGen Fund supported event - PLASTYK - is a lesbian club night that is accessible and affordable, supporting the people at the intersection of queerphobic and transphobic structures in the UK. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Rachel Halaburda East Midlands Rachel is a music photographer and filmmaker. Her work has been featured in various magazines, including NME, Rolling Stone and Clash, and her short films have premiered in her local cinema and art galleries. Rachel's NextGen Fund project ‘Through Her Eyes’ is an interactive portrait photography project, giving a voice to and providing exposure for women in music. Displayed at an exhibition, each photograph will have a QR code below, to listen to the artists music and an audio clip of them discussing their experience within the industry. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Rivkala North East Rivkala is a Manchester-born, North-East based vocalist, songwriter, pianist, bandleader, stylist, choreographer, artistic director and all-round showgirl, using music as a vessel for storytelling and social commentary, with a firm jazz, neo-soul rooting. Rivkala will be recording her second EP, titled 'Masquerades', which expands on the audio-visual world established in EP1, exploring themes of performance in everyday life (gender roles, masking neurodivergence/mental illness, professionalism, etc). Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ronn Greater London Ronn is a musician and composer from Hyderabad, India, with 2 BBC TV Show credits. He's currently pursuing Music at University of Westminster, London. Ronn specialises in rap, songwriting, and music production, and his voice reflects South Indian roots, expressed through Telugu language. He is working on a Telugu hip-hop album featuring artists from across India and the UK, blending regional and international languages and cultures into one musical journey. Each track transports listeners to a new Indian city, reflecting its unique vibe, slang, and musical influence, creating the sonic experience of an all-India tour. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Roukaya B North West Roukaya B is a multifaceted creative, blending timeless soulful vocals with sultry melodies and a dynamic fashion sense. She fuses jazz, R&B and alternative styles. Her NextGen Fund project explores mental health, hypersensitivity, spirituality and the human voice as an instrument. It seeks funding to enhance current demos, collaborate with producers, engineers, videographers, producers and stylists and host a premier event. The goal: create a fully realised, impactful audiovisual experience. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ryhme East Midlands Loughborough's Ryhme is a peer mentor in youth work, inspiring young people to create music, and wants to continue inspiring loads more through his own project. His EP dives into his highs and lows, showing how his mindset and morals have evolved while still battling self-doubt. The lead track normalises feelings of self-hate, confusion, and not feeling enough - with the other songs embracing Ryhme's background. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
Alika South East Alika is a Tanzanian-born, Kent-raised artist. With the release of three NextGen Fund-supported singles, she plans to launch "HyperR&B", a genre she's created by blending R&B vocals, hip-hop rhythms, and hyperpop energy. Through this project, she aims to inspire other women, especially Black women, to embrace music production and encourage the industry to recognise and support women in these roles. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Amadeus TMM West Midlands Amadeus TMM is a Birmingham-based musician, producer, and artist. Starting with trumpet at age three, he is self-taught on drums, piano, and bass. Alongside his music featuring on GRMDaily, LinkUpTv and BBC 1Xtra, he's produced for many local artists and has performed at many small festivals. Now, he is working on the follow-up to his project, 'The Modern Mozart Vol. 1', which he will write, produce, and engineer himself. Pronouns: he/him Instagram Anthony Layde Northern Ireland Artist-producer Anthony Layde forges a distinct musical path, blending the ancient with the avant-garde. A Belfast native, he draws upon on his Irish dancing roots and homeland's folklore. Described by Hot Press (2024) as a fusion of "primal beats with ethereal, otherworldly vocals", Anthony's music is both raw and transcendent. His upcoming EP is a snapshot of his life as he confronts his destiny on a country road in Ireland’s forgotten Northern state. Exploring themes of toxic masculinity and queer identity, the EP utilises synth-folk production and vulnerable lyricism against the backdrop of a folk tale inspired by Irish mythology. Pronouns: he/him TikTokInstagram BEASTIE Greater London BEASTIE is a producer-vocalist, blending alternative R&B, hip-hop, and electronic sounds. His Trinidadian and Tobagonian roots shape his music, bringing rhythm and storytelling into everything he creates. His latest project, 'SOFIA EP', fuses melancholic melodies with bold production, reflecting his journey as an independent artist. 'MARIA: Stories in Sound' will be a 4-track EP exploring BEASTIE's evolution as a producer-vocalist through vivid storytelling and live instrumentation. Collaborating with musicians and visual artists, he will push creative boundaries. The project will culminate in an immersive live showcase, connecting with fans and showcasing my growth as an independent artist. Pronouns: he/him TikTokInstagram Dahlia Rae West Midlands Birmingham-born singer and rapper Dahlia Rae featured on The Rap Game UK Series 5, seamlessly blending rap and honey-smooth vocals, earning praise from DJ Target, Krept & Konan. With captivating lyrics and hard-hitting bars, 'Welcome to Wonderland' will be the fourth act in her three-part EP series and Dahlia's first full-length mixtape. Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, it invites listeners into her world, blending introspection with imagination. Through captivating storytelling, Dahlia explores identity, self-discovery, and personal growth, creating a deeply immersive yet accessible sonic journey. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Elijah Ayité Scotland Elijah finds empowerment through immersion in West African Rhythms that connect him to his roots. Percussionist first, producer second, and festival organiser third, Elijah has accrued experiences in Ghana, Cuba, and Senegal. 'Chronicle Tones: The Mixtape' is a collaborative community mixtape blending traditional West-African rhythm/culture with modern Hip-Hop to inspire and empower people from Global Majority backgrounds, connecting them with their roots. It will celebrate African musical heritage and its evolution through colonial history, revealing a story of resilience during hardships (that many still face). Pronouns: he/him Instagram Eva Kiss Yorkshire and the Humber Backed by a 4-piece band, Eva's theatrical performance style captivates crowds with shockingly raw lyrics and spiky alternative grunge soundscapes. Themes of female rage, liberation, and recovery pair with the gritty sounds of Nirvana, SoundGarden, and Fiona Apple. Her next project is centred around the release of four singles, high-quality music videos and live show experiences. By delivering visually and sonically impactful music that tells a story and inspires change, Eva hopes to build a community of bold, unapologetic individuals who feel seen and empowered. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Haaji Ka Halva North East Haaji Ka Halva is an electronic music producer and DJ, who uses a sampler pad to deconstruct and reassemble well-know dance tracks. She loves blending vocal samples of South Asian songs from her childhood over old-school rave classics. These hybrid sets, both live and online, combine live performance with DJ-ing and expressive visuals. With the NextGen Fund grant, she aims advance her production, mastering and marketing skills, so that she can release high-quality remixes and original material. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Hana Greater London Hana is a second generation Egyptian artist. Her EP will explore the complexities of identity/heritage/self-worth/familial-expectations/peer-pressure as a second generation UK citizen through honest lyricism and soulful melodies whilst showcasing traditional Arabic sounds e.g., oud and tabla. "This project is for anyone who’s ever questioned where they fit in, offering a soundtrack of resilience, reflection, and discovery." Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram HerOrangeCoat Yorkshire and the Humber Hailing from West Yorkshire and armed with her ukulele, HerOrangeCoat crafts songs that show a remarkable ability to turn indie-folk melancholy into an enticing musical journey. Her next project proposes a series of woodland recordings and songwriting. She will go to five sites to write and record five songs in situ using a field recorder. These songs will be released as a live EP which draws upon nature as both an inspiration and setting for the music. Pronouns: she/her Instagram IBack Greater London IBack is an independent music/rap artist from Kent, showcasing introspective lyricism, fresh flows and a captivating stage presence. Her goal for this project is to release three singles and create a consistent buzz across her social media platforms by building a strong sonic and visual identity through self-made videos and brand awareness. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram iowna South West iowna is a musician, activist and creative technologist based in Bath, Somerset. Now creating as a solo artist, her project will be a meeting place for trip-hop and alternative-rock. Lyrically, the project is a discussion of iowna's identity as a neurodiverse woman. The project looks at ownership; what the world takes from you, taken by others and what you take away from yourself. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jaiye Greater London “My name means “enjoy life,” and that’s what my music is all about feeling things in the moment and being present with that emotion. I grew up around sound… my mum drums, my brother raps, my sister DJs. Music’s always been in me. A year and a half ago I started recording, but jamming and free flowing have always been my roots. Following the music has been such a beautiful journey so far. Whether I’m in the studio or live with a band, my aim is to provoke something that hits and that looks different for each individual..from the words connecting, the textures, a head nod or the rhythm that catches you. Live. Dream. Feel. That’s the message — if you can live something and dare to dream it, then you can feel it into existence. That’s how my music came to life, and that’s what I want people to take away from it.” Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jasmin Jet Scotland Jasmin's project is her debut album/EP, reflecting on her life experiences so far. It explores the highs and lows of navigating life, from personal challenges to moments of growth. The aim is to share her story in a way that feels universal, allowing others to relate to the journey. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Josh Hicks Wales Josh Hicks is an artist from Newport, South Wales. His unique soulful voice blends pop, soul and jazz to create a sound that is nostalgic and fresh. Drawing inspiration from Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse and Adele, his music showcases a rich, genre-defying style. His plan to release two singles and work with a new producer and cowriters to continue developing his new sound. Pronouns: he/himInstagram MaiMaiMaia South East MaiMaiMaia is a queer Transgender woman who specialises in producing experimental electronic music. Her influences are varied, but mainly take inspiration from Detroit Techno, IDM, Ambient, Jungle, Hyperpop, BubblegumBass, Acid and Hardcore Techno with her own twists. T4T Records is a DIY Record label focusing on Trans music-makers and experimental music. With an event to celebrate the label launch, alongside an album release which I am in the final steps of completing. After gaining industry experience, Maia wishes to implement a co-operative business model for the label. Pronouns: she/herInstagram makaya Scotland makaya is a multi-disciplinary artist, composer and writer based in Glasgow. Their work broadly explores the relationship between contemporary Black life and the archives of slavery and colonialism; working within the intersections of Black oral histories and Gaelic traditions they recontextualise folk songs, slave spirituals, and sean-nós in experimental timbres. With NextGen Fund support, they will finish recording a mixtape and develop a corresponding live performance of electronic experiments in drone folk - the songs draw on linkages between Irish and Jamaican folk histories, bringing these cultures together in experimental, electronic sonic landscapes. Pronouns: they/themInstagram May0 West Midlands May0 is an Afrobeat artist with a love for storytelling. She uses singing and rap to express feelings and capture real-life experiences. 'UNiDAZE' is a collection of songs that takes the listener through the highs, lows and in-betweens of May0's university experience. Each song tells a story of lessons learned, defining moments, hard times, relationships, growth and self-discovery through the medium of Afrobeat music. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram MIETTE. South East MIETTE. blends ethereal and industrial dance music, a hypnotic, gothic fusion of techno electronica that exists in the void between dark and light. His project 'FÊTEVERTIGO' is an immersive, ritualistic touring event blending music, performance, and visual art. A celebration of chaos and transcendence, it explores the relationship between body, sound, and spirituality, challenging norms and inviting audiences to lose themselves in the experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Mistry South East Mistry blends soulful melodies with elements of Pop, Chilled Rap and Desi music, drawing from his South Asian heritage. He is aiming to release his third EP 'Growing Pains', songs based on the experience of a South Asian navigating their twenties, towards the end the year. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Muckerhood Northern Ireland Derry-based Muckerhood is a solo music project in which Niall Grace writes, produces, stages, choreographs and performs tracks that together blend an eclectic mix of genres, from folk pop to electronic rock, whilst embracing local roots and local vocal sound, falling somewhere under the art rock sphere. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Nailbreaker East Midlands Nailbreaker is an autistim spectrum artist from Northamptonshire who has been independently touring and releasing music for the past five years. His new project will be the follow-up to his debut Nailbreaker album, 'Robert Knight Wine Cellar' released in November last year. This album aims to expand on the sounds and themes of the first, but with more professional recording. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Numa North West Numa is a beatboxer based in Manchester specialising in Techno and Drum & Bass. His performances feature a 100% vocal EDM set. He has performed at major festivals, including Beat-Herder and Boomtown. He is currently working on an innovative one-hour beatboxing performance with an orchestra, crafting a powerful and dynamic storytelling experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram ONYINYÉ West Midlands ONYINYÉ is a singer and rapper who uses her artistry to speak about God, social, political injustice and more. 'Growing Pains' is an album that explores her experience of moving from Ireland to England, and going from a teenage Black girl to young adult, covering the difficulties and beauty of the process that many can relate to but rarely discuss - the fear of getting older. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram PLASTYK West Midlands Karlie is a trans-femme, lesbian, neurodiverse, DJ / nightlife worker. She started DJing when she was very young, and came out as trans during the pandemic. She runs several trans community events and DJ in the London queer scene. The NextGen Fund supported event - PLASTYK - is a lesbian club night that is accessible and affordable, supporting the people at the intersection of queerphobic and transphobic structures in the UK. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Rachel Halaburda East Midlands Rachel is a music photographer and filmmaker. Her work has been featured in various magazines, including NME, Rolling Stone and Clash, and her short films have premiered in her local cinema and art galleries. Rachel's NextGen Fund project ‘Through Her Eyes’ is an interactive portrait photography project, giving a voice to and providing exposure for women in music. Displayed at an exhibition, each photograph will have a QR code below, to listen to the artists music and an audio clip of them discussing their experience within the industry. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Rivkala North East Rivkala is a Manchester-born, North-East based vocalist, songwriter, pianist, bandleader, stylist, choreographer, artistic director and all-round showgirl, using music as a vessel for storytelling and social commentary, with a firm jazz, neo-soul rooting. Rivkala will be recording her second EP, titled 'Masquerades', which expands on the audio-visual world established in EP1, exploring themes of performance in everyday life (gender roles, masking neurodivergence/mental illness, professionalism, etc). Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ronn Greater London Ronn is a musician and composer from Hyderabad, India, with 2 BBC TV Show credits. He's currently pursuing Music at University of Westminster, London. Ronn specialises in rap, songwriting, and music production, and his voice reflects South Indian roots, expressed through Telugu language. He is working on a Telugu hip-hop album featuring artists from across India and the UK, blending regional and international languages and cultures into one musical journey. Each track transports listeners to a new Indian city, reflecting its unique vibe, slang, and musical influence, creating the sonic experience of an all-India tour. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Roukaya B North West Roukaya B is a multifaceted creative, blending timeless soulful vocals with sultry melodies and a dynamic fashion sense. She fuses jazz, R&B and alternative styles. Her NextGen Fund project explores mental health, hypersensitivity, spirituality and the human voice as an instrument. It seeks funding to enhance current demos, collaborate with producers, engineers, videographers, producers and stylists and host a premier event. The goal: create a fully realised, impactful audiovisual experience. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ryhme East Midlands Loughborough's Ryhme is a peer mentor in youth work, inspiring young people to create music, and wants to continue inspiring loads more through his own project. His EP dives into his highs and lows, showing how his mindset and morals have evolved while still battling self-doubt. The lead track normalises feelings of self-hate, confusion, and not feeling enough - with the other songs embracing Ryhme's background. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
Amadeus TMM West Midlands Amadeus TMM is a Birmingham-based musician, producer, and artist. Starting with trumpet at age three, he is self-taught on drums, piano, and bass. Alongside his music featuring on GRMDaily, LinkUpTv and BBC 1Xtra, he's produced for many local artists and has performed at many small festivals. Now, he is working on the follow-up to his project, 'The Modern Mozart Vol. 1', which he will write, produce, and engineer himself. Pronouns: he/him Instagram Anthony Layde Northern Ireland Artist-producer Anthony Layde forges a distinct musical path, blending the ancient with the avant-garde. A Belfast native, he draws upon on his Irish dancing roots and homeland's folklore. Described by Hot Press (2024) as a fusion of "primal beats with ethereal, otherworldly vocals", Anthony's music is both raw and transcendent. His upcoming EP is a snapshot of his life as he confronts his destiny on a country road in Ireland’s forgotten Northern state. Exploring themes of toxic masculinity and queer identity, the EP utilises synth-folk production and vulnerable lyricism against the backdrop of a folk tale inspired by Irish mythology. Pronouns: he/him TikTokInstagram BEASTIE Greater London BEASTIE is a producer-vocalist, blending alternative R&B, hip-hop, and electronic sounds. His Trinidadian and Tobagonian roots shape his music, bringing rhythm and storytelling into everything he creates. His latest project, 'SOFIA EP', fuses melancholic melodies with bold production, reflecting his journey as an independent artist. 'MARIA: Stories in Sound' will be a 4-track EP exploring BEASTIE's evolution as a producer-vocalist through vivid storytelling and live instrumentation. Collaborating with musicians and visual artists, he will push creative boundaries. The project will culminate in an immersive live showcase, connecting with fans and showcasing my growth as an independent artist. Pronouns: he/him TikTokInstagram Dahlia Rae West Midlands Birmingham-born singer and rapper Dahlia Rae featured on The Rap Game UK Series 5, seamlessly blending rap and honey-smooth vocals, earning praise from DJ Target, Krept & Konan. With captivating lyrics and hard-hitting bars, 'Welcome to Wonderland' will be the fourth act in her three-part EP series and Dahlia's first full-length mixtape. Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, it invites listeners into her world, blending introspection with imagination. Through captivating storytelling, Dahlia explores identity, self-discovery, and personal growth, creating a deeply immersive yet accessible sonic journey. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Elijah Ayité Scotland Elijah finds empowerment through immersion in West African Rhythms that connect him to his roots. Percussionist first, producer second, and festival organiser third, Elijah has accrued experiences in Ghana, Cuba, and Senegal. 'Chronicle Tones: The Mixtape' is a collaborative community mixtape blending traditional West-African rhythm/culture with modern Hip-Hop to inspire and empower people from Global Majority backgrounds, connecting them with their roots. It will celebrate African musical heritage and its evolution through colonial history, revealing a story of resilience during hardships (that many still face). Pronouns: he/him Instagram Eva Kiss Yorkshire and the Humber Backed by a 4-piece band, Eva's theatrical performance style captivates crowds with shockingly raw lyrics and spiky alternative grunge soundscapes. Themes of female rage, liberation, and recovery pair with the gritty sounds of Nirvana, SoundGarden, and Fiona Apple. Her next project is centred around the release of four singles, high-quality music videos and live show experiences. By delivering visually and sonically impactful music that tells a story and inspires change, Eva hopes to build a community of bold, unapologetic individuals who feel seen and empowered. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Haaji Ka Halva North East Haaji Ka Halva is an electronic music producer and DJ, who uses a sampler pad to deconstruct and reassemble well-know dance tracks. She loves blending vocal samples of South Asian songs from her childhood over old-school rave classics. These hybrid sets, both live and online, combine live performance with DJ-ing and expressive visuals. With the NextGen Fund grant, she aims advance her production, mastering and marketing skills, so that she can release high-quality remixes and original material. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Hana Greater London Hana is a second generation Egyptian artist. Her EP will explore the complexities of identity/heritage/self-worth/familial-expectations/peer-pressure as a second generation UK citizen through honest lyricism and soulful melodies whilst showcasing traditional Arabic sounds e.g., oud and tabla. "This project is for anyone who’s ever questioned where they fit in, offering a soundtrack of resilience, reflection, and discovery." Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram HerOrangeCoat Yorkshire and the Humber Hailing from West Yorkshire and armed with her ukulele, HerOrangeCoat crafts songs that show a remarkable ability to turn indie-folk melancholy into an enticing musical journey. Her next project proposes a series of woodland recordings and songwriting. She will go to five sites to write and record five songs in situ using a field recorder. These songs will be released as a live EP which draws upon nature as both an inspiration and setting for the music. Pronouns: she/her Instagram IBack Greater London IBack is an independent music/rap artist from Kent, showcasing introspective lyricism, fresh flows and a captivating stage presence. Her goal for this project is to release three singles and create a consistent buzz across her social media platforms by building a strong sonic and visual identity through self-made videos and brand awareness. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram iowna South West iowna is a musician, activist and creative technologist based in Bath, Somerset. Now creating as a solo artist, her project will be a meeting place for trip-hop and alternative-rock. Lyrically, the project is a discussion of iowna's identity as a neurodiverse woman. The project looks at ownership; what the world takes from you, taken by others and what you take away from yourself. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jaiye Greater London “My name means “enjoy life,” and that’s what my music is all about feeling things in the moment and being present with that emotion. I grew up around sound… my mum drums, my brother raps, my sister DJs. Music’s always been in me. A year and a half ago I started recording, but jamming and free flowing have always been my roots. Following the music has been such a beautiful journey so far. Whether I’m in the studio or live with a band, my aim is to provoke something that hits and that looks different for each individual..from the words connecting, the textures, a head nod or the rhythm that catches you. Live. Dream. Feel. That’s the message — if you can live something and dare to dream it, then you can feel it into existence. That’s how my music came to life, and that’s what I want people to take away from it.” Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jasmin Jet Scotland Jasmin's project is her debut album/EP, reflecting on her life experiences so far. It explores the highs and lows of navigating life, from personal challenges to moments of growth. The aim is to share her story in a way that feels universal, allowing others to relate to the journey. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Josh Hicks Wales Josh Hicks is an artist from Newport, South Wales. His unique soulful voice blends pop, soul and jazz to create a sound that is nostalgic and fresh. Drawing inspiration from Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse and Adele, his music showcases a rich, genre-defying style. His plan to release two singles and work with a new producer and cowriters to continue developing his new sound. Pronouns: he/himInstagram MaiMaiMaia South East MaiMaiMaia is a queer Transgender woman who specialises in producing experimental electronic music. Her influences are varied, but mainly take inspiration from Detroit Techno, IDM, Ambient, Jungle, Hyperpop, BubblegumBass, Acid and Hardcore Techno with her own twists. T4T Records is a DIY Record label focusing on Trans music-makers and experimental music. With an event to celebrate the label launch, alongside an album release which I am in the final steps of completing. After gaining industry experience, Maia wishes to implement a co-operative business model for the label. Pronouns: she/herInstagram makaya Scotland makaya is a multi-disciplinary artist, composer and writer based in Glasgow. Their work broadly explores the relationship between contemporary Black life and the archives of slavery and colonialism; working within the intersections of Black oral histories and Gaelic traditions they recontextualise folk songs, slave spirituals, and sean-nós in experimental timbres. With NextGen Fund support, they will finish recording a mixtape and develop a corresponding live performance of electronic experiments in drone folk - the songs draw on linkages between Irish and Jamaican folk histories, bringing these cultures together in experimental, electronic sonic landscapes. Pronouns: they/themInstagram May0 West Midlands May0 is an Afrobeat artist with a love for storytelling. She uses singing and rap to express feelings and capture real-life experiences. 'UNiDAZE' is a collection of songs that takes the listener through the highs, lows and in-betweens of May0's university experience. Each song tells a story of lessons learned, defining moments, hard times, relationships, growth and self-discovery through the medium of Afrobeat music. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram MIETTE. South East MIETTE. blends ethereal and industrial dance music, a hypnotic, gothic fusion of techno electronica that exists in the void between dark and light. His project 'FÊTEVERTIGO' is an immersive, ritualistic touring event blending music, performance, and visual art. A celebration of chaos and transcendence, it explores the relationship between body, sound, and spirituality, challenging norms and inviting audiences to lose themselves in the experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Mistry South East Mistry blends soulful melodies with elements of Pop, Chilled Rap and Desi music, drawing from his South Asian heritage. He is aiming to release his third EP 'Growing Pains', songs based on the experience of a South Asian navigating their twenties, towards the end the year. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Muckerhood Northern Ireland Derry-based Muckerhood is a solo music project in which Niall Grace writes, produces, stages, choreographs and performs tracks that together blend an eclectic mix of genres, from folk pop to electronic rock, whilst embracing local roots and local vocal sound, falling somewhere under the art rock sphere. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Nailbreaker East Midlands Nailbreaker is an autistim spectrum artist from Northamptonshire who has been independently touring and releasing music for the past five years. His new project will be the follow-up to his debut Nailbreaker album, 'Robert Knight Wine Cellar' released in November last year. This album aims to expand on the sounds and themes of the first, but with more professional recording. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Numa North West Numa is a beatboxer based in Manchester specialising in Techno and Drum & Bass. His performances feature a 100% vocal EDM set. He has performed at major festivals, including Beat-Herder and Boomtown. He is currently working on an innovative one-hour beatboxing performance with an orchestra, crafting a powerful and dynamic storytelling experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram ONYINYÉ West Midlands ONYINYÉ is a singer and rapper who uses her artistry to speak about God, social, political injustice and more. 'Growing Pains' is an album that explores her experience of moving from Ireland to England, and going from a teenage Black girl to young adult, covering the difficulties and beauty of the process that many can relate to but rarely discuss - the fear of getting older. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram PLASTYK West Midlands Karlie is a trans-femme, lesbian, neurodiverse, DJ / nightlife worker. She started DJing when she was very young, and came out as trans during the pandemic. She runs several trans community events and DJ in the London queer scene. The NextGen Fund supported event - PLASTYK - is a lesbian club night that is accessible and affordable, supporting the people at the intersection of queerphobic and transphobic structures in the UK. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Rachel Halaburda East Midlands Rachel is a music photographer and filmmaker. Her work has been featured in various magazines, including NME, Rolling Stone and Clash, and her short films have premiered in her local cinema and art galleries. Rachel's NextGen Fund project ‘Through Her Eyes’ is an interactive portrait photography project, giving a voice to and providing exposure for women in music. Displayed at an exhibition, each photograph will have a QR code below, to listen to the artists music and an audio clip of them discussing their experience within the industry. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Rivkala North East Rivkala is a Manchester-born, North-East based vocalist, songwriter, pianist, bandleader, stylist, choreographer, artistic director and all-round showgirl, using music as a vessel for storytelling and social commentary, with a firm jazz, neo-soul rooting. Rivkala will be recording her second EP, titled 'Masquerades', which expands on the audio-visual world established in EP1, exploring themes of performance in everyday life (gender roles, masking neurodivergence/mental illness, professionalism, etc). Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ronn Greater London Ronn is a musician and composer from Hyderabad, India, with 2 BBC TV Show credits. He's currently pursuing Music at University of Westminster, London. Ronn specialises in rap, songwriting, and music production, and his voice reflects South Indian roots, expressed through Telugu language. He is working on a Telugu hip-hop album featuring artists from across India and the UK, blending regional and international languages and cultures into one musical journey. Each track transports listeners to a new Indian city, reflecting its unique vibe, slang, and musical influence, creating the sonic experience of an all-India tour. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Roukaya B North West Roukaya B is a multifaceted creative, blending timeless soulful vocals with sultry melodies and a dynamic fashion sense. She fuses jazz, R&B and alternative styles. Her NextGen Fund project explores mental health, hypersensitivity, spirituality and the human voice as an instrument. It seeks funding to enhance current demos, collaborate with producers, engineers, videographers, producers and stylists and host a premier event. The goal: create a fully realised, impactful audiovisual experience. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ryhme East Midlands Loughborough's Ryhme is a peer mentor in youth work, inspiring young people to create music, and wants to continue inspiring loads more through his own project. His EP dives into his highs and lows, showing how his mindset and morals have evolved while still battling self-doubt. The lead track normalises feelings of self-hate, confusion, and not feeling enough - with the other songs embracing Ryhme's background. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
Anthony Layde Northern Ireland Artist-producer Anthony Layde forges a distinct musical path, blending the ancient with the avant-garde. A Belfast native, he draws upon on his Irish dancing roots and homeland's folklore. Described by Hot Press (2024) as a fusion of "primal beats with ethereal, otherworldly vocals", Anthony's music is both raw and transcendent. His upcoming EP is a snapshot of his life as he confronts his destiny on a country road in Ireland’s forgotten Northern state. Exploring themes of toxic masculinity and queer identity, the EP utilises synth-folk production and vulnerable lyricism against the backdrop of a folk tale inspired by Irish mythology. Pronouns: he/him TikTokInstagram BEASTIE Greater London BEASTIE is a producer-vocalist, blending alternative R&B, hip-hop, and electronic sounds. His Trinidadian and Tobagonian roots shape his music, bringing rhythm and storytelling into everything he creates. His latest project, 'SOFIA EP', fuses melancholic melodies with bold production, reflecting his journey as an independent artist. 'MARIA: Stories in Sound' will be a 4-track EP exploring BEASTIE's evolution as a producer-vocalist through vivid storytelling and live instrumentation. Collaborating with musicians and visual artists, he will push creative boundaries. The project will culminate in an immersive live showcase, connecting with fans and showcasing my growth as an independent artist. Pronouns: he/him TikTokInstagram Dahlia Rae West Midlands Birmingham-born singer and rapper Dahlia Rae featured on The Rap Game UK Series 5, seamlessly blending rap and honey-smooth vocals, earning praise from DJ Target, Krept & Konan. With captivating lyrics and hard-hitting bars, 'Welcome to Wonderland' will be the fourth act in her three-part EP series and Dahlia's first full-length mixtape. Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, it invites listeners into her world, blending introspection with imagination. Through captivating storytelling, Dahlia explores identity, self-discovery, and personal growth, creating a deeply immersive yet accessible sonic journey. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Elijah Ayité Scotland Elijah finds empowerment through immersion in West African Rhythms that connect him to his roots. Percussionist first, producer second, and festival organiser third, Elijah has accrued experiences in Ghana, Cuba, and Senegal. 'Chronicle Tones: The Mixtape' is a collaborative community mixtape blending traditional West-African rhythm/culture with modern Hip-Hop to inspire and empower people from Global Majority backgrounds, connecting them with their roots. It will celebrate African musical heritage and its evolution through colonial history, revealing a story of resilience during hardships (that many still face). Pronouns: he/him Instagram Eva Kiss Yorkshire and the Humber Backed by a 4-piece band, Eva's theatrical performance style captivates crowds with shockingly raw lyrics and spiky alternative grunge soundscapes. Themes of female rage, liberation, and recovery pair with the gritty sounds of Nirvana, SoundGarden, and Fiona Apple. Her next project is centred around the release of four singles, high-quality music videos and live show experiences. By delivering visually and sonically impactful music that tells a story and inspires change, Eva hopes to build a community of bold, unapologetic individuals who feel seen and empowered. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Haaji Ka Halva North East Haaji Ka Halva is an electronic music producer and DJ, who uses a sampler pad to deconstruct and reassemble well-know dance tracks. She loves blending vocal samples of South Asian songs from her childhood over old-school rave classics. These hybrid sets, both live and online, combine live performance with DJ-ing and expressive visuals. With the NextGen Fund grant, she aims advance her production, mastering and marketing skills, so that she can release high-quality remixes and original material. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Hana Greater London Hana is a second generation Egyptian artist. Her EP will explore the complexities of identity/heritage/self-worth/familial-expectations/peer-pressure as a second generation UK citizen through honest lyricism and soulful melodies whilst showcasing traditional Arabic sounds e.g., oud and tabla. "This project is for anyone who’s ever questioned where they fit in, offering a soundtrack of resilience, reflection, and discovery." Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram HerOrangeCoat Yorkshire and the Humber Hailing from West Yorkshire and armed with her ukulele, HerOrangeCoat crafts songs that show a remarkable ability to turn indie-folk melancholy into an enticing musical journey. Her next project proposes a series of woodland recordings and songwriting. She will go to five sites to write and record five songs in situ using a field recorder. These songs will be released as a live EP which draws upon nature as both an inspiration and setting for the music. Pronouns: she/her Instagram IBack Greater London IBack is an independent music/rap artist from Kent, showcasing introspective lyricism, fresh flows and a captivating stage presence. Her goal for this project is to release three singles and create a consistent buzz across her social media platforms by building a strong sonic and visual identity through self-made videos and brand awareness. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram iowna South West iowna is a musician, activist and creative technologist based in Bath, Somerset. Now creating as a solo artist, her project will be a meeting place for trip-hop and alternative-rock. Lyrically, the project is a discussion of iowna's identity as a neurodiverse woman. The project looks at ownership; what the world takes from you, taken by others and what you take away from yourself. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jaiye Greater London “My name means “enjoy life,” and that’s what my music is all about feeling things in the moment and being present with that emotion. I grew up around sound… my mum drums, my brother raps, my sister DJs. Music’s always been in me. A year and a half ago I started recording, but jamming and free flowing have always been my roots. Following the music has been such a beautiful journey so far. Whether I’m in the studio or live with a band, my aim is to provoke something that hits and that looks different for each individual..from the words connecting, the textures, a head nod or the rhythm that catches you. Live. Dream. Feel. That’s the message — if you can live something and dare to dream it, then you can feel it into existence. That’s how my music came to life, and that’s what I want people to take away from it.” Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jasmin Jet Scotland Jasmin's project is her debut album/EP, reflecting on her life experiences so far. It explores the highs and lows of navigating life, from personal challenges to moments of growth. The aim is to share her story in a way that feels universal, allowing others to relate to the journey. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Josh Hicks Wales Josh Hicks is an artist from Newport, South Wales. His unique soulful voice blends pop, soul and jazz to create a sound that is nostalgic and fresh. Drawing inspiration from Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse and Adele, his music showcases a rich, genre-defying style. His plan to release two singles and work with a new producer and cowriters to continue developing his new sound. Pronouns: he/himInstagram MaiMaiMaia South East MaiMaiMaia is a queer Transgender woman who specialises in producing experimental electronic music. Her influences are varied, but mainly take inspiration from Detroit Techno, IDM, Ambient, Jungle, Hyperpop, BubblegumBass, Acid and Hardcore Techno with her own twists. T4T Records is a DIY Record label focusing on Trans music-makers and experimental music. With an event to celebrate the label launch, alongside an album release which I am in the final steps of completing. After gaining industry experience, Maia wishes to implement a co-operative business model for the label. Pronouns: she/herInstagram makaya Scotland makaya is a multi-disciplinary artist, composer and writer based in Glasgow. Their work broadly explores the relationship between contemporary Black life and the archives of slavery and colonialism; working within the intersections of Black oral histories and Gaelic traditions they recontextualise folk songs, slave spirituals, and sean-nós in experimental timbres. With NextGen Fund support, they will finish recording a mixtape and develop a corresponding live performance of electronic experiments in drone folk - the songs draw on linkages between Irish and Jamaican folk histories, bringing these cultures together in experimental, electronic sonic landscapes. Pronouns: they/themInstagram May0 West Midlands May0 is an Afrobeat artist with a love for storytelling. She uses singing and rap to express feelings and capture real-life experiences. 'UNiDAZE' is a collection of songs that takes the listener through the highs, lows and in-betweens of May0's university experience. Each song tells a story of lessons learned, defining moments, hard times, relationships, growth and self-discovery through the medium of Afrobeat music. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram MIETTE. South East MIETTE. blends ethereal and industrial dance music, a hypnotic, gothic fusion of techno electronica that exists in the void between dark and light. His project 'FÊTEVERTIGO' is an immersive, ritualistic touring event blending music, performance, and visual art. A celebration of chaos and transcendence, it explores the relationship between body, sound, and spirituality, challenging norms and inviting audiences to lose themselves in the experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Mistry South East Mistry blends soulful melodies with elements of Pop, Chilled Rap and Desi music, drawing from his South Asian heritage. He is aiming to release his third EP 'Growing Pains', songs based on the experience of a South Asian navigating their twenties, towards the end the year. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Muckerhood Northern Ireland Derry-based Muckerhood is a solo music project in which Niall Grace writes, produces, stages, choreographs and performs tracks that together blend an eclectic mix of genres, from folk pop to electronic rock, whilst embracing local roots and local vocal sound, falling somewhere under the art rock sphere. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Nailbreaker East Midlands Nailbreaker is an autistim spectrum artist from Northamptonshire who has been independently touring and releasing music for the past five years. His new project will be the follow-up to his debut Nailbreaker album, 'Robert Knight Wine Cellar' released in November last year. This album aims to expand on the sounds and themes of the first, but with more professional recording. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Numa North West Numa is a beatboxer based in Manchester specialising in Techno and Drum & Bass. His performances feature a 100% vocal EDM set. He has performed at major festivals, including Beat-Herder and Boomtown. He is currently working on an innovative one-hour beatboxing performance with an orchestra, crafting a powerful and dynamic storytelling experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram ONYINYÉ West Midlands ONYINYÉ is a singer and rapper who uses her artistry to speak about God, social, political injustice and more. 'Growing Pains' is an album that explores her experience of moving from Ireland to England, and going from a teenage Black girl to young adult, covering the difficulties and beauty of the process that many can relate to but rarely discuss - the fear of getting older. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram PLASTYK West Midlands Karlie is a trans-femme, lesbian, neurodiverse, DJ / nightlife worker. She started DJing when she was very young, and came out as trans during the pandemic. She runs several trans community events and DJ in the London queer scene. The NextGen Fund supported event - PLASTYK - is a lesbian club night that is accessible and affordable, supporting the people at the intersection of queerphobic and transphobic structures in the UK. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Rachel Halaburda East Midlands Rachel is a music photographer and filmmaker. Her work has been featured in various magazines, including NME, Rolling Stone and Clash, and her short films have premiered in her local cinema and art galleries. Rachel's NextGen Fund project ‘Through Her Eyes’ is an interactive portrait photography project, giving a voice to and providing exposure for women in music. Displayed at an exhibition, each photograph will have a QR code below, to listen to the artists music and an audio clip of them discussing their experience within the industry. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Rivkala North East Rivkala is a Manchester-born, North-East based vocalist, songwriter, pianist, bandleader, stylist, choreographer, artistic director and all-round showgirl, using music as a vessel for storytelling and social commentary, with a firm jazz, neo-soul rooting. Rivkala will be recording her second EP, titled 'Masquerades', which expands on the audio-visual world established in EP1, exploring themes of performance in everyday life (gender roles, masking neurodivergence/mental illness, professionalism, etc). Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ronn Greater London Ronn is a musician and composer from Hyderabad, India, with 2 BBC TV Show credits. He's currently pursuing Music at University of Westminster, London. Ronn specialises in rap, songwriting, and music production, and his voice reflects South Indian roots, expressed through Telugu language. He is working on a Telugu hip-hop album featuring artists from across India and the UK, blending regional and international languages and cultures into one musical journey. Each track transports listeners to a new Indian city, reflecting its unique vibe, slang, and musical influence, creating the sonic experience of an all-India tour. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Roukaya B North West Roukaya B is a multifaceted creative, blending timeless soulful vocals with sultry melodies and a dynamic fashion sense. She fuses jazz, R&B and alternative styles. Her NextGen Fund project explores mental health, hypersensitivity, spirituality and the human voice as an instrument. It seeks funding to enhance current demos, collaborate with producers, engineers, videographers, producers and stylists and host a premier event. The goal: create a fully realised, impactful audiovisual experience. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ryhme East Midlands Loughborough's Ryhme is a peer mentor in youth work, inspiring young people to create music, and wants to continue inspiring loads more through his own project. His EP dives into his highs and lows, showing how his mindset and morals have evolved while still battling self-doubt. The lead track normalises feelings of self-hate, confusion, and not feeling enough - with the other songs embracing Ryhme's background. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
BEASTIE Greater London BEASTIE is a producer-vocalist, blending alternative R&B, hip-hop, and electronic sounds. His Trinidadian and Tobagonian roots shape his music, bringing rhythm and storytelling into everything he creates. His latest project, 'SOFIA EP', fuses melancholic melodies with bold production, reflecting his journey as an independent artist. 'MARIA: Stories in Sound' will be a 4-track EP exploring BEASTIE's evolution as a producer-vocalist through vivid storytelling and live instrumentation. Collaborating with musicians and visual artists, he will push creative boundaries. The project will culminate in an immersive live showcase, connecting with fans and showcasing my growth as an independent artist. Pronouns: he/him TikTokInstagram Dahlia Rae West Midlands Birmingham-born singer and rapper Dahlia Rae featured on The Rap Game UK Series 5, seamlessly blending rap and honey-smooth vocals, earning praise from DJ Target, Krept & Konan. With captivating lyrics and hard-hitting bars, 'Welcome to Wonderland' will be the fourth act in her three-part EP series and Dahlia's first full-length mixtape. Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, it invites listeners into her world, blending introspection with imagination. Through captivating storytelling, Dahlia explores identity, self-discovery, and personal growth, creating a deeply immersive yet accessible sonic journey. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Elijah Ayité Scotland Elijah finds empowerment through immersion in West African Rhythms that connect him to his roots. Percussionist first, producer second, and festival organiser third, Elijah has accrued experiences in Ghana, Cuba, and Senegal. 'Chronicle Tones: The Mixtape' is a collaborative community mixtape blending traditional West-African rhythm/culture with modern Hip-Hop to inspire and empower people from Global Majority backgrounds, connecting them with their roots. It will celebrate African musical heritage and its evolution through colonial history, revealing a story of resilience during hardships (that many still face). Pronouns: he/him Instagram Eva Kiss Yorkshire and the Humber Backed by a 4-piece band, Eva's theatrical performance style captivates crowds with shockingly raw lyrics and spiky alternative grunge soundscapes. Themes of female rage, liberation, and recovery pair with the gritty sounds of Nirvana, SoundGarden, and Fiona Apple. Her next project is centred around the release of four singles, high-quality music videos and live show experiences. By delivering visually and sonically impactful music that tells a story and inspires change, Eva hopes to build a community of bold, unapologetic individuals who feel seen and empowered. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Haaji Ka Halva North East Haaji Ka Halva is an electronic music producer and DJ, who uses a sampler pad to deconstruct and reassemble well-know dance tracks. She loves blending vocal samples of South Asian songs from her childhood over old-school rave classics. These hybrid sets, both live and online, combine live performance with DJ-ing and expressive visuals. With the NextGen Fund grant, she aims advance her production, mastering and marketing skills, so that she can release high-quality remixes and original material. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Hana Greater London Hana is a second generation Egyptian artist. Her EP will explore the complexities of identity/heritage/self-worth/familial-expectations/peer-pressure as a second generation UK citizen through honest lyricism and soulful melodies whilst showcasing traditional Arabic sounds e.g., oud and tabla. "This project is for anyone who’s ever questioned where they fit in, offering a soundtrack of resilience, reflection, and discovery." Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram HerOrangeCoat Yorkshire and the Humber Hailing from West Yorkshire and armed with her ukulele, HerOrangeCoat crafts songs that show a remarkable ability to turn indie-folk melancholy into an enticing musical journey. Her next project proposes a series of woodland recordings and songwriting. She will go to five sites to write and record five songs in situ using a field recorder. These songs will be released as a live EP which draws upon nature as both an inspiration and setting for the music. Pronouns: she/her Instagram IBack Greater London IBack is an independent music/rap artist from Kent, showcasing introspective lyricism, fresh flows and a captivating stage presence. Her goal for this project is to release three singles and create a consistent buzz across her social media platforms by building a strong sonic and visual identity through self-made videos and brand awareness. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram iowna South West iowna is a musician, activist and creative technologist based in Bath, Somerset. Now creating as a solo artist, her project will be a meeting place for trip-hop and alternative-rock. Lyrically, the project is a discussion of iowna's identity as a neurodiverse woman. The project looks at ownership; what the world takes from you, taken by others and what you take away from yourself. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jaiye Greater London “My name means “enjoy life,” and that’s what my music is all about feeling things in the moment and being present with that emotion. I grew up around sound… my mum drums, my brother raps, my sister DJs. Music’s always been in me. A year and a half ago I started recording, but jamming and free flowing have always been my roots. Following the music has been such a beautiful journey so far. Whether I’m in the studio or live with a band, my aim is to provoke something that hits and that looks different for each individual..from the words connecting, the textures, a head nod or the rhythm that catches you. Live. Dream. Feel. That’s the message — if you can live something and dare to dream it, then you can feel it into existence. That’s how my music came to life, and that’s what I want people to take away from it.” Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jasmin Jet Scotland Jasmin's project is her debut album/EP, reflecting on her life experiences so far. It explores the highs and lows of navigating life, from personal challenges to moments of growth. The aim is to share her story in a way that feels universal, allowing others to relate to the journey. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Josh Hicks Wales Josh Hicks is an artist from Newport, South Wales. His unique soulful voice blends pop, soul and jazz to create a sound that is nostalgic and fresh. Drawing inspiration from Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse and Adele, his music showcases a rich, genre-defying style. His plan to release two singles and work with a new producer and cowriters to continue developing his new sound. Pronouns: he/himInstagram MaiMaiMaia South East MaiMaiMaia is a queer Transgender woman who specialises in producing experimental electronic music. Her influences are varied, but mainly take inspiration from Detroit Techno, IDM, Ambient, Jungle, Hyperpop, BubblegumBass, Acid and Hardcore Techno with her own twists. T4T Records is a DIY Record label focusing on Trans music-makers and experimental music. With an event to celebrate the label launch, alongside an album release which I am in the final steps of completing. After gaining industry experience, Maia wishes to implement a co-operative business model for the label. Pronouns: she/herInstagram makaya Scotland makaya is a multi-disciplinary artist, composer and writer based in Glasgow. Their work broadly explores the relationship between contemporary Black life and the archives of slavery and colonialism; working within the intersections of Black oral histories and Gaelic traditions they recontextualise folk songs, slave spirituals, and sean-nós in experimental timbres. With NextGen Fund support, they will finish recording a mixtape and develop a corresponding live performance of electronic experiments in drone folk - the songs draw on linkages between Irish and Jamaican folk histories, bringing these cultures together in experimental, electronic sonic landscapes. Pronouns: they/themInstagram May0 West Midlands May0 is an Afrobeat artist with a love for storytelling. She uses singing and rap to express feelings and capture real-life experiences. 'UNiDAZE' is a collection of songs that takes the listener through the highs, lows and in-betweens of May0's university experience. Each song tells a story of lessons learned, defining moments, hard times, relationships, growth and self-discovery through the medium of Afrobeat music. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram MIETTE. South East MIETTE. blends ethereal and industrial dance music, a hypnotic, gothic fusion of techno electronica that exists in the void between dark and light. His project 'FÊTEVERTIGO' is an immersive, ritualistic touring event blending music, performance, and visual art. A celebration of chaos and transcendence, it explores the relationship between body, sound, and spirituality, challenging norms and inviting audiences to lose themselves in the experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Mistry South East Mistry blends soulful melodies with elements of Pop, Chilled Rap and Desi music, drawing from his South Asian heritage. He is aiming to release his third EP 'Growing Pains', songs based on the experience of a South Asian navigating their twenties, towards the end the year. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Muckerhood Northern Ireland Derry-based Muckerhood is a solo music project in which Niall Grace writes, produces, stages, choreographs and performs tracks that together blend an eclectic mix of genres, from folk pop to electronic rock, whilst embracing local roots and local vocal sound, falling somewhere under the art rock sphere. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Nailbreaker East Midlands Nailbreaker is an autistim spectrum artist from Northamptonshire who has been independently touring and releasing music for the past five years. His new project will be the follow-up to his debut Nailbreaker album, 'Robert Knight Wine Cellar' released in November last year. This album aims to expand on the sounds and themes of the first, but with more professional recording. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Numa North West Numa is a beatboxer based in Manchester specialising in Techno and Drum & Bass. His performances feature a 100% vocal EDM set. He has performed at major festivals, including Beat-Herder and Boomtown. He is currently working on an innovative one-hour beatboxing performance with an orchestra, crafting a powerful and dynamic storytelling experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram ONYINYÉ West Midlands ONYINYÉ is a singer and rapper who uses her artistry to speak about God, social, political injustice and more. 'Growing Pains' is an album that explores her experience of moving from Ireland to England, and going from a teenage Black girl to young adult, covering the difficulties and beauty of the process that many can relate to but rarely discuss - the fear of getting older. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram PLASTYK West Midlands Karlie is a trans-femme, lesbian, neurodiverse, DJ / nightlife worker. She started DJing when she was very young, and came out as trans during the pandemic. She runs several trans community events and DJ in the London queer scene. The NextGen Fund supported event - PLASTYK - is a lesbian club night that is accessible and affordable, supporting the people at the intersection of queerphobic and transphobic structures in the UK. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Rachel Halaburda East Midlands Rachel is a music photographer and filmmaker. Her work has been featured in various magazines, including NME, Rolling Stone and Clash, and her short films have premiered in her local cinema and art galleries. Rachel's NextGen Fund project ‘Through Her Eyes’ is an interactive portrait photography project, giving a voice to and providing exposure for women in music. Displayed at an exhibition, each photograph will have a QR code below, to listen to the artists music and an audio clip of them discussing their experience within the industry. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Rivkala North East Rivkala is a Manchester-born, North-East based vocalist, songwriter, pianist, bandleader, stylist, choreographer, artistic director and all-round showgirl, using music as a vessel for storytelling and social commentary, with a firm jazz, neo-soul rooting. Rivkala will be recording her second EP, titled 'Masquerades', which expands on the audio-visual world established in EP1, exploring themes of performance in everyday life (gender roles, masking neurodivergence/mental illness, professionalism, etc). Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ronn Greater London Ronn is a musician and composer from Hyderabad, India, with 2 BBC TV Show credits. He's currently pursuing Music at University of Westminster, London. Ronn specialises in rap, songwriting, and music production, and his voice reflects South Indian roots, expressed through Telugu language. He is working on a Telugu hip-hop album featuring artists from across India and the UK, blending regional and international languages and cultures into one musical journey. Each track transports listeners to a new Indian city, reflecting its unique vibe, slang, and musical influence, creating the sonic experience of an all-India tour. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Roukaya B North West Roukaya B is a multifaceted creative, blending timeless soulful vocals with sultry melodies and a dynamic fashion sense. She fuses jazz, R&B and alternative styles. Her NextGen Fund project explores mental health, hypersensitivity, spirituality and the human voice as an instrument. It seeks funding to enhance current demos, collaborate with producers, engineers, videographers, producers and stylists and host a premier event. The goal: create a fully realised, impactful audiovisual experience. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ryhme East Midlands Loughborough's Ryhme is a peer mentor in youth work, inspiring young people to create music, and wants to continue inspiring loads more through his own project. His EP dives into his highs and lows, showing how his mindset and morals have evolved while still battling self-doubt. The lead track normalises feelings of self-hate, confusion, and not feeling enough - with the other songs embracing Ryhme's background. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
Dahlia Rae West Midlands Birmingham-born singer and rapper Dahlia Rae featured on The Rap Game UK Series 5, seamlessly blending rap and honey-smooth vocals, earning praise from DJ Target, Krept & Konan. With captivating lyrics and hard-hitting bars, 'Welcome to Wonderland' will be the fourth act in her three-part EP series and Dahlia's first full-length mixtape. Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, it invites listeners into her world, blending introspection with imagination. Through captivating storytelling, Dahlia explores identity, self-discovery, and personal growth, creating a deeply immersive yet accessible sonic journey. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Elijah Ayité Scotland Elijah finds empowerment through immersion in West African Rhythms that connect him to his roots. Percussionist first, producer second, and festival organiser third, Elijah has accrued experiences in Ghana, Cuba, and Senegal. 'Chronicle Tones: The Mixtape' is a collaborative community mixtape blending traditional West-African rhythm/culture with modern Hip-Hop to inspire and empower people from Global Majority backgrounds, connecting them with their roots. It will celebrate African musical heritage and its evolution through colonial history, revealing a story of resilience during hardships (that many still face). Pronouns: he/him Instagram Eva Kiss Yorkshire and the Humber Backed by a 4-piece band, Eva's theatrical performance style captivates crowds with shockingly raw lyrics and spiky alternative grunge soundscapes. Themes of female rage, liberation, and recovery pair with the gritty sounds of Nirvana, SoundGarden, and Fiona Apple. Her next project is centred around the release of four singles, high-quality music videos and live show experiences. By delivering visually and sonically impactful music that tells a story and inspires change, Eva hopes to build a community of bold, unapologetic individuals who feel seen and empowered. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Haaji Ka Halva North East Haaji Ka Halva is an electronic music producer and DJ, who uses a sampler pad to deconstruct and reassemble well-know dance tracks. She loves blending vocal samples of South Asian songs from her childhood over old-school rave classics. These hybrid sets, both live and online, combine live performance with DJ-ing and expressive visuals. With the NextGen Fund grant, she aims advance her production, mastering and marketing skills, so that she can release high-quality remixes and original material. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Hana Greater London Hana is a second generation Egyptian artist. Her EP will explore the complexities of identity/heritage/self-worth/familial-expectations/peer-pressure as a second generation UK citizen through honest lyricism and soulful melodies whilst showcasing traditional Arabic sounds e.g., oud and tabla. "This project is for anyone who’s ever questioned where they fit in, offering a soundtrack of resilience, reflection, and discovery." Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram HerOrangeCoat Yorkshire and the Humber Hailing from West Yorkshire and armed with her ukulele, HerOrangeCoat crafts songs that show a remarkable ability to turn indie-folk melancholy into an enticing musical journey. Her next project proposes a series of woodland recordings and songwriting. She will go to five sites to write and record five songs in situ using a field recorder. These songs will be released as a live EP which draws upon nature as both an inspiration and setting for the music. Pronouns: she/her Instagram IBack Greater London IBack is an independent music/rap artist from Kent, showcasing introspective lyricism, fresh flows and a captivating stage presence. Her goal for this project is to release three singles and create a consistent buzz across her social media platforms by building a strong sonic and visual identity through self-made videos and brand awareness. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram iowna South West iowna is a musician, activist and creative technologist based in Bath, Somerset. Now creating as a solo artist, her project will be a meeting place for trip-hop and alternative-rock. Lyrically, the project is a discussion of iowna's identity as a neurodiverse woman. The project looks at ownership; what the world takes from you, taken by others and what you take away from yourself. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jaiye Greater London “My name means “enjoy life,” and that’s what my music is all about feeling things in the moment and being present with that emotion. I grew up around sound… my mum drums, my brother raps, my sister DJs. Music’s always been in me. A year and a half ago I started recording, but jamming and free flowing have always been my roots. Following the music has been such a beautiful journey so far. Whether I’m in the studio or live with a band, my aim is to provoke something that hits and that looks different for each individual..from the words connecting, the textures, a head nod or the rhythm that catches you. Live. Dream. Feel. That’s the message — if you can live something and dare to dream it, then you can feel it into existence. That’s how my music came to life, and that’s what I want people to take away from it.” Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jasmin Jet Scotland Jasmin's project is her debut album/EP, reflecting on her life experiences so far. It explores the highs and lows of navigating life, from personal challenges to moments of growth. The aim is to share her story in a way that feels universal, allowing others to relate to the journey. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Josh Hicks Wales Josh Hicks is an artist from Newport, South Wales. His unique soulful voice blends pop, soul and jazz to create a sound that is nostalgic and fresh. Drawing inspiration from Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse and Adele, his music showcases a rich, genre-defying style. His plan to release two singles and work with a new producer and cowriters to continue developing his new sound. Pronouns: he/himInstagram MaiMaiMaia South East MaiMaiMaia is a queer Transgender woman who specialises in producing experimental electronic music. Her influences are varied, but mainly take inspiration from Detroit Techno, IDM, Ambient, Jungle, Hyperpop, BubblegumBass, Acid and Hardcore Techno with her own twists. T4T Records is a DIY Record label focusing on Trans music-makers and experimental music. With an event to celebrate the label launch, alongside an album release which I am in the final steps of completing. After gaining industry experience, Maia wishes to implement a co-operative business model for the label. Pronouns: she/herInstagram makaya Scotland makaya is a multi-disciplinary artist, composer and writer based in Glasgow. Their work broadly explores the relationship between contemporary Black life and the archives of slavery and colonialism; working within the intersections of Black oral histories and Gaelic traditions they recontextualise folk songs, slave spirituals, and sean-nós in experimental timbres. With NextGen Fund support, they will finish recording a mixtape and develop a corresponding live performance of electronic experiments in drone folk - the songs draw on linkages between Irish and Jamaican folk histories, bringing these cultures together in experimental, electronic sonic landscapes. Pronouns: they/themInstagram May0 West Midlands May0 is an Afrobeat artist with a love for storytelling. She uses singing and rap to express feelings and capture real-life experiences. 'UNiDAZE' is a collection of songs that takes the listener through the highs, lows and in-betweens of May0's university experience. Each song tells a story of lessons learned, defining moments, hard times, relationships, growth and self-discovery through the medium of Afrobeat music. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram MIETTE. South East MIETTE. blends ethereal and industrial dance music, a hypnotic, gothic fusion of techno electronica that exists in the void between dark and light. His project 'FÊTEVERTIGO' is an immersive, ritualistic touring event blending music, performance, and visual art. A celebration of chaos and transcendence, it explores the relationship between body, sound, and spirituality, challenging norms and inviting audiences to lose themselves in the experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Mistry South East Mistry blends soulful melodies with elements of Pop, Chilled Rap and Desi music, drawing from his South Asian heritage. He is aiming to release his third EP 'Growing Pains', songs based on the experience of a South Asian navigating their twenties, towards the end the year. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Muckerhood Northern Ireland Derry-based Muckerhood is a solo music project in which Niall Grace writes, produces, stages, choreographs and performs tracks that together blend an eclectic mix of genres, from folk pop to electronic rock, whilst embracing local roots and local vocal sound, falling somewhere under the art rock sphere. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Nailbreaker East Midlands Nailbreaker is an autistim spectrum artist from Northamptonshire who has been independently touring and releasing music for the past five years. His new project will be the follow-up to his debut Nailbreaker album, 'Robert Knight Wine Cellar' released in November last year. This album aims to expand on the sounds and themes of the first, but with more professional recording. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Numa North West Numa is a beatboxer based in Manchester specialising in Techno and Drum & Bass. His performances feature a 100% vocal EDM set. He has performed at major festivals, including Beat-Herder and Boomtown. He is currently working on an innovative one-hour beatboxing performance with an orchestra, crafting a powerful and dynamic storytelling experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram ONYINYÉ West Midlands ONYINYÉ is a singer and rapper who uses her artistry to speak about God, social, political injustice and more. 'Growing Pains' is an album that explores her experience of moving from Ireland to England, and going from a teenage Black girl to young adult, covering the difficulties and beauty of the process that many can relate to but rarely discuss - the fear of getting older. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram PLASTYK West Midlands Karlie is a trans-femme, lesbian, neurodiverse, DJ / nightlife worker. She started DJing when she was very young, and came out as trans during the pandemic. She runs several trans community events and DJ in the London queer scene. The NextGen Fund supported event - PLASTYK - is a lesbian club night that is accessible and affordable, supporting the people at the intersection of queerphobic and transphobic structures in the UK. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Rachel Halaburda East Midlands Rachel is a music photographer and filmmaker. Her work has been featured in various magazines, including NME, Rolling Stone and Clash, and her short films have premiered in her local cinema and art galleries. Rachel's NextGen Fund project ‘Through Her Eyes’ is an interactive portrait photography project, giving a voice to and providing exposure for women in music. Displayed at an exhibition, each photograph will have a QR code below, to listen to the artists music and an audio clip of them discussing their experience within the industry. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Rivkala North East Rivkala is a Manchester-born, North-East based vocalist, songwriter, pianist, bandleader, stylist, choreographer, artistic director and all-round showgirl, using music as a vessel for storytelling and social commentary, with a firm jazz, neo-soul rooting. Rivkala will be recording her second EP, titled 'Masquerades', which expands on the audio-visual world established in EP1, exploring themes of performance in everyday life (gender roles, masking neurodivergence/mental illness, professionalism, etc). Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ronn Greater London Ronn is a musician and composer from Hyderabad, India, with 2 BBC TV Show credits. He's currently pursuing Music at University of Westminster, London. Ronn specialises in rap, songwriting, and music production, and his voice reflects South Indian roots, expressed through Telugu language. He is working on a Telugu hip-hop album featuring artists from across India and the UK, blending regional and international languages and cultures into one musical journey. Each track transports listeners to a new Indian city, reflecting its unique vibe, slang, and musical influence, creating the sonic experience of an all-India tour. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Roukaya B North West Roukaya B is a multifaceted creative, blending timeless soulful vocals with sultry melodies and a dynamic fashion sense. She fuses jazz, R&B and alternative styles. Her NextGen Fund project explores mental health, hypersensitivity, spirituality and the human voice as an instrument. It seeks funding to enhance current demos, collaborate with producers, engineers, videographers, producers and stylists and host a premier event. The goal: create a fully realised, impactful audiovisual experience. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ryhme East Midlands Loughborough's Ryhme is a peer mentor in youth work, inspiring young people to create music, and wants to continue inspiring loads more through his own project. His EP dives into his highs and lows, showing how his mindset and morals have evolved while still battling self-doubt. The lead track normalises feelings of self-hate, confusion, and not feeling enough - with the other songs embracing Ryhme's background. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
Elijah Ayité Scotland Elijah finds empowerment through immersion in West African Rhythms that connect him to his roots. Percussionist first, producer second, and festival organiser third, Elijah has accrued experiences in Ghana, Cuba, and Senegal. 'Chronicle Tones: The Mixtape' is a collaborative community mixtape blending traditional West-African rhythm/culture with modern Hip-Hop to inspire and empower people from Global Majority backgrounds, connecting them with their roots. It will celebrate African musical heritage and its evolution through colonial history, revealing a story of resilience during hardships (that many still face). Pronouns: he/him Instagram Eva Kiss Yorkshire and the Humber Backed by a 4-piece band, Eva's theatrical performance style captivates crowds with shockingly raw lyrics and spiky alternative grunge soundscapes. Themes of female rage, liberation, and recovery pair with the gritty sounds of Nirvana, SoundGarden, and Fiona Apple. Her next project is centred around the release of four singles, high-quality music videos and live show experiences. By delivering visually and sonically impactful music that tells a story and inspires change, Eva hopes to build a community of bold, unapologetic individuals who feel seen and empowered. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Haaji Ka Halva North East Haaji Ka Halva is an electronic music producer and DJ, who uses a sampler pad to deconstruct and reassemble well-know dance tracks. She loves blending vocal samples of South Asian songs from her childhood over old-school rave classics. These hybrid sets, both live and online, combine live performance with DJ-ing and expressive visuals. With the NextGen Fund grant, she aims advance her production, mastering and marketing skills, so that she can release high-quality remixes and original material. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Hana Greater London Hana is a second generation Egyptian artist. Her EP will explore the complexities of identity/heritage/self-worth/familial-expectations/peer-pressure as a second generation UK citizen through honest lyricism and soulful melodies whilst showcasing traditional Arabic sounds e.g., oud and tabla. "This project is for anyone who’s ever questioned where they fit in, offering a soundtrack of resilience, reflection, and discovery." Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram HerOrangeCoat Yorkshire and the Humber Hailing from West Yorkshire and armed with her ukulele, HerOrangeCoat crafts songs that show a remarkable ability to turn indie-folk melancholy into an enticing musical journey. Her next project proposes a series of woodland recordings and songwriting. She will go to five sites to write and record five songs in situ using a field recorder. These songs will be released as a live EP which draws upon nature as both an inspiration and setting for the music. Pronouns: she/her Instagram IBack Greater London IBack is an independent music/rap artist from Kent, showcasing introspective lyricism, fresh flows and a captivating stage presence. Her goal for this project is to release three singles and create a consistent buzz across her social media platforms by building a strong sonic and visual identity through self-made videos and brand awareness. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram iowna South West iowna is a musician, activist and creative technologist based in Bath, Somerset. Now creating as a solo artist, her project will be a meeting place for trip-hop and alternative-rock. Lyrically, the project is a discussion of iowna's identity as a neurodiverse woman. The project looks at ownership; what the world takes from you, taken by others and what you take away from yourself. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jaiye Greater London “My name means “enjoy life,” and that’s what my music is all about feeling things in the moment and being present with that emotion. I grew up around sound… my mum drums, my brother raps, my sister DJs. Music’s always been in me. A year and a half ago I started recording, but jamming and free flowing have always been my roots. Following the music has been such a beautiful journey so far. Whether I’m in the studio or live with a band, my aim is to provoke something that hits and that looks different for each individual..from the words connecting, the textures, a head nod or the rhythm that catches you. Live. Dream. Feel. That’s the message — if you can live something and dare to dream it, then you can feel it into existence. That’s how my music came to life, and that’s what I want people to take away from it.” Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jasmin Jet Scotland Jasmin's project is her debut album/EP, reflecting on her life experiences so far. It explores the highs and lows of navigating life, from personal challenges to moments of growth. The aim is to share her story in a way that feels universal, allowing others to relate to the journey. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Josh Hicks Wales Josh Hicks is an artist from Newport, South Wales. His unique soulful voice blends pop, soul and jazz to create a sound that is nostalgic and fresh. Drawing inspiration from Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse and Adele, his music showcases a rich, genre-defying style. His plan to release two singles and work with a new producer and cowriters to continue developing his new sound. Pronouns: he/himInstagram MaiMaiMaia South East MaiMaiMaia is a queer Transgender woman who specialises in producing experimental electronic music. Her influences are varied, but mainly take inspiration from Detroit Techno, IDM, Ambient, Jungle, Hyperpop, BubblegumBass, Acid and Hardcore Techno with her own twists. T4T Records is a DIY Record label focusing on Trans music-makers and experimental music. With an event to celebrate the label launch, alongside an album release which I am in the final steps of completing. After gaining industry experience, Maia wishes to implement a co-operative business model for the label. Pronouns: she/herInstagram makaya Scotland makaya is a multi-disciplinary artist, composer and writer based in Glasgow. Their work broadly explores the relationship between contemporary Black life and the archives of slavery and colonialism; working within the intersections of Black oral histories and Gaelic traditions they recontextualise folk songs, slave spirituals, and sean-nós in experimental timbres. With NextGen Fund support, they will finish recording a mixtape and develop a corresponding live performance of electronic experiments in drone folk - the songs draw on linkages between Irish and Jamaican folk histories, bringing these cultures together in experimental, electronic sonic landscapes. Pronouns: they/themInstagram May0 West Midlands May0 is an Afrobeat artist with a love for storytelling. She uses singing and rap to express feelings and capture real-life experiences. 'UNiDAZE' is a collection of songs that takes the listener through the highs, lows and in-betweens of May0's university experience. Each song tells a story of lessons learned, defining moments, hard times, relationships, growth and self-discovery through the medium of Afrobeat music. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram MIETTE. South East MIETTE. blends ethereal and industrial dance music, a hypnotic, gothic fusion of techno electronica that exists in the void between dark and light. His project 'FÊTEVERTIGO' is an immersive, ritualistic touring event blending music, performance, and visual art. A celebration of chaos and transcendence, it explores the relationship between body, sound, and spirituality, challenging norms and inviting audiences to lose themselves in the experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Mistry South East Mistry blends soulful melodies with elements of Pop, Chilled Rap and Desi music, drawing from his South Asian heritage. He is aiming to release his third EP 'Growing Pains', songs based on the experience of a South Asian navigating their twenties, towards the end the year. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Muckerhood Northern Ireland Derry-based Muckerhood is a solo music project in which Niall Grace writes, produces, stages, choreographs and performs tracks that together blend an eclectic mix of genres, from folk pop to electronic rock, whilst embracing local roots and local vocal sound, falling somewhere under the art rock sphere. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Nailbreaker East Midlands Nailbreaker is an autistim spectrum artist from Northamptonshire who has been independently touring and releasing music for the past five years. His new project will be the follow-up to his debut Nailbreaker album, 'Robert Knight Wine Cellar' released in November last year. This album aims to expand on the sounds and themes of the first, but with more professional recording. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Numa North West Numa is a beatboxer based in Manchester specialising in Techno and Drum & Bass. His performances feature a 100% vocal EDM set. He has performed at major festivals, including Beat-Herder and Boomtown. He is currently working on an innovative one-hour beatboxing performance with an orchestra, crafting a powerful and dynamic storytelling experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram ONYINYÉ West Midlands ONYINYÉ is a singer and rapper who uses her artistry to speak about God, social, political injustice and more. 'Growing Pains' is an album that explores her experience of moving from Ireland to England, and going from a teenage Black girl to young adult, covering the difficulties and beauty of the process that many can relate to but rarely discuss - the fear of getting older. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram PLASTYK West Midlands Karlie is a trans-femme, lesbian, neurodiverse, DJ / nightlife worker. She started DJing when she was very young, and came out as trans during the pandemic. She runs several trans community events and DJ in the London queer scene. The NextGen Fund supported event - PLASTYK - is a lesbian club night that is accessible and affordable, supporting the people at the intersection of queerphobic and transphobic structures in the UK. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Rachel Halaburda East Midlands Rachel is a music photographer and filmmaker. Her work has been featured in various magazines, including NME, Rolling Stone and Clash, and her short films have premiered in her local cinema and art galleries. Rachel's NextGen Fund project ‘Through Her Eyes’ is an interactive portrait photography project, giving a voice to and providing exposure for women in music. Displayed at an exhibition, each photograph will have a QR code below, to listen to the artists music and an audio clip of them discussing their experience within the industry. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Rivkala North East Rivkala is a Manchester-born, North-East based vocalist, songwriter, pianist, bandleader, stylist, choreographer, artistic director and all-round showgirl, using music as a vessel for storytelling and social commentary, with a firm jazz, neo-soul rooting. Rivkala will be recording her second EP, titled 'Masquerades', which expands on the audio-visual world established in EP1, exploring themes of performance in everyday life (gender roles, masking neurodivergence/mental illness, professionalism, etc). Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ronn Greater London Ronn is a musician and composer from Hyderabad, India, with 2 BBC TV Show credits. He's currently pursuing Music at University of Westminster, London. Ronn specialises in rap, songwriting, and music production, and his voice reflects South Indian roots, expressed through Telugu language. He is working on a Telugu hip-hop album featuring artists from across India and the UK, blending regional and international languages and cultures into one musical journey. Each track transports listeners to a new Indian city, reflecting its unique vibe, slang, and musical influence, creating the sonic experience of an all-India tour. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Roukaya B North West Roukaya B is a multifaceted creative, blending timeless soulful vocals with sultry melodies and a dynamic fashion sense. She fuses jazz, R&B and alternative styles. Her NextGen Fund project explores mental health, hypersensitivity, spirituality and the human voice as an instrument. It seeks funding to enhance current demos, collaborate with producers, engineers, videographers, producers and stylists and host a premier event. The goal: create a fully realised, impactful audiovisual experience. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ryhme East Midlands Loughborough's Ryhme is a peer mentor in youth work, inspiring young people to create music, and wants to continue inspiring loads more through his own project. His EP dives into his highs and lows, showing how his mindset and morals have evolved while still battling self-doubt. The lead track normalises feelings of self-hate, confusion, and not feeling enough - with the other songs embracing Ryhme's background. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
Eva Kiss Yorkshire and the Humber Backed by a 4-piece band, Eva's theatrical performance style captivates crowds with shockingly raw lyrics and spiky alternative grunge soundscapes. Themes of female rage, liberation, and recovery pair with the gritty sounds of Nirvana, SoundGarden, and Fiona Apple. Her next project is centred around the release of four singles, high-quality music videos and live show experiences. By delivering visually and sonically impactful music that tells a story and inspires change, Eva hopes to build a community of bold, unapologetic individuals who feel seen and empowered. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Haaji Ka Halva North East Haaji Ka Halva is an electronic music producer and DJ, who uses a sampler pad to deconstruct and reassemble well-know dance tracks. She loves blending vocal samples of South Asian songs from her childhood over old-school rave classics. These hybrid sets, both live and online, combine live performance with DJ-ing and expressive visuals. With the NextGen Fund grant, she aims advance her production, mastering and marketing skills, so that she can release high-quality remixes and original material. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Hana Greater London Hana is a second generation Egyptian artist. Her EP will explore the complexities of identity/heritage/self-worth/familial-expectations/peer-pressure as a second generation UK citizen through honest lyricism and soulful melodies whilst showcasing traditional Arabic sounds e.g., oud and tabla. "This project is for anyone who’s ever questioned where they fit in, offering a soundtrack of resilience, reflection, and discovery." Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram HerOrangeCoat Yorkshire and the Humber Hailing from West Yorkshire and armed with her ukulele, HerOrangeCoat crafts songs that show a remarkable ability to turn indie-folk melancholy into an enticing musical journey. Her next project proposes a series of woodland recordings and songwriting. She will go to five sites to write and record five songs in situ using a field recorder. These songs will be released as a live EP which draws upon nature as both an inspiration and setting for the music. Pronouns: she/her Instagram IBack Greater London IBack is an independent music/rap artist from Kent, showcasing introspective lyricism, fresh flows and a captivating stage presence. Her goal for this project is to release three singles and create a consistent buzz across her social media platforms by building a strong sonic and visual identity through self-made videos and brand awareness. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram iowna South West iowna is a musician, activist and creative technologist based in Bath, Somerset. Now creating as a solo artist, her project will be a meeting place for trip-hop and alternative-rock. Lyrically, the project is a discussion of iowna's identity as a neurodiverse woman. The project looks at ownership; what the world takes from you, taken by others and what you take away from yourself. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jaiye Greater London “My name means “enjoy life,” and that’s what my music is all about feeling things in the moment and being present with that emotion. I grew up around sound… my mum drums, my brother raps, my sister DJs. Music’s always been in me. A year and a half ago I started recording, but jamming and free flowing have always been my roots. Following the music has been such a beautiful journey so far. Whether I’m in the studio or live with a band, my aim is to provoke something that hits and that looks different for each individual..from the words connecting, the textures, a head nod or the rhythm that catches you. Live. Dream. Feel. That’s the message — if you can live something and dare to dream it, then you can feel it into existence. That’s how my music came to life, and that’s what I want people to take away from it.” Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jasmin Jet Scotland Jasmin's project is her debut album/EP, reflecting on her life experiences so far. It explores the highs and lows of navigating life, from personal challenges to moments of growth. The aim is to share her story in a way that feels universal, allowing others to relate to the journey. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Josh Hicks Wales Josh Hicks is an artist from Newport, South Wales. His unique soulful voice blends pop, soul and jazz to create a sound that is nostalgic and fresh. Drawing inspiration from Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse and Adele, his music showcases a rich, genre-defying style. His plan to release two singles and work with a new producer and cowriters to continue developing his new sound. Pronouns: he/himInstagram MaiMaiMaia South East MaiMaiMaia is a queer Transgender woman who specialises in producing experimental electronic music. Her influences are varied, but mainly take inspiration from Detroit Techno, IDM, Ambient, Jungle, Hyperpop, BubblegumBass, Acid and Hardcore Techno with her own twists. T4T Records is a DIY Record label focusing on Trans music-makers and experimental music. With an event to celebrate the label launch, alongside an album release which I am in the final steps of completing. After gaining industry experience, Maia wishes to implement a co-operative business model for the label. Pronouns: she/herInstagram makaya Scotland makaya is a multi-disciplinary artist, composer and writer based in Glasgow. Their work broadly explores the relationship between contemporary Black life and the archives of slavery and colonialism; working within the intersections of Black oral histories and Gaelic traditions they recontextualise folk songs, slave spirituals, and sean-nós in experimental timbres. With NextGen Fund support, they will finish recording a mixtape and develop a corresponding live performance of electronic experiments in drone folk - the songs draw on linkages between Irish and Jamaican folk histories, bringing these cultures together in experimental, electronic sonic landscapes. Pronouns: they/themInstagram May0 West Midlands May0 is an Afrobeat artist with a love for storytelling. She uses singing and rap to express feelings and capture real-life experiences. 'UNiDAZE' is a collection of songs that takes the listener through the highs, lows and in-betweens of May0's university experience. Each song tells a story of lessons learned, defining moments, hard times, relationships, growth and self-discovery through the medium of Afrobeat music. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram MIETTE. South East MIETTE. blends ethereal and industrial dance music, a hypnotic, gothic fusion of techno electronica that exists in the void between dark and light. His project 'FÊTEVERTIGO' is an immersive, ritualistic touring event blending music, performance, and visual art. A celebration of chaos and transcendence, it explores the relationship between body, sound, and spirituality, challenging norms and inviting audiences to lose themselves in the experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Mistry South East Mistry blends soulful melodies with elements of Pop, Chilled Rap and Desi music, drawing from his South Asian heritage. He is aiming to release his third EP 'Growing Pains', songs based on the experience of a South Asian navigating their twenties, towards the end the year. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Muckerhood Northern Ireland Derry-based Muckerhood is a solo music project in which Niall Grace writes, produces, stages, choreographs and performs tracks that together blend an eclectic mix of genres, from folk pop to electronic rock, whilst embracing local roots and local vocal sound, falling somewhere under the art rock sphere. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Nailbreaker East Midlands Nailbreaker is an autistim spectrum artist from Northamptonshire who has been independently touring and releasing music for the past five years. His new project will be the follow-up to his debut Nailbreaker album, 'Robert Knight Wine Cellar' released in November last year. This album aims to expand on the sounds and themes of the first, but with more professional recording. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Numa North West Numa is a beatboxer based in Manchester specialising in Techno and Drum & Bass. His performances feature a 100% vocal EDM set. He has performed at major festivals, including Beat-Herder and Boomtown. He is currently working on an innovative one-hour beatboxing performance with an orchestra, crafting a powerful and dynamic storytelling experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram ONYINYÉ West Midlands ONYINYÉ is a singer and rapper who uses her artistry to speak about God, social, political injustice and more. 'Growing Pains' is an album that explores her experience of moving from Ireland to England, and going from a teenage Black girl to young adult, covering the difficulties and beauty of the process that many can relate to but rarely discuss - the fear of getting older. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram PLASTYK West Midlands Karlie is a trans-femme, lesbian, neurodiverse, DJ / nightlife worker. She started DJing when she was very young, and came out as trans during the pandemic. She runs several trans community events and DJ in the London queer scene. The NextGen Fund supported event - PLASTYK - is a lesbian club night that is accessible and affordable, supporting the people at the intersection of queerphobic and transphobic structures in the UK. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Rachel Halaburda East Midlands Rachel is a music photographer and filmmaker. Her work has been featured in various magazines, including NME, Rolling Stone and Clash, and her short films have premiered in her local cinema and art galleries. Rachel's NextGen Fund project ‘Through Her Eyes’ is an interactive portrait photography project, giving a voice to and providing exposure for women in music. Displayed at an exhibition, each photograph will have a QR code below, to listen to the artists music and an audio clip of them discussing their experience within the industry. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Rivkala North East Rivkala is a Manchester-born, North-East based vocalist, songwriter, pianist, bandleader, stylist, choreographer, artistic director and all-round showgirl, using music as a vessel for storytelling and social commentary, with a firm jazz, neo-soul rooting. Rivkala will be recording her second EP, titled 'Masquerades', which expands on the audio-visual world established in EP1, exploring themes of performance in everyday life (gender roles, masking neurodivergence/mental illness, professionalism, etc). Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ronn Greater London Ronn is a musician and composer from Hyderabad, India, with 2 BBC TV Show credits. He's currently pursuing Music at University of Westminster, London. Ronn specialises in rap, songwriting, and music production, and his voice reflects South Indian roots, expressed through Telugu language. He is working on a Telugu hip-hop album featuring artists from across India and the UK, blending regional and international languages and cultures into one musical journey. Each track transports listeners to a new Indian city, reflecting its unique vibe, slang, and musical influence, creating the sonic experience of an all-India tour. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Roukaya B North West Roukaya B is a multifaceted creative, blending timeless soulful vocals with sultry melodies and a dynamic fashion sense. She fuses jazz, R&B and alternative styles. Her NextGen Fund project explores mental health, hypersensitivity, spirituality and the human voice as an instrument. It seeks funding to enhance current demos, collaborate with producers, engineers, videographers, producers and stylists and host a premier event. The goal: create a fully realised, impactful audiovisual experience. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ryhme East Midlands Loughborough's Ryhme is a peer mentor in youth work, inspiring young people to create music, and wants to continue inspiring loads more through his own project. His EP dives into his highs and lows, showing how his mindset and morals have evolved while still battling self-doubt. The lead track normalises feelings of self-hate, confusion, and not feeling enough - with the other songs embracing Ryhme's background. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
Haaji Ka Halva North East Haaji Ka Halva is an electronic music producer and DJ, who uses a sampler pad to deconstruct and reassemble well-know dance tracks. She loves blending vocal samples of South Asian songs from her childhood over old-school rave classics. These hybrid sets, both live and online, combine live performance with DJ-ing and expressive visuals. With the NextGen Fund grant, she aims advance her production, mastering and marketing skills, so that she can release high-quality remixes and original material. Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram Hana Greater London Hana is a second generation Egyptian artist. Her EP will explore the complexities of identity/heritage/self-worth/familial-expectations/peer-pressure as a second generation UK citizen through honest lyricism and soulful melodies whilst showcasing traditional Arabic sounds e.g., oud and tabla. "This project is for anyone who’s ever questioned where they fit in, offering a soundtrack of resilience, reflection, and discovery." Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram HerOrangeCoat Yorkshire and the Humber Hailing from West Yorkshire and armed with her ukulele, HerOrangeCoat crafts songs that show a remarkable ability to turn indie-folk melancholy into an enticing musical journey. Her next project proposes a series of woodland recordings and songwriting. She will go to five sites to write and record five songs in situ using a field recorder. These songs will be released as a live EP which draws upon nature as both an inspiration and setting for the music. Pronouns: she/her Instagram IBack Greater London IBack is an independent music/rap artist from Kent, showcasing introspective lyricism, fresh flows and a captivating stage presence. Her goal for this project is to release three singles and create a consistent buzz across her social media platforms by building a strong sonic and visual identity through self-made videos and brand awareness. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram iowna South West iowna is a musician, activist and creative technologist based in Bath, Somerset. Now creating as a solo artist, her project will be a meeting place for trip-hop and alternative-rock. Lyrically, the project is a discussion of iowna's identity as a neurodiverse woman. The project looks at ownership; what the world takes from you, taken by others and what you take away from yourself. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jaiye Greater London “My name means “enjoy life,” and that’s what my music is all about feeling things in the moment and being present with that emotion. I grew up around sound… my mum drums, my brother raps, my sister DJs. Music’s always been in me. A year and a half ago I started recording, but jamming and free flowing have always been my roots. Following the music has been such a beautiful journey so far. Whether I’m in the studio or live with a band, my aim is to provoke something that hits and that looks different for each individual..from the words connecting, the textures, a head nod or the rhythm that catches you. Live. Dream. Feel. That’s the message — if you can live something and dare to dream it, then you can feel it into existence. That’s how my music came to life, and that’s what I want people to take away from it.” Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jasmin Jet Scotland Jasmin's project is her debut album/EP, reflecting on her life experiences so far. It explores the highs and lows of navigating life, from personal challenges to moments of growth. The aim is to share her story in a way that feels universal, allowing others to relate to the journey. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Josh Hicks Wales Josh Hicks is an artist from Newport, South Wales. His unique soulful voice blends pop, soul and jazz to create a sound that is nostalgic and fresh. Drawing inspiration from Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse and Adele, his music showcases a rich, genre-defying style. His plan to release two singles and work with a new producer and cowriters to continue developing his new sound. Pronouns: he/himInstagram MaiMaiMaia South East MaiMaiMaia is a queer Transgender woman who specialises in producing experimental electronic music. Her influences are varied, but mainly take inspiration from Detroit Techno, IDM, Ambient, Jungle, Hyperpop, BubblegumBass, Acid and Hardcore Techno with her own twists. T4T Records is a DIY Record label focusing on Trans music-makers and experimental music. With an event to celebrate the label launch, alongside an album release which I am in the final steps of completing. After gaining industry experience, Maia wishes to implement a co-operative business model for the label. Pronouns: she/herInstagram makaya Scotland makaya is a multi-disciplinary artist, composer and writer based in Glasgow. Their work broadly explores the relationship between contemporary Black life and the archives of slavery and colonialism; working within the intersections of Black oral histories and Gaelic traditions they recontextualise folk songs, slave spirituals, and sean-nós in experimental timbres. With NextGen Fund support, they will finish recording a mixtape and develop a corresponding live performance of electronic experiments in drone folk - the songs draw on linkages between Irish and Jamaican folk histories, bringing these cultures together in experimental, electronic sonic landscapes. Pronouns: they/themInstagram May0 West Midlands May0 is an Afrobeat artist with a love for storytelling. She uses singing and rap to express feelings and capture real-life experiences. 'UNiDAZE' is a collection of songs that takes the listener through the highs, lows and in-betweens of May0's university experience. Each song tells a story of lessons learned, defining moments, hard times, relationships, growth and self-discovery through the medium of Afrobeat music. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram MIETTE. South East MIETTE. blends ethereal and industrial dance music, a hypnotic, gothic fusion of techno electronica that exists in the void between dark and light. His project 'FÊTEVERTIGO' is an immersive, ritualistic touring event blending music, performance, and visual art. A celebration of chaos and transcendence, it explores the relationship between body, sound, and spirituality, challenging norms and inviting audiences to lose themselves in the experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Mistry South East Mistry blends soulful melodies with elements of Pop, Chilled Rap and Desi music, drawing from his South Asian heritage. He is aiming to release his third EP 'Growing Pains', songs based on the experience of a South Asian navigating their twenties, towards the end the year. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Muckerhood Northern Ireland Derry-based Muckerhood is a solo music project in which Niall Grace writes, produces, stages, choreographs and performs tracks that together blend an eclectic mix of genres, from folk pop to electronic rock, whilst embracing local roots and local vocal sound, falling somewhere under the art rock sphere. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Nailbreaker East Midlands Nailbreaker is an autistim spectrum artist from Northamptonshire who has been independently touring and releasing music for the past five years. His new project will be the follow-up to his debut Nailbreaker album, 'Robert Knight Wine Cellar' released in November last year. This album aims to expand on the sounds and themes of the first, but with more professional recording. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Numa North West Numa is a beatboxer based in Manchester specialising in Techno and Drum & Bass. His performances feature a 100% vocal EDM set. He has performed at major festivals, including Beat-Herder and Boomtown. He is currently working on an innovative one-hour beatboxing performance with an orchestra, crafting a powerful and dynamic storytelling experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram ONYINYÉ West Midlands ONYINYÉ is a singer and rapper who uses her artistry to speak about God, social, political injustice and more. 'Growing Pains' is an album that explores her experience of moving from Ireland to England, and going from a teenage Black girl to young adult, covering the difficulties and beauty of the process that many can relate to but rarely discuss - the fear of getting older. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram PLASTYK West Midlands Karlie is a trans-femme, lesbian, neurodiverse, DJ / nightlife worker. She started DJing when she was very young, and came out as trans during the pandemic. She runs several trans community events and DJ in the London queer scene. The NextGen Fund supported event - PLASTYK - is a lesbian club night that is accessible and affordable, supporting the people at the intersection of queerphobic and transphobic structures in the UK. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Rachel Halaburda East Midlands Rachel is a music photographer and filmmaker. Her work has been featured in various magazines, including NME, Rolling Stone and Clash, and her short films have premiered in her local cinema and art galleries. Rachel's NextGen Fund project ‘Through Her Eyes’ is an interactive portrait photography project, giving a voice to and providing exposure for women in music. Displayed at an exhibition, each photograph will have a QR code below, to listen to the artists music and an audio clip of them discussing their experience within the industry. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Rivkala North East Rivkala is a Manchester-born, North-East based vocalist, songwriter, pianist, bandleader, stylist, choreographer, artistic director and all-round showgirl, using music as a vessel for storytelling and social commentary, with a firm jazz, neo-soul rooting. Rivkala will be recording her second EP, titled 'Masquerades', which expands on the audio-visual world established in EP1, exploring themes of performance in everyday life (gender roles, masking neurodivergence/mental illness, professionalism, etc). Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ronn Greater London Ronn is a musician and composer from Hyderabad, India, with 2 BBC TV Show credits. He's currently pursuing Music at University of Westminster, London. Ronn specialises in rap, songwriting, and music production, and his voice reflects South Indian roots, expressed through Telugu language. He is working on a Telugu hip-hop album featuring artists from across India and the UK, blending regional and international languages and cultures into one musical journey. Each track transports listeners to a new Indian city, reflecting its unique vibe, slang, and musical influence, creating the sonic experience of an all-India tour. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Roukaya B North West Roukaya B is a multifaceted creative, blending timeless soulful vocals with sultry melodies and a dynamic fashion sense. She fuses jazz, R&B and alternative styles. Her NextGen Fund project explores mental health, hypersensitivity, spirituality and the human voice as an instrument. It seeks funding to enhance current demos, collaborate with producers, engineers, videographers, producers and stylists and host a premier event. The goal: create a fully realised, impactful audiovisual experience. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ryhme East Midlands Loughborough's Ryhme is a peer mentor in youth work, inspiring young people to create music, and wants to continue inspiring loads more through his own project. His EP dives into his highs and lows, showing how his mindset and morals have evolved while still battling self-doubt. The lead track normalises feelings of self-hate, confusion, and not feeling enough - with the other songs embracing Ryhme's background. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
Hana Greater London Hana is a second generation Egyptian artist. Her EP will explore the complexities of identity/heritage/self-worth/familial-expectations/peer-pressure as a second generation UK citizen through honest lyricism and soulful melodies whilst showcasing traditional Arabic sounds e.g., oud and tabla. "This project is for anyone who’s ever questioned where they fit in, offering a soundtrack of resilience, reflection, and discovery." Pronouns: she/her TikTokInstagram HerOrangeCoat Yorkshire and the Humber Hailing from West Yorkshire and armed with her ukulele, HerOrangeCoat crafts songs that show a remarkable ability to turn indie-folk melancholy into an enticing musical journey. Her next project proposes a series of woodland recordings and songwriting. She will go to five sites to write and record five songs in situ using a field recorder. These songs will be released as a live EP which draws upon nature as both an inspiration and setting for the music. Pronouns: she/her Instagram IBack Greater London IBack is an independent music/rap artist from Kent, showcasing introspective lyricism, fresh flows and a captivating stage presence. Her goal for this project is to release three singles and create a consistent buzz across her social media platforms by building a strong sonic and visual identity through self-made videos and brand awareness. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram iowna South West iowna is a musician, activist and creative technologist based in Bath, Somerset. Now creating as a solo artist, her project will be a meeting place for trip-hop and alternative-rock. Lyrically, the project is a discussion of iowna's identity as a neurodiverse woman. The project looks at ownership; what the world takes from you, taken by others and what you take away from yourself. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jaiye Greater London “My name means “enjoy life,” and that’s what my music is all about feeling things in the moment and being present with that emotion. I grew up around sound… my mum drums, my brother raps, my sister DJs. Music’s always been in me. A year and a half ago I started recording, but jamming and free flowing have always been my roots. Following the music has been such a beautiful journey so far. Whether I’m in the studio or live with a band, my aim is to provoke something that hits and that looks different for each individual..from the words connecting, the textures, a head nod or the rhythm that catches you. Live. Dream. Feel. That’s the message — if you can live something and dare to dream it, then you can feel it into existence. That’s how my music came to life, and that’s what I want people to take away from it.” Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jasmin Jet Scotland Jasmin's project is her debut album/EP, reflecting on her life experiences so far. It explores the highs and lows of navigating life, from personal challenges to moments of growth. The aim is to share her story in a way that feels universal, allowing others to relate to the journey. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Josh Hicks Wales Josh Hicks is an artist from Newport, South Wales. His unique soulful voice blends pop, soul and jazz to create a sound that is nostalgic and fresh. Drawing inspiration from Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse and Adele, his music showcases a rich, genre-defying style. His plan to release two singles and work with a new producer and cowriters to continue developing his new sound. Pronouns: he/himInstagram MaiMaiMaia South East MaiMaiMaia is a queer Transgender woman who specialises in producing experimental electronic music. Her influences are varied, but mainly take inspiration from Detroit Techno, IDM, Ambient, Jungle, Hyperpop, BubblegumBass, Acid and Hardcore Techno with her own twists. T4T Records is a DIY Record label focusing on Trans music-makers and experimental music. With an event to celebrate the label launch, alongside an album release which I am in the final steps of completing. After gaining industry experience, Maia wishes to implement a co-operative business model for the label. Pronouns: she/herInstagram makaya Scotland makaya is a multi-disciplinary artist, composer and writer based in Glasgow. Their work broadly explores the relationship between contemporary Black life and the archives of slavery and colonialism; working within the intersections of Black oral histories and Gaelic traditions they recontextualise folk songs, slave spirituals, and sean-nós in experimental timbres. With NextGen Fund support, they will finish recording a mixtape and develop a corresponding live performance of electronic experiments in drone folk - the songs draw on linkages between Irish and Jamaican folk histories, bringing these cultures together in experimental, electronic sonic landscapes. Pronouns: they/themInstagram May0 West Midlands May0 is an Afrobeat artist with a love for storytelling. She uses singing and rap to express feelings and capture real-life experiences. 'UNiDAZE' is a collection of songs that takes the listener through the highs, lows and in-betweens of May0's university experience. Each song tells a story of lessons learned, defining moments, hard times, relationships, growth and self-discovery through the medium of Afrobeat music. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram MIETTE. South East MIETTE. blends ethereal and industrial dance music, a hypnotic, gothic fusion of techno electronica that exists in the void between dark and light. His project 'FÊTEVERTIGO' is an immersive, ritualistic touring event blending music, performance, and visual art. A celebration of chaos and transcendence, it explores the relationship between body, sound, and spirituality, challenging norms and inviting audiences to lose themselves in the experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Mistry South East Mistry blends soulful melodies with elements of Pop, Chilled Rap and Desi music, drawing from his South Asian heritage. He is aiming to release his third EP 'Growing Pains', songs based on the experience of a South Asian navigating their twenties, towards the end the year. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Muckerhood Northern Ireland Derry-based Muckerhood is a solo music project in which Niall Grace writes, produces, stages, choreographs and performs tracks that together blend an eclectic mix of genres, from folk pop to electronic rock, whilst embracing local roots and local vocal sound, falling somewhere under the art rock sphere. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Nailbreaker East Midlands Nailbreaker is an autistim spectrum artist from Northamptonshire who has been independently touring and releasing music for the past five years. His new project will be the follow-up to his debut Nailbreaker album, 'Robert Knight Wine Cellar' released in November last year. This album aims to expand on the sounds and themes of the first, but with more professional recording. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Numa North West Numa is a beatboxer based in Manchester specialising in Techno and Drum & Bass. His performances feature a 100% vocal EDM set. He has performed at major festivals, including Beat-Herder and Boomtown. He is currently working on an innovative one-hour beatboxing performance with an orchestra, crafting a powerful and dynamic storytelling experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram ONYINYÉ West Midlands ONYINYÉ is a singer and rapper who uses her artistry to speak about God, social, political injustice and more. 'Growing Pains' is an album that explores her experience of moving from Ireland to England, and going from a teenage Black girl to young adult, covering the difficulties and beauty of the process that many can relate to but rarely discuss - the fear of getting older. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram PLASTYK West Midlands Karlie is a trans-femme, lesbian, neurodiverse, DJ / nightlife worker. She started DJing when she was very young, and came out as trans during the pandemic. She runs several trans community events and DJ in the London queer scene. The NextGen Fund supported event - PLASTYK - is a lesbian club night that is accessible and affordable, supporting the people at the intersection of queerphobic and transphobic structures in the UK. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Rachel Halaburda East Midlands Rachel is a music photographer and filmmaker. Her work has been featured in various magazines, including NME, Rolling Stone and Clash, and her short films have premiered in her local cinema and art galleries. Rachel's NextGen Fund project ‘Through Her Eyes’ is an interactive portrait photography project, giving a voice to and providing exposure for women in music. Displayed at an exhibition, each photograph will have a QR code below, to listen to the artists music and an audio clip of them discussing their experience within the industry. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Rivkala North East Rivkala is a Manchester-born, North-East based vocalist, songwriter, pianist, bandleader, stylist, choreographer, artistic director and all-round showgirl, using music as a vessel for storytelling and social commentary, with a firm jazz, neo-soul rooting. Rivkala will be recording her second EP, titled 'Masquerades', which expands on the audio-visual world established in EP1, exploring themes of performance in everyday life (gender roles, masking neurodivergence/mental illness, professionalism, etc). Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ronn Greater London Ronn is a musician and composer from Hyderabad, India, with 2 BBC TV Show credits. He's currently pursuing Music at University of Westminster, London. Ronn specialises in rap, songwriting, and music production, and his voice reflects South Indian roots, expressed through Telugu language. He is working on a Telugu hip-hop album featuring artists from across India and the UK, blending regional and international languages and cultures into one musical journey. Each track transports listeners to a new Indian city, reflecting its unique vibe, slang, and musical influence, creating the sonic experience of an all-India tour. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Roukaya B North West Roukaya B is a multifaceted creative, blending timeless soulful vocals with sultry melodies and a dynamic fashion sense. She fuses jazz, R&B and alternative styles. Her NextGen Fund project explores mental health, hypersensitivity, spirituality and the human voice as an instrument. It seeks funding to enhance current demos, collaborate with producers, engineers, videographers, producers and stylists and host a premier event. The goal: create a fully realised, impactful audiovisual experience. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ryhme East Midlands Loughborough's Ryhme is a peer mentor in youth work, inspiring young people to create music, and wants to continue inspiring loads more through his own project. His EP dives into his highs and lows, showing how his mindset and morals have evolved while still battling self-doubt. The lead track normalises feelings of self-hate, confusion, and not feeling enough - with the other songs embracing Ryhme's background. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
HerOrangeCoat Yorkshire and the Humber Hailing from West Yorkshire and armed with her ukulele, HerOrangeCoat crafts songs that show a remarkable ability to turn indie-folk melancholy into an enticing musical journey. Her next project proposes a series of woodland recordings and songwriting. She will go to five sites to write and record five songs in situ using a field recorder. These songs will be released as a live EP which draws upon nature as both an inspiration and setting for the music. Pronouns: she/her Instagram IBack Greater London IBack is an independent music/rap artist from Kent, showcasing introspective lyricism, fresh flows and a captivating stage presence. Her goal for this project is to release three singles and create a consistent buzz across her social media platforms by building a strong sonic and visual identity through self-made videos and brand awareness. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram iowna South West iowna is a musician, activist and creative technologist based in Bath, Somerset. Now creating as a solo artist, her project will be a meeting place for trip-hop and alternative-rock. Lyrically, the project is a discussion of iowna's identity as a neurodiverse woman. The project looks at ownership; what the world takes from you, taken by others and what you take away from yourself. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jaiye Greater London “My name means “enjoy life,” and that’s what my music is all about feeling things in the moment and being present with that emotion. I grew up around sound… my mum drums, my brother raps, my sister DJs. Music’s always been in me. A year and a half ago I started recording, but jamming and free flowing have always been my roots. Following the music has been such a beautiful journey so far. Whether I’m in the studio or live with a band, my aim is to provoke something that hits and that looks different for each individual..from the words connecting, the textures, a head nod or the rhythm that catches you. Live. Dream. Feel. That’s the message — if you can live something and dare to dream it, then you can feel it into existence. That’s how my music came to life, and that’s what I want people to take away from it.” Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jasmin Jet Scotland Jasmin's project is her debut album/EP, reflecting on her life experiences so far. It explores the highs and lows of navigating life, from personal challenges to moments of growth. The aim is to share her story in a way that feels universal, allowing others to relate to the journey. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Josh Hicks Wales Josh Hicks is an artist from Newport, South Wales. His unique soulful voice blends pop, soul and jazz to create a sound that is nostalgic and fresh. Drawing inspiration from Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse and Adele, his music showcases a rich, genre-defying style. His plan to release two singles and work with a new producer and cowriters to continue developing his new sound. Pronouns: he/himInstagram MaiMaiMaia South East MaiMaiMaia is a queer Transgender woman who specialises in producing experimental electronic music. Her influences are varied, but mainly take inspiration from Detroit Techno, IDM, Ambient, Jungle, Hyperpop, BubblegumBass, Acid and Hardcore Techno with her own twists. T4T Records is a DIY Record label focusing on Trans music-makers and experimental music. With an event to celebrate the label launch, alongside an album release which I am in the final steps of completing. After gaining industry experience, Maia wishes to implement a co-operative business model for the label. Pronouns: she/herInstagram makaya Scotland makaya is a multi-disciplinary artist, composer and writer based in Glasgow. Their work broadly explores the relationship between contemporary Black life and the archives of slavery and colonialism; working within the intersections of Black oral histories and Gaelic traditions they recontextualise folk songs, slave spirituals, and sean-nós in experimental timbres. With NextGen Fund support, they will finish recording a mixtape and develop a corresponding live performance of electronic experiments in drone folk - the songs draw on linkages between Irish and Jamaican folk histories, bringing these cultures together in experimental, electronic sonic landscapes. Pronouns: they/themInstagram May0 West Midlands May0 is an Afrobeat artist with a love for storytelling. She uses singing and rap to express feelings and capture real-life experiences. 'UNiDAZE' is a collection of songs that takes the listener through the highs, lows and in-betweens of May0's university experience. Each song tells a story of lessons learned, defining moments, hard times, relationships, growth and self-discovery through the medium of Afrobeat music. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram MIETTE. South East MIETTE. blends ethereal and industrial dance music, a hypnotic, gothic fusion of techno electronica that exists in the void between dark and light. His project 'FÊTEVERTIGO' is an immersive, ritualistic touring event blending music, performance, and visual art. A celebration of chaos and transcendence, it explores the relationship between body, sound, and spirituality, challenging norms and inviting audiences to lose themselves in the experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Mistry South East Mistry blends soulful melodies with elements of Pop, Chilled Rap and Desi music, drawing from his South Asian heritage. He is aiming to release his third EP 'Growing Pains', songs based on the experience of a South Asian navigating their twenties, towards the end the year. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Muckerhood Northern Ireland Derry-based Muckerhood is a solo music project in which Niall Grace writes, produces, stages, choreographs and performs tracks that together blend an eclectic mix of genres, from folk pop to electronic rock, whilst embracing local roots and local vocal sound, falling somewhere under the art rock sphere. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Nailbreaker East Midlands Nailbreaker is an autistim spectrum artist from Northamptonshire who has been independently touring and releasing music for the past five years. His new project will be the follow-up to his debut Nailbreaker album, 'Robert Knight Wine Cellar' released in November last year. This album aims to expand on the sounds and themes of the first, but with more professional recording. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Numa North West Numa is a beatboxer based in Manchester specialising in Techno and Drum & Bass. His performances feature a 100% vocal EDM set. He has performed at major festivals, including Beat-Herder and Boomtown. He is currently working on an innovative one-hour beatboxing performance with an orchestra, crafting a powerful and dynamic storytelling experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram ONYINYÉ West Midlands ONYINYÉ is a singer and rapper who uses her artistry to speak about God, social, political injustice and more. 'Growing Pains' is an album that explores her experience of moving from Ireland to England, and going from a teenage Black girl to young adult, covering the difficulties and beauty of the process that many can relate to but rarely discuss - the fear of getting older. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram PLASTYK West Midlands Karlie is a trans-femme, lesbian, neurodiverse, DJ / nightlife worker. She started DJing when she was very young, and came out as trans during the pandemic. She runs several trans community events and DJ in the London queer scene. The NextGen Fund supported event - PLASTYK - is a lesbian club night that is accessible and affordable, supporting the people at the intersection of queerphobic and transphobic structures in the UK. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Rachel Halaburda East Midlands Rachel is a music photographer and filmmaker. Her work has been featured in various magazines, including NME, Rolling Stone and Clash, and her short films have premiered in her local cinema and art galleries. Rachel's NextGen Fund project ‘Through Her Eyes’ is an interactive portrait photography project, giving a voice to and providing exposure for women in music. Displayed at an exhibition, each photograph will have a QR code below, to listen to the artists music and an audio clip of them discussing their experience within the industry. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Rivkala North East Rivkala is a Manchester-born, North-East based vocalist, songwriter, pianist, bandleader, stylist, choreographer, artistic director and all-round showgirl, using music as a vessel for storytelling and social commentary, with a firm jazz, neo-soul rooting. Rivkala will be recording her second EP, titled 'Masquerades', which expands on the audio-visual world established in EP1, exploring themes of performance in everyday life (gender roles, masking neurodivergence/mental illness, professionalism, etc). Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ronn Greater London Ronn is a musician and composer from Hyderabad, India, with 2 BBC TV Show credits. He's currently pursuing Music at University of Westminster, London. Ronn specialises in rap, songwriting, and music production, and his voice reflects South Indian roots, expressed through Telugu language. He is working on a Telugu hip-hop album featuring artists from across India and the UK, blending regional and international languages and cultures into one musical journey. Each track transports listeners to a new Indian city, reflecting its unique vibe, slang, and musical influence, creating the sonic experience of an all-India tour. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Roukaya B North West Roukaya B is a multifaceted creative, blending timeless soulful vocals with sultry melodies and a dynamic fashion sense. She fuses jazz, R&B and alternative styles. Her NextGen Fund project explores mental health, hypersensitivity, spirituality and the human voice as an instrument. It seeks funding to enhance current demos, collaborate with producers, engineers, videographers, producers and stylists and host a premier event. The goal: create a fully realised, impactful audiovisual experience. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ryhme East Midlands Loughborough's Ryhme is a peer mentor in youth work, inspiring young people to create music, and wants to continue inspiring loads more through his own project. His EP dives into his highs and lows, showing how his mindset and morals have evolved while still battling self-doubt. The lead track normalises feelings of self-hate, confusion, and not feeling enough - with the other songs embracing Ryhme's background. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
IBack Greater London IBack is an independent music/rap artist from Kent, showcasing introspective lyricism, fresh flows and a captivating stage presence. Her goal for this project is to release three singles and create a consistent buzz across her social media platforms by building a strong sonic and visual identity through self-made videos and brand awareness. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram iowna South West iowna is a musician, activist and creative technologist based in Bath, Somerset. Now creating as a solo artist, her project will be a meeting place for trip-hop and alternative-rock. Lyrically, the project is a discussion of iowna's identity as a neurodiverse woman. The project looks at ownership; what the world takes from you, taken by others and what you take away from yourself. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jaiye Greater London “My name means “enjoy life,” and that’s what my music is all about feeling things in the moment and being present with that emotion. I grew up around sound… my mum drums, my brother raps, my sister DJs. Music’s always been in me. A year and a half ago I started recording, but jamming and free flowing have always been my roots. Following the music has been such a beautiful journey so far. Whether I’m in the studio or live with a band, my aim is to provoke something that hits and that looks different for each individual..from the words connecting, the textures, a head nod or the rhythm that catches you. Live. Dream. Feel. That’s the message — if you can live something and dare to dream it, then you can feel it into existence. That’s how my music came to life, and that’s what I want people to take away from it.” Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jasmin Jet Scotland Jasmin's project is her debut album/EP, reflecting on her life experiences so far. It explores the highs and lows of navigating life, from personal challenges to moments of growth. The aim is to share her story in a way that feels universal, allowing others to relate to the journey. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Josh Hicks Wales Josh Hicks is an artist from Newport, South Wales. His unique soulful voice blends pop, soul and jazz to create a sound that is nostalgic and fresh. Drawing inspiration from Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse and Adele, his music showcases a rich, genre-defying style. His plan to release two singles and work with a new producer and cowriters to continue developing his new sound. Pronouns: he/himInstagram MaiMaiMaia South East MaiMaiMaia is a queer Transgender woman who specialises in producing experimental electronic music. Her influences are varied, but mainly take inspiration from Detroit Techno, IDM, Ambient, Jungle, Hyperpop, BubblegumBass, Acid and Hardcore Techno with her own twists. T4T Records is a DIY Record label focusing on Trans music-makers and experimental music. With an event to celebrate the label launch, alongside an album release which I am in the final steps of completing. After gaining industry experience, Maia wishes to implement a co-operative business model for the label. Pronouns: she/herInstagram makaya Scotland makaya is a multi-disciplinary artist, composer and writer based in Glasgow. Their work broadly explores the relationship between contemporary Black life and the archives of slavery and colonialism; working within the intersections of Black oral histories and Gaelic traditions they recontextualise folk songs, slave spirituals, and sean-nós in experimental timbres. With NextGen Fund support, they will finish recording a mixtape and develop a corresponding live performance of electronic experiments in drone folk - the songs draw on linkages between Irish and Jamaican folk histories, bringing these cultures together in experimental, electronic sonic landscapes. Pronouns: they/themInstagram May0 West Midlands May0 is an Afrobeat artist with a love for storytelling. She uses singing and rap to express feelings and capture real-life experiences. 'UNiDAZE' is a collection of songs that takes the listener through the highs, lows and in-betweens of May0's university experience. Each song tells a story of lessons learned, defining moments, hard times, relationships, growth and self-discovery through the medium of Afrobeat music. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram MIETTE. South East MIETTE. blends ethereal and industrial dance music, a hypnotic, gothic fusion of techno electronica that exists in the void between dark and light. His project 'FÊTEVERTIGO' is an immersive, ritualistic touring event blending music, performance, and visual art. A celebration of chaos and transcendence, it explores the relationship between body, sound, and spirituality, challenging norms and inviting audiences to lose themselves in the experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Mistry South East Mistry blends soulful melodies with elements of Pop, Chilled Rap and Desi music, drawing from his South Asian heritage. He is aiming to release his third EP 'Growing Pains', songs based on the experience of a South Asian navigating their twenties, towards the end the year. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Muckerhood Northern Ireland Derry-based Muckerhood is a solo music project in which Niall Grace writes, produces, stages, choreographs and performs tracks that together blend an eclectic mix of genres, from folk pop to electronic rock, whilst embracing local roots and local vocal sound, falling somewhere under the art rock sphere. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Nailbreaker East Midlands Nailbreaker is an autistim spectrum artist from Northamptonshire who has been independently touring and releasing music for the past five years. His new project will be the follow-up to his debut Nailbreaker album, 'Robert Knight Wine Cellar' released in November last year. This album aims to expand on the sounds and themes of the first, but with more professional recording. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Numa North West Numa is a beatboxer based in Manchester specialising in Techno and Drum & Bass. His performances feature a 100% vocal EDM set. He has performed at major festivals, including Beat-Herder and Boomtown. He is currently working on an innovative one-hour beatboxing performance with an orchestra, crafting a powerful and dynamic storytelling experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram ONYINYÉ West Midlands ONYINYÉ is a singer and rapper who uses her artistry to speak about God, social, political injustice and more. 'Growing Pains' is an album that explores her experience of moving from Ireland to England, and going from a teenage Black girl to young adult, covering the difficulties and beauty of the process that many can relate to but rarely discuss - the fear of getting older. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram PLASTYK West Midlands Karlie is a trans-femme, lesbian, neurodiverse, DJ / nightlife worker. She started DJing when she was very young, and came out as trans during the pandemic. She runs several trans community events and DJ in the London queer scene. The NextGen Fund supported event - PLASTYK - is a lesbian club night that is accessible and affordable, supporting the people at the intersection of queerphobic and transphobic structures in the UK. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Rachel Halaburda East Midlands Rachel is a music photographer and filmmaker. Her work has been featured in various magazines, including NME, Rolling Stone and Clash, and her short films have premiered in her local cinema and art galleries. Rachel's NextGen Fund project ‘Through Her Eyes’ is an interactive portrait photography project, giving a voice to and providing exposure for women in music. Displayed at an exhibition, each photograph will have a QR code below, to listen to the artists music and an audio clip of them discussing their experience within the industry. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Rivkala North East Rivkala is a Manchester-born, North-East based vocalist, songwriter, pianist, bandleader, stylist, choreographer, artistic director and all-round showgirl, using music as a vessel for storytelling and social commentary, with a firm jazz, neo-soul rooting. Rivkala will be recording her second EP, titled 'Masquerades', which expands on the audio-visual world established in EP1, exploring themes of performance in everyday life (gender roles, masking neurodivergence/mental illness, professionalism, etc). Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ronn Greater London Ronn is a musician and composer from Hyderabad, India, with 2 BBC TV Show credits. He's currently pursuing Music at University of Westminster, London. Ronn specialises in rap, songwriting, and music production, and his voice reflects South Indian roots, expressed through Telugu language. He is working on a Telugu hip-hop album featuring artists from across India and the UK, blending regional and international languages and cultures into one musical journey. Each track transports listeners to a new Indian city, reflecting its unique vibe, slang, and musical influence, creating the sonic experience of an all-India tour. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Roukaya B North West Roukaya B is a multifaceted creative, blending timeless soulful vocals with sultry melodies and a dynamic fashion sense. She fuses jazz, R&B and alternative styles. Her NextGen Fund project explores mental health, hypersensitivity, spirituality and the human voice as an instrument. It seeks funding to enhance current demos, collaborate with producers, engineers, videographers, producers and stylists and host a premier event. The goal: create a fully realised, impactful audiovisual experience. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ryhme East Midlands Loughborough's Ryhme is a peer mentor in youth work, inspiring young people to create music, and wants to continue inspiring loads more through his own project. His EP dives into his highs and lows, showing how his mindset and morals have evolved while still battling self-doubt. The lead track normalises feelings of self-hate, confusion, and not feeling enough - with the other songs embracing Ryhme's background. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
iowna South West iowna is a musician, activist and creative technologist based in Bath, Somerset. Now creating as a solo artist, her project will be a meeting place for trip-hop and alternative-rock. Lyrically, the project is a discussion of iowna's identity as a neurodiverse woman. The project looks at ownership; what the world takes from you, taken by others and what you take away from yourself. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jaiye Greater London “My name means “enjoy life,” and that’s what my music is all about feeling things in the moment and being present with that emotion. I grew up around sound… my mum drums, my brother raps, my sister DJs. Music’s always been in me. A year and a half ago I started recording, but jamming and free flowing have always been my roots. Following the music has been such a beautiful journey so far. Whether I’m in the studio or live with a band, my aim is to provoke something that hits and that looks different for each individual..from the words connecting, the textures, a head nod or the rhythm that catches you. Live. Dream. Feel. That’s the message — if you can live something and dare to dream it, then you can feel it into existence. That’s how my music came to life, and that’s what I want people to take away from it.” Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jasmin Jet Scotland Jasmin's project is her debut album/EP, reflecting on her life experiences so far. It explores the highs and lows of navigating life, from personal challenges to moments of growth. The aim is to share her story in a way that feels universal, allowing others to relate to the journey. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Josh Hicks Wales Josh Hicks is an artist from Newport, South Wales. His unique soulful voice blends pop, soul and jazz to create a sound that is nostalgic and fresh. Drawing inspiration from Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse and Adele, his music showcases a rich, genre-defying style. His plan to release two singles and work with a new producer and cowriters to continue developing his new sound. Pronouns: he/himInstagram MaiMaiMaia South East MaiMaiMaia is a queer Transgender woman who specialises in producing experimental electronic music. Her influences are varied, but mainly take inspiration from Detroit Techno, IDM, Ambient, Jungle, Hyperpop, BubblegumBass, Acid and Hardcore Techno with her own twists. T4T Records is a DIY Record label focusing on Trans music-makers and experimental music. With an event to celebrate the label launch, alongside an album release which I am in the final steps of completing. After gaining industry experience, Maia wishes to implement a co-operative business model for the label. Pronouns: she/herInstagram makaya Scotland makaya is a multi-disciplinary artist, composer and writer based in Glasgow. Their work broadly explores the relationship between contemporary Black life and the archives of slavery and colonialism; working within the intersections of Black oral histories and Gaelic traditions they recontextualise folk songs, slave spirituals, and sean-nós in experimental timbres. With NextGen Fund support, they will finish recording a mixtape and develop a corresponding live performance of electronic experiments in drone folk - the songs draw on linkages between Irish and Jamaican folk histories, bringing these cultures together in experimental, electronic sonic landscapes. Pronouns: they/themInstagram May0 West Midlands May0 is an Afrobeat artist with a love for storytelling. She uses singing and rap to express feelings and capture real-life experiences. 'UNiDAZE' is a collection of songs that takes the listener through the highs, lows and in-betweens of May0's university experience. Each song tells a story of lessons learned, defining moments, hard times, relationships, growth and self-discovery through the medium of Afrobeat music. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram MIETTE. South East MIETTE. blends ethereal and industrial dance music, a hypnotic, gothic fusion of techno electronica that exists in the void between dark and light. His project 'FÊTEVERTIGO' is an immersive, ritualistic touring event blending music, performance, and visual art. A celebration of chaos and transcendence, it explores the relationship between body, sound, and spirituality, challenging norms and inviting audiences to lose themselves in the experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Mistry South East Mistry blends soulful melodies with elements of Pop, Chilled Rap and Desi music, drawing from his South Asian heritage. He is aiming to release his third EP 'Growing Pains', songs based on the experience of a South Asian navigating their twenties, towards the end the year. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Muckerhood Northern Ireland Derry-based Muckerhood is a solo music project in which Niall Grace writes, produces, stages, choreographs and performs tracks that together blend an eclectic mix of genres, from folk pop to electronic rock, whilst embracing local roots and local vocal sound, falling somewhere under the art rock sphere. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Nailbreaker East Midlands Nailbreaker is an autistim spectrum artist from Northamptonshire who has been independently touring and releasing music for the past five years. His new project will be the follow-up to his debut Nailbreaker album, 'Robert Knight Wine Cellar' released in November last year. This album aims to expand on the sounds and themes of the first, but with more professional recording. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Numa North West Numa is a beatboxer based in Manchester specialising in Techno and Drum & Bass. His performances feature a 100% vocal EDM set. He has performed at major festivals, including Beat-Herder and Boomtown. He is currently working on an innovative one-hour beatboxing performance with an orchestra, crafting a powerful and dynamic storytelling experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram ONYINYÉ West Midlands ONYINYÉ is a singer and rapper who uses her artistry to speak about God, social, political injustice and more. 'Growing Pains' is an album that explores her experience of moving from Ireland to England, and going from a teenage Black girl to young adult, covering the difficulties and beauty of the process that many can relate to but rarely discuss - the fear of getting older. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram PLASTYK West Midlands Karlie is a trans-femme, lesbian, neurodiverse, DJ / nightlife worker. She started DJing when she was very young, and came out as trans during the pandemic. She runs several trans community events and DJ in the London queer scene. The NextGen Fund supported event - PLASTYK - is a lesbian club night that is accessible and affordable, supporting the people at the intersection of queerphobic and transphobic structures in the UK. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Rachel Halaburda East Midlands Rachel is a music photographer and filmmaker. Her work has been featured in various magazines, including NME, Rolling Stone and Clash, and her short films have premiered in her local cinema and art galleries. Rachel's NextGen Fund project ‘Through Her Eyes’ is an interactive portrait photography project, giving a voice to and providing exposure for women in music. Displayed at an exhibition, each photograph will have a QR code below, to listen to the artists music and an audio clip of them discussing their experience within the industry. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Rivkala North East Rivkala is a Manchester-born, North-East based vocalist, songwriter, pianist, bandleader, stylist, choreographer, artistic director and all-round showgirl, using music as a vessel for storytelling and social commentary, with a firm jazz, neo-soul rooting. Rivkala will be recording her second EP, titled 'Masquerades', which expands on the audio-visual world established in EP1, exploring themes of performance in everyday life (gender roles, masking neurodivergence/mental illness, professionalism, etc). Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ronn Greater London Ronn is a musician and composer from Hyderabad, India, with 2 BBC TV Show credits. He's currently pursuing Music at University of Westminster, London. Ronn specialises in rap, songwriting, and music production, and his voice reflects South Indian roots, expressed through Telugu language. He is working on a Telugu hip-hop album featuring artists from across India and the UK, blending regional and international languages and cultures into one musical journey. Each track transports listeners to a new Indian city, reflecting its unique vibe, slang, and musical influence, creating the sonic experience of an all-India tour. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Roukaya B North West Roukaya B is a multifaceted creative, blending timeless soulful vocals with sultry melodies and a dynamic fashion sense. She fuses jazz, R&B and alternative styles. Her NextGen Fund project explores mental health, hypersensitivity, spirituality and the human voice as an instrument. It seeks funding to enhance current demos, collaborate with producers, engineers, videographers, producers and stylists and host a premier event. The goal: create a fully realised, impactful audiovisual experience. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ryhme East Midlands Loughborough's Ryhme is a peer mentor in youth work, inspiring young people to create music, and wants to continue inspiring loads more through his own project. His EP dives into his highs and lows, showing how his mindset and morals have evolved while still battling self-doubt. The lead track normalises feelings of self-hate, confusion, and not feeling enough - with the other songs embracing Ryhme's background. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
Jaiye Greater London “My name means “enjoy life,” and that’s what my music is all about feeling things in the moment and being present with that emotion. I grew up around sound… my mum drums, my brother raps, my sister DJs. Music’s always been in me. A year and a half ago I started recording, but jamming and free flowing have always been my roots. Following the music has been such a beautiful journey so far. Whether I’m in the studio or live with a band, my aim is to provoke something that hits and that looks different for each individual..from the words connecting, the textures, a head nod or the rhythm that catches you. Live. Dream. Feel. That’s the message — if you can live something and dare to dream it, then you can feel it into existence. That’s how my music came to life, and that’s what I want people to take away from it.” Pronouns: she/herInstagram Jasmin Jet Scotland Jasmin's project is her debut album/EP, reflecting on her life experiences so far. It explores the highs and lows of navigating life, from personal challenges to moments of growth. The aim is to share her story in a way that feels universal, allowing others to relate to the journey. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Josh Hicks Wales Josh Hicks is an artist from Newport, South Wales. His unique soulful voice blends pop, soul and jazz to create a sound that is nostalgic and fresh. Drawing inspiration from Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse and Adele, his music showcases a rich, genre-defying style. His plan to release two singles and work with a new producer and cowriters to continue developing his new sound. Pronouns: he/himInstagram MaiMaiMaia South East MaiMaiMaia is a queer Transgender woman who specialises in producing experimental electronic music. Her influences are varied, but mainly take inspiration from Detroit Techno, IDM, Ambient, Jungle, Hyperpop, BubblegumBass, Acid and Hardcore Techno with her own twists. T4T Records is a DIY Record label focusing on Trans music-makers and experimental music. With an event to celebrate the label launch, alongside an album release which I am in the final steps of completing. After gaining industry experience, Maia wishes to implement a co-operative business model for the label. Pronouns: she/herInstagram makaya Scotland makaya is a multi-disciplinary artist, composer and writer based in Glasgow. Their work broadly explores the relationship between contemporary Black life and the archives of slavery and colonialism; working within the intersections of Black oral histories and Gaelic traditions they recontextualise folk songs, slave spirituals, and sean-nós in experimental timbres. With NextGen Fund support, they will finish recording a mixtape and develop a corresponding live performance of electronic experiments in drone folk - the songs draw on linkages between Irish and Jamaican folk histories, bringing these cultures together in experimental, electronic sonic landscapes. Pronouns: they/themInstagram May0 West Midlands May0 is an Afrobeat artist with a love for storytelling. She uses singing and rap to express feelings and capture real-life experiences. 'UNiDAZE' is a collection of songs that takes the listener through the highs, lows and in-betweens of May0's university experience. Each song tells a story of lessons learned, defining moments, hard times, relationships, growth and self-discovery through the medium of Afrobeat music. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram MIETTE. South East MIETTE. blends ethereal and industrial dance music, a hypnotic, gothic fusion of techno electronica that exists in the void between dark and light. His project 'FÊTEVERTIGO' is an immersive, ritualistic touring event blending music, performance, and visual art. A celebration of chaos and transcendence, it explores the relationship between body, sound, and spirituality, challenging norms and inviting audiences to lose themselves in the experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Mistry South East Mistry blends soulful melodies with elements of Pop, Chilled Rap and Desi music, drawing from his South Asian heritage. He is aiming to release his third EP 'Growing Pains', songs based on the experience of a South Asian navigating their twenties, towards the end the year. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Muckerhood Northern Ireland Derry-based Muckerhood is a solo music project in which Niall Grace writes, produces, stages, choreographs and performs tracks that together blend an eclectic mix of genres, from folk pop to electronic rock, whilst embracing local roots and local vocal sound, falling somewhere under the art rock sphere. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Nailbreaker East Midlands Nailbreaker is an autistim spectrum artist from Northamptonshire who has been independently touring and releasing music for the past five years. His new project will be the follow-up to his debut Nailbreaker album, 'Robert Knight Wine Cellar' released in November last year. This album aims to expand on the sounds and themes of the first, but with more professional recording. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Numa North West Numa is a beatboxer based in Manchester specialising in Techno and Drum & Bass. His performances feature a 100% vocal EDM set. He has performed at major festivals, including Beat-Herder and Boomtown. He is currently working on an innovative one-hour beatboxing performance with an orchestra, crafting a powerful and dynamic storytelling experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram ONYINYÉ West Midlands ONYINYÉ is a singer and rapper who uses her artistry to speak about God, social, political injustice and more. 'Growing Pains' is an album that explores her experience of moving from Ireland to England, and going from a teenage Black girl to young adult, covering the difficulties and beauty of the process that many can relate to but rarely discuss - the fear of getting older. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram PLASTYK West Midlands Karlie is a trans-femme, lesbian, neurodiverse, DJ / nightlife worker. She started DJing when she was very young, and came out as trans during the pandemic. She runs several trans community events and DJ in the London queer scene. The NextGen Fund supported event - PLASTYK - is a lesbian club night that is accessible and affordable, supporting the people at the intersection of queerphobic and transphobic structures in the UK. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Rachel Halaburda East Midlands Rachel is a music photographer and filmmaker. Her work has been featured in various magazines, including NME, Rolling Stone and Clash, and her short films have premiered in her local cinema and art galleries. Rachel's NextGen Fund project ‘Through Her Eyes’ is an interactive portrait photography project, giving a voice to and providing exposure for women in music. Displayed at an exhibition, each photograph will have a QR code below, to listen to the artists music and an audio clip of them discussing their experience within the industry. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Rivkala North East Rivkala is a Manchester-born, North-East based vocalist, songwriter, pianist, bandleader, stylist, choreographer, artistic director and all-round showgirl, using music as a vessel for storytelling and social commentary, with a firm jazz, neo-soul rooting. Rivkala will be recording her second EP, titled 'Masquerades', which expands on the audio-visual world established in EP1, exploring themes of performance in everyday life (gender roles, masking neurodivergence/mental illness, professionalism, etc). Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ronn Greater London Ronn is a musician and composer from Hyderabad, India, with 2 BBC TV Show credits. He's currently pursuing Music at University of Westminster, London. Ronn specialises in rap, songwriting, and music production, and his voice reflects South Indian roots, expressed through Telugu language. He is working on a Telugu hip-hop album featuring artists from across India and the UK, blending regional and international languages and cultures into one musical journey. Each track transports listeners to a new Indian city, reflecting its unique vibe, slang, and musical influence, creating the sonic experience of an all-India tour. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Roukaya B North West Roukaya B is a multifaceted creative, blending timeless soulful vocals with sultry melodies and a dynamic fashion sense. She fuses jazz, R&B and alternative styles. Her NextGen Fund project explores mental health, hypersensitivity, spirituality and the human voice as an instrument. It seeks funding to enhance current demos, collaborate with producers, engineers, videographers, producers and stylists and host a premier event. The goal: create a fully realised, impactful audiovisual experience. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ryhme East Midlands Loughborough's Ryhme is a peer mentor in youth work, inspiring young people to create music, and wants to continue inspiring loads more through his own project. His EP dives into his highs and lows, showing how his mindset and morals have evolved while still battling self-doubt. The lead track normalises feelings of self-hate, confusion, and not feeling enough - with the other songs embracing Ryhme's background. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
Jasmin Jet Scotland Jasmin's project is her debut album/EP, reflecting on her life experiences so far. It explores the highs and lows of navigating life, from personal challenges to moments of growth. The aim is to share her story in a way that feels universal, allowing others to relate to the journey. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Josh Hicks Wales Josh Hicks is an artist from Newport, South Wales. His unique soulful voice blends pop, soul and jazz to create a sound that is nostalgic and fresh. Drawing inspiration from Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse and Adele, his music showcases a rich, genre-defying style. His plan to release two singles and work with a new producer and cowriters to continue developing his new sound. Pronouns: he/himInstagram MaiMaiMaia South East MaiMaiMaia is a queer Transgender woman who specialises in producing experimental electronic music. Her influences are varied, but mainly take inspiration from Detroit Techno, IDM, Ambient, Jungle, Hyperpop, BubblegumBass, Acid and Hardcore Techno with her own twists. T4T Records is a DIY Record label focusing on Trans music-makers and experimental music. With an event to celebrate the label launch, alongside an album release which I am in the final steps of completing. After gaining industry experience, Maia wishes to implement a co-operative business model for the label. Pronouns: she/herInstagram makaya Scotland makaya is a multi-disciplinary artist, composer and writer based in Glasgow. Their work broadly explores the relationship between contemporary Black life and the archives of slavery and colonialism; working within the intersections of Black oral histories and Gaelic traditions they recontextualise folk songs, slave spirituals, and sean-nós in experimental timbres. With NextGen Fund support, they will finish recording a mixtape and develop a corresponding live performance of electronic experiments in drone folk - the songs draw on linkages between Irish and Jamaican folk histories, bringing these cultures together in experimental, electronic sonic landscapes. Pronouns: they/themInstagram May0 West Midlands May0 is an Afrobeat artist with a love for storytelling. She uses singing and rap to express feelings and capture real-life experiences. 'UNiDAZE' is a collection of songs that takes the listener through the highs, lows and in-betweens of May0's university experience. Each song tells a story of lessons learned, defining moments, hard times, relationships, growth and self-discovery through the medium of Afrobeat music. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram MIETTE. South East MIETTE. blends ethereal and industrial dance music, a hypnotic, gothic fusion of techno electronica that exists in the void between dark and light. His project 'FÊTEVERTIGO' is an immersive, ritualistic touring event blending music, performance, and visual art. A celebration of chaos and transcendence, it explores the relationship between body, sound, and spirituality, challenging norms and inviting audiences to lose themselves in the experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Mistry South East Mistry blends soulful melodies with elements of Pop, Chilled Rap and Desi music, drawing from his South Asian heritage. He is aiming to release his third EP 'Growing Pains', songs based on the experience of a South Asian navigating their twenties, towards the end the year. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Muckerhood Northern Ireland Derry-based Muckerhood is a solo music project in which Niall Grace writes, produces, stages, choreographs and performs tracks that together blend an eclectic mix of genres, from folk pop to electronic rock, whilst embracing local roots and local vocal sound, falling somewhere under the art rock sphere. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Nailbreaker East Midlands Nailbreaker is an autistim spectrum artist from Northamptonshire who has been independently touring and releasing music for the past five years. His new project will be the follow-up to his debut Nailbreaker album, 'Robert Knight Wine Cellar' released in November last year. This album aims to expand on the sounds and themes of the first, but with more professional recording. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Numa North West Numa is a beatboxer based in Manchester specialising in Techno and Drum & Bass. His performances feature a 100% vocal EDM set. He has performed at major festivals, including Beat-Herder and Boomtown. He is currently working on an innovative one-hour beatboxing performance with an orchestra, crafting a powerful and dynamic storytelling experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram ONYINYÉ West Midlands ONYINYÉ is a singer and rapper who uses her artistry to speak about God, social, political injustice and more. 'Growing Pains' is an album that explores her experience of moving from Ireland to England, and going from a teenage Black girl to young adult, covering the difficulties and beauty of the process that many can relate to but rarely discuss - the fear of getting older. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram PLASTYK West Midlands Karlie is a trans-femme, lesbian, neurodiverse, DJ / nightlife worker. She started DJing when she was very young, and came out as trans during the pandemic. She runs several trans community events and DJ in the London queer scene. The NextGen Fund supported event - PLASTYK - is a lesbian club night that is accessible and affordable, supporting the people at the intersection of queerphobic and transphobic structures in the UK. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Rachel Halaburda East Midlands Rachel is a music photographer and filmmaker. Her work has been featured in various magazines, including NME, Rolling Stone and Clash, and her short films have premiered in her local cinema and art galleries. Rachel's NextGen Fund project ‘Through Her Eyes’ is an interactive portrait photography project, giving a voice to and providing exposure for women in music. Displayed at an exhibition, each photograph will have a QR code below, to listen to the artists music and an audio clip of them discussing their experience within the industry. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Rivkala North East Rivkala is a Manchester-born, North-East based vocalist, songwriter, pianist, bandleader, stylist, choreographer, artistic director and all-round showgirl, using music as a vessel for storytelling and social commentary, with a firm jazz, neo-soul rooting. Rivkala will be recording her second EP, titled 'Masquerades', which expands on the audio-visual world established in EP1, exploring themes of performance in everyday life (gender roles, masking neurodivergence/mental illness, professionalism, etc). Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ronn Greater London Ronn is a musician and composer from Hyderabad, India, with 2 BBC TV Show credits. He's currently pursuing Music at University of Westminster, London. Ronn specialises in rap, songwriting, and music production, and his voice reflects South Indian roots, expressed through Telugu language. He is working on a Telugu hip-hop album featuring artists from across India and the UK, blending regional and international languages and cultures into one musical journey. Each track transports listeners to a new Indian city, reflecting its unique vibe, slang, and musical influence, creating the sonic experience of an all-India tour. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Roukaya B North West Roukaya B is a multifaceted creative, blending timeless soulful vocals with sultry melodies and a dynamic fashion sense. She fuses jazz, R&B and alternative styles. Her NextGen Fund project explores mental health, hypersensitivity, spirituality and the human voice as an instrument. It seeks funding to enhance current demos, collaborate with producers, engineers, videographers, producers and stylists and host a premier event. The goal: create a fully realised, impactful audiovisual experience. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ryhme East Midlands Loughborough's Ryhme is a peer mentor in youth work, inspiring young people to create music, and wants to continue inspiring loads more through his own project. His EP dives into his highs and lows, showing how his mindset and morals have evolved while still battling self-doubt. The lead track normalises feelings of self-hate, confusion, and not feeling enough - with the other songs embracing Ryhme's background. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
Josh Hicks Wales Josh Hicks is an artist from Newport, South Wales. His unique soulful voice blends pop, soul and jazz to create a sound that is nostalgic and fresh. Drawing inspiration from Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse and Adele, his music showcases a rich, genre-defying style. His plan to release two singles and work with a new producer and cowriters to continue developing his new sound. Pronouns: he/himInstagram MaiMaiMaia South East MaiMaiMaia is a queer Transgender woman who specialises in producing experimental electronic music. Her influences are varied, but mainly take inspiration from Detroit Techno, IDM, Ambient, Jungle, Hyperpop, BubblegumBass, Acid and Hardcore Techno with her own twists. T4T Records is a DIY Record label focusing on Trans music-makers and experimental music. With an event to celebrate the label launch, alongside an album release which I am in the final steps of completing. After gaining industry experience, Maia wishes to implement a co-operative business model for the label. Pronouns: she/herInstagram makaya Scotland makaya is a multi-disciplinary artist, composer and writer based in Glasgow. Their work broadly explores the relationship between contemporary Black life and the archives of slavery and colonialism; working within the intersections of Black oral histories and Gaelic traditions they recontextualise folk songs, slave spirituals, and sean-nós in experimental timbres. With NextGen Fund support, they will finish recording a mixtape and develop a corresponding live performance of electronic experiments in drone folk - the songs draw on linkages between Irish and Jamaican folk histories, bringing these cultures together in experimental, electronic sonic landscapes. Pronouns: they/themInstagram May0 West Midlands May0 is an Afrobeat artist with a love for storytelling. She uses singing and rap to express feelings and capture real-life experiences. 'UNiDAZE' is a collection of songs that takes the listener through the highs, lows and in-betweens of May0's university experience. Each song tells a story of lessons learned, defining moments, hard times, relationships, growth and self-discovery through the medium of Afrobeat music. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram MIETTE. South East MIETTE. blends ethereal and industrial dance music, a hypnotic, gothic fusion of techno electronica that exists in the void between dark and light. His project 'FÊTEVERTIGO' is an immersive, ritualistic touring event blending music, performance, and visual art. A celebration of chaos and transcendence, it explores the relationship between body, sound, and spirituality, challenging norms and inviting audiences to lose themselves in the experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Mistry South East Mistry blends soulful melodies with elements of Pop, Chilled Rap and Desi music, drawing from his South Asian heritage. He is aiming to release his third EP 'Growing Pains', songs based on the experience of a South Asian navigating their twenties, towards the end the year. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Muckerhood Northern Ireland Derry-based Muckerhood is a solo music project in which Niall Grace writes, produces, stages, choreographs and performs tracks that together blend an eclectic mix of genres, from folk pop to electronic rock, whilst embracing local roots and local vocal sound, falling somewhere under the art rock sphere. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Nailbreaker East Midlands Nailbreaker is an autistim spectrum artist from Northamptonshire who has been independently touring and releasing music for the past five years. His new project will be the follow-up to his debut Nailbreaker album, 'Robert Knight Wine Cellar' released in November last year. This album aims to expand on the sounds and themes of the first, but with more professional recording. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Numa North West Numa is a beatboxer based in Manchester specialising in Techno and Drum & Bass. His performances feature a 100% vocal EDM set. He has performed at major festivals, including Beat-Herder and Boomtown. He is currently working on an innovative one-hour beatboxing performance with an orchestra, crafting a powerful and dynamic storytelling experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram ONYINYÉ West Midlands ONYINYÉ is a singer and rapper who uses her artistry to speak about God, social, political injustice and more. 'Growing Pains' is an album that explores her experience of moving from Ireland to England, and going from a teenage Black girl to young adult, covering the difficulties and beauty of the process that many can relate to but rarely discuss - the fear of getting older. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram PLASTYK West Midlands Karlie is a trans-femme, lesbian, neurodiverse, DJ / nightlife worker. She started DJing when she was very young, and came out as trans during the pandemic. She runs several trans community events and DJ in the London queer scene. The NextGen Fund supported event - PLASTYK - is a lesbian club night that is accessible and affordable, supporting the people at the intersection of queerphobic and transphobic structures in the UK. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Rachel Halaburda East Midlands Rachel is a music photographer and filmmaker. Her work has been featured in various magazines, including NME, Rolling Stone and Clash, and her short films have premiered in her local cinema and art galleries. Rachel's NextGen Fund project ‘Through Her Eyes’ is an interactive portrait photography project, giving a voice to and providing exposure for women in music. Displayed at an exhibition, each photograph will have a QR code below, to listen to the artists music and an audio clip of them discussing their experience within the industry. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Rivkala North East Rivkala is a Manchester-born, North-East based vocalist, songwriter, pianist, bandleader, stylist, choreographer, artistic director and all-round showgirl, using music as a vessel for storytelling and social commentary, with a firm jazz, neo-soul rooting. Rivkala will be recording her second EP, titled 'Masquerades', which expands on the audio-visual world established in EP1, exploring themes of performance in everyday life (gender roles, masking neurodivergence/mental illness, professionalism, etc). Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ronn Greater London Ronn is a musician and composer from Hyderabad, India, with 2 BBC TV Show credits. He's currently pursuing Music at University of Westminster, London. Ronn specialises in rap, songwriting, and music production, and his voice reflects South Indian roots, expressed through Telugu language. He is working on a Telugu hip-hop album featuring artists from across India and the UK, blending regional and international languages and cultures into one musical journey. Each track transports listeners to a new Indian city, reflecting its unique vibe, slang, and musical influence, creating the sonic experience of an all-India tour. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Roukaya B North West Roukaya B is a multifaceted creative, blending timeless soulful vocals with sultry melodies and a dynamic fashion sense. She fuses jazz, R&B and alternative styles. Her NextGen Fund project explores mental health, hypersensitivity, spirituality and the human voice as an instrument. It seeks funding to enhance current demos, collaborate with producers, engineers, videographers, producers and stylists and host a premier event. The goal: create a fully realised, impactful audiovisual experience. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ryhme East Midlands Loughborough's Ryhme is a peer mentor in youth work, inspiring young people to create music, and wants to continue inspiring loads more through his own project. His EP dives into his highs and lows, showing how his mindset and morals have evolved while still battling self-doubt. The lead track normalises feelings of self-hate, confusion, and not feeling enough - with the other songs embracing Ryhme's background. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
MaiMaiMaia South East MaiMaiMaia is a queer Transgender woman who specialises in producing experimental electronic music. Her influences are varied, but mainly take inspiration from Detroit Techno, IDM, Ambient, Jungle, Hyperpop, BubblegumBass, Acid and Hardcore Techno with her own twists. T4T Records is a DIY Record label focusing on Trans music-makers and experimental music. With an event to celebrate the label launch, alongside an album release which I am in the final steps of completing. After gaining industry experience, Maia wishes to implement a co-operative business model for the label. Pronouns: she/herInstagram makaya Scotland makaya is a multi-disciplinary artist, composer and writer based in Glasgow. Their work broadly explores the relationship between contemporary Black life and the archives of slavery and colonialism; working within the intersections of Black oral histories and Gaelic traditions they recontextualise folk songs, slave spirituals, and sean-nós in experimental timbres. With NextGen Fund support, they will finish recording a mixtape and develop a corresponding live performance of electronic experiments in drone folk - the songs draw on linkages between Irish and Jamaican folk histories, bringing these cultures together in experimental, electronic sonic landscapes. Pronouns: they/themInstagram May0 West Midlands May0 is an Afrobeat artist with a love for storytelling. She uses singing and rap to express feelings and capture real-life experiences. 'UNiDAZE' is a collection of songs that takes the listener through the highs, lows and in-betweens of May0's university experience. Each song tells a story of lessons learned, defining moments, hard times, relationships, growth and self-discovery through the medium of Afrobeat music. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram MIETTE. South East MIETTE. blends ethereal and industrial dance music, a hypnotic, gothic fusion of techno electronica that exists in the void between dark and light. His project 'FÊTEVERTIGO' is an immersive, ritualistic touring event blending music, performance, and visual art. A celebration of chaos and transcendence, it explores the relationship between body, sound, and spirituality, challenging norms and inviting audiences to lose themselves in the experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Mistry South East Mistry blends soulful melodies with elements of Pop, Chilled Rap and Desi music, drawing from his South Asian heritage. He is aiming to release his third EP 'Growing Pains', songs based on the experience of a South Asian navigating their twenties, towards the end the year. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Muckerhood Northern Ireland Derry-based Muckerhood is a solo music project in which Niall Grace writes, produces, stages, choreographs and performs tracks that together blend an eclectic mix of genres, from folk pop to electronic rock, whilst embracing local roots and local vocal sound, falling somewhere under the art rock sphere. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Nailbreaker East Midlands Nailbreaker is an autistim spectrum artist from Northamptonshire who has been independently touring and releasing music for the past five years. His new project will be the follow-up to his debut Nailbreaker album, 'Robert Knight Wine Cellar' released in November last year. This album aims to expand on the sounds and themes of the first, but with more professional recording. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Numa North West Numa is a beatboxer based in Manchester specialising in Techno and Drum & Bass. His performances feature a 100% vocal EDM set. He has performed at major festivals, including Beat-Herder and Boomtown. He is currently working on an innovative one-hour beatboxing performance with an orchestra, crafting a powerful and dynamic storytelling experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram ONYINYÉ West Midlands ONYINYÉ is a singer and rapper who uses her artistry to speak about God, social, political injustice and more. 'Growing Pains' is an album that explores her experience of moving from Ireland to England, and going from a teenage Black girl to young adult, covering the difficulties and beauty of the process that many can relate to but rarely discuss - the fear of getting older. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram PLASTYK West Midlands Karlie is a trans-femme, lesbian, neurodiverse, DJ / nightlife worker. She started DJing when she was very young, and came out as trans during the pandemic. She runs several trans community events and DJ in the London queer scene. The NextGen Fund supported event - PLASTYK - is a lesbian club night that is accessible and affordable, supporting the people at the intersection of queerphobic and transphobic structures in the UK. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Rachel Halaburda East Midlands Rachel is a music photographer and filmmaker. Her work has been featured in various magazines, including NME, Rolling Stone and Clash, and her short films have premiered in her local cinema and art galleries. Rachel's NextGen Fund project ‘Through Her Eyes’ is an interactive portrait photography project, giving a voice to and providing exposure for women in music. Displayed at an exhibition, each photograph will have a QR code below, to listen to the artists music and an audio clip of them discussing their experience within the industry. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Rivkala North East Rivkala is a Manchester-born, North-East based vocalist, songwriter, pianist, bandleader, stylist, choreographer, artistic director and all-round showgirl, using music as a vessel for storytelling and social commentary, with a firm jazz, neo-soul rooting. Rivkala will be recording her second EP, titled 'Masquerades', which expands on the audio-visual world established in EP1, exploring themes of performance in everyday life (gender roles, masking neurodivergence/mental illness, professionalism, etc). Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ronn Greater London Ronn is a musician and composer from Hyderabad, India, with 2 BBC TV Show credits. He's currently pursuing Music at University of Westminster, London. Ronn specialises in rap, songwriting, and music production, and his voice reflects South Indian roots, expressed through Telugu language. He is working on a Telugu hip-hop album featuring artists from across India and the UK, blending regional and international languages and cultures into one musical journey. Each track transports listeners to a new Indian city, reflecting its unique vibe, slang, and musical influence, creating the sonic experience of an all-India tour. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Roukaya B North West Roukaya B is a multifaceted creative, blending timeless soulful vocals with sultry melodies and a dynamic fashion sense. She fuses jazz, R&B and alternative styles. Her NextGen Fund project explores mental health, hypersensitivity, spirituality and the human voice as an instrument. It seeks funding to enhance current demos, collaborate with producers, engineers, videographers, producers and stylists and host a premier event. The goal: create a fully realised, impactful audiovisual experience. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ryhme East Midlands Loughborough's Ryhme is a peer mentor in youth work, inspiring young people to create music, and wants to continue inspiring loads more through his own project. His EP dives into his highs and lows, showing how his mindset and morals have evolved while still battling self-doubt. The lead track normalises feelings of self-hate, confusion, and not feeling enough - with the other songs embracing Ryhme's background. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
makaya Scotland makaya is a multi-disciplinary artist, composer and writer based in Glasgow. Their work broadly explores the relationship between contemporary Black life and the archives of slavery and colonialism; working within the intersections of Black oral histories and Gaelic traditions they recontextualise folk songs, slave spirituals, and sean-nós in experimental timbres. With NextGen Fund support, they will finish recording a mixtape and develop a corresponding live performance of electronic experiments in drone folk - the songs draw on linkages between Irish and Jamaican folk histories, bringing these cultures together in experimental, electronic sonic landscapes. Pronouns: they/themInstagram May0 West Midlands May0 is an Afrobeat artist with a love for storytelling. She uses singing and rap to express feelings and capture real-life experiences. 'UNiDAZE' is a collection of songs that takes the listener through the highs, lows and in-betweens of May0's university experience. Each song tells a story of lessons learned, defining moments, hard times, relationships, growth and self-discovery through the medium of Afrobeat music. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram MIETTE. South East MIETTE. blends ethereal and industrial dance music, a hypnotic, gothic fusion of techno electronica that exists in the void between dark and light. His project 'FÊTEVERTIGO' is an immersive, ritualistic touring event blending music, performance, and visual art. A celebration of chaos and transcendence, it explores the relationship between body, sound, and spirituality, challenging norms and inviting audiences to lose themselves in the experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Mistry South East Mistry blends soulful melodies with elements of Pop, Chilled Rap and Desi music, drawing from his South Asian heritage. He is aiming to release his third EP 'Growing Pains', songs based on the experience of a South Asian navigating their twenties, towards the end the year. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Muckerhood Northern Ireland Derry-based Muckerhood is a solo music project in which Niall Grace writes, produces, stages, choreographs and performs tracks that together blend an eclectic mix of genres, from folk pop to electronic rock, whilst embracing local roots and local vocal sound, falling somewhere under the art rock sphere. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Nailbreaker East Midlands Nailbreaker is an autistim spectrum artist from Northamptonshire who has been independently touring and releasing music for the past five years. His new project will be the follow-up to his debut Nailbreaker album, 'Robert Knight Wine Cellar' released in November last year. This album aims to expand on the sounds and themes of the first, but with more professional recording. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Numa North West Numa is a beatboxer based in Manchester specialising in Techno and Drum & Bass. His performances feature a 100% vocal EDM set. He has performed at major festivals, including Beat-Herder and Boomtown. He is currently working on an innovative one-hour beatboxing performance with an orchestra, crafting a powerful and dynamic storytelling experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram ONYINYÉ West Midlands ONYINYÉ is a singer and rapper who uses her artistry to speak about God, social, political injustice and more. 'Growing Pains' is an album that explores her experience of moving from Ireland to England, and going from a teenage Black girl to young adult, covering the difficulties and beauty of the process that many can relate to but rarely discuss - the fear of getting older. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram PLASTYK West Midlands Karlie is a trans-femme, lesbian, neurodiverse, DJ / nightlife worker. She started DJing when she was very young, and came out as trans during the pandemic. She runs several trans community events and DJ in the London queer scene. The NextGen Fund supported event - PLASTYK - is a lesbian club night that is accessible and affordable, supporting the people at the intersection of queerphobic and transphobic structures in the UK. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Rachel Halaburda East Midlands Rachel is a music photographer and filmmaker. Her work has been featured in various magazines, including NME, Rolling Stone and Clash, and her short films have premiered in her local cinema and art galleries. Rachel's NextGen Fund project ‘Through Her Eyes’ is an interactive portrait photography project, giving a voice to and providing exposure for women in music. Displayed at an exhibition, each photograph will have a QR code below, to listen to the artists music and an audio clip of them discussing their experience within the industry. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Rivkala North East Rivkala is a Manchester-born, North-East based vocalist, songwriter, pianist, bandleader, stylist, choreographer, artistic director and all-round showgirl, using music as a vessel for storytelling and social commentary, with a firm jazz, neo-soul rooting. Rivkala will be recording her second EP, titled 'Masquerades', which expands on the audio-visual world established in EP1, exploring themes of performance in everyday life (gender roles, masking neurodivergence/mental illness, professionalism, etc). Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ronn Greater London Ronn is a musician and composer from Hyderabad, India, with 2 BBC TV Show credits. He's currently pursuing Music at University of Westminster, London. Ronn specialises in rap, songwriting, and music production, and his voice reflects South Indian roots, expressed through Telugu language. He is working on a Telugu hip-hop album featuring artists from across India and the UK, blending regional and international languages and cultures into one musical journey. Each track transports listeners to a new Indian city, reflecting its unique vibe, slang, and musical influence, creating the sonic experience of an all-India tour. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Roukaya B North West Roukaya B is a multifaceted creative, blending timeless soulful vocals with sultry melodies and a dynamic fashion sense. She fuses jazz, R&B and alternative styles. Her NextGen Fund project explores mental health, hypersensitivity, spirituality and the human voice as an instrument. It seeks funding to enhance current demos, collaborate with producers, engineers, videographers, producers and stylists and host a premier event. The goal: create a fully realised, impactful audiovisual experience. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ryhme East Midlands Loughborough's Ryhme is a peer mentor in youth work, inspiring young people to create music, and wants to continue inspiring loads more through his own project. His EP dives into his highs and lows, showing how his mindset and morals have evolved while still battling self-doubt. The lead track normalises feelings of self-hate, confusion, and not feeling enough - with the other songs embracing Ryhme's background. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
May0 West Midlands May0 is an Afrobeat artist with a love for storytelling. She uses singing and rap to express feelings and capture real-life experiences. 'UNiDAZE' is a collection of songs that takes the listener through the highs, lows and in-betweens of May0's university experience. Each song tells a story of lessons learned, defining moments, hard times, relationships, growth and self-discovery through the medium of Afrobeat music. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram MIETTE. South East MIETTE. blends ethereal and industrial dance music, a hypnotic, gothic fusion of techno electronica that exists in the void between dark and light. His project 'FÊTEVERTIGO' is an immersive, ritualistic touring event blending music, performance, and visual art. A celebration of chaos and transcendence, it explores the relationship between body, sound, and spirituality, challenging norms and inviting audiences to lose themselves in the experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Mistry South East Mistry blends soulful melodies with elements of Pop, Chilled Rap and Desi music, drawing from his South Asian heritage. He is aiming to release his third EP 'Growing Pains', songs based on the experience of a South Asian navigating their twenties, towards the end the year. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Muckerhood Northern Ireland Derry-based Muckerhood is a solo music project in which Niall Grace writes, produces, stages, choreographs and performs tracks that together blend an eclectic mix of genres, from folk pop to electronic rock, whilst embracing local roots and local vocal sound, falling somewhere under the art rock sphere. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Nailbreaker East Midlands Nailbreaker is an autistim spectrum artist from Northamptonshire who has been independently touring and releasing music for the past five years. His new project will be the follow-up to his debut Nailbreaker album, 'Robert Knight Wine Cellar' released in November last year. This album aims to expand on the sounds and themes of the first, but with more professional recording. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Numa North West Numa is a beatboxer based in Manchester specialising in Techno and Drum & Bass. His performances feature a 100% vocal EDM set. He has performed at major festivals, including Beat-Herder and Boomtown. He is currently working on an innovative one-hour beatboxing performance with an orchestra, crafting a powerful and dynamic storytelling experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram ONYINYÉ West Midlands ONYINYÉ is a singer and rapper who uses her artistry to speak about God, social, political injustice and more. 'Growing Pains' is an album that explores her experience of moving from Ireland to England, and going from a teenage Black girl to young adult, covering the difficulties and beauty of the process that many can relate to but rarely discuss - the fear of getting older. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram PLASTYK West Midlands Karlie is a trans-femme, lesbian, neurodiverse, DJ / nightlife worker. She started DJing when she was very young, and came out as trans during the pandemic. She runs several trans community events and DJ in the London queer scene. The NextGen Fund supported event - PLASTYK - is a lesbian club night that is accessible and affordable, supporting the people at the intersection of queerphobic and transphobic structures in the UK. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Rachel Halaburda East Midlands Rachel is a music photographer and filmmaker. Her work has been featured in various magazines, including NME, Rolling Stone and Clash, and her short films have premiered in her local cinema and art galleries. Rachel's NextGen Fund project ‘Through Her Eyes’ is an interactive portrait photography project, giving a voice to and providing exposure for women in music. Displayed at an exhibition, each photograph will have a QR code below, to listen to the artists music and an audio clip of them discussing their experience within the industry. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Rivkala North East Rivkala is a Manchester-born, North-East based vocalist, songwriter, pianist, bandleader, stylist, choreographer, artistic director and all-round showgirl, using music as a vessel for storytelling and social commentary, with a firm jazz, neo-soul rooting. Rivkala will be recording her second EP, titled 'Masquerades', which expands on the audio-visual world established in EP1, exploring themes of performance in everyday life (gender roles, masking neurodivergence/mental illness, professionalism, etc). Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ronn Greater London Ronn is a musician and composer from Hyderabad, India, with 2 BBC TV Show credits. He's currently pursuing Music at University of Westminster, London. Ronn specialises in rap, songwriting, and music production, and his voice reflects South Indian roots, expressed through Telugu language. He is working on a Telugu hip-hop album featuring artists from across India and the UK, blending regional and international languages and cultures into one musical journey. Each track transports listeners to a new Indian city, reflecting its unique vibe, slang, and musical influence, creating the sonic experience of an all-India tour. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Roukaya B North West Roukaya B is a multifaceted creative, blending timeless soulful vocals with sultry melodies and a dynamic fashion sense. She fuses jazz, R&B and alternative styles. Her NextGen Fund project explores mental health, hypersensitivity, spirituality and the human voice as an instrument. It seeks funding to enhance current demos, collaborate with producers, engineers, videographers, producers and stylists and host a premier event. The goal: create a fully realised, impactful audiovisual experience. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ryhme East Midlands Loughborough's Ryhme is a peer mentor in youth work, inspiring young people to create music, and wants to continue inspiring loads more through his own project. His EP dives into his highs and lows, showing how his mindset and morals have evolved while still battling self-doubt. The lead track normalises feelings of self-hate, confusion, and not feeling enough - with the other songs embracing Ryhme's background. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
MIETTE. South East MIETTE. blends ethereal and industrial dance music, a hypnotic, gothic fusion of techno electronica that exists in the void between dark and light. His project 'FÊTEVERTIGO' is an immersive, ritualistic touring event blending music, performance, and visual art. A celebration of chaos and transcendence, it explores the relationship between body, sound, and spirituality, challenging norms and inviting audiences to lose themselves in the experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Mistry South East Mistry blends soulful melodies with elements of Pop, Chilled Rap and Desi music, drawing from his South Asian heritage. He is aiming to release his third EP 'Growing Pains', songs based on the experience of a South Asian navigating their twenties, towards the end the year. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Muckerhood Northern Ireland Derry-based Muckerhood is a solo music project in which Niall Grace writes, produces, stages, choreographs and performs tracks that together blend an eclectic mix of genres, from folk pop to electronic rock, whilst embracing local roots and local vocal sound, falling somewhere under the art rock sphere. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Nailbreaker East Midlands Nailbreaker is an autistim spectrum artist from Northamptonshire who has been independently touring and releasing music for the past five years. His new project will be the follow-up to his debut Nailbreaker album, 'Robert Knight Wine Cellar' released in November last year. This album aims to expand on the sounds and themes of the first, but with more professional recording. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Numa North West Numa is a beatboxer based in Manchester specialising in Techno and Drum & Bass. His performances feature a 100% vocal EDM set. He has performed at major festivals, including Beat-Herder and Boomtown. He is currently working on an innovative one-hour beatboxing performance with an orchestra, crafting a powerful and dynamic storytelling experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram ONYINYÉ West Midlands ONYINYÉ is a singer and rapper who uses her artistry to speak about God, social, political injustice and more. 'Growing Pains' is an album that explores her experience of moving from Ireland to England, and going from a teenage Black girl to young adult, covering the difficulties and beauty of the process that many can relate to but rarely discuss - the fear of getting older. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram PLASTYK West Midlands Karlie is a trans-femme, lesbian, neurodiverse, DJ / nightlife worker. She started DJing when she was very young, and came out as trans during the pandemic. She runs several trans community events and DJ in the London queer scene. The NextGen Fund supported event - PLASTYK - is a lesbian club night that is accessible and affordable, supporting the people at the intersection of queerphobic and transphobic structures in the UK. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Rachel Halaburda East Midlands Rachel is a music photographer and filmmaker. Her work has been featured in various magazines, including NME, Rolling Stone and Clash, and her short films have premiered in her local cinema and art galleries. Rachel's NextGen Fund project ‘Through Her Eyes’ is an interactive portrait photography project, giving a voice to and providing exposure for women in music. Displayed at an exhibition, each photograph will have a QR code below, to listen to the artists music and an audio clip of them discussing their experience within the industry. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Rivkala North East Rivkala is a Manchester-born, North-East based vocalist, songwriter, pianist, bandleader, stylist, choreographer, artistic director and all-round showgirl, using music as a vessel for storytelling and social commentary, with a firm jazz, neo-soul rooting. Rivkala will be recording her second EP, titled 'Masquerades', which expands on the audio-visual world established in EP1, exploring themes of performance in everyday life (gender roles, masking neurodivergence/mental illness, professionalism, etc). Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ronn Greater London Ronn is a musician and composer from Hyderabad, India, with 2 BBC TV Show credits. He's currently pursuing Music at University of Westminster, London. Ronn specialises in rap, songwriting, and music production, and his voice reflects South Indian roots, expressed through Telugu language. He is working on a Telugu hip-hop album featuring artists from across India and the UK, blending regional and international languages and cultures into one musical journey. Each track transports listeners to a new Indian city, reflecting its unique vibe, slang, and musical influence, creating the sonic experience of an all-India tour. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Roukaya B North West Roukaya B is a multifaceted creative, blending timeless soulful vocals with sultry melodies and a dynamic fashion sense. She fuses jazz, R&B and alternative styles. Her NextGen Fund project explores mental health, hypersensitivity, spirituality and the human voice as an instrument. It seeks funding to enhance current demos, collaborate with producers, engineers, videographers, producers and stylists and host a premier event. The goal: create a fully realised, impactful audiovisual experience. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ryhme East Midlands Loughborough's Ryhme is a peer mentor in youth work, inspiring young people to create music, and wants to continue inspiring loads more through his own project. His EP dives into his highs and lows, showing how his mindset and morals have evolved while still battling self-doubt. The lead track normalises feelings of self-hate, confusion, and not feeling enough - with the other songs embracing Ryhme's background. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
Mistry South East Mistry blends soulful melodies with elements of Pop, Chilled Rap and Desi music, drawing from his South Asian heritage. He is aiming to release his third EP 'Growing Pains', songs based on the experience of a South Asian navigating their twenties, towards the end the year. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Muckerhood Northern Ireland Derry-based Muckerhood is a solo music project in which Niall Grace writes, produces, stages, choreographs and performs tracks that together blend an eclectic mix of genres, from folk pop to electronic rock, whilst embracing local roots and local vocal sound, falling somewhere under the art rock sphere. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Nailbreaker East Midlands Nailbreaker is an autistim spectrum artist from Northamptonshire who has been independently touring and releasing music for the past five years. His new project will be the follow-up to his debut Nailbreaker album, 'Robert Knight Wine Cellar' released in November last year. This album aims to expand on the sounds and themes of the first, but with more professional recording. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Numa North West Numa is a beatboxer based in Manchester specialising in Techno and Drum & Bass. His performances feature a 100% vocal EDM set. He has performed at major festivals, including Beat-Herder and Boomtown. He is currently working on an innovative one-hour beatboxing performance with an orchestra, crafting a powerful and dynamic storytelling experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram ONYINYÉ West Midlands ONYINYÉ is a singer and rapper who uses her artistry to speak about God, social, political injustice and more. 'Growing Pains' is an album that explores her experience of moving from Ireland to England, and going from a teenage Black girl to young adult, covering the difficulties and beauty of the process that many can relate to but rarely discuss - the fear of getting older. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram PLASTYK West Midlands Karlie is a trans-femme, lesbian, neurodiverse, DJ / nightlife worker. She started DJing when she was very young, and came out as trans during the pandemic. She runs several trans community events and DJ in the London queer scene. The NextGen Fund supported event - PLASTYK - is a lesbian club night that is accessible and affordable, supporting the people at the intersection of queerphobic and transphobic structures in the UK. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Rachel Halaburda East Midlands Rachel is a music photographer and filmmaker. Her work has been featured in various magazines, including NME, Rolling Stone and Clash, and her short films have premiered in her local cinema and art galleries. Rachel's NextGen Fund project ‘Through Her Eyes’ is an interactive portrait photography project, giving a voice to and providing exposure for women in music. Displayed at an exhibition, each photograph will have a QR code below, to listen to the artists music and an audio clip of them discussing their experience within the industry. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Rivkala North East Rivkala is a Manchester-born, North-East based vocalist, songwriter, pianist, bandleader, stylist, choreographer, artistic director and all-round showgirl, using music as a vessel for storytelling and social commentary, with a firm jazz, neo-soul rooting. Rivkala will be recording her second EP, titled 'Masquerades', which expands on the audio-visual world established in EP1, exploring themes of performance in everyday life (gender roles, masking neurodivergence/mental illness, professionalism, etc). Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ronn Greater London Ronn is a musician and composer from Hyderabad, India, with 2 BBC TV Show credits. He's currently pursuing Music at University of Westminster, London. Ronn specialises in rap, songwriting, and music production, and his voice reflects South Indian roots, expressed through Telugu language. He is working on a Telugu hip-hop album featuring artists from across India and the UK, blending regional and international languages and cultures into one musical journey. Each track transports listeners to a new Indian city, reflecting its unique vibe, slang, and musical influence, creating the sonic experience of an all-India tour. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Roukaya B North West Roukaya B is a multifaceted creative, blending timeless soulful vocals with sultry melodies and a dynamic fashion sense. She fuses jazz, R&B and alternative styles. Her NextGen Fund project explores mental health, hypersensitivity, spirituality and the human voice as an instrument. It seeks funding to enhance current demos, collaborate with producers, engineers, videographers, producers and stylists and host a premier event. The goal: create a fully realised, impactful audiovisual experience. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ryhme East Midlands Loughborough's Ryhme is a peer mentor in youth work, inspiring young people to create music, and wants to continue inspiring loads more through his own project. His EP dives into his highs and lows, showing how his mindset and morals have evolved while still battling self-doubt. The lead track normalises feelings of self-hate, confusion, and not feeling enough - with the other songs embracing Ryhme's background. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
Muckerhood Northern Ireland Derry-based Muckerhood is a solo music project in which Niall Grace writes, produces, stages, choreographs and performs tracks that together blend an eclectic mix of genres, from folk pop to electronic rock, whilst embracing local roots and local vocal sound, falling somewhere under the art rock sphere. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Nailbreaker East Midlands Nailbreaker is an autistim spectrum artist from Northamptonshire who has been independently touring and releasing music for the past five years. His new project will be the follow-up to his debut Nailbreaker album, 'Robert Knight Wine Cellar' released in November last year. This album aims to expand on the sounds and themes of the first, but with more professional recording. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Numa North West Numa is a beatboxer based in Manchester specialising in Techno and Drum & Bass. His performances feature a 100% vocal EDM set. He has performed at major festivals, including Beat-Herder and Boomtown. He is currently working on an innovative one-hour beatboxing performance with an orchestra, crafting a powerful and dynamic storytelling experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram ONYINYÉ West Midlands ONYINYÉ is a singer and rapper who uses her artistry to speak about God, social, political injustice and more. 'Growing Pains' is an album that explores her experience of moving from Ireland to England, and going from a teenage Black girl to young adult, covering the difficulties and beauty of the process that many can relate to but rarely discuss - the fear of getting older. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram PLASTYK West Midlands Karlie is a trans-femme, lesbian, neurodiverse, DJ / nightlife worker. She started DJing when she was very young, and came out as trans during the pandemic. She runs several trans community events and DJ in the London queer scene. The NextGen Fund supported event - PLASTYK - is a lesbian club night that is accessible and affordable, supporting the people at the intersection of queerphobic and transphobic structures in the UK. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Rachel Halaburda East Midlands Rachel is a music photographer and filmmaker. Her work has been featured in various magazines, including NME, Rolling Stone and Clash, and her short films have premiered in her local cinema and art galleries. Rachel's NextGen Fund project ‘Through Her Eyes’ is an interactive portrait photography project, giving a voice to and providing exposure for women in music. Displayed at an exhibition, each photograph will have a QR code below, to listen to the artists music and an audio clip of them discussing their experience within the industry. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Rivkala North East Rivkala is a Manchester-born, North-East based vocalist, songwriter, pianist, bandleader, stylist, choreographer, artistic director and all-round showgirl, using music as a vessel for storytelling and social commentary, with a firm jazz, neo-soul rooting. Rivkala will be recording her second EP, titled 'Masquerades', which expands on the audio-visual world established in EP1, exploring themes of performance in everyday life (gender roles, masking neurodivergence/mental illness, professionalism, etc). Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ronn Greater London Ronn is a musician and composer from Hyderabad, India, with 2 BBC TV Show credits. He's currently pursuing Music at University of Westminster, London. Ronn specialises in rap, songwriting, and music production, and his voice reflects South Indian roots, expressed through Telugu language. He is working on a Telugu hip-hop album featuring artists from across India and the UK, blending regional and international languages and cultures into one musical journey. Each track transports listeners to a new Indian city, reflecting its unique vibe, slang, and musical influence, creating the sonic experience of an all-India tour. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Roukaya B North West Roukaya B is a multifaceted creative, blending timeless soulful vocals with sultry melodies and a dynamic fashion sense. She fuses jazz, R&B and alternative styles. Her NextGen Fund project explores mental health, hypersensitivity, spirituality and the human voice as an instrument. It seeks funding to enhance current demos, collaborate with producers, engineers, videographers, producers and stylists and host a premier event. The goal: create a fully realised, impactful audiovisual experience. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ryhme East Midlands Loughborough's Ryhme is a peer mentor in youth work, inspiring young people to create music, and wants to continue inspiring loads more through his own project. His EP dives into his highs and lows, showing how his mindset and morals have evolved while still battling self-doubt. The lead track normalises feelings of self-hate, confusion, and not feeling enough - with the other songs embracing Ryhme's background. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
Nailbreaker East Midlands Nailbreaker is an autistim spectrum artist from Northamptonshire who has been independently touring and releasing music for the past five years. His new project will be the follow-up to his debut Nailbreaker album, 'Robert Knight Wine Cellar' released in November last year. This album aims to expand on the sounds and themes of the first, but with more professional recording. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Numa North West Numa is a beatboxer based in Manchester specialising in Techno and Drum & Bass. His performances feature a 100% vocal EDM set. He has performed at major festivals, including Beat-Herder and Boomtown. He is currently working on an innovative one-hour beatboxing performance with an orchestra, crafting a powerful and dynamic storytelling experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram ONYINYÉ West Midlands ONYINYÉ is a singer and rapper who uses her artistry to speak about God, social, political injustice and more. 'Growing Pains' is an album that explores her experience of moving from Ireland to England, and going from a teenage Black girl to young adult, covering the difficulties and beauty of the process that many can relate to but rarely discuss - the fear of getting older. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram PLASTYK West Midlands Karlie is a trans-femme, lesbian, neurodiverse, DJ / nightlife worker. She started DJing when she was very young, and came out as trans during the pandemic. She runs several trans community events and DJ in the London queer scene. The NextGen Fund supported event - PLASTYK - is a lesbian club night that is accessible and affordable, supporting the people at the intersection of queerphobic and transphobic structures in the UK. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Rachel Halaburda East Midlands Rachel is a music photographer and filmmaker. Her work has been featured in various magazines, including NME, Rolling Stone and Clash, and her short films have premiered in her local cinema and art galleries. Rachel's NextGen Fund project ‘Through Her Eyes’ is an interactive portrait photography project, giving a voice to and providing exposure for women in music. Displayed at an exhibition, each photograph will have a QR code below, to listen to the artists music and an audio clip of them discussing their experience within the industry. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Rivkala North East Rivkala is a Manchester-born, North-East based vocalist, songwriter, pianist, bandleader, stylist, choreographer, artistic director and all-round showgirl, using music as a vessel for storytelling and social commentary, with a firm jazz, neo-soul rooting. Rivkala will be recording her second EP, titled 'Masquerades', which expands on the audio-visual world established in EP1, exploring themes of performance in everyday life (gender roles, masking neurodivergence/mental illness, professionalism, etc). Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ronn Greater London Ronn is a musician and composer from Hyderabad, India, with 2 BBC TV Show credits. He's currently pursuing Music at University of Westminster, London. Ronn specialises in rap, songwriting, and music production, and his voice reflects South Indian roots, expressed through Telugu language. He is working on a Telugu hip-hop album featuring artists from across India and the UK, blending regional and international languages and cultures into one musical journey. Each track transports listeners to a new Indian city, reflecting its unique vibe, slang, and musical influence, creating the sonic experience of an all-India tour. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Roukaya B North West Roukaya B is a multifaceted creative, blending timeless soulful vocals with sultry melodies and a dynamic fashion sense. She fuses jazz, R&B and alternative styles. Her NextGen Fund project explores mental health, hypersensitivity, spirituality and the human voice as an instrument. It seeks funding to enhance current demos, collaborate with producers, engineers, videographers, producers and stylists and host a premier event. The goal: create a fully realised, impactful audiovisual experience. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ryhme East Midlands Loughborough's Ryhme is a peer mentor in youth work, inspiring young people to create music, and wants to continue inspiring loads more through his own project. His EP dives into his highs and lows, showing how his mindset and morals have evolved while still battling self-doubt. The lead track normalises feelings of self-hate, confusion, and not feeling enough - with the other songs embracing Ryhme's background. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
Numa North West Numa is a beatboxer based in Manchester specialising in Techno and Drum & Bass. His performances feature a 100% vocal EDM set. He has performed at major festivals, including Beat-Herder and Boomtown. He is currently working on an innovative one-hour beatboxing performance with an orchestra, crafting a powerful and dynamic storytelling experience. Pronouns: he/himInstagram ONYINYÉ West Midlands ONYINYÉ is a singer and rapper who uses her artistry to speak about God, social, political injustice and more. 'Growing Pains' is an album that explores her experience of moving from Ireland to England, and going from a teenage Black girl to young adult, covering the difficulties and beauty of the process that many can relate to but rarely discuss - the fear of getting older. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram PLASTYK West Midlands Karlie is a trans-femme, lesbian, neurodiverse, DJ / nightlife worker. She started DJing when she was very young, and came out as trans during the pandemic. She runs several trans community events and DJ in the London queer scene. The NextGen Fund supported event - PLASTYK - is a lesbian club night that is accessible and affordable, supporting the people at the intersection of queerphobic and transphobic structures in the UK. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Rachel Halaburda East Midlands Rachel is a music photographer and filmmaker. Her work has been featured in various magazines, including NME, Rolling Stone and Clash, and her short films have premiered in her local cinema and art galleries. Rachel's NextGen Fund project ‘Through Her Eyes’ is an interactive portrait photography project, giving a voice to and providing exposure for women in music. Displayed at an exhibition, each photograph will have a QR code below, to listen to the artists music and an audio clip of them discussing their experience within the industry. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Rivkala North East Rivkala is a Manchester-born, North-East based vocalist, songwriter, pianist, bandleader, stylist, choreographer, artistic director and all-round showgirl, using music as a vessel for storytelling and social commentary, with a firm jazz, neo-soul rooting. Rivkala will be recording her second EP, titled 'Masquerades', which expands on the audio-visual world established in EP1, exploring themes of performance in everyday life (gender roles, masking neurodivergence/mental illness, professionalism, etc). Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ronn Greater London Ronn is a musician and composer from Hyderabad, India, with 2 BBC TV Show credits. He's currently pursuing Music at University of Westminster, London. Ronn specialises in rap, songwriting, and music production, and his voice reflects South Indian roots, expressed through Telugu language. He is working on a Telugu hip-hop album featuring artists from across India and the UK, blending regional and international languages and cultures into one musical journey. Each track transports listeners to a new Indian city, reflecting its unique vibe, slang, and musical influence, creating the sonic experience of an all-India tour. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Roukaya B North West Roukaya B is a multifaceted creative, blending timeless soulful vocals with sultry melodies and a dynamic fashion sense. She fuses jazz, R&B and alternative styles. Her NextGen Fund project explores mental health, hypersensitivity, spirituality and the human voice as an instrument. It seeks funding to enhance current demos, collaborate with producers, engineers, videographers, producers and stylists and host a premier event. The goal: create a fully realised, impactful audiovisual experience. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ryhme East Midlands Loughborough's Ryhme is a peer mentor in youth work, inspiring young people to create music, and wants to continue inspiring loads more through his own project. His EP dives into his highs and lows, showing how his mindset and morals have evolved while still battling self-doubt. The lead track normalises feelings of self-hate, confusion, and not feeling enough - with the other songs embracing Ryhme's background. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
ONYINYÉ West Midlands ONYINYÉ is a singer and rapper who uses her artistry to speak about God, social, political injustice and more. 'Growing Pains' is an album that explores her experience of moving from Ireland to England, and going from a teenage Black girl to young adult, covering the difficulties and beauty of the process that many can relate to but rarely discuss - the fear of getting older. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram PLASTYK West Midlands Karlie is a trans-femme, lesbian, neurodiverse, DJ / nightlife worker. She started DJing when she was very young, and came out as trans during the pandemic. She runs several trans community events and DJ in the London queer scene. The NextGen Fund supported event - PLASTYK - is a lesbian club night that is accessible and affordable, supporting the people at the intersection of queerphobic and transphobic structures in the UK. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Rachel Halaburda East Midlands Rachel is a music photographer and filmmaker. Her work has been featured in various magazines, including NME, Rolling Stone and Clash, and her short films have premiered in her local cinema and art galleries. Rachel's NextGen Fund project ‘Through Her Eyes’ is an interactive portrait photography project, giving a voice to and providing exposure for women in music. Displayed at an exhibition, each photograph will have a QR code below, to listen to the artists music and an audio clip of them discussing their experience within the industry. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Rivkala North East Rivkala is a Manchester-born, North-East based vocalist, songwriter, pianist, bandleader, stylist, choreographer, artistic director and all-round showgirl, using music as a vessel for storytelling and social commentary, with a firm jazz, neo-soul rooting. Rivkala will be recording her second EP, titled 'Masquerades', which expands on the audio-visual world established in EP1, exploring themes of performance in everyday life (gender roles, masking neurodivergence/mental illness, professionalism, etc). Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ronn Greater London Ronn is a musician and composer from Hyderabad, India, with 2 BBC TV Show credits. He's currently pursuing Music at University of Westminster, London. Ronn specialises in rap, songwriting, and music production, and his voice reflects South Indian roots, expressed through Telugu language. He is working on a Telugu hip-hop album featuring artists from across India and the UK, blending regional and international languages and cultures into one musical journey. Each track transports listeners to a new Indian city, reflecting its unique vibe, slang, and musical influence, creating the sonic experience of an all-India tour. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Roukaya B North West Roukaya B is a multifaceted creative, blending timeless soulful vocals with sultry melodies and a dynamic fashion sense. She fuses jazz, R&B and alternative styles. Her NextGen Fund project explores mental health, hypersensitivity, spirituality and the human voice as an instrument. It seeks funding to enhance current demos, collaborate with producers, engineers, videographers, producers and stylists and host a premier event. The goal: create a fully realised, impactful audiovisual experience. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ryhme East Midlands Loughborough's Ryhme is a peer mentor in youth work, inspiring young people to create music, and wants to continue inspiring loads more through his own project. His EP dives into his highs and lows, showing how his mindset and morals have evolved while still battling self-doubt. The lead track normalises feelings of self-hate, confusion, and not feeling enough - with the other songs embracing Ryhme's background. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
PLASTYK West Midlands Karlie is a trans-femme, lesbian, neurodiverse, DJ / nightlife worker. She started DJing when she was very young, and came out as trans during the pandemic. She runs several trans community events and DJ in the London queer scene. The NextGen Fund supported event - PLASTYK - is a lesbian club night that is accessible and affordable, supporting the people at the intersection of queerphobic and transphobic structures in the UK. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Rachel Halaburda East Midlands Rachel is a music photographer and filmmaker. Her work has been featured in various magazines, including NME, Rolling Stone and Clash, and her short films have premiered in her local cinema and art galleries. Rachel's NextGen Fund project ‘Through Her Eyes’ is an interactive portrait photography project, giving a voice to and providing exposure for women in music. Displayed at an exhibition, each photograph will have a QR code below, to listen to the artists music and an audio clip of them discussing their experience within the industry. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Rivkala North East Rivkala is a Manchester-born, North-East based vocalist, songwriter, pianist, bandleader, stylist, choreographer, artistic director and all-round showgirl, using music as a vessel for storytelling and social commentary, with a firm jazz, neo-soul rooting. Rivkala will be recording her second EP, titled 'Masquerades', which expands on the audio-visual world established in EP1, exploring themes of performance in everyday life (gender roles, masking neurodivergence/mental illness, professionalism, etc). Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ronn Greater London Ronn is a musician and composer from Hyderabad, India, with 2 BBC TV Show credits. He's currently pursuing Music at University of Westminster, London. Ronn specialises in rap, songwriting, and music production, and his voice reflects South Indian roots, expressed through Telugu language. He is working on a Telugu hip-hop album featuring artists from across India and the UK, blending regional and international languages and cultures into one musical journey. Each track transports listeners to a new Indian city, reflecting its unique vibe, slang, and musical influence, creating the sonic experience of an all-India tour. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Roukaya B North West Roukaya B is a multifaceted creative, blending timeless soulful vocals with sultry melodies and a dynamic fashion sense. She fuses jazz, R&B and alternative styles. Her NextGen Fund project explores mental health, hypersensitivity, spirituality and the human voice as an instrument. It seeks funding to enhance current demos, collaborate with producers, engineers, videographers, producers and stylists and host a premier event. The goal: create a fully realised, impactful audiovisual experience. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ryhme East Midlands Loughborough's Ryhme is a peer mentor in youth work, inspiring young people to create music, and wants to continue inspiring loads more through his own project. His EP dives into his highs and lows, showing how his mindset and morals have evolved while still battling self-doubt. The lead track normalises feelings of self-hate, confusion, and not feeling enough - with the other songs embracing Ryhme's background. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
Rachel Halaburda East Midlands Rachel is a music photographer and filmmaker. Her work has been featured in various magazines, including NME, Rolling Stone and Clash, and her short films have premiered in her local cinema and art galleries. Rachel's NextGen Fund project ‘Through Her Eyes’ is an interactive portrait photography project, giving a voice to and providing exposure for women in music. Displayed at an exhibition, each photograph will have a QR code below, to listen to the artists music and an audio clip of them discussing their experience within the industry. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Rivkala North East Rivkala is a Manchester-born, North-East based vocalist, songwriter, pianist, bandleader, stylist, choreographer, artistic director and all-round showgirl, using music as a vessel for storytelling and social commentary, with a firm jazz, neo-soul rooting. Rivkala will be recording her second EP, titled 'Masquerades', which expands on the audio-visual world established in EP1, exploring themes of performance in everyday life (gender roles, masking neurodivergence/mental illness, professionalism, etc). Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ronn Greater London Ronn is a musician and composer from Hyderabad, India, with 2 BBC TV Show credits. He's currently pursuing Music at University of Westminster, London. Ronn specialises in rap, songwriting, and music production, and his voice reflects South Indian roots, expressed through Telugu language. He is working on a Telugu hip-hop album featuring artists from across India and the UK, blending regional and international languages and cultures into one musical journey. Each track transports listeners to a new Indian city, reflecting its unique vibe, slang, and musical influence, creating the sonic experience of an all-India tour. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Roukaya B North West Roukaya B is a multifaceted creative, blending timeless soulful vocals with sultry melodies and a dynamic fashion sense. She fuses jazz, R&B and alternative styles. Her NextGen Fund project explores mental health, hypersensitivity, spirituality and the human voice as an instrument. It seeks funding to enhance current demos, collaborate with producers, engineers, videographers, producers and stylists and host a premier event. The goal: create a fully realised, impactful audiovisual experience. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ryhme East Midlands Loughborough's Ryhme is a peer mentor in youth work, inspiring young people to create music, and wants to continue inspiring loads more through his own project. His EP dives into his highs and lows, showing how his mindset and morals have evolved while still battling self-doubt. The lead track normalises feelings of self-hate, confusion, and not feeling enough - with the other songs embracing Ryhme's background. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
Rivkala North East Rivkala is a Manchester-born, North-East based vocalist, songwriter, pianist, bandleader, stylist, choreographer, artistic director and all-round showgirl, using music as a vessel for storytelling and social commentary, with a firm jazz, neo-soul rooting. Rivkala will be recording her second EP, titled 'Masquerades', which expands on the audio-visual world established in EP1, exploring themes of performance in everyday life (gender roles, masking neurodivergence/mental illness, professionalism, etc). Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ronn Greater London Ronn is a musician and composer from Hyderabad, India, with 2 BBC TV Show credits. He's currently pursuing Music at University of Westminster, London. Ronn specialises in rap, songwriting, and music production, and his voice reflects South Indian roots, expressed through Telugu language. He is working on a Telugu hip-hop album featuring artists from across India and the UK, blending regional and international languages and cultures into one musical journey. Each track transports listeners to a new Indian city, reflecting its unique vibe, slang, and musical influence, creating the sonic experience of an all-India tour. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Roukaya B North West Roukaya B is a multifaceted creative, blending timeless soulful vocals with sultry melodies and a dynamic fashion sense. She fuses jazz, R&B and alternative styles. Her NextGen Fund project explores mental health, hypersensitivity, spirituality and the human voice as an instrument. It seeks funding to enhance current demos, collaborate with producers, engineers, videographers, producers and stylists and host a premier event. The goal: create a fully realised, impactful audiovisual experience. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ryhme East Midlands Loughborough's Ryhme is a peer mentor in youth work, inspiring young people to create music, and wants to continue inspiring loads more through his own project. His EP dives into his highs and lows, showing how his mindset and morals have evolved while still battling self-doubt. The lead track normalises feelings of self-hate, confusion, and not feeling enough - with the other songs embracing Ryhme's background. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
Ronn Greater London Ronn is a musician and composer from Hyderabad, India, with 2 BBC TV Show credits. He's currently pursuing Music at University of Westminster, London. Ronn specialises in rap, songwriting, and music production, and his voice reflects South Indian roots, expressed through Telugu language. He is working on a Telugu hip-hop album featuring artists from across India and the UK, blending regional and international languages and cultures into one musical journey. Each track transports listeners to a new Indian city, reflecting its unique vibe, slang, and musical influence, creating the sonic experience of an all-India tour. Pronouns: he/himTikTokInstagram Roukaya B North West Roukaya B is a multifaceted creative, blending timeless soulful vocals with sultry melodies and a dynamic fashion sense. She fuses jazz, R&B and alternative styles. Her NextGen Fund project explores mental health, hypersensitivity, spirituality and the human voice as an instrument. It seeks funding to enhance current demos, collaborate with producers, engineers, videographers, producers and stylists and host a premier event. The goal: create a fully realised, impactful audiovisual experience. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ryhme East Midlands Loughborough's Ryhme is a peer mentor in youth work, inspiring young people to create music, and wants to continue inspiring loads more through his own project. His EP dives into his highs and lows, showing how his mindset and morals have evolved while still battling self-doubt. The lead track normalises feelings of self-hate, confusion, and not feeling enough - with the other songs embracing Ryhme's background. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
Roukaya B North West Roukaya B is a multifaceted creative, blending timeless soulful vocals with sultry melodies and a dynamic fashion sense. She fuses jazz, R&B and alternative styles. Her NextGen Fund project explores mental health, hypersensitivity, spirituality and the human voice as an instrument. It seeks funding to enhance current demos, collaborate with producers, engineers, videographers, producers and stylists and host a premier event. The goal: create a fully realised, impactful audiovisual experience. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Ryhme East Midlands Loughborough's Ryhme is a peer mentor in youth work, inspiring young people to create music, and wants to continue inspiring loads more through his own project. His EP dives into his highs and lows, showing how his mindset and morals have evolved while still battling self-doubt. The lead track normalises feelings of self-hate, confusion, and not feeling enough - with the other songs embracing Ryhme's background. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
Ryhme East Midlands Loughborough's Ryhme is a peer mentor in youth work, inspiring young people to create music, and wants to continue inspiring loads more through his own project. His EP dives into his highs and lows, showing how his mindset and morals have evolved while still battling self-doubt. The lead track normalises feelings of self-hate, confusion, and not feeling enough - with the other songs embracing Ryhme's background. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
Saffron Gray East Midlands Raised in church and inspired by old-school and new-school R&B icons like Brandy, Summer Walker, and SZA, Saffron Gray explores different genres using music as therapy to connect with others. Her upcoming R&B project captures the essence of everyday emotions and challenges, exploring how small moments shape the bigger picture. Inspired by the butterfly effect, it encourages listeners to reflect on lives ups and downs with positivity, offering a comforting reminder to keep moving forward and embrace the journey through music. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
Stephen Moreland East Midlands Belfast-based musician Stephen sang and played keyboards with a band called ANOMALyS during his time at university, and is now ready to make his mark as a solo songwriter with a debut EP. This would be a folk/soul EP of songs he has been writing for the last 6 years. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
Sylvia Daley East of England Sylvia Daley is an artist who writes pop songs about her autistic experiences. The NextGen Fund grant will finish, market and release Sylvia's four song EP, 'Noise Cancelling Headphones', which seeks to reach autistic people and make them feel seen and represented, as well as educating allistic people about autism in an easily consumable medium. Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
Tala Yunis South East Tala is a Palestinian alt-indie artist from Brighton, recently graduating with a Music Business degree from BIMM Brighton. She makes music in the style of Dominic Fike and Billie Eilish, with "songs that will make you hate and miss your ex at the same time." Her EP, ‘Heart of an Introvert’ covers Tala's journey "as a POC queer coming from Palestine and moving into the UK to pursue my music dream while facing struggles along the way." Pronouns: she/herTikTokInstagram Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
Theadora Greater London Theadora is a musician, producer and event curator from North London. 'I Love To Feel' is a night she founded to celebrate and uplift women of colour in experimental music, addressing the lack of representation in the scene. Theadora aims to expand the project into a record label to amplify underrepresented voices and create a more inclusive music ecosystem. Pronouns: she/herInstagram Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
Twin Complex North West Twin Complex is a Manchester-based electronic artist. As a producer, he weaves between propulsive techno, cinematic soundscapes, and trance-infected IDM with a tactful balance of surefire technicality and considered nuance. A sense of duality is at the heart of his practice, often pairing both intensity and calm in his work. 'Bloodrush' is a full-length album that has been in the works for around 3 years. Now entering its final stages and nearing completion, 'Bloodrush' will be an immersive conceptual experience as a live A/V project and interlinked music videos, as well as print media of the artwork Twin Complex has created. Pronouns: he/himInstagram Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
Utelka Greater London Hailing from the West Midlands, now based in London, Utelka creates dance music that blends soulful vocals with high-energy rhythms. Passionate about nightlife and rave culture, Utelka advocates for nightlife preservation, greater inclusion, and more diversity within the dance music industry. Her audio-visual EP, 'If This Is The Last Night Out' is based on the hypothetical situation of 31st January 2029 being the final night out if venue closures continue. The EP spans House, UKG, Drum & Bass, and Jungle, heightening as the night ends for the last time. Pronouns: she/herInstagram
