Latest round of the Youth Music Nextgen fund launches

12 December 2023 - Press release

The fund has invested over £485,000 directly to emerging creatives to date 

 

Grants of up to £2,500 are available for 18-25 year olds (or up to 30 if d/Deaf, Disabled or Neurodivergent) 

Applications for Round Eight of the Youth Music NextGen Fund, supported by players of People's Postcode Lottery, PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited) and Dr Martens Foundation opens on Friday 15^th December 

The fund is designed to help emerging artists and professionals develop the skills needed to thrive in the fast-moving music industries 

76% of successful applicants so far are based outside of London, with more applications encouraged from the North East and East of England, East Midlands, and Northern Ireland in particular 

 

Youth Music is today announcing that Round Eight of the Youth Music NextGen Fund will be open for applications from Friday 15^th December 2023 until Friday 19^th January 2024. 

The fund is for early-stage musicians and wider music adjacent creatives, including producers, mixers, digital platforms, events entrepreneurs etc, with successful applicants granted up to £2,500 for their projects and to make their ideas happen. 

This round also marks the start of a new partnership for Youth Music with PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited), the UK music licensing organisation for performers and recording rightsholders. Recognising the importance of supporting emerging talent to build their place in a fast-moving music industry, PPL is working with the Youth Music NextGen Fund in 2024 to ensure that as many people as possible continue to be able to access the finance they need.  

Luke RV is a Youth Music NextGen funded rapper, singer and songwriter from South Wales. Thanks to the funding, Luke released his project, WHAT'S THAT, over there, in November. One of his singles from the project, LONG TERM PARKING, was selected by Lady Leshurr as BBC Radio 1Xtra Introducing 'Track of the Week'. 

He said: "My Spotify monthly listeners have definitely seen an increase. I'm sure a part of this is down to the radio exposure. It was also down to getting a track I did with KeepVibesNear, Minas and Harvey Whyte getting into a sick Spotify editorial playlist. 'LONG TERM PARKING' was my first solo track to get into a Spotify editorial playlist too so that's been a goal for a minute." 

Youth Music launched the Youth Music NextGen Fund in 2021 to equalise access to the music industry. So far, 206 early-stage musicians and emerging music industry creatives have received funding to launch a project, idea or business. The diverse range of recipients include 40% from the LGBTQ community, 37% from a lower socio-economic background, 25% identifying as d/Deaf or Disabled and 53% from the Global Majority.  

All information about applying, including tips and advice, can be found on the Youth Music website. The fund is not limited to performers, but also open to producers, A&Rs, managers and agents, plus roles in the music industry that may not yet have been defined. 

 

https://youthmusic.org.uk/nextgen/nextgen-fund