A new grant program, Future Sound of Bristol, is offering support to creative musicians and record labels in Bristol and its surrounding areas. With £10,000 in prize money and 100 hours of rehearsal time at Factory Studios up for grabs, this initiative aims to provide a much-needed boost to local talent affected by the Pandemic and the Cost of Living Crisis.

Organised by Audiotarky, a Bristol-based ethical music streaming platform, and Factory Studios, a creative space in the heart of Bristol, the program aims to celebrate the musical talent in the city and build a thriving community of independent artists and labels. To participate, artists and labels must add their music to Audiotarky, state how they plan to use their share of the prize pool, and share their entry with their fans.

The top 25 entries will be chosen based on social media engagement and music streaming time on Audiotarky during the competition period. A panel of guest judges, including Elder Island’s David Havard, Trinity’s Aysha Tailor-Whyte, award-winning record producer Ali Chant, Bristol International Music Ambassador – DJ Bunjy from Laid Blak, and the Night Time Economy Advisor for Bristol – Carly Heath, will then select 5 winners based on artist / label merit and their proposed plans for the prize money. 

Prizes on offer include £5k and 1 month membership at Factory Studios for 1st place, £2k and 6 sessions at Factory Studios for 2nd place, and three prizes of £1k and 3 sessions at Factory Studios for 3rd place, providing funding and studio resources for the winners to level up their musical projects.

Although the competition is centered in Bristol, UK-based independent musicians and labels are encouraged to participate and applications are particularly welcome from people who are currently under represented in the music industry. The organisers hope that the competition will feature a broad range of genres, reflecting the diverse and vibrant music scene that the city is renowned for.

Applications open on Monday, 13th February and will close on Monday, 10th April. The winners will be announced on Friday, 21st April. For more information and to enter, visit futuresoundofbristol.com.