Breadcrumb Home NextGen Fund Round 10 Recipients NextGen Fund Round 10 Recipients Copy URL https://www.youthmusic.org.uk/nextgen-fund-round-10-recipients Announcing the recipients of the tenth round of the Youth Music NextGen Fund: 33 young creatives bringing their ideas to life with a grant of up to £3,000. Round 9 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 10 Recipients Copy URL https://www.youthmusic.org.uk/nextgen-fund-round-10-recipients Announcing the recipients of the tenth round of the Youth Music NextGen Fund: 33 young creatives bringing their ideas to life with a grant of up to £3,000. Round 9 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). ADJUA Wales ADJUA is an artist based in Cardiff, who explores genres including indie R&B, Afro, jazz and neo-soul. She has previously been named Huw Stephens' 'Artist of the Week', has headlined Clwb Ifor Bach and performed for the Welsh Music Prize at the Welsh Millenium Centre, and has played shows in Rotterdam and Sweden. She has also supported Mauvey on his UK tour. ADJUA's NextGen Fund grant will support the production and release of the second track from her upcoming EP, 'Everything is Beautiful'. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok AFRODITETOOLIVELY East of England AFRODITETOOLIVELY's NextGen Fund grant will support the creation of a five-track UK Garage EP, 'Lively's World', along with a listening event for the launch. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Astrid Lucia South East Astrid Lucia is an alternative R&B artist from Kent. Her music has received support from BBC Introducing, Reprezent Radio and PIRATE.COM, and she has performed in cities across the UK, including London and Bristol. Her NextGen Fund grant is supporting her to finish her second EP, learn music production, and develop a new live set which uses Ableton Live. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Bennettiscoming North West Bennettiscoming is an R&B singer/songwriter from Manchester. He has performed at Manchester International Festival, Manchester Pride, Pride in Trafford, Pride Bolton and Sounds From The Other City. The NextGen Fund is supporting the development and release of his upcoming EP, 'Late Bloomer'. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Carnelian Seville South East Carnelian Seville is an artist and herbalist based in Brighton. They have performed at festivals including Queer Spirit and Buddhafield Festival, had artist residencies at Performing Arts Forum, Can Serrat and La Bassa Mar, and collaborated with medicinal musicians and collectives including the Radical Faeries and Penelope Vivaro. Their NextGen Funded project will involve using their Plant Wave synthesizer, which converts the electromagnetic frequencies of plants into music. Carnelian will write and produce a track collaborating with an “orchestra” of mushrooms, documenting their process in a short film which they will screen locally. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Celia Grace North East Celia Grace is a bedroom-pop singer from Hartlepool. She has played at various venues across the North East, festivals such as Twisterella and Stockton Calling, and a live session at BBC Maida Vale Studios. She has also been selected to take part in artist development programmes, including Tees Alliance Mentoring, Help Musicians Business Accelerator and Generator First Notes. Pronouns: she/her Duncan Colquhoun Scotland Duncan Colquhoun is a producer, singer, songwriter and visual artist based in Glasgow. With the NextGen Fund, he is creating a genre-fluid five-track debut EP for release under a new pseudonym. Pronouns: he/him Instagram ÉABHA Northern Ireland ÉABHA is an artist from Belfast. They have received praise from BBC Radio Ulster, Sound Obscura Chicago, Dublin Digital Radio, and Resonance Magnétique in Montreal. They also perform regularly within the Belfast music scene. The NextGen Fund will support the release of their upcoming debut EP, 'An Dóitéan'. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Ebenezer Good North East Ebenezer Good is a producer, recording engineer and DJ based in Newcastle. He has performed at festivals across the UK including Kendall Calling, Dot2Dot in Bristol, and Waves Festival in Sunderland. With the NextGen Fund, he will be releasing three new singles, play at UK Garage and DnB events, and host guest mixes on his social media platforms and on radio. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Elizabeth J. Birch West Midlands Elizabeth J Birch is a musician from Solihull. She has received radio plays from Brum Radio, BBC Introducing, Unmade Radio and Black Country Radio, won the 'Inspirational Music Leader' Award at the Youth Music Awards 2023, and was featured as a Mastercard Trailblazer ahead of the 2024 BRIT Awards, in recognition of her work to drive positive change in the music industry across technology, diversity and inclusion. With the NextGen Fund, she will create and launch her own music label, and experiment with unique and accessible ways of writing, recording, releasing, and promoting music. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Erin O'Callaghan East Midlands Erin O'Callaghan is an independent singer-songwriter originally from Northamptonshire, now living in Edinburgh. She has played gigs at Sofar Sounds, Dragonfly Live Lounge, The Lemon Tree and Sneaky Pete's, and has received support from Angela Griffin on BBC Radio 2. The NextGen Fund will support her upcoming 4-track EP. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Exojay East MidlandsExojay is an R&B and rap artist based in Nottingham. The NextGen Fund will support him to create a self-produced EP, accompanied by cinematic content. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok FEE Yorkshire and the Humber FEE is a trumpet player and vocalist from Leeds. She has performed at Leeds Jazz Festival. She is currently using the NextGen Fund to record and release an EP called 'Dancing Flames', which she will release towards the end of this year, celebrated with a headline show. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Gabriella Bongo Greater London Gabriella Bongo is a songwriter, producer, DJ and recording engineer based in London. She has been lauded by BBC 1Xtra, BBC Radio 1, Hospital Records and Atlantic Records; has performed at the O2 Academy, the Royal Albert Hall, and Hospitality in the Woods Festival; and taken part in jam sessions with Nile Rodgers. The NextGen Fund is supporting Gabriella to release her next three singles. Pronouns: she/her Instagram George Bone East of England George is a vocalist and pianist who fuses R&B, neo-jazz and pop. He has previously supported the likes of Andrew Cushin and Molly Hocking on tour, and is now using the NextGen Fund to record and release the two lead singles from his upcoming EP. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok HabibTati Greater London HabibTati is a DJ, music event producer and community organiser from London. They specialise in blending sounds from South-West Asia and the Middle East into the London music scene. Their NextGen Funded project will focus on integrating sounds and instruments from their heritage into several performances within London’s electronic music community. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Honey Keenan Scotland Honey is an artist manager from Glasgow. Under the Hive Five Management name, she manages artists Leif Coffield and MIA MI, who have both been signed to AWAL through her efforts. She has also secured recording sessions at Spotify Studios and campaigns with brands like Puma. Her artists have also played a variety of festivals, including sold-out shows at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, have been nominated for the Scottish Alternative Music Awards and the Popjustice Awards, and been featured in The Skinny, BBC 1, BBC Radio Scotland and Clash Magazine. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Isabel Maria North East Isabel Maria is an alternative-pop singer-songwriter from Sunderland. To date, she has played shows nationally and internationally (including London, Brighton, Worcester, Leeds, Newcastle and Seville), and gained the support of names such as Rolling Stone Español and BBC Radio 1. She has also been awarded the prestigious Alan Hull (Lindisfarne) Award, a Northern Writers Awards, and a North East Culture Award. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Karis Jade North West Karis Jade is a singer-songwriter from Bolton. She has performed with The Mouse Outfit on their UK tour, festivals such as Sounds From The Other City, and iconic venues such as Band on the Wall in Manchester. The NextGen Fund is currently supporting the development of her next project, a three-track EP. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok kfromkway South East kfromkway is an artist, producer and songwriter. He has been featured in major publications like GRM Daily, Wonderland, GUAP, and SBTV, and his music has been played on BBC Radio 1Xtra, Capital Xtra, and Flex FM. He has amassed over 500,000 streams and views across his tracks to date. Pronouns: he/him TikTok Instagram Lucas Assagba Yorkshire and the Humber Lucas Assagba is a singer, songwriter and producer from Bradford. 'the Solution', is the sequel project to her first EP, 'the Resolution'. Where 'the Resolution' focused on what it means to heal, 'the Solution' deals with the aftermath of healing, and everything that comes next. Lucas plans to finish and promote 'the Resolution' with the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok MARACHÉ Greater London MARACHÉ is a London-based artist, songwriter and producer. Her songs have gone viral on TikTok, leading to airplay on Reprezent Radio, Capital XTRA, BBC 1Xtra, and other local radio stations. She has also been featured on Spotify's Fresh Finds UK & IE playlist, and performed at The Great Escape Festival and Hype & Genius' collaborative event with Nando's. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Mason Talbot Yorkshire and the Humber Mason Talbot is a Welsh-born DJ and producer based in Leeds. His breakthrough track, 'Cocaina', has surpassed 3 million streams to date, and he has performed at prominent venues and shows across the UK, including MiNT Warehouse, Egg, and Leeds Defected Festival. He is currently using the NextGen Fund to grow his independent record label, Redefy Records. Pronouns: he/him Instagram - Mason Instagram - Redefy TikTok Monica Wat South West Monica Wat is a singer-songwriter and producer from Hong Kong, now based in the UK. With the NextGen Fund, she is currently working on her sophomore EP 'Gaslight', which will fuse indie folk/country-pop with lyrical storytelling and ethereal vocals. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok NuAloe Greater London NuAloe is a Nigerian and Jamaican singer and rapper. Her music addresses themes of Blackness, Queerness, and the experience of living in South London. The NextGen Fund is supporting her to create and release her next EP, alongside a series of visuals. Pronouns: she/they Instagram TikTok Peter McMahon Northern Ireland Peter McMahon is a singer from Fermanagh. He has headlined sold-out shows at venues such as Little Whelan's in Dublin. With the NextGen Fund, he is working on his next EP 'QUEUEING FOR ONE', which will be accompanied by a series of music videos. The videos will coalesce into one cohesive short film about someone discovering themselves. Pronouns: he/him Instagram retropxssy Greater London retropxssy is an artist based in London, who blends hip-hop with jazz, punk and jungle. She has put on her own shows in the UK, Europe, and Canada; supported artists like Onoe Caponoe, Grove and Gal-Go; and has been longlisted in the Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition. She has also performed at festivals including Uplands Festival. The NextGen Fund will support her to produce and release her album, 'I Haven't Told Many People'. The album, which was catalysed by her close friend Evie’s death due to mental health system failure, will explore hidden disability and reframe the way we view mental illness, with a hope to inspire change. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Samantha Wales Samantha is a soul, Afrobeats and dark-pop singer-songwriter from Wales. She has played at various festivals including Big Love, Green Man and Immersed Music Festival; was selected for Focus Wales and the Anthem Fast Forward Project; and has performed at the Music and Race Show for Race Council Cymru, as well as headlining the Love Music Hate Racism showcase at The Moon in Cardiff. With her NextGen Fund, she is currently creating a 10-track Afrobeats album which will feature artists including fellow NextGen Fund recipient, ManLikeVision. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Sunny Side Down West Midlands Sunny Side Down is an indie, rock and alternative singer-songwriter. The NextGen Fund is supporting them to create and release their third album, which will be an emotional picture of them and the people around them over the last three years. With their music, they aim to capture the intensity and sweetness of learning to be a person. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Superlate North West Superlate is a dance/pop producer based in Liverpool. His releases have gained support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Merseyside, and BBC Introducing; he performed in front of 10,000 people at the Eurovision Main Stage in Liverpool in 2023; and has also performed at BBC Introducing LIVE at The Cavern Club. He has also co-produced tracks for Youngr and worked with Grammy-nominated producer Adriano Allaverdi. He is now working on two thematic EPs, 'The Tropics' and 'The Moment', with the backing of the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Surafeal Bruke Greater London Surafeal Bruke is the founder of GRADIENT, a platform celebrating the UK's vibrant and diverse music and creative scenes. The NextGen Fund will help Surafeal to scale up GRADIENT, hosting events with higher capacities throughout London, and offering additional support for artists, including workshops and networking opportunities. Pronouns: he/him Instagram The Yard Woman South West The Yard Woman is a Greek-born, London-based DJ and producer. She has previously worked with Richie Hawtin, and has released tracks through respected labels including Simulate, Einmusika, Running Clouds, Pets Recordings and Epidemic Sound. With the help of the NextGen Fund, she is currently transitioning from her established work in Melodic Techno to explore new creative and professional possibilities in Melodic House. She plans to produce and release a two-track EP, bringing a fresh narrative-driven sound to the genre, and seeking to represent queer women in the electronic music scene. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Yemi Yohannes South East Yemi Yohannes is a London-based creative artist, known for her soulful spoken word poetry. Her performance credits include BBC Radio London, The Photographer’s Gallery, Sofar Sounds, COP26, the National Youth Theatre and more. With her work, she aims to make poetry more accessible in the mainstream. The NextGen Fund is supporting Yemi to create a solo EP exploring spoken word with jungle music, alongside a specific focus on choral sounds and storytelling. Pronouns: she/her Instagram
ADJUA Wales ADJUA is an artist based in Cardiff, who explores genres including indie R&B, Afro, jazz and neo-soul. She has previously been named Huw Stephens' 'Artist of the Week', has headlined Clwb Ifor Bach and performed for the Welsh Music Prize at the Welsh Millenium Centre, and has played shows in Rotterdam and Sweden. She has also supported Mauvey on his UK tour. ADJUA's NextGen Fund grant will support the production and release of the second track from her upcoming EP, 'Everything is Beautiful'. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok AFRODITETOOLIVELY East of England AFRODITETOOLIVELY's NextGen Fund grant will support the creation of a five-track UK Garage EP, 'Lively's World', along with a listening event for the launch. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Astrid Lucia South East Astrid Lucia is an alternative R&B artist from Kent. Her music has received support from BBC Introducing, Reprezent Radio and PIRATE.COM, and she has performed in cities across the UK, including London and Bristol. Her NextGen Fund grant is supporting her to finish her second EP, learn music production, and develop a new live set which uses Ableton Live. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Bennettiscoming North West Bennettiscoming is an R&B singer/songwriter from Manchester. He has performed at Manchester International Festival, Manchester Pride, Pride in Trafford, Pride Bolton and Sounds From The Other City. The NextGen Fund is supporting the development and release of his upcoming EP, 'Late Bloomer'. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Carnelian Seville South East Carnelian Seville is an artist and herbalist based in Brighton. They have performed at festivals including Queer Spirit and Buddhafield Festival, had artist residencies at Performing Arts Forum, Can Serrat and La Bassa Mar, and collaborated with medicinal musicians and collectives including the Radical Faeries and Penelope Vivaro. Their NextGen Funded project will involve using their Plant Wave synthesizer, which converts the electromagnetic frequencies of plants into music. Carnelian will write and produce a track collaborating with an “orchestra” of mushrooms, documenting their process in a short film which they will screen locally. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Celia Grace North East Celia Grace is a bedroom-pop singer from Hartlepool. She has played at various venues across the North East, festivals such as Twisterella and Stockton Calling, and a live session at BBC Maida Vale Studios. She has also been selected to take part in artist development programmes, including Tees Alliance Mentoring, Help Musicians Business Accelerator and Generator First Notes. Pronouns: she/her Duncan Colquhoun Scotland Duncan Colquhoun is a producer, singer, songwriter and visual artist based in Glasgow. With the NextGen Fund, he is creating a genre-fluid five-track debut EP for release under a new pseudonym. Pronouns: he/him Instagram ÉABHA Northern Ireland ÉABHA is an artist from Belfast. They have received praise from BBC Radio Ulster, Sound Obscura Chicago, Dublin Digital Radio, and Resonance Magnétique in Montreal. They also perform regularly within the Belfast music scene. The NextGen Fund will support the release of their upcoming debut EP, 'An Dóitéan'. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Ebenezer Good North East Ebenezer Good is a producer, recording engineer and DJ based in Newcastle. He has performed at festivals across the UK including Kendall Calling, Dot2Dot in Bristol, and Waves Festival in Sunderland. With the NextGen Fund, he will be releasing three new singles, play at UK Garage and DnB events, and host guest mixes on his social media platforms and on radio. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Elizabeth J. Birch West Midlands Elizabeth J Birch is a musician from Solihull. She has received radio plays from Brum Radio, BBC Introducing, Unmade Radio and Black Country Radio, won the 'Inspirational Music Leader' Award at the Youth Music Awards 2023, and was featured as a Mastercard Trailblazer ahead of the 2024 BRIT Awards, in recognition of her work to drive positive change in the music industry across technology, diversity and inclusion. With the NextGen Fund, she will create and launch her own music label, and experiment with unique and accessible ways of writing, recording, releasing, and promoting music. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Erin O'Callaghan East Midlands Erin O'Callaghan is an independent singer-songwriter originally from Northamptonshire, now living in Edinburgh. She has played gigs at Sofar Sounds, Dragonfly Live Lounge, The Lemon Tree and Sneaky Pete's, and has received support from Angela Griffin on BBC Radio 2. The NextGen Fund will support her upcoming 4-track EP. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Exojay East MidlandsExojay is an R&B and rap artist based in Nottingham. The NextGen Fund will support him to create a self-produced EP, accompanied by cinematic content. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok FEE Yorkshire and the Humber FEE is a trumpet player and vocalist from Leeds. She has performed at Leeds Jazz Festival. She is currently using the NextGen Fund to record and release an EP called 'Dancing Flames', which she will release towards the end of this year, celebrated with a headline show. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Gabriella Bongo Greater London Gabriella Bongo is a songwriter, producer, DJ and recording engineer based in London. She has been lauded by BBC 1Xtra, BBC Radio 1, Hospital Records and Atlantic Records; has performed at the O2 Academy, the Royal Albert Hall, and Hospitality in the Woods Festival; and taken part in jam sessions with Nile Rodgers. The NextGen Fund is supporting Gabriella to release her next three singles. Pronouns: she/her Instagram George Bone East of England George is a vocalist and pianist who fuses R&B, neo-jazz and pop. He has previously supported the likes of Andrew Cushin and Molly Hocking on tour, and is now using the NextGen Fund to record and release the two lead singles from his upcoming EP. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok HabibTati Greater London HabibTati is a DJ, music event producer and community organiser from London. They specialise in blending sounds from South-West Asia and the Middle East into the London music scene. Their NextGen Funded project will focus on integrating sounds and instruments from their heritage into several performances within London’s electronic music community. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Honey Keenan Scotland Honey is an artist manager from Glasgow. Under the Hive Five Management name, she manages artists Leif Coffield and MIA MI, who have both been signed to AWAL through her efforts. She has also secured recording sessions at Spotify Studios and campaigns with brands like Puma. Her artists have also played a variety of festivals, including sold-out shows at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, have been nominated for the Scottish Alternative Music Awards and the Popjustice Awards, and been featured in The Skinny, BBC 1, BBC Radio Scotland and Clash Magazine. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Isabel Maria North East Isabel Maria is an alternative-pop singer-songwriter from Sunderland. To date, she has played shows nationally and internationally (including London, Brighton, Worcester, Leeds, Newcastle and Seville), and gained the support of names such as Rolling Stone Español and BBC Radio 1. She has also been awarded the prestigious Alan Hull (Lindisfarne) Award, a Northern Writers Awards, and a North East Culture Award. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Karis Jade North West Karis Jade is a singer-songwriter from Bolton. She has performed with The Mouse Outfit on their UK tour, festivals such as Sounds From The Other City, and iconic venues such as Band on the Wall in Manchester. The NextGen Fund is currently supporting the development of her next project, a three-track EP. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok kfromkway South East kfromkway is an artist, producer and songwriter. He has been featured in major publications like GRM Daily, Wonderland, GUAP, and SBTV, and his music has been played on BBC Radio 1Xtra, Capital Xtra, and Flex FM. He has amassed over 500,000 streams and views across his tracks to date. Pronouns: he/him TikTok Instagram Lucas Assagba Yorkshire and the Humber Lucas Assagba is a singer, songwriter and producer from Bradford. 'the Solution', is the sequel project to her first EP, 'the Resolution'. Where 'the Resolution' focused on what it means to heal, 'the Solution' deals with the aftermath of healing, and everything that comes next. Lucas plans to finish and promote 'the Resolution' with the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok MARACHÉ Greater London MARACHÉ is a London-based artist, songwriter and producer. Her songs have gone viral on TikTok, leading to airplay on Reprezent Radio, Capital XTRA, BBC 1Xtra, and other local radio stations. She has also been featured on Spotify's Fresh Finds UK & IE playlist, and performed at The Great Escape Festival and Hype & Genius' collaborative event with Nando's. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Mason Talbot Yorkshire and the Humber Mason Talbot is a Welsh-born DJ and producer based in Leeds. His breakthrough track, 'Cocaina', has surpassed 3 million streams to date, and he has performed at prominent venues and shows across the UK, including MiNT Warehouse, Egg, and Leeds Defected Festival. He is currently using the NextGen Fund to grow his independent record label, Redefy Records. Pronouns: he/him Instagram - Mason Instagram - Redefy TikTok Monica Wat South West Monica Wat is a singer-songwriter and producer from Hong Kong, now based in the UK. With the NextGen Fund, she is currently working on her sophomore EP 'Gaslight', which will fuse indie folk/country-pop with lyrical storytelling and ethereal vocals. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok NuAloe Greater London NuAloe is a Nigerian and Jamaican singer and rapper. Her music addresses themes of Blackness, Queerness, and the experience of living in South London. The NextGen Fund is supporting her to create and release her next EP, alongside a series of visuals. Pronouns: she/they Instagram TikTok Peter McMahon Northern Ireland Peter McMahon is a singer from Fermanagh. He has headlined sold-out shows at venues such as Little Whelan's in Dublin. With the NextGen Fund, he is working on his next EP 'QUEUEING FOR ONE', which will be accompanied by a series of music videos. The videos will coalesce into one cohesive short film about someone discovering themselves. Pronouns: he/him Instagram retropxssy Greater London retropxssy is an artist based in London, who blends hip-hop with jazz, punk and jungle. She has put on her own shows in the UK, Europe, and Canada; supported artists like Onoe Caponoe, Grove and Gal-Go; and has been longlisted in the Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition. She has also performed at festivals including Uplands Festival. The NextGen Fund will support her to produce and release her album, 'I Haven't Told Many People'. The album, which was catalysed by her close friend Evie’s death due to mental health system failure, will explore hidden disability and reframe the way we view mental illness, with a hope to inspire change. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Samantha Wales Samantha is a soul, Afrobeats and dark-pop singer-songwriter from Wales. She has played at various festivals including Big Love, Green Man and Immersed Music Festival; was selected for Focus Wales and the Anthem Fast Forward Project; and has performed at the Music and Race Show for Race Council Cymru, as well as headlining the Love Music Hate Racism showcase at The Moon in Cardiff. With her NextGen Fund, she is currently creating a 10-track Afrobeats album which will feature artists including fellow NextGen Fund recipient, ManLikeVision. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Sunny Side Down West Midlands Sunny Side Down is an indie, rock and alternative singer-songwriter. The NextGen Fund is supporting them to create and release their third album, which will be an emotional picture of them and the people around them over the last three years. With their music, they aim to capture the intensity and sweetness of learning to be a person. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Superlate North West Superlate is a dance/pop producer based in Liverpool. His releases have gained support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Merseyside, and BBC Introducing; he performed in front of 10,000 people at the Eurovision Main Stage in Liverpool in 2023; and has also performed at BBC Introducing LIVE at The Cavern Club. He has also co-produced tracks for Youngr and worked with Grammy-nominated producer Adriano Allaverdi. He is now working on two thematic EPs, 'The Tropics' and 'The Moment', with the backing of the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Surafeal Bruke Greater London Surafeal Bruke is the founder of GRADIENT, a platform celebrating the UK's vibrant and diverse music and creative scenes. The NextGen Fund will help Surafeal to scale up GRADIENT, hosting events with higher capacities throughout London, and offering additional support for artists, including workshops and networking opportunities. Pronouns: he/him Instagram The Yard Woman South West The Yard Woman is a Greek-born, London-based DJ and producer. She has previously worked with Richie Hawtin, and has released tracks through respected labels including Simulate, Einmusika, Running Clouds, Pets Recordings and Epidemic Sound. With the help of the NextGen Fund, she is currently transitioning from her established work in Melodic Techno to explore new creative and professional possibilities in Melodic House. She plans to produce and release a two-track EP, bringing a fresh narrative-driven sound to the genre, and seeking to represent queer women in the electronic music scene. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Yemi Yohannes South East Yemi Yohannes is a London-based creative artist, known for her soulful spoken word poetry. Her performance credits include BBC Radio London, The Photographer’s Gallery, Sofar Sounds, COP26, the National Youth Theatre and more. With her work, she aims to make poetry more accessible in the mainstream. The NextGen Fund is supporting Yemi to create a solo EP exploring spoken word with jungle music, alongside a specific focus on choral sounds and storytelling. Pronouns: she/her Instagram
AFRODITETOOLIVELY East of England AFRODITETOOLIVELY's NextGen Fund grant will support the creation of a five-track UK Garage EP, 'Lively's World', along with a listening event for the launch. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Astrid Lucia South East Astrid Lucia is an alternative R&B artist from Kent. Her music has received support from BBC Introducing, Reprezent Radio and PIRATE.COM, and she has performed in cities across the UK, including London and Bristol. Her NextGen Fund grant is supporting her to finish her second EP, learn music production, and develop a new live set which uses Ableton Live. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Bennettiscoming North West Bennettiscoming is an R&B singer/songwriter from Manchester. He has performed at Manchester International Festival, Manchester Pride, Pride in Trafford, Pride Bolton and Sounds From The Other City. The NextGen Fund is supporting the development and release of his upcoming EP, 'Late Bloomer'. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Carnelian Seville South East Carnelian Seville is an artist and herbalist based in Brighton. They have performed at festivals including Queer Spirit and Buddhafield Festival, had artist residencies at Performing Arts Forum, Can Serrat and La Bassa Mar, and collaborated with medicinal musicians and collectives including the Radical Faeries and Penelope Vivaro. Their NextGen Funded project will involve using their Plant Wave synthesizer, which converts the electromagnetic frequencies of plants into music. Carnelian will write and produce a track collaborating with an “orchestra” of mushrooms, documenting their process in a short film which they will screen locally. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Celia Grace North East Celia Grace is a bedroom-pop singer from Hartlepool. She has played at various venues across the North East, festivals such as Twisterella and Stockton Calling, and a live session at BBC Maida Vale Studios. She has also been selected to take part in artist development programmes, including Tees Alliance Mentoring, Help Musicians Business Accelerator and Generator First Notes. Pronouns: she/her Duncan Colquhoun Scotland Duncan Colquhoun is a producer, singer, songwriter and visual artist based in Glasgow. With the NextGen Fund, he is creating a genre-fluid five-track debut EP for release under a new pseudonym. Pronouns: he/him Instagram ÉABHA Northern Ireland ÉABHA is an artist from Belfast. They have received praise from BBC Radio Ulster, Sound Obscura Chicago, Dublin Digital Radio, and Resonance Magnétique in Montreal. They also perform regularly within the Belfast music scene. The NextGen Fund will support the release of their upcoming debut EP, 'An Dóitéan'. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Ebenezer Good North East Ebenezer Good is a producer, recording engineer and DJ based in Newcastle. He has performed at festivals across the UK including Kendall Calling, Dot2Dot in Bristol, and Waves Festival in Sunderland. With the NextGen Fund, he will be releasing three new singles, play at UK Garage and DnB events, and host guest mixes on his social media platforms and on radio. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Elizabeth J. Birch West Midlands Elizabeth J Birch is a musician from Solihull. She has received radio plays from Brum Radio, BBC Introducing, Unmade Radio and Black Country Radio, won the 'Inspirational Music Leader' Award at the Youth Music Awards 2023, and was featured as a Mastercard Trailblazer ahead of the 2024 BRIT Awards, in recognition of her work to drive positive change in the music industry across technology, diversity and inclusion. With the NextGen Fund, she will create and launch her own music label, and experiment with unique and accessible ways of writing, recording, releasing, and promoting music. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Erin O'Callaghan East Midlands Erin O'Callaghan is an independent singer-songwriter originally from Northamptonshire, now living in Edinburgh. She has played gigs at Sofar Sounds, Dragonfly Live Lounge, The Lemon Tree and Sneaky Pete's, and has received support from Angela Griffin on BBC Radio 2. The NextGen Fund will support her upcoming 4-track EP. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Exojay East MidlandsExojay is an R&B and rap artist based in Nottingham. The NextGen Fund will support him to create a self-produced EP, accompanied by cinematic content. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok FEE Yorkshire and the Humber FEE is a trumpet player and vocalist from Leeds. She has performed at Leeds Jazz Festival. She is currently using the NextGen Fund to record and release an EP called 'Dancing Flames', which she will release towards the end of this year, celebrated with a headline show. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Gabriella Bongo Greater London Gabriella Bongo is a songwriter, producer, DJ and recording engineer based in London. She has been lauded by BBC 1Xtra, BBC Radio 1, Hospital Records and Atlantic Records; has performed at the O2 Academy, the Royal Albert Hall, and Hospitality in the Woods Festival; and taken part in jam sessions with Nile Rodgers. The NextGen Fund is supporting Gabriella to release her next three singles. Pronouns: she/her Instagram George Bone East of England George is a vocalist and pianist who fuses R&B, neo-jazz and pop. He has previously supported the likes of Andrew Cushin and Molly Hocking on tour, and is now using the NextGen Fund to record and release the two lead singles from his upcoming EP. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok HabibTati Greater London HabibTati is a DJ, music event producer and community organiser from London. They specialise in blending sounds from South-West Asia and the Middle East into the London music scene. Their NextGen Funded project will focus on integrating sounds and instruments from their heritage into several performances within London’s electronic music community. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Honey Keenan Scotland Honey is an artist manager from Glasgow. Under the Hive Five Management name, she manages artists Leif Coffield and MIA MI, who have both been signed to AWAL through her efforts. She has also secured recording sessions at Spotify Studios and campaigns with brands like Puma. Her artists have also played a variety of festivals, including sold-out shows at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, have been nominated for the Scottish Alternative Music Awards and the Popjustice Awards, and been featured in The Skinny, BBC 1, BBC Radio Scotland and Clash Magazine. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Isabel Maria North East Isabel Maria is an alternative-pop singer-songwriter from Sunderland. To date, she has played shows nationally and internationally (including London, Brighton, Worcester, Leeds, Newcastle and Seville), and gained the support of names such as Rolling Stone Español and BBC Radio 1. She has also been awarded the prestigious Alan Hull (Lindisfarne) Award, a Northern Writers Awards, and a North East Culture Award. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Karis Jade North West Karis Jade is a singer-songwriter from Bolton. She has performed with The Mouse Outfit on their UK tour, festivals such as Sounds From The Other City, and iconic venues such as Band on the Wall in Manchester. The NextGen Fund is currently supporting the development of her next project, a three-track EP. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok kfromkway South East kfromkway is an artist, producer and songwriter. He has been featured in major publications like GRM Daily, Wonderland, GUAP, and SBTV, and his music has been played on BBC Radio 1Xtra, Capital Xtra, and Flex FM. He has amassed over 500,000 streams and views across his tracks to date. Pronouns: he/him TikTok Instagram Lucas Assagba Yorkshire and the Humber Lucas Assagba is a singer, songwriter and producer from Bradford. 'the Solution', is the sequel project to her first EP, 'the Resolution'. Where 'the Resolution' focused on what it means to heal, 'the Solution' deals with the aftermath of healing, and everything that comes next. Lucas plans to finish and promote 'the Resolution' with the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok MARACHÉ Greater London MARACHÉ is a London-based artist, songwriter and producer. Her songs have gone viral on TikTok, leading to airplay on Reprezent Radio, Capital XTRA, BBC 1Xtra, and other local radio stations. She has also been featured on Spotify's Fresh Finds UK & IE playlist, and performed at The Great Escape Festival and Hype & Genius' collaborative event with Nando's. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Mason Talbot Yorkshire and the Humber Mason Talbot is a Welsh-born DJ and producer based in Leeds. His breakthrough track, 'Cocaina', has surpassed 3 million streams to date, and he has performed at prominent venues and shows across the UK, including MiNT Warehouse, Egg, and Leeds Defected Festival. He is currently using the NextGen Fund to grow his independent record label, Redefy Records. Pronouns: he/him Instagram - Mason Instagram - Redefy TikTok Monica Wat South West Monica Wat is a singer-songwriter and producer from Hong Kong, now based in the UK. With the NextGen Fund, she is currently working on her sophomore EP 'Gaslight', which will fuse indie folk/country-pop with lyrical storytelling and ethereal vocals. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok NuAloe Greater London NuAloe is a Nigerian and Jamaican singer and rapper. Her music addresses themes of Blackness, Queerness, and the experience of living in South London. The NextGen Fund is supporting her to create and release her next EP, alongside a series of visuals. Pronouns: she/they Instagram TikTok Peter McMahon Northern Ireland Peter McMahon is a singer from Fermanagh. He has headlined sold-out shows at venues such as Little Whelan's in Dublin. With the NextGen Fund, he is working on his next EP 'QUEUEING FOR ONE', which will be accompanied by a series of music videos. The videos will coalesce into one cohesive short film about someone discovering themselves. Pronouns: he/him Instagram retropxssy Greater London retropxssy is an artist based in London, who blends hip-hop with jazz, punk and jungle. She has put on her own shows in the UK, Europe, and Canada; supported artists like Onoe Caponoe, Grove and Gal-Go; and has been longlisted in the Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition. She has also performed at festivals including Uplands Festival. The NextGen Fund will support her to produce and release her album, 'I Haven't Told Many People'. The album, which was catalysed by her close friend Evie’s death due to mental health system failure, will explore hidden disability and reframe the way we view mental illness, with a hope to inspire change. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Samantha Wales Samantha is a soul, Afrobeats and dark-pop singer-songwriter from Wales. She has played at various festivals including Big Love, Green Man and Immersed Music Festival; was selected for Focus Wales and the Anthem Fast Forward Project; and has performed at the Music and Race Show for Race Council Cymru, as well as headlining the Love Music Hate Racism showcase at The Moon in Cardiff. With her NextGen Fund, she is currently creating a 10-track Afrobeats album which will feature artists including fellow NextGen Fund recipient, ManLikeVision. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Sunny Side Down West Midlands Sunny Side Down is an indie, rock and alternative singer-songwriter. The NextGen Fund is supporting them to create and release their third album, which will be an emotional picture of them and the people around them over the last three years. With their music, they aim to capture the intensity and sweetness of learning to be a person. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Superlate North West Superlate is a dance/pop producer based in Liverpool. His releases have gained support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Merseyside, and BBC Introducing; he performed in front of 10,000 people at the Eurovision Main Stage in Liverpool in 2023; and has also performed at BBC Introducing LIVE at The Cavern Club. He has also co-produced tracks for Youngr and worked with Grammy-nominated producer Adriano Allaverdi. He is now working on two thematic EPs, 'The Tropics' and 'The Moment', with the backing of the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Surafeal Bruke Greater London Surafeal Bruke is the founder of GRADIENT, a platform celebrating the UK's vibrant and diverse music and creative scenes. The NextGen Fund will help Surafeal to scale up GRADIENT, hosting events with higher capacities throughout London, and offering additional support for artists, including workshops and networking opportunities. Pronouns: he/him Instagram The Yard Woman South West The Yard Woman is a Greek-born, London-based DJ and producer. She has previously worked with Richie Hawtin, and has released tracks through respected labels including Simulate, Einmusika, Running Clouds, Pets Recordings and Epidemic Sound. With the help of the NextGen Fund, she is currently transitioning from her established work in Melodic Techno to explore new creative and professional possibilities in Melodic House. She plans to produce and release a two-track EP, bringing a fresh narrative-driven sound to the genre, and seeking to represent queer women in the electronic music scene. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Yemi Yohannes South East Yemi Yohannes is a London-based creative artist, known for her soulful spoken word poetry. Her performance credits include BBC Radio London, The Photographer’s Gallery, Sofar Sounds, COP26, the National Youth Theatre and more. With her work, she aims to make poetry more accessible in the mainstream. The NextGen Fund is supporting Yemi to create a solo EP exploring spoken word with jungle music, alongside a specific focus on choral sounds and storytelling. Pronouns: she/her Instagram
Astrid Lucia South East Astrid Lucia is an alternative R&B artist from Kent. Her music has received support from BBC Introducing, Reprezent Radio and PIRATE.COM, and she has performed in cities across the UK, including London and Bristol. Her NextGen Fund grant is supporting her to finish her second EP, learn music production, and develop a new live set which uses Ableton Live. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Bennettiscoming North West Bennettiscoming is an R&B singer/songwriter from Manchester. He has performed at Manchester International Festival, Manchester Pride, Pride in Trafford, Pride Bolton and Sounds From The Other City. The NextGen Fund is supporting the development and release of his upcoming EP, 'Late Bloomer'. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Carnelian Seville South East Carnelian Seville is an artist and herbalist based in Brighton. They have performed at festivals including Queer Spirit and Buddhafield Festival, had artist residencies at Performing Arts Forum, Can Serrat and La Bassa Mar, and collaborated with medicinal musicians and collectives including the Radical Faeries and Penelope Vivaro. Their NextGen Funded project will involve using their Plant Wave synthesizer, which converts the electromagnetic frequencies of plants into music. Carnelian will write and produce a track collaborating with an “orchestra” of mushrooms, documenting their process in a short film which they will screen locally. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Celia Grace North East Celia Grace is a bedroom-pop singer from Hartlepool. She has played at various venues across the North East, festivals such as Twisterella and Stockton Calling, and a live session at BBC Maida Vale Studios. She has also been selected to take part in artist development programmes, including Tees Alliance Mentoring, Help Musicians Business Accelerator and Generator First Notes. Pronouns: she/her Duncan Colquhoun Scotland Duncan Colquhoun is a producer, singer, songwriter and visual artist based in Glasgow. With the NextGen Fund, he is creating a genre-fluid five-track debut EP for release under a new pseudonym. Pronouns: he/him Instagram ÉABHA Northern Ireland ÉABHA is an artist from Belfast. They have received praise from BBC Radio Ulster, Sound Obscura Chicago, Dublin Digital Radio, and Resonance Magnétique in Montreal. They also perform regularly within the Belfast music scene. The NextGen Fund will support the release of their upcoming debut EP, 'An Dóitéan'. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Ebenezer Good North East Ebenezer Good is a producer, recording engineer and DJ based in Newcastle. He has performed at festivals across the UK including Kendall Calling, Dot2Dot in Bristol, and Waves Festival in Sunderland. With the NextGen Fund, he will be releasing three new singles, play at UK Garage and DnB events, and host guest mixes on his social media platforms and on radio. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Elizabeth J. Birch West Midlands Elizabeth J Birch is a musician from Solihull. She has received radio plays from Brum Radio, BBC Introducing, Unmade Radio and Black Country Radio, won the 'Inspirational Music Leader' Award at the Youth Music Awards 2023, and was featured as a Mastercard Trailblazer ahead of the 2024 BRIT Awards, in recognition of her work to drive positive change in the music industry across technology, diversity and inclusion. With the NextGen Fund, she will create and launch her own music label, and experiment with unique and accessible ways of writing, recording, releasing, and promoting music. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Erin O'Callaghan East Midlands Erin O'Callaghan is an independent singer-songwriter originally from Northamptonshire, now living in Edinburgh. She has played gigs at Sofar Sounds, Dragonfly Live Lounge, The Lemon Tree and Sneaky Pete's, and has received support from Angela Griffin on BBC Radio 2. The NextGen Fund will support her upcoming 4-track EP. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Exojay East MidlandsExojay is an R&B and rap artist based in Nottingham. The NextGen Fund will support him to create a self-produced EP, accompanied by cinematic content. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok FEE Yorkshire and the Humber FEE is a trumpet player and vocalist from Leeds. She has performed at Leeds Jazz Festival. She is currently using the NextGen Fund to record and release an EP called 'Dancing Flames', which she will release towards the end of this year, celebrated with a headline show. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Gabriella Bongo Greater London Gabriella Bongo is a songwriter, producer, DJ and recording engineer based in London. She has been lauded by BBC 1Xtra, BBC Radio 1, Hospital Records and Atlantic Records; has performed at the O2 Academy, the Royal Albert Hall, and Hospitality in the Woods Festival; and taken part in jam sessions with Nile Rodgers. The NextGen Fund is supporting Gabriella to release her next three singles. Pronouns: she/her Instagram George Bone East of England George is a vocalist and pianist who fuses R&B, neo-jazz and pop. He has previously supported the likes of Andrew Cushin and Molly Hocking on tour, and is now using the NextGen Fund to record and release the two lead singles from his upcoming EP. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok HabibTati Greater London HabibTati is a DJ, music event producer and community organiser from London. They specialise in blending sounds from South-West Asia and the Middle East into the London music scene. Their NextGen Funded project will focus on integrating sounds and instruments from their heritage into several performances within London’s electronic music community. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Honey Keenan Scotland Honey is an artist manager from Glasgow. Under the Hive Five Management name, she manages artists Leif Coffield and MIA MI, who have both been signed to AWAL through her efforts. She has also secured recording sessions at Spotify Studios and campaigns with brands like Puma. Her artists have also played a variety of festivals, including sold-out shows at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, have been nominated for the Scottish Alternative Music Awards and the Popjustice Awards, and been featured in The Skinny, BBC 1, BBC Radio Scotland and Clash Magazine. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Isabel Maria North East Isabel Maria is an alternative-pop singer-songwriter from Sunderland. To date, she has played shows nationally and internationally (including London, Brighton, Worcester, Leeds, Newcastle and Seville), and gained the support of names such as Rolling Stone Español and BBC Radio 1. She has also been awarded the prestigious Alan Hull (Lindisfarne) Award, a Northern Writers Awards, and a North East Culture Award. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Karis Jade North West Karis Jade is a singer-songwriter from Bolton. She has performed with The Mouse Outfit on their UK tour, festivals such as Sounds From The Other City, and iconic venues such as Band on the Wall in Manchester. The NextGen Fund is currently supporting the development of her next project, a three-track EP. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok kfromkway South East kfromkway is an artist, producer and songwriter. He has been featured in major publications like GRM Daily, Wonderland, GUAP, and SBTV, and his music has been played on BBC Radio 1Xtra, Capital Xtra, and Flex FM. He has amassed over 500,000 streams and views across his tracks to date. Pronouns: he/him TikTok Instagram Lucas Assagba Yorkshire and the Humber Lucas Assagba is a singer, songwriter and producer from Bradford. 'the Solution', is the sequel project to her first EP, 'the Resolution'. Where 'the Resolution' focused on what it means to heal, 'the Solution' deals with the aftermath of healing, and everything that comes next. Lucas plans to finish and promote 'the Resolution' with the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok MARACHÉ Greater London MARACHÉ is a London-based artist, songwriter and producer. Her songs have gone viral on TikTok, leading to airplay on Reprezent Radio, Capital XTRA, BBC 1Xtra, and other local radio stations. She has also been featured on Spotify's Fresh Finds UK & IE playlist, and performed at The Great Escape Festival and Hype & Genius' collaborative event with Nando's. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Mason Talbot Yorkshire and the Humber Mason Talbot is a Welsh-born DJ and producer based in Leeds. His breakthrough track, 'Cocaina', has surpassed 3 million streams to date, and he has performed at prominent venues and shows across the UK, including MiNT Warehouse, Egg, and Leeds Defected Festival. He is currently using the NextGen Fund to grow his independent record label, Redefy Records. Pronouns: he/him Instagram - Mason Instagram - Redefy TikTok Monica Wat South West Monica Wat is a singer-songwriter and producer from Hong Kong, now based in the UK. With the NextGen Fund, she is currently working on her sophomore EP 'Gaslight', which will fuse indie folk/country-pop with lyrical storytelling and ethereal vocals. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok NuAloe Greater London NuAloe is a Nigerian and Jamaican singer and rapper. Her music addresses themes of Blackness, Queerness, and the experience of living in South London. The NextGen Fund is supporting her to create and release her next EP, alongside a series of visuals. Pronouns: she/they Instagram TikTok Peter McMahon Northern Ireland Peter McMahon is a singer from Fermanagh. He has headlined sold-out shows at venues such as Little Whelan's in Dublin. With the NextGen Fund, he is working on his next EP 'QUEUEING FOR ONE', which will be accompanied by a series of music videos. The videos will coalesce into one cohesive short film about someone discovering themselves. Pronouns: he/him Instagram retropxssy Greater London retropxssy is an artist based in London, who blends hip-hop with jazz, punk and jungle. She has put on her own shows in the UK, Europe, and Canada; supported artists like Onoe Caponoe, Grove and Gal-Go; and has been longlisted in the Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition. She has also performed at festivals including Uplands Festival. The NextGen Fund will support her to produce and release her album, 'I Haven't Told Many People'. The album, which was catalysed by her close friend Evie’s death due to mental health system failure, will explore hidden disability and reframe the way we view mental illness, with a hope to inspire change. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Samantha Wales Samantha is a soul, Afrobeats and dark-pop singer-songwriter from Wales. She has played at various festivals including Big Love, Green Man and Immersed Music Festival; was selected for Focus Wales and the Anthem Fast Forward Project; and has performed at the Music and Race Show for Race Council Cymru, as well as headlining the Love Music Hate Racism showcase at The Moon in Cardiff. With her NextGen Fund, she is currently creating a 10-track Afrobeats album which will feature artists including fellow NextGen Fund recipient, ManLikeVision. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Sunny Side Down West Midlands Sunny Side Down is an indie, rock and alternative singer-songwriter. The NextGen Fund is supporting them to create and release their third album, which will be an emotional picture of them and the people around them over the last three years. With their music, they aim to capture the intensity and sweetness of learning to be a person. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Superlate North West Superlate is a dance/pop producer based in Liverpool. His releases have gained support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Merseyside, and BBC Introducing; he performed in front of 10,000 people at the Eurovision Main Stage in Liverpool in 2023; and has also performed at BBC Introducing LIVE at The Cavern Club. He has also co-produced tracks for Youngr and worked with Grammy-nominated producer Adriano Allaverdi. He is now working on two thematic EPs, 'The Tropics' and 'The Moment', with the backing of the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Surafeal Bruke Greater London Surafeal Bruke is the founder of GRADIENT, a platform celebrating the UK's vibrant and diverse music and creative scenes. The NextGen Fund will help Surafeal to scale up GRADIENT, hosting events with higher capacities throughout London, and offering additional support for artists, including workshops and networking opportunities. Pronouns: he/him Instagram The Yard Woman South West The Yard Woman is a Greek-born, London-based DJ and producer. She has previously worked with Richie Hawtin, and has released tracks through respected labels including Simulate, Einmusika, Running Clouds, Pets Recordings and Epidemic Sound. With the help of the NextGen Fund, she is currently transitioning from her established work in Melodic Techno to explore new creative and professional possibilities in Melodic House. She plans to produce and release a two-track EP, bringing a fresh narrative-driven sound to the genre, and seeking to represent queer women in the electronic music scene. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Yemi Yohannes South East Yemi Yohannes is a London-based creative artist, known for her soulful spoken word poetry. Her performance credits include BBC Radio London, The Photographer’s Gallery, Sofar Sounds, COP26, the National Youth Theatre and more. With her work, she aims to make poetry more accessible in the mainstream. The NextGen Fund is supporting Yemi to create a solo EP exploring spoken word with jungle music, alongside a specific focus on choral sounds and storytelling. Pronouns: she/her Instagram
Bennettiscoming North West Bennettiscoming is an R&B singer/songwriter from Manchester. He has performed at Manchester International Festival, Manchester Pride, Pride in Trafford, Pride Bolton and Sounds From The Other City. The NextGen Fund is supporting the development and release of his upcoming EP, 'Late Bloomer'. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Carnelian Seville South East Carnelian Seville is an artist and herbalist based in Brighton. They have performed at festivals including Queer Spirit and Buddhafield Festival, had artist residencies at Performing Arts Forum, Can Serrat and La Bassa Mar, and collaborated with medicinal musicians and collectives including the Radical Faeries and Penelope Vivaro. Their NextGen Funded project will involve using their Plant Wave synthesizer, which converts the electromagnetic frequencies of plants into music. Carnelian will write and produce a track collaborating with an “orchestra” of mushrooms, documenting their process in a short film which they will screen locally. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Celia Grace North East Celia Grace is a bedroom-pop singer from Hartlepool. She has played at various venues across the North East, festivals such as Twisterella and Stockton Calling, and a live session at BBC Maida Vale Studios. She has also been selected to take part in artist development programmes, including Tees Alliance Mentoring, Help Musicians Business Accelerator and Generator First Notes. Pronouns: she/her Duncan Colquhoun Scotland Duncan Colquhoun is a producer, singer, songwriter and visual artist based in Glasgow. With the NextGen Fund, he is creating a genre-fluid five-track debut EP for release under a new pseudonym. Pronouns: he/him Instagram ÉABHA Northern Ireland ÉABHA is an artist from Belfast. They have received praise from BBC Radio Ulster, Sound Obscura Chicago, Dublin Digital Radio, and Resonance Magnétique in Montreal. They also perform regularly within the Belfast music scene. The NextGen Fund will support the release of their upcoming debut EP, 'An Dóitéan'. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Ebenezer Good North East Ebenezer Good is a producer, recording engineer and DJ based in Newcastle. He has performed at festivals across the UK including Kendall Calling, Dot2Dot in Bristol, and Waves Festival in Sunderland. With the NextGen Fund, he will be releasing three new singles, play at UK Garage and DnB events, and host guest mixes on his social media platforms and on radio. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Elizabeth J. Birch West Midlands Elizabeth J Birch is a musician from Solihull. She has received radio plays from Brum Radio, BBC Introducing, Unmade Radio and Black Country Radio, won the 'Inspirational Music Leader' Award at the Youth Music Awards 2023, and was featured as a Mastercard Trailblazer ahead of the 2024 BRIT Awards, in recognition of her work to drive positive change in the music industry across technology, diversity and inclusion. With the NextGen Fund, she will create and launch her own music label, and experiment with unique and accessible ways of writing, recording, releasing, and promoting music. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Erin O'Callaghan East Midlands Erin O'Callaghan is an independent singer-songwriter originally from Northamptonshire, now living in Edinburgh. She has played gigs at Sofar Sounds, Dragonfly Live Lounge, The Lemon Tree and Sneaky Pete's, and has received support from Angela Griffin on BBC Radio 2. The NextGen Fund will support her upcoming 4-track EP. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Exojay East MidlandsExojay is an R&B and rap artist based in Nottingham. The NextGen Fund will support him to create a self-produced EP, accompanied by cinematic content. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok FEE Yorkshire and the Humber FEE is a trumpet player and vocalist from Leeds. She has performed at Leeds Jazz Festival. She is currently using the NextGen Fund to record and release an EP called 'Dancing Flames', which she will release towards the end of this year, celebrated with a headline show. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Gabriella Bongo Greater London Gabriella Bongo is a songwriter, producer, DJ and recording engineer based in London. She has been lauded by BBC 1Xtra, BBC Radio 1, Hospital Records and Atlantic Records; has performed at the O2 Academy, the Royal Albert Hall, and Hospitality in the Woods Festival; and taken part in jam sessions with Nile Rodgers. The NextGen Fund is supporting Gabriella to release her next three singles. Pronouns: she/her Instagram George Bone East of England George is a vocalist and pianist who fuses R&B, neo-jazz and pop. He has previously supported the likes of Andrew Cushin and Molly Hocking on tour, and is now using the NextGen Fund to record and release the two lead singles from his upcoming EP. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok HabibTati Greater London HabibTati is a DJ, music event producer and community organiser from London. They specialise in blending sounds from South-West Asia and the Middle East into the London music scene. Their NextGen Funded project will focus on integrating sounds and instruments from their heritage into several performances within London’s electronic music community. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Honey Keenan Scotland Honey is an artist manager from Glasgow. Under the Hive Five Management name, she manages artists Leif Coffield and MIA MI, who have both been signed to AWAL through her efforts. She has also secured recording sessions at Spotify Studios and campaigns with brands like Puma. Her artists have also played a variety of festivals, including sold-out shows at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, have been nominated for the Scottish Alternative Music Awards and the Popjustice Awards, and been featured in The Skinny, BBC 1, BBC Radio Scotland and Clash Magazine. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Isabel Maria North East Isabel Maria is an alternative-pop singer-songwriter from Sunderland. To date, she has played shows nationally and internationally (including London, Brighton, Worcester, Leeds, Newcastle and Seville), and gained the support of names such as Rolling Stone Español and BBC Radio 1. She has also been awarded the prestigious Alan Hull (Lindisfarne) Award, a Northern Writers Awards, and a North East Culture Award. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Karis Jade North West Karis Jade is a singer-songwriter from Bolton. She has performed with The Mouse Outfit on their UK tour, festivals such as Sounds From The Other City, and iconic venues such as Band on the Wall in Manchester. The NextGen Fund is currently supporting the development of her next project, a three-track EP. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok kfromkway South East kfromkway is an artist, producer and songwriter. He has been featured in major publications like GRM Daily, Wonderland, GUAP, and SBTV, and his music has been played on BBC Radio 1Xtra, Capital Xtra, and Flex FM. He has amassed over 500,000 streams and views across his tracks to date. Pronouns: he/him TikTok Instagram Lucas Assagba Yorkshire and the Humber Lucas Assagba is a singer, songwriter and producer from Bradford. 'the Solution', is the sequel project to her first EP, 'the Resolution'. Where 'the Resolution' focused on what it means to heal, 'the Solution' deals with the aftermath of healing, and everything that comes next. Lucas plans to finish and promote 'the Resolution' with the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok MARACHÉ Greater London MARACHÉ is a London-based artist, songwriter and producer. Her songs have gone viral on TikTok, leading to airplay on Reprezent Radio, Capital XTRA, BBC 1Xtra, and other local radio stations. She has also been featured on Spotify's Fresh Finds UK & IE playlist, and performed at The Great Escape Festival and Hype & Genius' collaborative event with Nando's. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Mason Talbot Yorkshire and the Humber Mason Talbot is a Welsh-born DJ and producer based in Leeds. His breakthrough track, 'Cocaina', has surpassed 3 million streams to date, and he has performed at prominent venues and shows across the UK, including MiNT Warehouse, Egg, and Leeds Defected Festival. He is currently using the NextGen Fund to grow his independent record label, Redefy Records. Pronouns: he/him Instagram - Mason Instagram - Redefy TikTok Monica Wat South West Monica Wat is a singer-songwriter and producer from Hong Kong, now based in the UK. With the NextGen Fund, she is currently working on her sophomore EP 'Gaslight', which will fuse indie folk/country-pop with lyrical storytelling and ethereal vocals. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok NuAloe Greater London NuAloe is a Nigerian and Jamaican singer and rapper. Her music addresses themes of Blackness, Queerness, and the experience of living in South London. The NextGen Fund is supporting her to create and release her next EP, alongside a series of visuals. Pronouns: she/they Instagram TikTok Peter McMahon Northern Ireland Peter McMahon is a singer from Fermanagh. He has headlined sold-out shows at venues such as Little Whelan's in Dublin. With the NextGen Fund, he is working on his next EP 'QUEUEING FOR ONE', which will be accompanied by a series of music videos. The videos will coalesce into one cohesive short film about someone discovering themselves. Pronouns: he/him Instagram retropxssy Greater London retropxssy is an artist based in London, who blends hip-hop with jazz, punk and jungle. She has put on her own shows in the UK, Europe, and Canada; supported artists like Onoe Caponoe, Grove and Gal-Go; and has been longlisted in the Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition. She has also performed at festivals including Uplands Festival. The NextGen Fund will support her to produce and release her album, 'I Haven't Told Many People'. The album, which was catalysed by her close friend Evie’s death due to mental health system failure, will explore hidden disability and reframe the way we view mental illness, with a hope to inspire change. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Samantha Wales Samantha is a soul, Afrobeats and dark-pop singer-songwriter from Wales. She has played at various festivals including Big Love, Green Man and Immersed Music Festival; was selected for Focus Wales and the Anthem Fast Forward Project; and has performed at the Music and Race Show for Race Council Cymru, as well as headlining the Love Music Hate Racism showcase at The Moon in Cardiff. With her NextGen Fund, she is currently creating a 10-track Afrobeats album which will feature artists including fellow NextGen Fund recipient, ManLikeVision. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Sunny Side Down West Midlands Sunny Side Down is an indie, rock and alternative singer-songwriter. The NextGen Fund is supporting them to create and release their third album, which will be an emotional picture of them and the people around them over the last three years. With their music, they aim to capture the intensity and sweetness of learning to be a person. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Superlate North West Superlate is a dance/pop producer based in Liverpool. His releases have gained support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Merseyside, and BBC Introducing; he performed in front of 10,000 people at the Eurovision Main Stage in Liverpool in 2023; and has also performed at BBC Introducing LIVE at The Cavern Club. He has also co-produced tracks for Youngr and worked with Grammy-nominated producer Adriano Allaverdi. He is now working on two thematic EPs, 'The Tropics' and 'The Moment', with the backing of the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Surafeal Bruke Greater London Surafeal Bruke is the founder of GRADIENT, a platform celebrating the UK's vibrant and diverse music and creative scenes. The NextGen Fund will help Surafeal to scale up GRADIENT, hosting events with higher capacities throughout London, and offering additional support for artists, including workshops and networking opportunities. Pronouns: he/him Instagram The Yard Woman South West The Yard Woman is a Greek-born, London-based DJ and producer. She has previously worked with Richie Hawtin, and has released tracks through respected labels including Simulate, Einmusika, Running Clouds, Pets Recordings and Epidemic Sound. With the help of the NextGen Fund, she is currently transitioning from her established work in Melodic Techno to explore new creative and professional possibilities in Melodic House. She plans to produce and release a two-track EP, bringing a fresh narrative-driven sound to the genre, and seeking to represent queer women in the electronic music scene. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Yemi Yohannes South East Yemi Yohannes is a London-based creative artist, known for her soulful spoken word poetry. Her performance credits include BBC Radio London, The Photographer’s Gallery, Sofar Sounds, COP26, the National Youth Theatre and more. With her work, she aims to make poetry more accessible in the mainstream. The NextGen Fund is supporting Yemi to create a solo EP exploring spoken word with jungle music, alongside a specific focus on choral sounds and storytelling. Pronouns: she/her Instagram
Carnelian Seville South East Carnelian Seville is an artist and herbalist based in Brighton. They have performed at festivals including Queer Spirit and Buddhafield Festival, had artist residencies at Performing Arts Forum, Can Serrat and La Bassa Mar, and collaborated with medicinal musicians and collectives including the Radical Faeries and Penelope Vivaro. Their NextGen Funded project will involve using their Plant Wave synthesizer, which converts the electromagnetic frequencies of plants into music. Carnelian will write and produce a track collaborating with an “orchestra” of mushrooms, documenting their process in a short film which they will screen locally. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Celia Grace North East Celia Grace is a bedroom-pop singer from Hartlepool. She has played at various venues across the North East, festivals such as Twisterella and Stockton Calling, and a live session at BBC Maida Vale Studios. She has also been selected to take part in artist development programmes, including Tees Alliance Mentoring, Help Musicians Business Accelerator and Generator First Notes. Pronouns: she/her Duncan Colquhoun Scotland Duncan Colquhoun is a producer, singer, songwriter and visual artist based in Glasgow. With the NextGen Fund, he is creating a genre-fluid five-track debut EP for release under a new pseudonym. Pronouns: he/him Instagram ÉABHA Northern Ireland ÉABHA is an artist from Belfast. They have received praise from BBC Radio Ulster, Sound Obscura Chicago, Dublin Digital Radio, and Resonance Magnétique in Montreal. They also perform regularly within the Belfast music scene. The NextGen Fund will support the release of their upcoming debut EP, 'An Dóitéan'. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Ebenezer Good North East Ebenezer Good is a producer, recording engineer and DJ based in Newcastle. He has performed at festivals across the UK including Kendall Calling, Dot2Dot in Bristol, and Waves Festival in Sunderland. With the NextGen Fund, he will be releasing three new singles, play at UK Garage and DnB events, and host guest mixes on his social media platforms and on radio. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Elizabeth J. Birch West Midlands Elizabeth J Birch is a musician from Solihull. She has received radio plays from Brum Radio, BBC Introducing, Unmade Radio and Black Country Radio, won the 'Inspirational Music Leader' Award at the Youth Music Awards 2023, and was featured as a Mastercard Trailblazer ahead of the 2024 BRIT Awards, in recognition of her work to drive positive change in the music industry across technology, diversity and inclusion. With the NextGen Fund, she will create and launch her own music label, and experiment with unique and accessible ways of writing, recording, releasing, and promoting music. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Erin O'Callaghan East Midlands Erin O'Callaghan is an independent singer-songwriter originally from Northamptonshire, now living in Edinburgh. She has played gigs at Sofar Sounds, Dragonfly Live Lounge, The Lemon Tree and Sneaky Pete's, and has received support from Angela Griffin on BBC Radio 2. The NextGen Fund will support her upcoming 4-track EP. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Exojay East MidlandsExojay is an R&B and rap artist based in Nottingham. The NextGen Fund will support him to create a self-produced EP, accompanied by cinematic content. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok FEE Yorkshire and the Humber FEE is a trumpet player and vocalist from Leeds. She has performed at Leeds Jazz Festival. She is currently using the NextGen Fund to record and release an EP called 'Dancing Flames', which she will release towards the end of this year, celebrated with a headline show. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Gabriella Bongo Greater London Gabriella Bongo is a songwriter, producer, DJ and recording engineer based in London. She has been lauded by BBC 1Xtra, BBC Radio 1, Hospital Records and Atlantic Records; has performed at the O2 Academy, the Royal Albert Hall, and Hospitality in the Woods Festival; and taken part in jam sessions with Nile Rodgers. The NextGen Fund is supporting Gabriella to release her next three singles. Pronouns: she/her Instagram George Bone East of England George is a vocalist and pianist who fuses R&B, neo-jazz and pop. He has previously supported the likes of Andrew Cushin and Molly Hocking on tour, and is now using the NextGen Fund to record and release the two lead singles from his upcoming EP. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok HabibTati Greater London HabibTati is a DJ, music event producer and community organiser from London. They specialise in blending sounds from South-West Asia and the Middle East into the London music scene. Their NextGen Funded project will focus on integrating sounds and instruments from their heritage into several performances within London’s electronic music community. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Honey Keenan Scotland Honey is an artist manager from Glasgow. Under the Hive Five Management name, she manages artists Leif Coffield and MIA MI, who have both been signed to AWAL through her efforts. She has also secured recording sessions at Spotify Studios and campaigns with brands like Puma. Her artists have also played a variety of festivals, including sold-out shows at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, have been nominated for the Scottish Alternative Music Awards and the Popjustice Awards, and been featured in The Skinny, BBC 1, BBC Radio Scotland and Clash Magazine. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Isabel Maria North East Isabel Maria is an alternative-pop singer-songwriter from Sunderland. To date, she has played shows nationally and internationally (including London, Brighton, Worcester, Leeds, Newcastle and Seville), and gained the support of names such as Rolling Stone Español and BBC Radio 1. She has also been awarded the prestigious Alan Hull (Lindisfarne) Award, a Northern Writers Awards, and a North East Culture Award. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Karis Jade North West Karis Jade is a singer-songwriter from Bolton. She has performed with The Mouse Outfit on their UK tour, festivals such as Sounds From The Other City, and iconic venues such as Band on the Wall in Manchester. The NextGen Fund is currently supporting the development of her next project, a three-track EP. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok kfromkway South East kfromkway is an artist, producer and songwriter. He has been featured in major publications like GRM Daily, Wonderland, GUAP, and SBTV, and his music has been played on BBC Radio 1Xtra, Capital Xtra, and Flex FM. He has amassed over 500,000 streams and views across his tracks to date. Pronouns: he/him TikTok Instagram Lucas Assagba Yorkshire and the Humber Lucas Assagba is a singer, songwriter and producer from Bradford. 'the Solution', is the sequel project to her first EP, 'the Resolution'. Where 'the Resolution' focused on what it means to heal, 'the Solution' deals with the aftermath of healing, and everything that comes next. Lucas plans to finish and promote 'the Resolution' with the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok MARACHÉ Greater London MARACHÉ is a London-based artist, songwriter and producer. Her songs have gone viral on TikTok, leading to airplay on Reprezent Radio, Capital XTRA, BBC 1Xtra, and other local radio stations. She has also been featured on Spotify's Fresh Finds UK & IE playlist, and performed at The Great Escape Festival and Hype & Genius' collaborative event with Nando's. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Mason Talbot Yorkshire and the Humber Mason Talbot is a Welsh-born DJ and producer based in Leeds. His breakthrough track, 'Cocaina', has surpassed 3 million streams to date, and he has performed at prominent venues and shows across the UK, including MiNT Warehouse, Egg, and Leeds Defected Festival. He is currently using the NextGen Fund to grow his independent record label, Redefy Records. Pronouns: he/him Instagram - Mason Instagram - Redefy TikTok Monica Wat South West Monica Wat is a singer-songwriter and producer from Hong Kong, now based in the UK. With the NextGen Fund, she is currently working on her sophomore EP 'Gaslight', which will fuse indie folk/country-pop with lyrical storytelling and ethereal vocals. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok NuAloe Greater London NuAloe is a Nigerian and Jamaican singer and rapper. Her music addresses themes of Blackness, Queerness, and the experience of living in South London. The NextGen Fund is supporting her to create and release her next EP, alongside a series of visuals. Pronouns: she/they Instagram TikTok Peter McMahon Northern Ireland Peter McMahon is a singer from Fermanagh. He has headlined sold-out shows at venues such as Little Whelan's in Dublin. With the NextGen Fund, he is working on his next EP 'QUEUEING FOR ONE', which will be accompanied by a series of music videos. The videos will coalesce into one cohesive short film about someone discovering themselves. Pronouns: he/him Instagram retropxssy Greater London retropxssy is an artist based in London, who blends hip-hop with jazz, punk and jungle. She has put on her own shows in the UK, Europe, and Canada; supported artists like Onoe Caponoe, Grove and Gal-Go; and has been longlisted in the Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition. She has also performed at festivals including Uplands Festival. The NextGen Fund will support her to produce and release her album, 'I Haven't Told Many People'. The album, which was catalysed by her close friend Evie’s death due to mental health system failure, will explore hidden disability and reframe the way we view mental illness, with a hope to inspire change. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Samantha Wales Samantha is a soul, Afrobeats and dark-pop singer-songwriter from Wales. She has played at various festivals including Big Love, Green Man and Immersed Music Festival; was selected for Focus Wales and the Anthem Fast Forward Project; and has performed at the Music and Race Show for Race Council Cymru, as well as headlining the Love Music Hate Racism showcase at The Moon in Cardiff. With her NextGen Fund, she is currently creating a 10-track Afrobeats album which will feature artists including fellow NextGen Fund recipient, ManLikeVision. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Sunny Side Down West Midlands Sunny Side Down is an indie, rock and alternative singer-songwriter. The NextGen Fund is supporting them to create and release their third album, which will be an emotional picture of them and the people around them over the last three years. With their music, they aim to capture the intensity and sweetness of learning to be a person. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Superlate North West Superlate is a dance/pop producer based in Liverpool. His releases have gained support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Merseyside, and BBC Introducing; he performed in front of 10,000 people at the Eurovision Main Stage in Liverpool in 2023; and has also performed at BBC Introducing LIVE at The Cavern Club. He has also co-produced tracks for Youngr and worked with Grammy-nominated producer Adriano Allaverdi. He is now working on two thematic EPs, 'The Tropics' and 'The Moment', with the backing of the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Surafeal Bruke Greater London Surafeal Bruke is the founder of GRADIENT, a platform celebrating the UK's vibrant and diverse music and creative scenes. The NextGen Fund will help Surafeal to scale up GRADIENT, hosting events with higher capacities throughout London, and offering additional support for artists, including workshops and networking opportunities. Pronouns: he/him Instagram The Yard Woman South West The Yard Woman is a Greek-born, London-based DJ and producer. She has previously worked with Richie Hawtin, and has released tracks through respected labels including Simulate, Einmusika, Running Clouds, Pets Recordings and Epidemic Sound. With the help of the NextGen Fund, she is currently transitioning from her established work in Melodic Techno to explore new creative and professional possibilities in Melodic House. She plans to produce and release a two-track EP, bringing a fresh narrative-driven sound to the genre, and seeking to represent queer women in the electronic music scene. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Yemi Yohannes South East Yemi Yohannes is a London-based creative artist, known for her soulful spoken word poetry. Her performance credits include BBC Radio London, The Photographer’s Gallery, Sofar Sounds, COP26, the National Youth Theatre and more. With her work, she aims to make poetry more accessible in the mainstream. The NextGen Fund is supporting Yemi to create a solo EP exploring spoken word with jungle music, alongside a specific focus on choral sounds and storytelling. Pronouns: she/her Instagram
Celia Grace North East Celia Grace is a bedroom-pop singer from Hartlepool. She has played at various venues across the North East, festivals such as Twisterella and Stockton Calling, and a live session at BBC Maida Vale Studios. She has also been selected to take part in artist development programmes, including Tees Alliance Mentoring, Help Musicians Business Accelerator and Generator First Notes. Pronouns: she/her Duncan Colquhoun Scotland Duncan Colquhoun is a producer, singer, songwriter and visual artist based in Glasgow. With the NextGen Fund, he is creating a genre-fluid five-track debut EP for release under a new pseudonym. Pronouns: he/him Instagram ÉABHA Northern Ireland ÉABHA is an artist from Belfast. They have received praise from BBC Radio Ulster, Sound Obscura Chicago, Dublin Digital Radio, and Resonance Magnétique in Montreal. They also perform regularly within the Belfast music scene. The NextGen Fund will support the release of their upcoming debut EP, 'An Dóitéan'. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Ebenezer Good North East Ebenezer Good is a producer, recording engineer and DJ based in Newcastle. He has performed at festivals across the UK including Kendall Calling, Dot2Dot in Bristol, and Waves Festival in Sunderland. With the NextGen Fund, he will be releasing three new singles, play at UK Garage and DnB events, and host guest mixes on his social media platforms and on radio. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Elizabeth J. Birch West Midlands Elizabeth J Birch is a musician from Solihull. She has received radio plays from Brum Radio, BBC Introducing, Unmade Radio and Black Country Radio, won the 'Inspirational Music Leader' Award at the Youth Music Awards 2023, and was featured as a Mastercard Trailblazer ahead of the 2024 BRIT Awards, in recognition of her work to drive positive change in the music industry across technology, diversity and inclusion. With the NextGen Fund, she will create and launch her own music label, and experiment with unique and accessible ways of writing, recording, releasing, and promoting music. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Erin O'Callaghan East Midlands Erin O'Callaghan is an independent singer-songwriter originally from Northamptonshire, now living in Edinburgh. She has played gigs at Sofar Sounds, Dragonfly Live Lounge, The Lemon Tree and Sneaky Pete's, and has received support from Angela Griffin on BBC Radio 2. The NextGen Fund will support her upcoming 4-track EP. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Exojay East MidlandsExojay is an R&B and rap artist based in Nottingham. The NextGen Fund will support him to create a self-produced EP, accompanied by cinematic content. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok FEE Yorkshire and the Humber FEE is a trumpet player and vocalist from Leeds. She has performed at Leeds Jazz Festival. She is currently using the NextGen Fund to record and release an EP called 'Dancing Flames', which she will release towards the end of this year, celebrated with a headline show. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Gabriella Bongo Greater London Gabriella Bongo is a songwriter, producer, DJ and recording engineer based in London. She has been lauded by BBC 1Xtra, BBC Radio 1, Hospital Records and Atlantic Records; has performed at the O2 Academy, the Royal Albert Hall, and Hospitality in the Woods Festival; and taken part in jam sessions with Nile Rodgers. The NextGen Fund is supporting Gabriella to release her next three singles. Pronouns: she/her Instagram George Bone East of England George is a vocalist and pianist who fuses R&B, neo-jazz and pop. He has previously supported the likes of Andrew Cushin and Molly Hocking on tour, and is now using the NextGen Fund to record and release the two lead singles from his upcoming EP. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok HabibTati Greater London HabibTati is a DJ, music event producer and community organiser from London. They specialise in blending sounds from South-West Asia and the Middle East into the London music scene. Their NextGen Funded project will focus on integrating sounds and instruments from their heritage into several performances within London’s electronic music community. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Honey Keenan Scotland Honey is an artist manager from Glasgow. Under the Hive Five Management name, she manages artists Leif Coffield and MIA MI, who have both been signed to AWAL through her efforts. She has also secured recording sessions at Spotify Studios and campaigns with brands like Puma. Her artists have also played a variety of festivals, including sold-out shows at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, have been nominated for the Scottish Alternative Music Awards and the Popjustice Awards, and been featured in The Skinny, BBC 1, BBC Radio Scotland and Clash Magazine. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Isabel Maria North East Isabel Maria is an alternative-pop singer-songwriter from Sunderland. To date, she has played shows nationally and internationally (including London, Brighton, Worcester, Leeds, Newcastle and Seville), and gained the support of names such as Rolling Stone Español and BBC Radio 1. She has also been awarded the prestigious Alan Hull (Lindisfarne) Award, a Northern Writers Awards, and a North East Culture Award. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Karis Jade North West Karis Jade is a singer-songwriter from Bolton. She has performed with The Mouse Outfit on their UK tour, festivals such as Sounds From The Other City, and iconic venues such as Band on the Wall in Manchester. The NextGen Fund is currently supporting the development of her next project, a three-track EP. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok kfromkway South East kfromkway is an artist, producer and songwriter. He has been featured in major publications like GRM Daily, Wonderland, GUAP, and SBTV, and his music has been played on BBC Radio 1Xtra, Capital Xtra, and Flex FM. He has amassed over 500,000 streams and views across his tracks to date. Pronouns: he/him TikTok Instagram Lucas Assagba Yorkshire and the Humber Lucas Assagba is a singer, songwriter and producer from Bradford. 'the Solution', is the sequel project to her first EP, 'the Resolution'. Where 'the Resolution' focused on what it means to heal, 'the Solution' deals with the aftermath of healing, and everything that comes next. Lucas plans to finish and promote 'the Resolution' with the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok MARACHÉ Greater London MARACHÉ is a London-based artist, songwriter and producer. Her songs have gone viral on TikTok, leading to airplay on Reprezent Radio, Capital XTRA, BBC 1Xtra, and other local radio stations. She has also been featured on Spotify's Fresh Finds UK & IE playlist, and performed at The Great Escape Festival and Hype & Genius' collaborative event with Nando's. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Mason Talbot Yorkshire and the Humber Mason Talbot is a Welsh-born DJ and producer based in Leeds. His breakthrough track, 'Cocaina', has surpassed 3 million streams to date, and he has performed at prominent venues and shows across the UK, including MiNT Warehouse, Egg, and Leeds Defected Festival. He is currently using the NextGen Fund to grow his independent record label, Redefy Records. Pronouns: he/him Instagram - Mason Instagram - Redefy TikTok Monica Wat South West Monica Wat is a singer-songwriter and producer from Hong Kong, now based in the UK. With the NextGen Fund, she is currently working on her sophomore EP 'Gaslight', which will fuse indie folk/country-pop with lyrical storytelling and ethereal vocals. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok NuAloe Greater London NuAloe is a Nigerian and Jamaican singer and rapper. Her music addresses themes of Blackness, Queerness, and the experience of living in South London. The NextGen Fund is supporting her to create and release her next EP, alongside a series of visuals. Pronouns: she/they Instagram TikTok Peter McMahon Northern Ireland Peter McMahon is a singer from Fermanagh. He has headlined sold-out shows at venues such as Little Whelan's in Dublin. With the NextGen Fund, he is working on his next EP 'QUEUEING FOR ONE', which will be accompanied by a series of music videos. The videos will coalesce into one cohesive short film about someone discovering themselves. Pronouns: he/him Instagram retropxssy Greater London retropxssy is an artist based in London, who blends hip-hop with jazz, punk and jungle. She has put on her own shows in the UK, Europe, and Canada; supported artists like Onoe Caponoe, Grove and Gal-Go; and has been longlisted in the Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition. She has also performed at festivals including Uplands Festival. The NextGen Fund will support her to produce and release her album, 'I Haven't Told Many People'. The album, which was catalysed by her close friend Evie’s death due to mental health system failure, will explore hidden disability and reframe the way we view mental illness, with a hope to inspire change. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Samantha Wales Samantha is a soul, Afrobeats and dark-pop singer-songwriter from Wales. She has played at various festivals including Big Love, Green Man and Immersed Music Festival; was selected for Focus Wales and the Anthem Fast Forward Project; and has performed at the Music and Race Show for Race Council Cymru, as well as headlining the Love Music Hate Racism showcase at The Moon in Cardiff. With her NextGen Fund, she is currently creating a 10-track Afrobeats album which will feature artists including fellow NextGen Fund recipient, ManLikeVision. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Sunny Side Down West Midlands Sunny Side Down is an indie, rock and alternative singer-songwriter. The NextGen Fund is supporting them to create and release their third album, which will be an emotional picture of them and the people around them over the last three years. With their music, they aim to capture the intensity and sweetness of learning to be a person. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Superlate North West Superlate is a dance/pop producer based in Liverpool. His releases have gained support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Merseyside, and BBC Introducing; he performed in front of 10,000 people at the Eurovision Main Stage in Liverpool in 2023; and has also performed at BBC Introducing LIVE at The Cavern Club. He has also co-produced tracks for Youngr and worked with Grammy-nominated producer Adriano Allaverdi. He is now working on two thematic EPs, 'The Tropics' and 'The Moment', with the backing of the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Surafeal Bruke Greater London Surafeal Bruke is the founder of GRADIENT, a platform celebrating the UK's vibrant and diverse music and creative scenes. The NextGen Fund will help Surafeal to scale up GRADIENT, hosting events with higher capacities throughout London, and offering additional support for artists, including workshops and networking opportunities. Pronouns: he/him Instagram The Yard Woman South West The Yard Woman is a Greek-born, London-based DJ and producer. She has previously worked with Richie Hawtin, and has released tracks through respected labels including Simulate, Einmusika, Running Clouds, Pets Recordings and Epidemic Sound. With the help of the NextGen Fund, she is currently transitioning from her established work in Melodic Techno to explore new creative and professional possibilities in Melodic House. She plans to produce and release a two-track EP, bringing a fresh narrative-driven sound to the genre, and seeking to represent queer women in the electronic music scene. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Yemi Yohannes South East Yemi Yohannes is a London-based creative artist, known for her soulful spoken word poetry. Her performance credits include BBC Radio London, The Photographer’s Gallery, Sofar Sounds, COP26, the National Youth Theatre and more. With her work, she aims to make poetry more accessible in the mainstream. The NextGen Fund is supporting Yemi to create a solo EP exploring spoken word with jungle music, alongside a specific focus on choral sounds and storytelling. Pronouns: she/her Instagram
Duncan Colquhoun Scotland Duncan Colquhoun is a producer, singer, songwriter and visual artist based in Glasgow. With the NextGen Fund, he is creating a genre-fluid five-track debut EP for release under a new pseudonym. Pronouns: he/him Instagram ÉABHA Northern Ireland ÉABHA is an artist from Belfast. They have received praise from BBC Radio Ulster, Sound Obscura Chicago, Dublin Digital Radio, and Resonance Magnétique in Montreal. They also perform regularly within the Belfast music scene. The NextGen Fund will support the release of their upcoming debut EP, 'An Dóitéan'. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Ebenezer Good North East Ebenezer Good is a producer, recording engineer and DJ based in Newcastle. He has performed at festivals across the UK including Kendall Calling, Dot2Dot in Bristol, and Waves Festival in Sunderland. With the NextGen Fund, he will be releasing three new singles, play at UK Garage and DnB events, and host guest mixes on his social media platforms and on radio. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Elizabeth J. Birch West Midlands Elizabeth J Birch is a musician from Solihull. She has received radio plays from Brum Radio, BBC Introducing, Unmade Radio and Black Country Radio, won the 'Inspirational Music Leader' Award at the Youth Music Awards 2023, and was featured as a Mastercard Trailblazer ahead of the 2024 BRIT Awards, in recognition of her work to drive positive change in the music industry across technology, diversity and inclusion. With the NextGen Fund, she will create and launch her own music label, and experiment with unique and accessible ways of writing, recording, releasing, and promoting music. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Erin O'Callaghan East Midlands Erin O'Callaghan is an independent singer-songwriter originally from Northamptonshire, now living in Edinburgh. She has played gigs at Sofar Sounds, Dragonfly Live Lounge, The Lemon Tree and Sneaky Pete's, and has received support from Angela Griffin on BBC Radio 2. The NextGen Fund will support her upcoming 4-track EP. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Exojay East MidlandsExojay is an R&B and rap artist based in Nottingham. The NextGen Fund will support him to create a self-produced EP, accompanied by cinematic content. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok FEE Yorkshire and the Humber FEE is a trumpet player and vocalist from Leeds. She has performed at Leeds Jazz Festival. She is currently using the NextGen Fund to record and release an EP called 'Dancing Flames', which she will release towards the end of this year, celebrated with a headline show. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Gabriella Bongo Greater London Gabriella Bongo is a songwriter, producer, DJ and recording engineer based in London. She has been lauded by BBC 1Xtra, BBC Radio 1, Hospital Records and Atlantic Records; has performed at the O2 Academy, the Royal Albert Hall, and Hospitality in the Woods Festival; and taken part in jam sessions with Nile Rodgers. The NextGen Fund is supporting Gabriella to release her next three singles. Pronouns: she/her Instagram George Bone East of England George is a vocalist and pianist who fuses R&B, neo-jazz and pop. He has previously supported the likes of Andrew Cushin and Molly Hocking on tour, and is now using the NextGen Fund to record and release the two lead singles from his upcoming EP. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok HabibTati Greater London HabibTati is a DJ, music event producer and community organiser from London. They specialise in blending sounds from South-West Asia and the Middle East into the London music scene. Their NextGen Funded project will focus on integrating sounds and instruments from their heritage into several performances within London’s electronic music community. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Honey Keenan Scotland Honey is an artist manager from Glasgow. Under the Hive Five Management name, she manages artists Leif Coffield and MIA MI, who have both been signed to AWAL through her efforts. She has also secured recording sessions at Spotify Studios and campaigns with brands like Puma. Her artists have also played a variety of festivals, including sold-out shows at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, have been nominated for the Scottish Alternative Music Awards and the Popjustice Awards, and been featured in The Skinny, BBC 1, BBC Radio Scotland and Clash Magazine. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Isabel Maria North East Isabel Maria is an alternative-pop singer-songwriter from Sunderland. To date, she has played shows nationally and internationally (including London, Brighton, Worcester, Leeds, Newcastle and Seville), and gained the support of names such as Rolling Stone Español and BBC Radio 1. She has also been awarded the prestigious Alan Hull (Lindisfarne) Award, a Northern Writers Awards, and a North East Culture Award. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Karis Jade North West Karis Jade is a singer-songwriter from Bolton. She has performed with The Mouse Outfit on their UK tour, festivals such as Sounds From The Other City, and iconic venues such as Band on the Wall in Manchester. The NextGen Fund is currently supporting the development of her next project, a three-track EP. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok kfromkway South East kfromkway is an artist, producer and songwriter. He has been featured in major publications like GRM Daily, Wonderland, GUAP, and SBTV, and his music has been played on BBC Radio 1Xtra, Capital Xtra, and Flex FM. He has amassed over 500,000 streams and views across his tracks to date. Pronouns: he/him TikTok Instagram Lucas Assagba Yorkshire and the Humber Lucas Assagba is a singer, songwriter and producer from Bradford. 'the Solution', is the sequel project to her first EP, 'the Resolution'. Where 'the Resolution' focused on what it means to heal, 'the Solution' deals with the aftermath of healing, and everything that comes next. Lucas plans to finish and promote 'the Resolution' with the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok MARACHÉ Greater London MARACHÉ is a London-based artist, songwriter and producer. Her songs have gone viral on TikTok, leading to airplay on Reprezent Radio, Capital XTRA, BBC 1Xtra, and other local radio stations. She has also been featured on Spotify's Fresh Finds UK & IE playlist, and performed at The Great Escape Festival and Hype & Genius' collaborative event with Nando's. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Mason Talbot Yorkshire and the Humber Mason Talbot is a Welsh-born DJ and producer based in Leeds. His breakthrough track, 'Cocaina', has surpassed 3 million streams to date, and he has performed at prominent venues and shows across the UK, including MiNT Warehouse, Egg, and Leeds Defected Festival. He is currently using the NextGen Fund to grow his independent record label, Redefy Records. Pronouns: he/him Instagram - Mason Instagram - Redefy TikTok Monica Wat South West Monica Wat is a singer-songwriter and producer from Hong Kong, now based in the UK. With the NextGen Fund, she is currently working on her sophomore EP 'Gaslight', which will fuse indie folk/country-pop with lyrical storytelling and ethereal vocals. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok NuAloe Greater London NuAloe is a Nigerian and Jamaican singer and rapper. Her music addresses themes of Blackness, Queerness, and the experience of living in South London. The NextGen Fund is supporting her to create and release her next EP, alongside a series of visuals. Pronouns: she/they Instagram TikTok Peter McMahon Northern Ireland Peter McMahon is a singer from Fermanagh. He has headlined sold-out shows at venues such as Little Whelan's in Dublin. With the NextGen Fund, he is working on his next EP 'QUEUEING FOR ONE', which will be accompanied by a series of music videos. The videos will coalesce into one cohesive short film about someone discovering themselves. Pronouns: he/him Instagram retropxssy Greater London retropxssy is an artist based in London, who blends hip-hop with jazz, punk and jungle. She has put on her own shows in the UK, Europe, and Canada; supported artists like Onoe Caponoe, Grove and Gal-Go; and has been longlisted in the Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition. She has also performed at festivals including Uplands Festival. The NextGen Fund will support her to produce and release her album, 'I Haven't Told Many People'. The album, which was catalysed by her close friend Evie’s death due to mental health system failure, will explore hidden disability and reframe the way we view mental illness, with a hope to inspire change. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Samantha Wales Samantha is a soul, Afrobeats and dark-pop singer-songwriter from Wales. She has played at various festivals including Big Love, Green Man and Immersed Music Festival; was selected for Focus Wales and the Anthem Fast Forward Project; and has performed at the Music and Race Show for Race Council Cymru, as well as headlining the Love Music Hate Racism showcase at The Moon in Cardiff. With her NextGen Fund, she is currently creating a 10-track Afrobeats album which will feature artists including fellow NextGen Fund recipient, ManLikeVision. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Sunny Side Down West Midlands Sunny Side Down is an indie, rock and alternative singer-songwriter. The NextGen Fund is supporting them to create and release their third album, which will be an emotional picture of them and the people around them over the last three years. With their music, they aim to capture the intensity and sweetness of learning to be a person. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Superlate North West Superlate is a dance/pop producer based in Liverpool. His releases have gained support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Merseyside, and BBC Introducing; he performed in front of 10,000 people at the Eurovision Main Stage in Liverpool in 2023; and has also performed at BBC Introducing LIVE at The Cavern Club. He has also co-produced tracks for Youngr and worked with Grammy-nominated producer Adriano Allaverdi. He is now working on two thematic EPs, 'The Tropics' and 'The Moment', with the backing of the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Surafeal Bruke Greater London Surafeal Bruke is the founder of GRADIENT, a platform celebrating the UK's vibrant and diverse music and creative scenes. The NextGen Fund will help Surafeal to scale up GRADIENT, hosting events with higher capacities throughout London, and offering additional support for artists, including workshops and networking opportunities. Pronouns: he/him Instagram The Yard Woman South West The Yard Woman is a Greek-born, London-based DJ and producer. She has previously worked with Richie Hawtin, and has released tracks through respected labels including Simulate, Einmusika, Running Clouds, Pets Recordings and Epidemic Sound. With the help of the NextGen Fund, she is currently transitioning from her established work in Melodic Techno to explore new creative and professional possibilities in Melodic House. She plans to produce and release a two-track EP, bringing a fresh narrative-driven sound to the genre, and seeking to represent queer women in the electronic music scene. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Yemi Yohannes South East Yemi Yohannes is a London-based creative artist, known for her soulful spoken word poetry. Her performance credits include BBC Radio London, The Photographer’s Gallery, Sofar Sounds, COP26, the National Youth Theatre and more. With her work, she aims to make poetry more accessible in the mainstream. The NextGen Fund is supporting Yemi to create a solo EP exploring spoken word with jungle music, alongside a specific focus on choral sounds and storytelling. Pronouns: she/her Instagram
ÉABHA Northern Ireland ÉABHA is an artist from Belfast. They have received praise from BBC Radio Ulster, Sound Obscura Chicago, Dublin Digital Radio, and Resonance Magnétique in Montreal. They also perform regularly within the Belfast music scene. The NextGen Fund will support the release of their upcoming debut EP, 'An Dóitéan'. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Ebenezer Good North East Ebenezer Good is a producer, recording engineer and DJ based in Newcastle. He has performed at festivals across the UK including Kendall Calling, Dot2Dot in Bristol, and Waves Festival in Sunderland. With the NextGen Fund, he will be releasing three new singles, play at UK Garage and DnB events, and host guest mixes on his social media platforms and on radio. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Elizabeth J. Birch West Midlands Elizabeth J Birch is a musician from Solihull. She has received radio plays from Brum Radio, BBC Introducing, Unmade Radio and Black Country Radio, won the 'Inspirational Music Leader' Award at the Youth Music Awards 2023, and was featured as a Mastercard Trailblazer ahead of the 2024 BRIT Awards, in recognition of her work to drive positive change in the music industry across technology, diversity and inclusion. With the NextGen Fund, she will create and launch her own music label, and experiment with unique and accessible ways of writing, recording, releasing, and promoting music. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Erin O'Callaghan East Midlands Erin O'Callaghan is an independent singer-songwriter originally from Northamptonshire, now living in Edinburgh. She has played gigs at Sofar Sounds, Dragonfly Live Lounge, The Lemon Tree and Sneaky Pete's, and has received support from Angela Griffin on BBC Radio 2. The NextGen Fund will support her upcoming 4-track EP. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Exojay East MidlandsExojay is an R&B and rap artist based in Nottingham. The NextGen Fund will support him to create a self-produced EP, accompanied by cinematic content. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok FEE Yorkshire and the Humber FEE is a trumpet player and vocalist from Leeds. She has performed at Leeds Jazz Festival. She is currently using the NextGen Fund to record and release an EP called 'Dancing Flames', which she will release towards the end of this year, celebrated with a headline show. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Gabriella Bongo Greater London Gabriella Bongo is a songwriter, producer, DJ and recording engineer based in London. She has been lauded by BBC 1Xtra, BBC Radio 1, Hospital Records and Atlantic Records; has performed at the O2 Academy, the Royal Albert Hall, and Hospitality in the Woods Festival; and taken part in jam sessions with Nile Rodgers. The NextGen Fund is supporting Gabriella to release her next three singles. Pronouns: she/her Instagram George Bone East of England George is a vocalist and pianist who fuses R&B, neo-jazz and pop. He has previously supported the likes of Andrew Cushin and Molly Hocking on tour, and is now using the NextGen Fund to record and release the two lead singles from his upcoming EP. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok HabibTati Greater London HabibTati is a DJ, music event producer and community organiser from London. They specialise in blending sounds from South-West Asia and the Middle East into the London music scene. Their NextGen Funded project will focus on integrating sounds and instruments from their heritage into several performances within London’s electronic music community. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Honey Keenan Scotland Honey is an artist manager from Glasgow. Under the Hive Five Management name, she manages artists Leif Coffield and MIA MI, who have both been signed to AWAL through her efforts. She has also secured recording sessions at Spotify Studios and campaigns with brands like Puma. Her artists have also played a variety of festivals, including sold-out shows at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, have been nominated for the Scottish Alternative Music Awards and the Popjustice Awards, and been featured in The Skinny, BBC 1, BBC Radio Scotland and Clash Magazine. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Isabel Maria North East Isabel Maria is an alternative-pop singer-songwriter from Sunderland. To date, she has played shows nationally and internationally (including London, Brighton, Worcester, Leeds, Newcastle and Seville), and gained the support of names such as Rolling Stone Español and BBC Radio 1. She has also been awarded the prestigious Alan Hull (Lindisfarne) Award, a Northern Writers Awards, and a North East Culture Award. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Karis Jade North West Karis Jade is a singer-songwriter from Bolton. She has performed with The Mouse Outfit on their UK tour, festivals such as Sounds From The Other City, and iconic venues such as Band on the Wall in Manchester. The NextGen Fund is currently supporting the development of her next project, a three-track EP. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok kfromkway South East kfromkway is an artist, producer and songwriter. He has been featured in major publications like GRM Daily, Wonderland, GUAP, and SBTV, and his music has been played on BBC Radio 1Xtra, Capital Xtra, and Flex FM. He has amassed over 500,000 streams and views across his tracks to date. Pronouns: he/him TikTok Instagram Lucas Assagba Yorkshire and the Humber Lucas Assagba is a singer, songwriter and producer from Bradford. 'the Solution', is the sequel project to her first EP, 'the Resolution'. Where 'the Resolution' focused on what it means to heal, 'the Solution' deals with the aftermath of healing, and everything that comes next. Lucas plans to finish and promote 'the Resolution' with the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok MARACHÉ Greater London MARACHÉ is a London-based artist, songwriter and producer. Her songs have gone viral on TikTok, leading to airplay on Reprezent Radio, Capital XTRA, BBC 1Xtra, and other local radio stations. She has also been featured on Spotify's Fresh Finds UK & IE playlist, and performed at The Great Escape Festival and Hype & Genius' collaborative event with Nando's. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Mason Talbot Yorkshire and the Humber Mason Talbot is a Welsh-born DJ and producer based in Leeds. His breakthrough track, 'Cocaina', has surpassed 3 million streams to date, and he has performed at prominent venues and shows across the UK, including MiNT Warehouse, Egg, and Leeds Defected Festival. He is currently using the NextGen Fund to grow his independent record label, Redefy Records. Pronouns: he/him Instagram - Mason Instagram - Redefy TikTok Monica Wat South West Monica Wat is a singer-songwriter and producer from Hong Kong, now based in the UK. With the NextGen Fund, she is currently working on her sophomore EP 'Gaslight', which will fuse indie folk/country-pop with lyrical storytelling and ethereal vocals. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok NuAloe Greater London NuAloe is a Nigerian and Jamaican singer and rapper. Her music addresses themes of Blackness, Queerness, and the experience of living in South London. The NextGen Fund is supporting her to create and release her next EP, alongside a series of visuals. Pronouns: she/they Instagram TikTok Peter McMahon Northern Ireland Peter McMahon is a singer from Fermanagh. He has headlined sold-out shows at venues such as Little Whelan's in Dublin. With the NextGen Fund, he is working on his next EP 'QUEUEING FOR ONE', which will be accompanied by a series of music videos. The videos will coalesce into one cohesive short film about someone discovering themselves. Pronouns: he/him Instagram retropxssy Greater London retropxssy is an artist based in London, who blends hip-hop with jazz, punk and jungle. She has put on her own shows in the UK, Europe, and Canada; supported artists like Onoe Caponoe, Grove and Gal-Go; and has been longlisted in the Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition. She has also performed at festivals including Uplands Festival. The NextGen Fund will support her to produce and release her album, 'I Haven't Told Many People'. The album, which was catalysed by her close friend Evie’s death due to mental health system failure, will explore hidden disability and reframe the way we view mental illness, with a hope to inspire change. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Samantha Wales Samantha is a soul, Afrobeats and dark-pop singer-songwriter from Wales. She has played at various festivals including Big Love, Green Man and Immersed Music Festival; was selected for Focus Wales and the Anthem Fast Forward Project; and has performed at the Music and Race Show for Race Council Cymru, as well as headlining the Love Music Hate Racism showcase at The Moon in Cardiff. With her NextGen Fund, she is currently creating a 10-track Afrobeats album which will feature artists including fellow NextGen Fund recipient, ManLikeVision. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Sunny Side Down West Midlands Sunny Side Down is an indie, rock and alternative singer-songwriter. The NextGen Fund is supporting them to create and release their third album, which will be an emotional picture of them and the people around them over the last three years. With their music, they aim to capture the intensity and sweetness of learning to be a person. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Superlate North West Superlate is a dance/pop producer based in Liverpool. His releases have gained support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Merseyside, and BBC Introducing; he performed in front of 10,000 people at the Eurovision Main Stage in Liverpool in 2023; and has also performed at BBC Introducing LIVE at The Cavern Club. He has also co-produced tracks for Youngr and worked with Grammy-nominated producer Adriano Allaverdi. He is now working on two thematic EPs, 'The Tropics' and 'The Moment', with the backing of the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Surafeal Bruke Greater London Surafeal Bruke is the founder of GRADIENT, a platform celebrating the UK's vibrant and diverse music and creative scenes. The NextGen Fund will help Surafeal to scale up GRADIENT, hosting events with higher capacities throughout London, and offering additional support for artists, including workshops and networking opportunities. Pronouns: he/him Instagram The Yard Woman South West The Yard Woman is a Greek-born, London-based DJ and producer. She has previously worked with Richie Hawtin, and has released tracks through respected labels including Simulate, Einmusika, Running Clouds, Pets Recordings and Epidemic Sound. With the help of the NextGen Fund, she is currently transitioning from her established work in Melodic Techno to explore new creative and professional possibilities in Melodic House. She plans to produce and release a two-track EP, bringing a fresh narrative-driven sound to the genre, and seeking to represent queer women in the electronic music scene. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Yemi Yohannes South East Yemi Yohannes is a London-based creative artist, known for her soulful spoken word poetry. Her performance credits include BBC Radio London, The Photographer’s Gallery, Sofar Sounds, COP26, the National Youth Theatre and more. With her work, she aims to make poetry more accessible in the mainstream. The NextGen Fund is supporting Yemi to create a solo EP exploring spoken word with jungle music, alongside a specific focus on choral sounds and storytelling. Pronouns: she/her Instagram
Ebenezer Good North East Ebenezer Good is a producer, recording engineer and DJ based in Newcastle. He has performed at festivals across the UK including Kendall Calling, Dot2Dot in Bristol, and Waves Festival in Sunderland. With the NextGen Fund, he will be releasing three new singles, play at UK Garage and DnB events, and host guest mixes on his social media platforms and on radio. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Elizabeth J. Birch West Midlands Elizabeth J Birch is a musician from Solihull. She has received radio plays from Brum Radio, BBC Introducing, Unmade Radio and Black Country Radio, won the 'Inspirational Music Leader' Award at the Youth Music Awards 2023, and was featured as a Mastercard Trailblazer ahead of the 2024 BRIT Awards, in recognition of her work to drive positive change in the music industry across technology, diversity and inclusion. With the NextGen Fund, she will create and launch her own music label, and experiment with unique and accessible ways of writing, recording, releasing, and promoting music. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Erin O'Callaghan East Midlands Erin O'Callaghan is an independent singer-songwriter originally from Northamptonshire, now living in Edinburgh. She has played gigs at Sofar Sounds, Dragonfly Live Lounge, The Lemon Tree and Sneaky Pete's, and has received support from Angela Griffin on BBC Radio 2. The NextGen Fund will support her upcoming 4-track EP. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Exojay East MidlandsExojay is an R&B and rap artist based in Nottingham. The NextGen Fund will support him to create a self-produced EP, accompanied by cinematic content. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok FEE Yorkshire and the Humber FEE is a trumpet player and vocalist from Leeds. She has performed at Leeds Jazz Festival. She is currently using the NextGen Fund to record and release an EP called 'Dancing Flames', which she will release towards the end of this year, celebrated with a headline show. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Gabriella Bongo Greater London Gabriella Bongo is a songwriter, producer, DJ and recording engineer based in London. She has been lauded by BBC 1Xtra, BBC Radio 1, Hospital Records and Atlantic Records; has performed at the O2 Academy, the Royal Albert Hall, and Hospitality in the Woods Festival; and taken part in jam sessions with Nile Rodgers. The NextGen Fund is supporting Gabriella to release her next three singles. Pronouns: she/her Instagram George Bone East of England George is a vocalist and pianist who fuses R&B, neo-jazz and pop. He has previously supported the likes of Andrew Cushin and Molly Hocking on tour, and is now using the NextGen Fund to record and release the two lead singles from his upcoming EP. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok HabibTati Greater London HabibTati is a DJ, music event producer and community organiser from London. They specialise in blending sounds from South-West Asia and the Middle East into the London music scene. Their NextGen Funded project will focus on integrating sounds and instruments from their heritage into several performances within London’s electronic music community. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Honey Keenan Scotland Honey is an artist manager from Glasgow. Under the Hive Five Management name, she manages artists Leif Coffield and MIA MI, who have both been signed to AWAL through her efforts. She has also secured recording sessions at Spotify Studios and campaigns with brands like Puma. Her artists have also played a variety of festivals, including sold-out shows at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, have been nominated for the Scottish Alternative Music Awards and the Popjustice Awards, and been featured in The Skinny, BBC 1, BBC Radio Scotland and Clash Magazine. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Isabel Maria North East Isabel Maria is an alternative-pop singer-songwriter from Sunderland. To date, she has played shows nationally and internationally (including London, Brighton, Worcester, Leeds, Newcastle and Seville), and gained the support of names such as Rolling Stone Español and BBC Radio 1. She has also been awarded the prestigious Alan Hull (Lindisfarne) Award, a Northern Writers Awards, and a North East Culture Award. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Karis Jade North West Karis Jade is a singer-songwriter from Bolton. She has performed with The Mouse Outfit on their UK tour, festivals such as Sounds From The Other City, and iconic venues such as Band on the Wall in Manchester. The NextGen Fund is currently supporting the development of her next project, a three-track EP. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok kfromkway South East kfromkway is an artist, producer and songwriter. He has been featured in major publications like GRM Daily, Wonderland, GUAP, and SBTV, and his music has been played on BBC Radio 1Xtra, Capital Xtra, and Flex FM. He has amassed over 500,000 streams and views across his tracks to date. Pronouns: he/him TikTok Instagram Lucas Assagba Yorkshire and the Humber Lucas Assagba is a singer, songwriter and producer from Bradford. 'the Solution', is the sequel project to her first EP, 'the Resolution'. Where 'the Resolution' focused on what it means to heal, 'the Solution' deals with the aftermath of healing, and everything that comes next. Lucas plans to finish and promote 'the Resolution' with the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok MARACHÉ Greater London MARACHÉ is a London-based artist, songwriter and producer. Her songs have gone viral on TikTok, leading to airplay on Reprezent Radio, Capital XTRA, BBC 1Xtra, and other local radio stations. She has also been featured on Spotify's Fresh Finds UK & IE playlist, and performed at The Great Escape Festival and Hype & Genius' collaborative event with Nando's. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Mason Talbot Yorkshire and the Humber Mason Talbot is a Welsh-born DJ and producer based in Leeds. His breakthrough track, 'Cocaina', has surpassed 3 million streams to date, and he has performed at prominent venues and shows across the UK, including MiNT Warehouse, Egg, and Leeds Defected Festival. He is currently using the NextGen Fund to grow his independent record label, Redefy Records. Pronouns: he/him Instagram - Mason Instagram - Redefy TikTok Monica Wat South West Monica Wat is a singer-songwriter and producer from Hong Kong, now based in the UK. With the NextGen Fund, she is currently working on her sophomore EP 'Gaslight', which will fuse indie folk/country-pop with lyrical storytelling and ethereal vocals. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok NuAloe Greater London NuAloe is a Nigerian and Jamaican singer and rapper. Her music addresses themes of Blackness, Queerness, and the experience of living in South London. The NextGen Fund is supporting her to create and release her next EP, alongside a series of visuals. Pronouns: she/they Instagram TikTok Peter McMahon Northern Ireland Peter McMahon is a singer from Fermanagh. He has headlined sold-out shows at venues such as Little Whelan's in Dublin. With the NextGen Fund, he is working on his next EP 'QUEUEING FOR ONE', which will be accompanied by a series of music videos. The videos will coalesce into one cohesive short film about someone discovering themselves. Pronouns: he/him Instagram retropxssy Greater London retropxssy is an artist based in London, who blends hip-hop with jazz, punk and jungle. She has put on her own shows in the UK, Europe, and Canada; supported artists like Onoe Caponoe, Grove and Gal-Go; and has been longlisted in the Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition. She has also performed at festivals including Uplands Festival. The NextGen Fund will support her to produce and release her album, 'I Haven't Told Many People'. The album, which was catalysed by her close friend Evie’s death due to mental health system failure, will explore hidden disability and reframe the way we view mental illness, with a hope to inspire change. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Samantha Wales Samantha is a soul, Afrobeats and dark-pop singer-songwriter from Wales. She has played at various festivals including Big Love, Green Man and Immersed Music Festival; was selected for Focus Wales and the Anthem Fast Forward Project; and has performed at the Music and Race Show for Race Council Cymru, as well as headlining the Love Music Hate Racism showcase at The Moon in Cardiff. With her NextGen Fund, she is currently creating a 10-track Afrobeats album which will feature artists including fellow NextGen Fund recipient, ManLikeVision. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Sunny Side Down West Midlands Sunny Side Down is an indie, rock and alternative singer-songwriter. The NextGen Fund is supporting them to create and release their third album, which will be an emotional picture of them and the people around them over the last three years. With their music, they aim to capture the intensity and sweetness of learning to be a person. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Superlate North West Superlate is a dance/pop producer based in Liverpool. His releases have gained support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Merseyside, and BBC Introducing; he performed in front of 10,000 people at the Eurovision Main Stage in Liverpool in 2023; and has also performed at BBC Introducing LIVE at The Cavern Club. He has also co-produced tracks for Youngr and worked with Grammy-nominated producer Adriano Allaverdi. He is now working on two thematic EPs, 'The Tropics' and 'The Moment', with the backing of the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Surafeal Bruke Greater London Surafeal Bruke is the founder of GRADIENT, a platform celebrating the UK's vibrant and diverse music and creative scenes. The NextGen Fund will help Surafeal to scale up GRADIENT, hosting events with higher capacities throughout London, and offering additional support for artists, including workshops and networking opportunities. Pronouns: he/him Instagram The Yard Woman South West The Yard Woman is a Greek-born, London-based DJ and producer. She has previously worked with Richie Hawtin, and has released tracks through respected labels including Simulate, Einmusika, Running Clouds, Pets Recordings and Epidemic Sound. With the help of the NextGen Fund, she is currently transitioning from her established work in Melodic Techno to explore new creative and professional possibilities in Melodic House. She plans to produce and release a two-track EP, bringing a fresh narrative-driven sound to the genre, and seeking to represent queer women in the electronic music scene. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Yemi Yohannes South East Yemi Yohannes is a London-based creative artist, known for her soulful spoken word poetry. Her performance credits include BBC Radio London, The Photographer’s Gallery, Sofar Sounds, COP26, the National Youth Theatre and more. With her work, she aims to make poetry more accessible in the mainstream. The NextGen Fund is supporting Yemi to create a solo EP exploring spoken word with jungle music, alongside a specific focus on choral sounds and storytelling. Pronouns: she/her Instagram
Elizabeth J. Birch West Midlands Elizabeth J Birch is a musician from Solihull. She has received radio plays from Brum Radio, BBC Introducing, Unmade Radio and Black Country Radio, won the 'Inspirational Music Leader' Award at the Youth Music Awards 2023, and was featured as a Mastercard Trailblazer ahead of the 2024 BRIT Awards, in recognition of her work to drive positive change in the music industry across technology, diversity and inclusion. With the NextGen Fund, she will create and launch her own music label, and experiment with unique and accessible ways of writing, recording, releasing, and promoting music. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Erin O'Callaghan East Midlands Erin O'Callaghan is an independent singer-songwriter originally from Northamptonshire, now living in Edinburgh. She has played gigs at Sofar Sounds, Dragonfly Live Lounge, The Lemon Tree and Sneaky Pete's, and has received support from Angela Griffin on BBC Radio 2. The NextGen Fund will support her upcoming 4-track EP. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Exojay East MidlandsExojay is an R&B and rap artist based in Nottingham. The NextGen Fund will support him to create a self-produced EP, accompanied by cinematic content. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok FEE Yorkshire and the Humber FEE is a trumpet player and vocalist from Leeds. She has performed at Leeds Jazz Festival. She is currently using the NextGen Fund to record and release an EP called 'Dancing Flames', which she will release towards the end of this year, celebrated with a headline show. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Gabriella Bongo Greater London Gabriella Bongo is a songwriter, producer, DJ and recording engineer based in London. She has been lauded by BBC 1Xtra, BBC Radio 1, Hospital Records and Atlantic Records; has performed at the O2 Academy, the Royal Albert Hall, and Hospitality in the Woods Festival; and taken part in jam sessions with Nile Rodgers. The NextGen Fund is supporting Gabriella to release her next three singles. Pronouns: she/her Instagram George Bone East of England George is a vocalist and pianist who fuses R&B, neo-jazz and pop. He has previously supported the likes of Andrew Cushin and Molly Hocking on tour, and is now using the NextGen Fund to record and release the two lead singles from his upcoming EP. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok HabibTati Greater London HabibTati is a DJ, music event producer and community organiser from London. They specialise in blending sounds from South-West Asia and the Middle East into the London music scene. Their NextGen Funded project will focus on integrating sounds and instruments from their heritage into several performances within London’s electronic music community. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Honey Keenan Scotland Honey is an artist manager from Glasgow. Under the Hive Five Management name, she manages artists Leif Coffield and MIA MI, who have both been signed to AWAL through her efforts. She has also secured recording sessions at Spotify Studios and campaigns with brands like Puma. Her artists have also played a variety of festivals, including sold-out shows at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, have been nominated for the Scottish Alternative Music Awards and the Popjustice Awards, and been featured in The Skinny, BBC 1, BBC Radio Scotland and Clash Magazine. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Isabel Maria North East Isabel Maria is an alternative-pop singer-songwriter from Sunderland. To date, she has played shows nationally and internationally (including London, Brighton, Worcester, Leeds, Newcastle and Seville), and gained the support of names such as Rolling Stone Español and BBC Radio 1. She has also been awarded the prestigious Alan Hull (Lindisfarne) Award, a Northern Writers Awards, and a North East Culture Award. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Karis Jade North West Karis Jade is a singer-songwriter from Bolton. She has performed with The Mouse Outfit on their UK tour, festivals such as Sounds From The Other City, and iconic venues such as Band on the Wall in Manchester. The NextGen Fund is currently supporting the development of her next project, a three-track EP. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok kfromkway South East kfromkway is an artist, producer and songwriter. He has been featured in major publications like GRM Daily, Wonderland, GUAP, and SBTV, and his music has been played on BBC Radio 1Xtra, Capital Xtra, and Flex FM. He has amassed over 500,000 streams and views across his tracks to date. Pronouns: he/him TikTok Instagram Lucas Assagba Yorkshire and the Humber Lucas Assagba is a singer, songwriter and producer from Bradford. 'the Solution', is the sequel project to her first EP, 'the Resolution'. Where 'the Resolution' focused on what it means to heal, 'the Solution' deals with the aftermath of healing, and everything that comes next. Lucas plans to finish and promote 'the Resolution' with the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok MARACHÉ Greater London MARACHÉ is a London-based artist, songwriter and producer. Her songs have gone viral on TikTok, leading to airplay on Reprezent Radio, Capital XTRA, BBC 1Xtra, and other local radio stations. She has also been featured on Spotify's Fresh Finds UK & IE playlist, and performed at The Great Escape Festival and Hype & Genius' collaborative event with Nando's. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Mason Talbot Yorkshire and the Humber Mason Talbot is a Welsh-born DJ and producer based in Leeds. His breakthrough track, 'Cocaina', has surpassed 3 million streams to date, and he has performed at prominent venues and shows across the UK, including MiNT Warehouse, Egg, and Leeds Defected Festival. He is currently using the NextGen Fund to grow his independent record label, Redefy Records. Pronouns: he/him Instagram - Mason Instagram - Redefy TikTok Monica Wat South West Monica Wat is a singer-songwriter and producer from Hong Kong, now based in the UK. With the NextGen Fund, she is currently working on her sophomore EP 'Gaslight', which will fuse indie folk/country-pop with lyrical storytelling and ethereal vocals. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok NuAloe Greater London NuAloe is a Nigerian and Jamaican singer and rapper. Her music addresses themes of Blackness, Queerness, and the experience of living in South London. The NextGen Fund is supporting her to create and release her next EP, alongside a series of visuals. Pronouns: she/they Instagram TikTok Peter McMahon Northern Ireland Peter McMahon is a singer from Fermanagh. He has headlined sold-out shows at venues such as Little Whelan's in Dublin. With the NextGen Fund, he is working on his next EP 'QUEUEING FOR ONE', which will be accompanied by a series of music videos. The videos will coalesce into one cohesive short film about someone discovering themselves. Pronouns: he/him Instagram retropxssy Greater London retropxssy is an artist based in London, who blends hip-hop with jazz, punk and jungle. She has put on her own shows in the UK, Europe, and Canada; supported artists like Onoe Caponoe, Grove and Gal-Go; and has been longlisted in the Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition. She has also performed at festivals including Uplands Festival. The NextGen Fund will support her to produce and release her album, 'I Haven't Told Many People'. The album, which was catalysed by her close friend Evie’s death due to mental health system failure, will explore hidden disability and reframe the way we view mental illness, with a hope to inspire change. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Samantha Wales Samantha is a soul, Afrobeats and dark-pop singer-songwriter from Wales. She has played at various festivals including Big Love, Green Man and Immersed Music Festival; was selected for Focus Wales and the Anthem Fast Forward Project; and has performed at the Music and Race Show for Race Council Cymru, as well as headlining the Love Music Hate Racism showcase at The Moon in Cardiff. With her NextGen Fund, she is currently creating a 10-track Afrobeats album which will feature artists including fellow NextGen Fund recipient, ManLikeVision. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Sunny Side Down West Midlands Sunny Side Down is an indie, rock and alternative singer-songwriter. The NextGen Fund is supporting them to create and release their third album, which will be an emotional picture of them and the people around them over the last three years. With their music, they aim to capture the intensity and sweetness of learning to be a person. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Superlate North West Superlate is a dance/pop producer based in Liverpool. His releases have gained support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Merseyside, and BBC Introducing; he performed in front of 10,000 people at the Eurovision Main Stage in Liverpool in 2023; and has also performed at BBC Introducing LIVE at The Cavern Club. He has also co-produced tracks for Youngr and worked with Grammy-nominated producer Adriano Allaverdi. He is now working on two thematic EPs, 'The Tropics' and 'The Moment', with the backing of the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Surafeal Bruke Greater London Surafeal Bruke is the founder of GRADIENT, a platform celebrating the UK's vibrant and diverse music and creative scenes. The NextGen Fund will help Surafeal to scale up GRADIENT, hosting events with higher capacities throughout London, and offering additional support for artists, including workshops and networking opportunities. Pronouns: he/him Instagram The Yard Woman South West The Yard Woman is a Greek-born, London-based DJ and producer. She has previously worked with Richie Hawtin, and has released tracks through respected labels including Simulate, Einmusika, Running Clouds, Pets Recordings and Epidemic Sound. With the help of the NextGen Fund, she is currently transitioning from her established work in Melodic Techno to explore new creative and professional possibilities in Melodic House. She plans to produce and release a two-track EP, bringing a fresh narrative-driven sound to the genre, and seeking to represent queer women in the electronic music scene. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Yemi Yohannes South East Yemi Yohannes is a London-based creative artist, known for her soulful spoken word poetry. Her performance credits include BBC Radio London, The Photographer’s Gallery, Sofar Sounds, COP26, the National Youth Theatre and more. With her work, she aims to make poetry more accessible in the mainstream. The NextGen Fund is supporting Yemi to create a solo EP exploring spoken word with jungle music, alongside a specific focus on choral sounds and storytelling. Pronouns: she/her Instagram
Erin O'Callaghan East Midlands Erin O'Callaghan is an independent singer-songwriter originally from Northamptonshire, now living in Edinburgh. She has played gigs at Sofar Sounds, Dragonfly Live Lounge, The Lemon Tree and Sneaky Pete's, and has received support from Angela Griffin on BBC Radio 2. The NextGen Fund will support her upcoming 4-track EP. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Exojay East MidlandsExojay is an R&B and rap artist based in Nottingham. The NextGen Fund will support him to create a self-produced EP, accompanied by cinematic content. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok FEE Yorkshire and the Humber FEE is a trumpet player and vocalist from Leeds. She has performed at Leeds Jazz Festival. She is currently using the NextGen Fund to record and release an EP called 'Dancing Flames', which she will release towards the end of this year, celebrated with a headline show. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Gabriella Bongo Greater London Gabriella Bongo is a songwriter, producer, DJ and recording engineer based in London. She has been lauded by BBC 1Xtra, BBC Radio 1, Hospital Records and Atlantic Records; has performed at the O2 Academy, the Royal Albert Hall, and Hospitality in the Woods Festival; and taken part in jam sessions with Nile Rodgers. The NextGen Fund is supporting Gabriella to release her next three singles. Pronouns: she/her Instagram George Bone East of England George is a vocalist and pianist who fuses R&B, neo-jazz and pop. He has previously supported the likes of Andrew Cushin and Molly Hocking on tour, and is now using the NextGen Fund to record and release the two lead singles from his upcoming EP. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok HabibTati Greater London HabibTati is a DJ, music event producer and community organiser from London. They specialise in blending sounds from South-West Asia and the Middle East into the London music scene. Their NextGen Funded project will focus on integrating sounds and instruments from their heritage into several performances within London’s electronic music community. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Honey Keenan Scotland Honey is an artist manager from Glasgow. Under the Hive Five Management name, she manages artists Leif Coffield and MIA MI, who have both been signed to AWAL through her efforts. She has also secured recording sessions at Spotify Studios and campaigns with brands like Puma. Her artists have also played a variety of festivals, including sold-out shows at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, have been nominated for the Scottish Alternative Music Awards and the Popjustice Awards, and been featured in The Skinny, BBC 1, BBC Radio Scotland and Clash Magazine. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Isabel Maria North East Isabel Maria is an alternative-pop singer-songwriter from Sunderland. To date, she has played shows nationally and internationally (including London, Brighton, Worcester, Leeds, Newcastle and Seville), and gained the support of names such as Rolling Stone Español and BBC Radio 1. She has also been awarded the prestigious Alan Hull (Lindisfarne) Award, a Northern Writers Awards, and a North East Culture Award. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Karis Jade North West Karis Jade is a singer-songwriter from Bolton. She has performed with The Mouse Outfit on their UK tour, festivals such as Sounds From The Other City, and iconic venues such as Band on the Wall in Manchester. The NextGen Fund is currently supporting the development of her next project, a three-track EP. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok kfromkway South East kfromkway is an artist, producer and songwriter. He has been featured in major publications like GRM Daily, Wonderland, GUAP, and SBTV, and his music has been played on BBC Radio 1Xtra, Capital Xtra, and Flex FM. He has amassed over 500,000 streams and views across his tracks to date. Pronouns: he/him TikTok Instagram Lucas Assagba Yorkshire and the Humber Lucas Assagba is a singer, songwriter and producer from Bradford. 'the Solution', is the sequel project to her first EP, 'the Resolution'. Where 'the Resolution' focused on what it means to heal, 'the Solution' deals with the aftermath of healing, and everything that comes next. Lucas plans to finish and promote 'the Resolution' with the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok MARACHÉ Greater London MARACHÉ is a London-based artist, songwriter and producer. Her songs have gone viral on TikTok, leading to airplay on Reprezent Radio, Capital XTRA, BBC 1Xtra, and other local radio stations. She has also been featured on Spotify's Fresh Finds UK & IE playlist, and performed at The Great Escape Festival and Hype & Genius' collaborative event with Nando's. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Mason Talbot Yorkshire and the Humber Mason Talbot is a Welsh-born DJ and producer based in Leeds. His breakthrough track, 'Cocaina', has surpassed 3 million streams to date, and he has performed at prominent venues and shows across the UK, including MiNT Warehouse, Egg, and Leeds Defected Festival. He is currently using the NextGen Fund to grow his independent record label, Redefy Records. Pronouns: he/him Instagram - Mason Instagram - Redefy TikTok Monica Wat South West Monica Wat is a singer-songwriter and producer from Hong Kong, now based in the UK. With the NextGen Fund, she is currently working on her sophomore EP 'Gaslight', which will fuse indie folk/country-pop with lyrical storytelling and ethereal vocals. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok NuAloe Greater London NuAloe is a Nigerian and Jamaican singer and rapper. Her music addresses themes of Blackness, Queerness, and the experience of living in South London. The NextGen Fund is supporting her to create and release her next EP, alongside a series of visuals. Pronouns: she/they Instagram TikTok Peter McMahon Northern Ireland Peter McMahon is a singer from Fermanagh. He has headlined sold-out shows at venues such as Little Whelan's in Dublin. With the NextGen Fund, he is working on his next EP 'QUEUEING FOR ONE', which will be accompanied by a series of music videos. The videos will coalesce into one cohesive short film about someone discovering themselves. Pronouns: he/him Instagram retropxssy Greater London retropxssy is an artist based in London, who blends hip-hop with jazz, punk and jungle. She has put on her own shows in the UK, Europe, and Canada; supported artists like Onoe Caponoe, Grove and Gal-Go; and has been longlisted in the Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition. She has also performed at festivals including Uplands Festival. The NextGen Fund will support her to produce and release her album, 'I Haven't Told Many People'. The album, which was catalysed by her close friend Evie’s death due to mental health system failure, will explore hidden disability and reframe the way we view mental illness, with a hope to inspire change. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Samantha Wales Samantha is a soul, Afrobeats and dark-pop singer-songwriter from Wales. She has played at various festivals including Big Love, Green Man and Immersed Music Festival; was selected for Focus Wales and the Anthem Fast Forward Project; and has performed at the Music and Race Show for Race Council Cymru, as well as headlining the Love Music Hate Racism showcase at The Moon in Cardiff. With her NextGen Fund, she is currently creating a 10-track Afrobeats album which will feature artists including fellow NextGen Fund recipient, ManLikeVision. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Sunny Side Down West Midlands Sunny Side Down is an indie, rock and alternative singer-songwriter. The NextGen Fund is supporting them to create and release their third album, which will be an emotional picture of them and the people around them over the last three years. With their music, they aim to capture the intensity and sweetness of learning to be a person. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Superlate North West Superlate is a dance/pop producer based in Liverpool. His releases have gained support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Merseyside, and BBC Introducing; he performed in front of 10,000 people at the Eurovision Main Stage in Liverpool in 2023; and has also performed at BBC Introducing LIVE at The Cavern Club. He has also co-produced tracks for Youngr and worked with Grammy-nominated producer Adriano Allaverdi. He is now working on two thematic EPs, 'The Tropics' and 'The Moment', with the backing of the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Surafeal Bruke Greater London Surafeal Bruke is the founder of GRADIENT, a platform celebrating the UK's vibrant and diverse music and creative scenes. The NextGen Fund will help Surafeal to scale up GRADIENT, hosting events with higher capacities throughout London, and offering additional support for artists, including workshops and networking opportunities. Pronouns: he/him Instagram The Yard Woman South West The Yard Woman is a Greek-born, London-based DJ and producer. She has previously worked with Richie Hawtin, and has released tracks through respected labels including Simulate, Einmusika, Running Clouds, Pets Recordings and Epidemic Sound. With the help of the NextGen Fund, she is currently transitioning from her established work in Melodic Techno to explore new creative and professional possibilities in Melodic House. She plans to produce and release a two-track EP, bringing a fresh narrative-driven sound to the genre, and seeking to represent queer women in the electronic music scene. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Yemi Yohannes South East Yemi Yohannes is a London-based creative artist, known for her soulful spoken word poetry. Her performance credits include BBC Radio London, The Photographer’s Gallery, Sofar Sounds, COP26, the National Youth Theatre and more. With her work, she aims to make poetry more accessible in the mainstream. The NextGen Fund is supporting Yemi to create a solo EP exploring spoken word with jungle music, alongside a specific focus on choral sounds and storytelling. Pronouns: she/her Instagram
Exojay East MidlandsExojay is an R&B and rap artist based in Nottingham. The NextGen Fund will support him to create a self-produced EP, accompanied by cinematic content. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok FEE Yorkshire and the Humber FEE is a trumpet player and vocalist from Leeds. She has performed at Leeds Jazz Festival. She is currently using the NextGen Fund to record and release an EP called 'Dancing Flames', which she will release towards the end of this year, celebrated with a headline show. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Gabriella Bongo Greater London Gabriella Bongo is a songwriter, producer, DJ and recording engineer based in London. She has been lauded by BBC 1Xtra, BBC Radio 1, Hospital Records and Atlantic Records; has performed at the O2 Academy, the Royal Albert Hall, and Hospitality in the Woods Festival; and taken part in jam sessions with Nile Rodgers. The NextGen Fund is supporting Gabriella to release her next three singles. Pronouns: she/her Instagram George Bone East of England George is a vocalist and pianist who fuses R&B, neo-jazz and pop. He has previously supported the likes of Andrew Cushin and Molly Hocking on tour, and is now using the NextGen Fund to record and release the two lead singles from his upcoming EP. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok HabibTati Greater London HabibTati is a DJ, music event producer and community organiser from London. They specialise in blending sounds from South-West Asia and the Middle East into the London music scene. Their NextGen Funded project will focus on integrating sounds and instruments from their heritage into several performances within London’s electronic music community. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Honey Keenan Scotland Honey is an artist manager from Glasgow. Under the Hive Five Management name, she manages artists Leif Coffield and MIA MI, who have both been signed to AWAL through her efforts. She has also secured recording sessions at Spotify Studios and campaigns with brands like Puma. Her artists have also played a variety of festivals, including sold-out shows at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, have been nominated for the Scottish Alternative Music Awards and the Popjustice Awards, and been featured in The Skinny, BBC 1, BBC Radio Scotland and Clash Magazine. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Isabel Maria North East Isabel Maria is an alternative-pop singer-songwriter from Sunderland. To date, she has played shows nationally and internationally (including London, Brighton, Worcester, Leeds, Newcastle and Seville), and gained the support of names such as Rolling Stone Español and BBC Radio 1. She has also been awarded the prestigious Alan Hull (Lindisfarne) Award, a Northern Writers Awards, and a North East Culture Award. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Karis Jade North West Karis Jade is a singer-songwriter from Bolton. She has performed with The Mouse Outfit on their UK tour, festivals such as Sounds From The Other City, and iconic venues such as Band on the Wall in Manchester. The NextGen Fund is currently supporting the development of her next project, a three-track EP. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok kfromkway South East kfromkway is an artist, producer and songwriter. He has been featured in major publications like GRM Daily, Wonderland, GUAP, and SBTV, and his music has been played on BBC Radio 1Xtra, Capital Xtra, and Flex FM. He has amassed over 500,000 streams and views across his tracks to date. Pronouns: he/him TikTok Instagram Lucas Assagba Yorkshire and the Humber Lucas Assagba is a singer, songwriter and producer from Bradford. 'the Solution', is the sequel project to her first EP, 'the Resolution'. Where 'the Resolution' focused on what it means to heal, 'the Solution' deals with the aftermath of healing, and everything that comes next. Lucas plans to finish and promote 'the Resolution' with the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok MARACHÉ Greater London MARACHÉ is a London-based artist, songwriter and producer. Her songs have gone viral on TikTok, leading to airplay on Reprezent Radio, Capital XTRA, BBC 1Xtra, and other local radio stations. She has also been featured on Spotify's Fresh Finds UK & IE playlist, and performed at The Great Escape Festival and Hype & Genius' collaborative event with Nando's. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Mason Talbot Yorkshire and the Humber Mason Talbot is a Welsh-born DJ and producer based in Leeds. His breakthrough track, 'Cocaina', has surpassed 3 million streams to date, and he has performed at prominent venues and shows across the UK, including MiNT Warehouse, Egg, and Leeds Defected Festival. He is currently using the NextGen Fund to grow his independent record label, Redefy Records. Pronouns: he/him Instagram - Mason Instagram - Redefy TikTok Monica Wat South West Monica Wat is a singer-songwriter and producer from Hong Kong, now based in the UK. With the NextGen Fund, she is currently working on her sophomore EP 'Gaslight', which will fuse indie folk/country-pop with lyrical storytelling and ethereal vocals. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok NuAloe Greater London NuAloe is a Nigerian and Jamaican singer and rapper. Her music addresses themes of Blackness, Queerness, and the experience of living in South London. The NextGen Fund is supporting her to create and release her next EP, alongside a series of visuals. Pronouns: she/they Instagram TikTok Peter McMahon Northern Ireland Peter McMahon is a singer from Fermanagh. He has headlined sold-out shows at venues such as Little Whelan's in Dublin. With the NextGen Fund, he is working on his next EP 'QUEUEING FOR ONE', which will be accompanied by a series of music videos. The videos will coalesce into one cohesive short film about someone discovering themselves. Pronouns: he/him Instagram retropxssy Greater London retropxssy is an artist based in London, who blends hip-hop with jazz, punk and jungle. She has put on her own shows in the UK, Europe, and Canada; supported artists like Onoe Caponoe, Grove and Gal-Go; and has been longlisted in the Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition. She has also performed at festivals including Uplands Festival. The NextGen Fund will support her to produce and release her album, 'I Haven't Told Many People'. The album, which was catalysed by her close friend Evie’s death due to mental health system failure, will explore hidden disability and reframe the way we view mental illness, with a hope to inspire change. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Samantha Wales Samantha is a soul, Afrobeats and dark-pop singer-songwriter from Wales. She has played at various festivals including Big Love, Green Man and Immersed Music Festival; was selected for Focus Wales and the Anthem Fast Forward Project; and has performed at the Music and Race Show for Race Council Cymru, as well as headlining the Love Music Hate Racism showcase at The Moon in Cardiff. With her NextGen Fund, she is currently creating a 10-track Afrobeats album which will feature artists including fellow NextGen Fund recipient, ManLikeVision. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Sunny Side Down West Midlands Sunny Side Down is an indie, rock and alternative singer-songwriter. The NextGen Fund is supporting them to create and release their third album, which will be an emotional picture of them and the people around them over the last three years. With their music, they aim to capture the intensity and sweetness of learning to be a person. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Superlate North West Superlate is a dance/pop producer based in Liverpool. His releases have gained support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Merseyside, and BBC Introducing; he performed in front of 10,000 people at the Eurovision Main Stage in Liverpool in 2023; and has also performed at BBC Introducing LIVE at The Cavern Club. He has also co-produced tracks for Youngr and worked with Grammy-nominated producer Adriano Allaverdi. He is now working on two thematic EPs, 'The Tropics' and 'The Moment', with the backing of the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Surafeal Bruke Greater London Surafeal Bruke is the founder of GRADIENT, a platform celebrating the UK's vibrant and diverse music and creative scenes. The NextGen Fund will help Surafeal to scale up GRADIENT, hosting events with higher capacities throughout London, and offering additional support for artists, including workshops and networking opportunities. Pronouns: he/him Instagram The Yard Woman South West The Yard Woman is a Greek-born, London-based DJ and producer. She has previously worked with Richie Hawtin, and has released tracks through respected labels including Simulate, Einmusika, Running Clouds, Pets Recordings and Epidemic Sound. With the help of the NextGen Fund, she is currently transitioning from her established work in Melodic Techno to explore new creative and professional possibilities in Melodic House. She plans to produce and release a two-track EP, bringing a fresh narrative-driven sound to the genre, and seeking to represent queer women in the electronic music scene. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Yemi Yohannes South East Yemi Yohannes is a London-based creative artist, known for her soulful spoken word poetry. Her performance credits include BBC Radio London, The Photographer’s Gallery, Sofar Sounds, COP26, the National Youth Theatre and more. With her work, she aims to make poetry more accessible in the mainstream. The NextGen Fund is supporting Yemi to create a solo EP exploring spoken word with jungle music, alongside a specific focus on choral sounds and storytelling. Pronouns: she/her Instagram
FEE Yorkshire and the Humber FEE is a trumpet player and vocalist from Leeds. She has performed at Leeds Jazz Festival. She is currently using the NextGen Fund to record and release an EP called 'Dancing Flames', which she will release towards the end of this year, celebrated with a headline show. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Gabriella Bongo Greater London Gabriella Bongo is a songwriter, producer, DJ and recording engineer based in London. She has been lauded by BBC 1Xtra, BBC Radio 1, Hospital Records and Atlantic Records; has performed at the O2 Academy, the Royal Albert Hall, and Hospitality in the Woods Festival; and taken part in jam sessions with Nile Rodgers. The NextGen Fund is supporting Gabriella to release her next three singles. Pronouns: she/her Instagram George Bone East of England George is a vocalist and pianist who fuses R&B, neo-jazz and pop. He has previously supported the likes of Andrew Cushin and Molly Hocking on tour, and is now using the NextGen Fund to record and release the two lead singles from his upcoming EP. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok HabibTati Greater London HabibTati is a DJ, music event producer and community organiser from London. They specialise in blending sounds from South-West Asia and the Middle East into the London music scene. Their NextGen Funded project will focus on integrating sounds and instruments from their heritage into several performances within London’s electronic music community. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Honey Keenan Scotland Honey is an artist manager from Glasgow. Under the Hive Five Management name, she manages artists Leif Coffield and MIA MI, who have both been signed to AWAL through her efforts. She has also secured recording sessions at Spotify Studios and campaigns with brands like Puma. Her artists have also played a variety of festivals, including sold-out shows at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, have been nominated for the Scottish Alternative Music Awards and the Popjustice Awards, and been featured in The Skinny, BBC 1, BBC Radio Scotland and Clash Magazine. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Isabel Maria North East Isabel Maria is an alternative-pop singer-songwriter from Sunderland. To date, she has played shows nationally and internationally (including London, Brighton, Worcester, Leeds, Newcastle and Seville), and gained the support of names such as Rolling Stone Español and BBC Radio 1. She has also been awarded the prestigious Alan Hull (Lindisfarne) Award, a Northern Writers Awards, and a North East Culture Award. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Karis Jade North West Karis Jade is a singer-songwriter from Bolton. She has performed with The Mouse Outfit on their UK tour, festivals such as Sounds From The Other City, and iconic venues such as Band on the Wall in Manchester. The NextGen Fund is currently supporting the development of her next project, a three-track EP. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok kfromkway South East kfromkway is an artist, producer and songwriter. He has been featured in major publications like GRM Daily, Wonderland, GUAP, and SBTV, and his music has been played on BBC Radio 1Xtra, Capital Xtra, and Flex FM. He has amassed over 500,000 streams and views across his tracks to date. Pronouns: he/him TikTok Instagram Lucas Assagba Yorkshire and the Humber Lucas Assagba is a singer, songwriter and producer from Bradford. 'the Solution', is the sequel project to her first EP, 'the Resolution'. Where 'the Resolution' focused on what it means to heal, 'the Solution' deals with the aftermath of healing, and everything that comes next. Lucas plans to finish and promote 'the Resolution' with the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok MARACHÉ Greater London MARACHÉ is a London-based artist, songwriter and producer. Her songs have gone viral on TikTok, leading to airplay on Reprezent Radio, Capital XTRA, BBC 1Xtra, and other local radio stations. She has also been featured on Spotify's Fresh Finds UK & IE playlist, and performed at The Great Escape Festival and Hype & Genius' collaborative event with Nando's. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Mason Talbot Yorkshire and the Humber Mason Talbot is a Welsh-born DJ and producer based in Leeds. His breakthrough track, 'Cocaina', has surpassed 3 million streams to date, and he has performed at prominent venues and shows across the UK, including MiNT Warehouse, Egg, and Leeds Defected Festival. He is currently using the NextGen Fund to grow his independent record label, Redefy Records. Pronouns: he/him Instagram - Mason Instagram - Redefy TikTok Monica Wat South West Monica Wat is a singer-songwriter and producer from Hong Kong, now based in the UK. With the NextGen Fund, she is currently working on her sophomore EP 'Gaslight', which will fuse indie folk/country-pop with lyrical storytelling and ethereal vocals. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok NuAloe Greater London NuAloe is a Nigerian and Jamaican singer and rapper. Her music addresses themes of Blackness, Queerness, and the experience of living in South London. The NextGen Fund is supporting her to create and release her next EP, alongside a series of visuals. Pronouns: she/they Instagram TikTok Peter McMahon Northern Ireland Peter McMahon is a singer from Fermanagh. He has headlined sold-out shows at venues such as Little Whelan's in Dublin. With the NextGen Fund, he is working on his next EP 'QUEUEING FOR ONE', which will be accompanied by a series of music videos. The videos will coalesce into one cohesive short film about someone discovering themselves. Pronouns: he/him Instagram retropxssy Greater London retropxssy is an artist based in London, who blends hip-hop with jazz, punk and jungle. She has put on her own shows in the UK, Europe, and Canada; supported artists like Onoe Caponoe, Grove and Gal-Go; and has been longlisted in the Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition. She has also performed at festivals including Uplands Festival. The NextGen Fund will support her to produce and release her album, 'I Haven't Told Many People'. The album, which was catalysed by her close friend Evie’s death due to mental health system failure, will explore hidden disability and reframe the way we view mental illness, with a hope to inspire change. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Samantha Wales Samantha is a soul, Afrobeats and dark-pop singer-songwriter from Wales. She has played at various festivals including Big Love, Green Man and Immersed Music Festival; was selected for Focus Wales and the Anthem Fast Forward Project; and has performed at the Music and Race Show for Race Council Cymru, as well as headlining the Love Music Hate Racism showcase at The Moon in Cardiff. With her NextGen Fund, she is currently creating a 10-track Afrobeats album which will feature artists including fellow NextGen Fund recipient, ManLikeVision. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Sunny Side Down West Midlands Sunny Side Down is an indie, rock and alternative singer-songwriter. The NextGen Fund is supporting them to create and release their third album, which will be an emotional picture of them and the people around them over the last three years. With their music, they aim to capture the intensity and sweetness of learning to be a person. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Superlate North West Superlate is a dance/pop producer based in Liverpool. His releases have gained support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Merseyside, and BBC Introducing; he performed in front of 10,000 people at the Eurovision Main Stage in Liverpool in 2023; and has also performed at BBC Introducing LIVE at The Cavern Club. He has also co-produced tracks for Youngr and worked with Grammy-nominated producer Adriano Allaverdi. He is now working on two thematic EPs, 'The Tropics' and 'The Moment', with the backing of the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Surafeal Bruke Greater London Surafeal Bruke is the founder of GRADIENT, a platform celebrating the UK's vibrant and diverse music and creative scenes. The NextGen Fund will help Surafeal to scale up GRADIENT, hosting events with higher capacities throughout London, and offering additional support for artists, including workshops and networking opportunities. Pronouns: he/him Instagram The Yard Woman South West The Yard Woman is a Greek-born, London-based DJ and producer. She has previously worked with Richie Hawtin, and has released tracks through respected labels including Simulate, Einmusika, Running Clouds, Pets Recordings and Epidemic Sound. With the help of the NextGen Fund, she is currently transitioning from her established work in Melodic Techno to explore new creative and professional possibilities in Melodic House. She plans to produce and release a two-track EP, bringing a fresh narrative-driven sound to the genre, and seeking to represent queer women in the electronic music scene. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Yemi Yohannes South East Yemi Yohannes is a London-based creative artist, known for her soulful spoken word poetry. Her performance credits include BBC Radio London, The Photographer’s Gallery, Sofar Sounds, COP26, the National Youth Theatre and more. With her work, she aims to make poetry more accessible in the mainstream. The NextGen Fund is supporting Yemi to create a solo EP exploring spoken word with jungle music, alongside a specific focus on choral sounds and storytelling. Pronouns: she/her Instagram
Gabriella Bongo Greater London Gabriella Bongo is a songwriter, producer, DJ and recording engineer based in London. She has been lauded by BBC 1Xtra, BBC Radio 1, Hospital Records and Atlantic Records; has performed at the O2 Academy, the Royal Albert Hall, and Hospitality in the Woods Festival; and taken part in jam sessions with Nile Rodgers. The NextGen Fund is supporting Gabriella to release her next three singles. Pronouns: she/her Instagram George Bone East of England George is a vocalist and pianist who fuses R&B, neo-jazz and pop. He has previously supported the likes of Andrew Cushin and Molly Hocking on tour, and is now using the NextGen Fund to record and release the two lead singles from his upcoming EP. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok HabibTati Greater London HabibTati is a DJ, music event producer and community organiser from London. They specialise in blending sounds from South-West Asia and the Middle East into the London music scene. Their NextGen Funded project will focus on integrating sounds and instruments from their heritage into several performances within London’s electronic music community. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Honey Keenan Scotland Honey is an artist manager from Glasgow. Under the Hive Five Management name, she manages artists Leif Coffield and MIA MI, who have both been signed to AWAL through her efforts. She has also secured recording sessions at Spotify Studios and campaigns with brands like Puma. Her artists have also played a variety of festivals, including sold-out shows at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, have been nominated for the Scottish Alternative Music Awards and the Popjustice Awards, and been featured in The Skinny, BBC 1, BBC Radio Scotland and Clash Magazine. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Isabel Maria North East Isabel Maria is an alternative-pop singer-songwriter from Sunderland. To date, she has played shows nationally and internationally (including London, Brighton, Worcester, Leeds, Newcastle and Seville), and gained the support of names such as Rolling Stone Español and BBC Radio 1. She has also been awarded the prestigious Alan Hull (Lindisfarne) Award, a Northern Writers Awards, and a North East Culture Award. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Karis Jade North West Karis Jade is a singer-songwriter from Bolton. She has performed with The Mouse Outfit on their UK tour, festivals such as Sounds From The Other City, and iconic venues such as Band on the Wall in Manchester. The NextGen Fund is currently supporting the development of her next project, a three-track EP. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok kfromkway South East kfromkway is an artist, producer and songwriter. He has been featured in major publications like GRM Daily, Wonderland, GUAP, and SBTV, and his music has been played on BBC Radio 1Xtra, Capital Xtra, and Flex FM. He has amassed over 500,000 streams and views across his tracks to date. Pronouns: he/him TikTok Instagram Lucas Assagba Yorkshire and the Humber Lucas Assagba is a singer, songwriter and producer from Bradford. 'the Solution', is the sequel project to her first EP, 'the Resolution'. Where 'the Resolution' focused on what it means to heal, 'the Solution' deals with the aftermath of healing, and everything that comes next. Lucas plans to finish and promote 'the Resolution' with the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok MARACHÉ Greater London MARACHÉ is a London-based artist, songwriter and producer. Her songs have gone viral on TikTok, leading to airplay on Reprezent Radio, Capital XTRA, BBC 1Xtra, and other local radio stations. She has also been featured on Spotify's Fresh Finds UK & IE playlist, and performed at The Great Escape Festival and Hype & Genius' collaborative event with Nando's. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Mason Talbot Yorkshire and the Humber Mason Talbot is a Welsh-born DJ and producer based in Leeds. His breakthrough track, 'Cocaina', has surpassed 3 million streams to date, and he has performed at prominent venues and shows across the UK, including MiNT Warehouse, Egg, and Leeds Defected Festival. He is currently using the NextGen Fund to grow his independent record label, Redefy Records. Pronouns: he/him Instagram - Mason Instagram - Redefy TikTok Monica Wat South West Monica Wat is a singer-songwriter and producer from Hong Kong, now based in the UK. With the NextGen Fund, she is currently working on her sophomore EP 'Gaslight', which will fuse indie folk/country-pop with lyrical storytelling and ethereal vocals. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok NuAloe Greater London NuAloe is a Nigerian and Jamaican singer and rapper. Her music addresses themes of Blackness, Queerness, and the experience of living in South London. The NextGen Fund is supporting her to create and release her next EP, alongside a series of visuals. Pronouns: she/they Instagram TikTok Peter McMahon Northern Ireland Peter McMahon is a singer from Fermanagh. He has headlined sold-out shows at venues such as Little Whelan's in Dublin. With the NextGen Fund, he is working on his next EP 'QUEUEING FOR ONE', which will be accompanied by a series of music videos. The videos will coalesce into one cohesive short film about someone discovering themselves. Pronouns: he/him Instagram retropxssy Greater London retropxssy is an artist based in London, who blends hip-hop with jazz, punk and jungle. She has put on her own shows in the UK, Europe, and Canada; supported artists like Onoe Caponoe, Grove and Gal-Go; and has been longlisted in the Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition. She has also performed at festivals including Uplands Festival. The NextGen Fund will support her to produce and release her album, 'I Haven't Told Many People'. The album, which was catalysed by her close friend Evie’s death due to mental health system failure, will explore hidden disability and reframe the way we view mental illness, with a hope to inspire change. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Samantha Wales Samantha is a soul, Afrobeats and dark-pop singer-songwriter from Wales. She has played at various festivals including Big Love, Green Man and Immersed Music Festival; was selected for Focus Wales and the Anthem Fast Forward Project; and has performed at the Music and Race Show for Race Council Cymru, as well as headlining the Love Music Hate Racism showcase at The Moon in Cardiff. With her NextGen Fund, she is currently creating a 10-track Afrobeats album which will feature artists including fellow NextGen Fund recipient, ManLikeVision. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Sunny Side Down West Midlands Sunny Side Down is an indie, rock and alternative singer-songwriter. The NextGen Fund is supporting them to create and release their third album, which will be an emotional picture of them and the people around them over the last three years. With their music, they aim to capture the intensity and sweetness of learning to be a person. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Superlate North West Superlate is a dance/pop producer based in Liverpool. His releases have gained support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Merseyside, and BBC Introducing; he performed in front of 10,000 people at the Eurovision Main Stage in Liverpool in 2023; and has also performed at BBC Introducing LIVE at The Cavern Club. He has also co-produced tracks for Youngr and worked with Grammy-nominated producer Adriano Allaverdi. He is now working on two thematic EPs, 'The Tropics' and 'The Moment', with the backing of the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Surafeal Bruke Greater London Surafeal Bruke is the founder of GRADIENT, a platform celebrating the UK's vibrant and diverse music and creative scenes. The NextGen Fund will help Surafeal to scale up GRADIENT, hosting events with higher capacities throughout London, and offering additional support for artists, including workshops and networking opportunities. Pronouns: he/him Instagram The Yard Woman South West The Yard Woman is a Greek-born, London-based DJ and producer. She has previously worked with Richie Hawtin, and has released tracks through respected labels including Simulate, Einmusika, Running Clouds, Pets Recordings and Epidemic Sound. With the help of the NextGen Fund, she is currently transitioning from her established work in Melodic Techno to explore new creative and professional possibilities in Melodic House. She plans to produce and release a two-track EP, bringing a fresh narrative-driven sound to the genre, and seeking to represent queer women in the electronic music scene. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Yemi Yohannes South East Yemi Yohannes is a London-based creative artist, known for her soulful spoken word poetry. Her performance credits include BBC Radio London, The Photographer’s Gallery, Sofar Sounds, COP26, the National Youth Theatre and more. With her work, she aims to make poetry more accessible in the mainstream. The NextGen Fund is supporting Yemi to create a solo EP exploring spoken word with jungle music, alongside a specific focus on choral sounds and storytelling. Pronouns: she/her Instagram
George Bone East of England George is a vocalist and pianist who fuses R&B, neo-jazz and pop. He has previously supported the likes of Andrew Cushin and Molly Hocking on tour, and is now using the NextGen Fund to record and release the two lead singles from his upcoming EP. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok HabibTati Greater London HabibTati is a DJ, music event producer and community organiser from London. They specialise in blending sounds from South-West Asia and the Middle East into the London music scene. Their NextGen Funded project will focus on integrating sounds and instruments from their heritage into several performances within London’s electronic music community. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Honey Keenan Scotland Honey is an artist manager from Glasgow. Under the Hive Five Management name, she manages artists Leif Coffield and MIA MI, who have both been signed to AWAL through her efforts. She has also secured recording sessions at Spotify Studios and campaigns with brands like Puma. Her artists have also played a variety of festivals, including sold-out shows at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, have been nominated for the Scottish Alternative Music Awards and the Popjustice Awards, and been featured in The Skinny, BBC 1, BBC Radio Scotland and Clash Magazine. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Isabel Maria North East Isabel Maria is an alternative-pop singer-songwriter from Sunderland. To date, she has played shows nationally and internationally (including London, Brighton, Worcester, Leeds, Newcastle and Seville), and gained the support of names such as Rolling Stone Español and BBC Radio 1. She has also been awarded the prestigious Alan Hull (Lindisfarne) Award, a Northern Writers Awards, and a North East Culture Award. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Karis Jade North West Karis Jade is a singer-songwriter from Bolton. She has performed with The Mouse Outfit on their UK tour, festivals such as Sounds From The Other City, and iconic venues such as Band on the Wall in Manchester. The NextGen Fund is currently supporting the development of her next project, a three-track EP. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok kfromkway South East kfromkway is an artist, producer and songwriter. He has been featured in major publications like GRM Daily, Wonderland, GUAP, and SBTV, and his music has been played on BBC Radio 1Xtra, Capital Xtra, and Flex FM. He has amassed over 500,000 streams and views across his tracks to date. Pronouns: he/him TikTok Instagram Lucas Assagba Yorkshire and the Humber Lucas Assagba is a singer, songwriter and producer from Bradford. 'the Solution', is the sequel project to her first EP, 'the Resolution'. Where 'the Resolution' focused on what it means to heal, 'the Solution' deals with the aftermath of healing, and everything that comes next. Lucas plans to finish and promote 'the Resolution' with the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok MARACHÉ Greater London MARACHÉ is a London-based artist, songwriter and producer. Her songs have gone viral on TikTok, leading to airplay on Reprezent Radio, Capital XTRA, BBC 1Xtra, and other local radio stations. She has also been featured on Spotify's Fresh Finds UK & IE playlist, and performed at The Great Escape Festival and Hype & Genius' collaborative event with Nando's. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Mason Talbot Yorkshire and the Humber Mason Talbot is a Welsh-born DJ and producer based in Leeds. His breakthrough track, 'Cocaina', has surpassed 3 million streams to date, and he has performed at prominent venues and shows across the UK, including MiNT Warehouse, Egg, and Leeds Defected Festival. He is currently using the NextGen Fund to grow his independent record label, Redefy Records. Pronouns: he/him Instagram - Mason Instagram - Redefy TikTok Monica Wat South West Monica Wat is a singer-songwriter and producer from Hong Kong, now based in the UK. With the NextGen Fund, she is currently working on her sophomore EP 'Gaslight', which will fuse indie folk/country-pop with lyrical storytelling and ethereal vocals. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok NuAloe Greater London NuAloe is a Nigerian and Jamaican singer and rapper. Her music addresses themes of Blackness, Queerness, and the experience of living in South London. The NextGen Fund is supporting her to create and release her next EP, alongside a series of visuals. Pronouns: she/they Instagram TikTok Peter McMahon Northern Ireland Peter McMahon is a singer from Fermanagh. He has headlined sold-out shows at venues such as Little Whelan's in Dublin. With the NextGen Fund, he is working on his next EP 'QUEUEING FOR ONE', which will be accompanied by a series of music videos. The videos will coalesce into one cohesive short film about someone discovering themselves. Pronouns: he/him Instagram retropxssy Greater London retropxssy is an artist based in London, who blends hip-hop with jazz, punk and jungle. She has put on her own shows in the UK, Europe, and Canada; supported artists like Onoe Caponoe, Grove and Gal-Go; and has been longlisted in the Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition. She has also performed at festivals including Uplands Festival. The NextGen Fund will support her to produce and release her album, 'I Haven't Told Many People'. The album, which was catalysed by her close friend Evie’s death due to mental health system failure, will explore hidden disability and reframe the way we view mental illness, with a hope to inspire change. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Samantha Wales Samantha is a soul, Afrobeats and dark-pop singer-songwriter from Wales. She has played at various festivals including Big Love, Green Man and Immersed Music Festival; was selected for Focus Wales and the Anthem Fast Forward Project; and has performed at the Music and Race Show for Race Council Cymru, as well as headlining the Love Music Hate Racism showcase at The Moon in Cardiff. With her NextGen Fund, she is currently creating a 10-track Afrobeats album which will feature artists including fellow NextGen Fund recipient, ManLikeVision. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Sunny Side Down West Midlands Sunny Side Down is an indie, rock and alternative singer-songwriter. The NextGen Fund is supporting them to create and release their third album, which will be an emotional picture of them and the people around them over the last three years. With their music, they aim to capture the intensity and sweetness of learning to be a person. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Superlate North West Superlate is a dance/pop producer based in Liverpool. His releases have gained support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Merseyside, and BBC Introducing; he performed in front of 10,000 people at the Eurovision Main Stage in Liverpool in 2023; and has also performed at BBC Introducing LIVE at The Cavern Club. He has also co-produced tracks for Youngr and worked with Grammy-nominated producer Adriano Allaverdi. He is now working on two thematic EPs, 'The Tropics' and 'The Moment', with the backing of the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Surafeal Bruke Greater London Surafeal Bruke is the founder of GRADIENT, a platform celebrating the UK's vibrant and diverse music and creative scenes. The NextGen Fund will help Surafeal to scale up GRADIENT, hosting events with higher capacities throughout London, and offering additional support for artists, including workshops and networking opportunities. Pronouns: he/him Instagram The Yard Woman South West The Yard Woman is a Greek-born, London-based DJ and producer. She has previously worked with Richie Hawtin, and has released tracks through respected labels including Simulate, Einmusika, Running Clouds, Pets Recordings and Epidemic Sound. With the help of the NextGen Fund, she is currently transitioning from her established work in Melodic Techno to explore new creative and professional possibilities in Melodic House. She plans to produce and release a two-track EP, bringing a fresh narrative-driven sound to the genre, and seeking to represent queer women in the electronic music scene. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Yemi Yohannes South East Yemi Yohannes is a London-based creative artist, known for her soulful spoken word poetry. Her performance credits include BBC Radio London, The Photographer’s Gallery, Sofar Sounds, COP26, the National Youth Theatre and more. With her work, she aims to make poetry more accessible in the mainstream. The NextGen Fund is supporting Yemi to create a solo EP exploring spoken word with jungle music, alongside a specific focus on choral sounds and storytelling. Pronouns: she/her Instagram
HabibTati Greater London HabibTati is a DJ, music event producer and community organiser from London. They specialise in blending sounds from South-West Asia and the Middle East into the London music scene. Their NextGen Funded project will focus on integrating sounds and instruments from their heritage into several performances within London’s electronic music community. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Honey Keenan Scotland Honey is an artist manager from Glasgow. Under the Hive Five Management name, she manages artists Leif Coffield and MIA MI, who have both been signed to AWAL through her efforts. She has also secured recording sessions at Spotify Studios and campaigns with brands like Puma. Her artists have also played a variety of festivals, including sold-out shows at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, have been nominated for the Scottish Alternative Music Awards and the Popjustice Awards, and been featured in The Skinny, BBC 1, BBC Radio Scotland and Clash Magazine. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Isabel Maria North East Isabel Maria is an alternative-pop singer-songwriter from Sunderland. To date, she has played shows nationally and internationally (including London, Brighton, Worcester, Leeds, Newcastle and Seville), and gained the support of names such as Rolling Stone Español and BBC Radio 1. She has also been awarded the prestigious Alan Hull (Lindisfarne) Award, a Northern Writers Awards, and a North East Culture Award. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Karis Jade North West Karis Jade is a singer-songwriter from Bolton. She has performed with The Mouse Outfit on their UK tour, festivals such as Sounds From The Other City, and iconic venues such as Band on the Wall in Manchester. The NextGen Fund is currently supporting the development of her next project, a three-track EP. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok kfromkway South East kfromkway is an artist, producer and songwriter. He has been featured in major publications like GRM Daily, Wonderland, GUAP, and SBTV, and his music has been played on BBC Radio 1Xtra, Capital Xtra, and Flex FM. He has amassed over 500,000 streams and views across his tracks to date. Pronouns: he/him TikTok Instagram Lucas Assagba Yorkshire and the Humber Lucas Assagba is a singer, songwriter and producer from Bradford. 'the Solution', is the sequel project to her first EP, 'the Resolution'. Where 'the Resolution' focused on what it means to heal, 'the Solution' deals with the aftermath of healing, and everything that comes next. Lucas plans to finish and promote 'the Resolution' with the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok MARACHÉ Greater London MARACHÉ is a London-based artist, songwriter and producer. Her songs have gone viral on TikTok, leading to airplay on Reprezent Radio, Capital XTRA, BBC 1Xtra, and other local radio stations. She has also been featured on Spotify's Fresh Finds UK & IE playlist, and performed at The Great Escape Festival and Hype & Genius' collaborative event with Nando's. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Mason Talbot Yorkshire and the Humber Mason Talbot is a Welsh-born DJ and producer based in Leeds. His breakthrough track, 'Cocaina', has surpassed 3 million streams to date, and he has performed at prominent venues and shows across the UK, including MiNT Warehouse, Egg, and Leeds Defected Festival. He is currently using the NextGen Fund to grow his independent record label, Redefy Records. Pronouns: he/him Instagram - Mason Instagram - Redefy TikTok Monica Wat South West Monica Wat is a singer-songwriter and producer from Hong Kong, now based in the UK. With the NextGen Fund, she is currently working on her sophomore EP 'Gaslight', which will fuse indie folk/country-pop with lyrical storytelling and ethereal vocals. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok NuAloe Greater London NuAloe is a Nigerian and Jamaican singer and rapper. Her music addresses themes of Blackness, Queerness, and the experience of living in South London. The NextGen Fund is supporting her to create and release her next EP, alongside a series of visuals. Pronouns: she/they Instagram TikTok Peter McMahon Northern Ireland Peter McMahon is a singer from Fermanagh. He has headlined sold-out shows at venues such as Little Whelan's in Dublin. With the NextGen Fund, he is working on his next EP 'QUEUEING FOR ONE', which will be accompanied by a series of music videos. The videos will coalesce into one cohesive short film about someone discovering themselves. Pronouns: he/him Instagram retropxssy Greater London retropxssy is an artist based in London, who blends hip-hop with jazz, punk and jungle. She has put on her own shows in the UK, Europe, and Canada; supported artists like Onoe Caponoe, Grove and Gal-Go; and has been longlisted in the Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition. She has also performed at festivals including Uplands Festival. The NextGen Fund will support her to produce and release her album, 'I Haven't Told Many People'. The album, which was catalysed by her close friend Evie’s death due to mental health system failure, will explore hidden disability and reframe the way we view mental illness, with a hope to inspire change. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Samantha Wales Samantha is a soul, Afrobeats and dark-pop singer-songwriter from Wales. She has played at various festivals including Big Love, Green Man and Immersed Music Festival; was selected for Focus Wales and the Anthem Fast Forward Project; and has performed at the Music and Race Show for Race Council Cymru, as well as headlining the Love Music Hate Racism showcase at The Moon in Cardiff. With her NextGen Fund, she is currently creating a 10-track Afrobeats album which will feature artists including fellow NextGen Fund recipient, ManLikeVision. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Sunny Side Down West Midlands Sunny Side Down is an indie, rock and alternative singer-songwriter. The NextGen Fund is supporting them to create and release their third album, which will be an emotional picture of them and the people around them over the last three years. With their music, they aim to capture the intensity and sweetness of learning to be a person. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Superlate North West Superlate is a dance/pop producer based in Liverpool. His releases have gained support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Merseyside, and BBC Introducing; he performed in front of 10,000 people at the Eurovision Main Stage in Liverpool in 2023; and has also performed at BBC Introducing LIVE at The Cavern Club. He has also co-produced tracks for Youngr and worked with Grammy-nominated producer Adriano Allaverdi. He is now working on two thematic EPs, 'The Tropics' and 'The Moment', with the backing of the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Surafeal Bruke Greater London Surafeal Bruke is the founder of GRADIENT, a platform celebrating the UK's vibrant and diverse music and creative scenes. The NextGen Fund will help Surafeal to scale up GRADIENT, hosting events with higher capacities throughout London, and offering additional support for artists, including workshops and networking opportunities. Pronouns: he/him Instagram The Yard Woman South West The Yard Woman is a Greek-born, London-based DJ and producer. She has previously worked with Richie Hawtin, and has released tracks through respected labels including Simulate, Einmusika, Running Clouds, Pets Recordings and Epidemic Sound. With the help of the NextGen Fund, she is currently transitioning from her established work in Melodic Techno to explore new creative and professional possibilities in Melodic House. She plans to produce and release a two-track EP, bringing a fresh narrative-driven sound to the genre, and seeking to represent queer women in the electronic music scene. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Yemi Yohannes South East Yemi Yohannes is a London-based creative artist, known for her soulful spoken word poetry. Her performance credits include BBC Radio London, The Photographer’s Gallery, Sofar Sounds, COP26, the National Youth Theatre and more. With her work, she aims to make poetry more accessible in the mainstream. The NextGen Fund is supporting Yemi to create a solo EP exploring spoken word with jungle music, alongside a specific focus on choral sounds and storytelling. Pronouns: she/her Instagram
Honey Keenan Scotland Honey is an artist manager from Glasgow. Under the Hive Five Management name, she manages artists Leif Coffield and MIA MI, who have both been signed to AWAL through her efforts. She has also secured recording sessions at Spotify Studios and campaigns with brands like Puma. Her artists have also played a variety of festivals, including sold-out shows at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, have been nominated for the Scottish Alternative Music Awards and the Popjustice Awards, and been featured in The Skinny, BBC 1, BBC Radio Scotland and Clash Magazine. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Isabel Maria North East Isabel Maria is an alternative-pop singer-songwriter from Sunderland. To date, she has played shows nationally and internationally (including London, Brighton, Worcester, Leeds, Newcastle and Seville), and gained the support of names such as Rolling Stone Español and BBC Radio 1. She has also been awarded the prestigious Alan Hull (Lindisfarne) Award, a Northern Writers Awards, and a North East Culture Award. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Karis Jade North West Karis Jade is a singer-songwriter from Bolton. She has performed with The Mouse Outfit on their UK tour, festivals such as Sounds From The Other City, and iconic venues such as Band on the Wall in Manchester. The NextGen Fund is currently supporting the development of her next project, a three-track EP. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok kfromkway South East kfromkway is an artist, producer and songwriter. He has been featured in major publications like GRM Daily, Wonderland, GUAP, and SBTV, and his music has been played on BBC Radio 1Xtra, Capital Xtra, and Flex FM. He has amassed over 500,000 streams and views across his tracks to date. Pronouns: he/him TikTok Instagram Lucas Assagba Yorkshire and the Humber Lucas Assagba is a singer, songwriter and producer from Bradford. 'the Solution', is the sequel project to her first EP, 'the Resolution'. Where 'the Resolution' focused on what it means to heal, 'the Solution' deals with the aftermath of healing, and everything that comes next. Lucas plans to finish and promote 'the Resolution' with the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok MARACHÉ Greater London MARACHÉ is a London-based artist, songwriter and producer. Her songs have gone viral on TikTok, leading to airplay on Reprezent Radio, Capital XTRA, BBC 1Xtra, and other local radio stations. She has also been featured on Spotify's Fresh Finds UK & IE playlist, and performed at The Great Escape Festival and Hype & Genius' collaborative event with Nando's. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Mason Talbot Yorkshire and the Humber Mason Talbot is a Welsh-born DJ and producer based in Leeds. His breakthrough track, 'Cocaina', has surpassed 3 million streams to date, and he has performed at prominent venues and shows across the UK, including MiNT Warehouse, Egg, and Leeds Defected Festival. He is currently using the NextGen Fund to grow his independent record label, Redefy Records. Pronouns: he/him Instagram - Mason Instagram - Redefy TikTok Monica Wat South West Monica Wat is a singer-songwriter and producer from Hong Kong, now based in the UK. With the NextGen Fund, she is currently working on her sophomore EP 'Gaslight', which will fuse indie folk/country-pop with lyrical storytelling and ethereal vocals. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok NuAloe Greater London NuAloe is a Nigerian and Jamaican singer and rapper. Her music addresses themes of Blackness, Queerness, and the experience of living in South London. The NextGen Fund is supporting her to create and release her next EP, alongside a series of visuals. Pronouns: she/they Instagram TikTok Peter McMahon Northern Ireland Peter McMahon is a singer from Fermanagh. He has headlined sold-out shows at venues such as Little Whelan's in Dublin. With the NextGen Fund, he is working on his next EP 'QUEUEING FOR ONE', which will be accompanied by a series of music videos. The videos will coalesce into one cohesive short film about someone discovering themselves. Pronouns: he/him Instagram retropxssy Greater London retropxssy is an artist based in London, who blends hip-hop with jazz, punk and jungle. She has put on her own shows in the UK, Europe, and Canada; supported artists like Onoe Caponoe, Grove and Gal-Go; and has been longlisted in the Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition. She has also performed at festivals including Uplands Festival. The NextGen Fund will support her to produce and release her album, 'I Haven't Told Many People'. The album, which was catalysed by her close friend Evie’s death due to mental health system failure, will explore hidden disability and reframe the way we view mental illness, with a hope to inspire change. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Samantha Wales Samantha is a soul, Afrobeats and dark-pop singer-songwriter from Wales. She has played at various festivals including Big Love, Green Man and Immersed Music Festival; was selected for Focus Wales and the Anthem Fast Forward Project; and has performed at the Music and Race Show for Race Council Cymru, as well as headlining the Love Music Hate Racism showcase at The Moon in Cardiff. With her NextGen Fund, she is currently creating a 10-track Afrobeats album which will feature artists including fellow NextGen Fund recipient, ManLikeVision. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Sunny Side Down West Midlands Sunny Side Down is an indie, rock and alternative singer-songwriter. The NextGen Fund is supporting them to create and release their third album, which will be an emotional picture of them and the people around them over the last three years. With their music, they aim to capture the intensity and sweetness of learning to be a person. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Superlate North West Superlate is a dance/pop producer based in Liverpool. His releases have gained support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Merseyside, and BBC Introducing; he performed in front of 10,000 people at the Eurovision Main Stage in Liverpool in 2023; and has also performed at BBC Introducing LIVE at The Cavern Club. He has also co-produced tracks for Youngr and worked with Grammy-nominated producer Adriano Allaverdi. He is now working on two thematic EPs, 'The Tropics' and 'The Moment', with the backing of the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Surafeal Bruke Greater London Surafeal Bruke is the founder of GRADIENT, a platform celebrating the UK's vibrant and diverse music and creative scenes. The NextGen Fund will help Surafeal to scale up GRADIENT, hosting events with higher capacities throughout London, and offering additional support for artists, including workshops and networking opportunities. Pronouns: he/him Instagram The Yard Woman South West The Yard Woman is a Greek-born, London-based DJ and producer. She has previously worked with Richie Hawtin, and has released tracks through respected labels including Simulate, Einmusika, Running Clouds, Pets Recordings and Epidemic Sound. With the help of the NextGen Fund, she is currently transitioning from her established work in Melodic Techno to explore new creative and professional possibilities in Melodic House. She plans to produce and release a two-track EP, bringing a fresh narrative-driven sound to the genre, and seeking to represent queer women in the electronic music scene. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Yemi Yohannes South East Yemi Yohannes is a London-based creative artist, known for her soulful spoken word poetry. Her performance credits include BBC Radio London, The Photographer’s Gallery, Sofar Sounds, COP26, the National Youth Theatre and more. With her work, she aims to make poetry more accessible in the mainstream. The NextGen Fund is supporting Yemi to create a solo EP exploring spoken word with jungle music, alongside a specific focus on choral sounds and storytelling. Pronouns: she/her Instagram
Isabel Maria North East Isabel Maria is an alternative-pop singer-songwriter from Sunderland. To date, she has played shows nationally and internationally (including London, Brighton, Worcester, Leeds, Newcastle and Seville), and gained the support of names such as Rolling Stone Español and BBC Radio 1. She has also been awarded the prestigious Alan Hull (Lindisfarne) Award, a Northern Writers Awards, and a North East Culture Award. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Karis Jade North West Karis Jade is a singer-songwriter from Bolton. She has performed with The Mouse Outfit on their UK tour, festivals such as Sounds From The Other City, and iconic venues such as Band on the Wall in Manchester. The NextGen Fund is currently supporting the development of her next project, a three-track EP. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok kfromkway South East kfromkway is an artist, producer and songwriter. He has been featured in major publications like GRM Daily, Wonderland, GUAP, and SBTV, and his music has been played on BBC Radio 1Xtra, Capital Xtra, and Flex FM. He has amassed over 500,000 streams and views across his tracks to date. Pronouns: he/him TikTok Instagram Lucas Assagba Yorkshire and the Humber Lucas Assagba is a singer, songwriter and producer from Bradford. 'the Solution', is the sequel project to her first EP, 'the Resolution'. Where 'the Resolution' focused on what it means to heal, 'the Solution' deals with the aftermath of healing, and everything that comes next. Lucas plans to finish and promote 'the Resolution' with the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok MARACHÉ Greater London MARACHÉ is a London-based artist, songwriter and producer. Her songs have gone viral on TikTok, leading to airplay on Reprezent Radio, Capital XTRA, BBC 1Xtra, and other local radio stations. She has also been featured on Spotify's Fresh Finds UK & IE playlist, and performed at The Great Escape Festival and Hype & Genius' collaborative event with Nando's. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Mason Talbot Yorkshire and the Humber Mason Talbot is a Welsh-born DJ and producer based in Leeds. His breakthrough track, 'Cocaina', has surpassed 3 million streams to date, and he has performed at prominent venues and shows across the UK, including MiNT Warehouse, Egg, and Leeds Defected Festival. He is currently using the NextGen Fund to grow his independent record label, Redefy Records. Pronouns: he/him Instagram - Mason Instagram - Redefy TikTok Monica Wat South West Monica Wat is a singer-songwriter and producer from Hong Kong, now based in the UK. With the NextGen Fund, she is currently working on her sophomore EP 'Gaslight', which will fuse indie folk/country-pop with lyrical storytelling and ethereal vocals. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok NuAloe Greater London NuAloe is a Nigerian and Jamaican singer and rapper. Her music addresses themes of Blackness, Queerness, and the experience of living in South London. The NextGen Fund is supporting her to create and release her next EP, alongside a series of visuals. Pronouns: she/they Instagram TikTok Peter McMahon Northern Ireland Peter McMahon is a singer from Fermanagh. He has headlined sold-out shows at venues such as Little Whelan's in Dublin. With the NextGen Fund, he is working on his next EP 'QUEUEING FOR ONE', which will be accompanied by a series of music videos. The videos will coalesce into one cohesive short film about someone discovering themselves. Pronouns: he/him Instagram retropxssy Greater London retropxssy is an artist based in London, who blends hip-hop with jazz, punk and jungle. She has put on her own shows in the UK, Europe, and Canada; supported artists like Onoe Caponoe, Grove and Gal-Go; and has been longlisted in the Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition. She has also performed at festivals including Uplands Festival. The NextGen Fund will support her to produce and release her album, 'I Haven't Told Many People'. The album, which was catalysed by her close friend Evie’s death due to mental health system failure, will explore hidden disability and reframe the way we view mental illness, with a hope to inspire change. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Samantha Wales Samantha is a soul, Afrobeats and dark-pop singer-songwriter from Wales. She has played at various festivals including Big Love, Green Man and Immersed Music Festival; was selected for Focus Wales and the Anthem Fast Forward Project; and has performed at the Music and Race Show for Race Council Cymru, as well as headlining the Love Music Hate Racism showcase at The Moon in Cardiff. With her NextGen Fund, she is currently creating a 10-track Afrobeats album which will feature artists including fellow NextGen Fund recipient, ManLikeVision. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Sunny Side Down West Midlands Sunny Side Down is an indie, rock and alternative singer-songwriter. The NextGen Fund is supporting them to create and release their third album, which will be an emotional picture of them and the people around them over the last three years. With their music, they aim to capture the intensity and sweetness of learning to be a person. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Superlate North West Superlate is a dance/pop producer based in Liverpool. His releases have gained support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Merseyside, and BBC Introducing; he performed in front of 10,000 people at the Eurovision Main Stage in Liverpool in 2023; and has also performed at BBC Introducing LIVE at The Cavern Club. He has also co-produced tracks for Youngr and worked with Grammy-nominated producer Adriano Allaverdi. He is now working on two thematic EPs, 'The Tropics' and 'The Moment', with the backing of the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Surafeal Bruke Greater London Surafeal Bruke is the founder of GRADIENT, a platform celebrating the UK's vibrant and diverse music and creative scenes. The NextGen Fund will help Surafeal to scale up GRADIENT, hosting events with higher capacities throughout London, and offering additional support for artists, including workshops and networking opportunities. Pronouns: he/him Instagram The Yard Woman South West The Yard Woman is a Greek-born, London-based DJ and producer. She has previously worked with Richie Hawtin, and has released tracks through respected labels including Simulate, Einmusika, Running Clouds, Pets Recordings and Epidemic Sound. With the help of the NextGen Fund, she is currently transitioning from her established work in Melodic Techno to explore new creative and professional possibilities in Melodic House. She plans to produce and release a two-track EP, bringing a fresh narrative-driven sound to the genre, and seeking to represent queer women in the electronic music scene. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Yemi Yohannes South East Yemi Yohannes is a London-based creative artist, known for her soulful spoken word poetry. Her performance credits include BBC Radio London, The Photographer’s Gallery, Sofar Sounds, COP26, the National Youth Theatre and more. With her work, she aims to make poetry more accessible in the mainstream. The NextGen Fund is supporting Yemi to create a solo EP exploring spoken word with jungle music, alongside a specific focus on choral sounds and storytelling. Pronouns: she/her Instagram
Karis Jade North West Karis Jade is a singer-songwriter from Bolton. She has performed with The Mouse Outfit on their UK tour, festivals such as Sounds From The Other City, and iconic venues such as Band on the Wall in Manchester. The NextGen Fund is currently supporting the development of her next project, a three-track EP. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok kfromkway South East kfromkway is an artist, producer and songwriter. He has been featured in major publications like GRM Daily, Wonderland, GUAP, and SBTV, and his music has been played on BBC Radio 1Xtra, Capital Xtra, and Flex FM. He has amassed over 500,000 streams and views across his tracks to date. Pronouns: he/him TikTok Instagram Lucas Assagba Yorkshire and the Humber Lucas Assagba is a singer, songwriter and producer from Bradford. 'the Solution', is the sequel project to her first EP, 'the Resolution'. Where 'the Resolution' focused on what it means to heal, 'the Solution' deals with the aftermath of healing, and everything that comes next. Lucas plans to finish and promote 'the Resolution' with the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok MARACHÉ Greater London MARACHÉ is a London-based artist, songwriter and producer. Her songs have gone viral on TikTok, leading to airplay on Reprezent Radio, Capital XTRA, BBC 1Xtra, and other local radio stations. She has also been featured on Spotify's Fresh Finds UK & IE playlist, and performed at The Great Escape Festival and Hype & Genius' collaborative event with Nando's. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Mason Talbot Yorkshire and the Humber Mason Talbot is a Welsh-born DJ and producer based in Leeds. His breakthrough track, 'Cocaina', has surpassed 3 million streams to date, and he has performed at prominent venues and shows across the UK, including MiNT Warehouse, Egg, and Leeds Defected Festival. He is currently using the NextGen Fund to grow his independent record label, Redefy Records. Pronouns: he/him Instagram - Mason Instagram - Redefy TikTok Monica Wat South West Monica Wat is a singer-songwriter and producer from Hong Kong, now based in the UK. With the NextGen Fund, she is currently working on her sophomore EP 'Gaslight', which will fuse indie folk/country-pop with lyrical storytelling and ethereal vocals. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok NuAloe Greater London NuAloe is a Nigerian and Jamaican singer and rapper. Her music addresses themes of Blackness, Queerness, and the experience of living in South London. The NextGen Fund is supporting her to create and release her next EP, alongside a series of visuals. Pronouns: she/they Instagram TikTok Peter McMahon Northern Ireland Peter McMahon is a singer from Fermanagh. He has headlined sold-out shows at venues such as Little Whelan's in Dublin. With the NextGen Fund, he is working on his next EP 'QUEUEING FOR ONE', which will be accompanied by a series of music videos. The videos will coalesce into one cohesive short film about someone discovering themselves. Pronouns: he/him Instagram retropxssy Greater London retropxssy is an artist based in London, who blends hip-hop with jazz, punk and jungle. She has put on her own shows in the UK, Europe, and Canada; supported artists like Onoe Caponoe, Grove and Gal-Go; and has been longlisted in the Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition. She has also performed at festivals including Uplands Festival. The NextGen Fund will support her to produce and release her album, 'I Haven't Told Many People'. The album, which was catalysed by her close friend Evie’s death due to mental health system failure, will explore hidden disability and reframe the way we view mental illness, with a hope to inspire change. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Samantha Wales Samantha is a soul, Afrobeats and dark-pop singer-songwriter from Wales. She has played at various festivals including Big Love, Green Man and Immersed Music Festival; was selected for Focus Wales and the Anthem Fast Forward Project; and has performed at the Music and Race Show for Race Council Cymru, as well as headlining the Love Music Hate Racism showcase at The Moon in Cardiff. With her NextGen Fund, she is currently creating a 10-track Afrobeats album which will feature artists including fellow NextGen Fund recipient, ManLikeVision. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Sunny Side Down West Midlands Sunny Side Down is an indie, rock and alternative singer-songwriter. The NextGen Fund is supporting them to create and release their third album, which will be an emotional picture of them and the people around them over the last three years. With their music, they aim to capture the intensity and sweetness of learning to be a person. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Superlate North West Superlate is a dance/pop producer based in Liverpool. His releases have gained support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Merseyside, and BBC Introducing; he performed in front of 10,000 people at the Eurovision Main Stage in Liverpool in 2023; and has also performed at BBC Introducing LIVE at The Cavern Club. He has also co-produced tracks for Youngr and worked with Grammy-nominated producer Adriano Allaverdi. He is now working on two thematic EPs, 'The Tropics' and 'The Moment', with the backing of the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Surafeal Bruke Greater London Surafeal Bruke is the founder of GRADIENT, a platform celebrating the UK's vibrant and diverse music and creative scenes. The NextGen Fund will help Surafeal to scale up GRADIENT, hosting events with higher capacities throughout London, and offering additional support for artists, including workshops and networking opportunities. Pronouns: he/him Instagram The Yard Woman South West The Yard Woman is a Greek-born, London-based DJ and producer. She has previously worked with Richie Hawtin, and has released tracks through respected labels including Simulate, Einmusika, Running Clouds, Pets Recordings and Epidemic Sound. With the help of the NextGen Fund, she is currently transitioning from her established work in Melodic Techno to explore new creative and professional possibilities in Melodic House. She plans to produce and release a two-track EP, bringing a fresh narrative-driven sound to the genre, and seeking to represent queer women in the electronic music scene. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Yemi Yohannes South East Yemi Yohannes is a London-based creative artist, known for her soulful spoken word poetry. Her performance credits include BBC Radio London, The Photographer’s Gallery, Sofar Sounds, COP26, the National Youth Theatre and more. With her work, she aims to make poetry more accessible in the mainstream. The NextGen Fund is supporting Yemi to create a solo EP exploring spoken word with jungle music, alongside a specific focus on choral sounds and storytelling. Pronouns: she/her Instagram
kfromkway South East kfromkway is an artist, producer and songwriter. He has been featured in major publications like GRM Daily, Wonderland, GUAP, and SBTV, and his music has been played on BBC Radio 1Xtra, Capital Xtra, and Flex FM. He has amassed over 500,000 streams and views across his tracks to date. Pronouns: he/him TikTok Instagram Lucas Assagba Yorkshire and the Humber Lucas Assagba is a singer, songwriter and producer from Bradford. 'the Solution', is the sequel project to her first EP, 'the Resolution'. Where 'the Resolution' focused on what it means to heal, 'the Solution' deals with the aftermath of healing, and everything that comes next. Lucas plans to finish and promote 'the Resolution' with the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok MARACHÉ Greater London MARACHÉ is a London-based artist, songwriter and producer. Her songs have gone viral on TikTok, leading to airplay on Reprezent Radio, Capital XTRA, BBC 1Xtra, and other local radio stations. She has also been featured on Spotify's Fresh Finds UK & IE playlist, and performed at The Great Escape Festival and Hype & Genius' collaborative event with Nando's. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Mason Talbot Yorkshire and the Humber Mason Talbot is a Welsh-born DJ and producer based in Leeds. His breakthrough track, 'Cocaina', has surpassed 3 million streams to date, and he has performed at prominent venues and shows across the UK, including MiNT Warehouse, Egg, and Leeds Defected Festival. He is currently using the NextGen Fund to grow his independent record label, Redefy Records. Pronouns: he/him Instagram - Mason Instagram - Redefy TikTok Monica Wat South West Monica Wat is a singer-songwriter and producer from Hong Kong, now based in the UK. With the NextGen Fund, she is currently working on her sophomore EP 'Gaslight', which will fuse indie folk/country-pop with lyrical storytelling and ethereal vocals. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok NuAloe Greater London NuAloe is a Nigerian and Jamaican singer and rapper. Her music addresses themes of Blackness, Queerness, and the experience of living in South London. The NextGen Fund is supporting her to create and release her next EP, alongside a series of visuals. Pronouns: she/they Instagram TikTok Peter McMahon Northern Ireland Peter McMahon is a singer from Fermanagh. He has headlined sold-out shows at venues such as Little Whelan's in Dublin. With the NextGen Fund, he is working on his next EP 'QUEUEING FOR ONE', which will be accompanied by a series of music videos. The videos will coalesce into one cohesive short film about someone discovering themselves. Pronouns: he/him Instagram retropxssy Greater London retropxssy is an artist based in London, who blends hip-hop with jazz, punk and jungle. She has put on her own shows in the UK, Europe, and Canada; supported artists like Onoe Caponoe, Grove and Gal-Go; and has been longlisted in the Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition. She has also performed at festivals including Uplands Festival. The NextGen Fund will support her to produce and release her album, 'I Haven't Told Many People'. The album, which was catalysed by her close friend Evie’s death due to mental health system failure, will explore hidden disability and reframe the way we view mental illness, with a hope to inspire change. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Samantha Wales Samantha is a soul, Afrobeats and dark-pop singer-songwriter from Wales. She has played at various festivals including Big Love, Green Man and Immersed Music Festival; was selected for Focus Wales and the Anthem Fast Forward Project; and has performed at the Music and Race Show for Race Council Cymru, as well as headlining the Love Music Hate Racism showcase at The Moon in Cardiff. With her NextGen Fund, she is currently creating a 10-track Afrobeats album which will feature artists including fellow NextGen Fund recipient, ManLikeVision. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Sunny Side Down West Midlands Sunny Side Down is an indie, rock and alternative singer-songwriter. The NextGen Fund is supporting them to create and release their third album, which will be an emotional picture of them and the people around them over the last three years. With their music, they aim to capture the intensity and sweetness of learning to be a person. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Superlate North West Superlate is a dance/pop producer based in Liverpool. His releases have gained support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Merseyside, and BBC Introducing; he performed in front of 10,000 people at the Eurovision Main Stage in Liverpool in 2023; and has also performed at BBC Introducing LIVE at The Cavern Club. He has also co-produced tracks for Youngr and worked with Grammy-nominated producer Adriano Allaverdi. He is now working on two thematic EPs, 'The Tropics' and 'The Moment', with the backing of the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Surafeal Bruke Greater London Surafeal Bruke is the founder of GRADIENT, a platform celebrating the UK's vibrant and diverse music and creative scenes. The NextGen Fund will help Surafeal to scale up GRADIENT, hosting events with higher capacities throughout London, and offering additional support for artists, including workshops and networking opportunities. Pronouns: he/him Instagram The Yard Woman South West The Yard Woman is a Greek-born, London-based DJ and producer. She has previously worked with Richie Hawtin, and has released tracks through respected labels including Simulate, Einmusika, Running Clouds, Pets Recordings and Epidemic Sound. With the help of the NextGen Fund, she is currently transitioning from her established work in Melodic Techno to explore new creative and professional possibilities in Melodic House. She plans to produce and release a two-track EP, bringing a fresh narrative-driven sound to the genre, and seeking to represent queer women in the electronic music scene. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Yemi Yohannes South East Yemi Yohannes is a London-based creative artist, known for her soulful spoken word poetry. Her performance credits include BBC Radio London, The Photographer’s Gallery, Sofar Sounds, COP26, the National Youth Theatre and more. With her work, she aims to make poetry more accessible in the mainstream. The NextGen Fund is supporting Yemi to create a solo EP exploring spoken word with jungle music, alongside a specific focus on choral sounds and storytelling. Pronouns: she/her Instagram
Lucas Assagba Yorkshire and the Humber Lucas Assagba is a singer, songwriter and producer from Bradford. 'the Solution', is the sequel project to her first EP, 'the Resolution'. Where 'the Resolution' focused on what it means to heal, 'the Solution' deals with the aftermath of healing, and everything that comes next. Lucas plans to finish and promote 'the Resolution' with the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok MARACHÉ Greater London MARACHÉ is a London-based artist, songwriter and producer. Her songs have gone viral on TikTok, leading to airplay on Reprezent Radio, Capital XTRA, BBC 1Xtra, and other local radio stations. She has also been featured on Spotify's Fresh Finds UK & IE playlist, and performed at The Great Escape Festival and Hype & Genius' collaborative event with Nando's. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Mason Talbot Yorkshire and the Humber Mason Talbot is a Welsh-born DJ and producer based in Leeds. His breakthrough track, 'Cocaina', has surpassed 3 million streams to date, and he has performed at prominent venues and shows across the UK, including MiNT Warehouse, Egg, and Leeds Defected Festival. He is currently using the NextGen Fund to grow his independent record label, Redefy Records. Pronouns: he/him Instagram - Mason Instagram - Redefy TikTok Monica Wat South West Monica Wat is a singer-songwriter and producer from Hong Kong, now based in the UK. With the NextGen Fund, she is currently working on her sophomore EP 'Gaslight', which will fuse indie folk/country-pop with lyrical storytelling and ethereal vocals. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok NuAloe Greater London NuAloe is a Nigerian and Jamaican singer and rapper. Her music addresses themes of Blackness, Queerness, and the experience of living in South London. The NextGen Fund is supporting her to create and release her next EP, alongside a series of visuals. Pronouns: she/they Instagram TikTok Peter McMahon Northern Ireland Peter McMahon is a singer from Fermanagh. He has headlined sold-out shows at venues such as Little Whelan's in Dublin. With the NextGen Fund, he is working on his next EP 'QUEUEING FOR ONE', which will be accompanied by a series of music videos. The videos will coalesce into one cohesive short film about someone discovering themselves. Pronouns: he/him Instagram retropxssy Greater London retropxssy is an artist based in London, who blends hip-hop with jazz, punk and jungle. She has put on her own shows in the UK, Europe, and Canada; supported artists like Onoe Caponoe, Grove and Gal-Go; and has been longlisted in the Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition. She has also performed at festivals including Uplands Festival. The NextGen Fund will support her to produce and release her album, 'I Haven't Told Many People'. The album, which was catalysed by her close friend Evie’s death due to mental health system failure, will explore hidden disability and reframe the way we view mental illness, with a hope to inspire change. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Samantha Wales Samantha is a soul, Afrobeats and dark-pop singer-songwriter from Wales. She has played at various festivals including Big Love, Green Man and Immersed Music Festival; was selected for Focus Wales and the Anthem Fast Forward Project; and has performed at the Music and Race Show for Race Council Cymru, as well as headlining the Love Music Hate Racism showcase at The Moon in Cardiff. With her NextGen Fund, she is currently creating a 10-track Afrobeats album which will feature artists including fellow NextGen Fund recipient, ManLikeVision. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Sunny Side Down West Midlands Sunny Side Down is an indie, rock and alternative singer-songwriter. The NextGen Fund is supporting them to create and release their third album, which will be an emotional picture of them and the people around them over the last three years. With their music, they aim to capture the intensity and sweetness of learning to be a person. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Superlate North West Superlate is a dance/pop producer based in Liverpool. His releases have gained support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Merseyside, and BBC Introducing; he performed in front of 10,000 people at the Eurovision Main Stage in Liverpool in 2023; and has also performed at BBC Introducing LIVE at The Cavern Club. He has also co-produced tracks for Youngr and worked with Grammy-nominated producer Adriano Allaverdi. He is now working on two thematic EPs, 'The Tropics' and 'The Moment', with the backing of the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Surafeal Bruke Greater London Surafeal Bruke is the founder of GRADIENT, a platform celebrating the UK's vibrant and diverse music and creative scenes. The NextGen Fund will help Surafeal to scale up GRADIENT, hosting events with higher capacities throughout London, and offering additional support for artists, including workshops and networking opportunities. Pronouns: he/him Instagram The Yard Woman South West The Yard Woman is a Greek-born, London-based DJ and producer. She has previously worked with Richie Hawtin, and has released tracks through respected labels including Simulate, Einmusika, Running Clouds, Pets Recordings and Epidemic Sound. With the help of the NextGen Fund, she is currently transitioning from her established work in Melodic Techno to explore new creative and professional possibilities in Melodic House. She plans to produce and release a two-track EP, bringing a fresh narrative-driven sound to the genre, and seeking to represent queer women in the electronic music scene. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Yemi Yohannes South East Yemi Yohannes is a London-based creative artist, known for her soulful spoken word poetry. Her performance credits include BBC Radio London, The Photographer’s Gallery, Sofar Sounds, COP26, the National Youth Theatre and more. With her work, she aims to make poetry more accessible in the mainstream. The NextGen Fund is supporting Yemi to create a solo EP exploring spoken word with jungle music, alongside a specific focus on choral sounds and storytelling. Pronouns: she/her Instagram
MARACHÉ Greater London MARACHÉ is a London-based artist, songwriter and producer. Her songs have gone viral on TikTok, leading to airplay on Reprezent Radio, Capital XTRA, BBC 1Xtra, and other local radio stations. She has also been featured on Spotify's Fresh Finds UK & IE playlist, and performed at The Great Escape Festival and Hype & Genius' collaborative event with Nando's. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Mason Talbot Yorkshire and the Humber Mason Talbot is a Welsh-born DJ and producer based in Leeds. His breakthrough track, 'Cocaina', has surpassed 3 million streams to date, and he has performed at prominent venues and shows across the UK, including MiNT Warehouse, Egg, and Leeds Defected Festival. He is currently using the NextGen Fund to grow his independent record label, Redefy Records. Pronouns: he/him Instagram - Mason Instagram - Redefy TikTok Monica Wat South West Monica Wat is a singer-songwriter and producer from Hong Kong, now based in the UK. With the NextGen Fund, she is currently working on her sophomore EP 'Gaslight', which will fuse indie folk/country-pop with lyrical storytelling and ethereal vocals. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok NuAloe Greater London NuAloe is a Nigerian and Jamaican singer and rapper. Her music addresses themes of Blackness, Queerness, and the experience of living in South London. The NextGen Fund is supporting her to create and release her next EP, alongside a series of visuals. Pronouns: she/they Instagram TikTok Peter McMahon Northern Ireland Peter McMahon is a singer from Fermanagh. He has headlined sold-out shows at venues such as Little Whelan's in Dublin. With the NextGen Fund, he is working on his next EP 'QUEUEING FOR ONE', which will be accompanied by a series of music videos. The videos will coalesce into one cohesive short film about someone discovering themselves. Pronouns: he/him Instagram retropxssy Greater London retropxssy is an artist based in London, who blends hip-hop with jazz, punk and jungle. She has put on her own shows in the UK, Europe, and Canada; supported artists like Onoe Caponoe, Grove and Gal-Go; and has been longlisted in the Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition. She has also performed at festivals including Uplands Festival. The NextGen Fund will support her to produce and release her album, 'I Haven't Told Many People'. The album, which was catalysed by her close friend Evie’s death due to mental health system failure, will explore hidden disability and reframe the way we view mental illness, with a hope to inspire change. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Samantha Wales Samantha is a soul, Afrobeats and dark-pop singer-songwriter from Wales. She has played at various festivals including Big Love, Green Man and Immersed Music Festival; was selected for Focus Wales and the Anthem Fast Forward Project; and has performed at the Music and Race Show for Race Council Cymru, as well as headlining the Love Music Hate Racism showcase at The Moon in Cardiff. With her NextGen Fund, she is currently creating a 10-track Afrobeats album which will feature artists including fellow NextGen Fund recipient, ManLikeVision. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Sunny Side Down West Midlands Sunny Side Down is an indie, rock and alternative singer-songwriter. The NextGen Fund is supporting them to create and release their third album, which will be an emotional picture of them and the people around them over the last three years. With their music, they aim to capture the intensity and sweetness of learning to be a person. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Superlate North West Superlate is a dance/pop producer based in Liverpool. His releases have gained support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Merseyside, and BBC Introducing; he performed in front of 10,000 people at the Eurovision Main Stage in Liverpool in 2023; and has also performed at BBC Introducing LIVE at The Cavern Club. He has also co-produced tracks for Youngr and worked with Grammy-nominated producer Adriano Allaverdi. He is now working on two thematic EPs, 'The Tropics' and 'The Moment', with the backing of the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Surafeal Bruke Greater London Surafeal Bruke is the founder of GRADIENT, a platform celebrating the UK's vibrant and diverse music and creative scenes. The NextGen Fund will help Surafeal to scale up GRADIENT, hosting events with higher capacities throughout London, and offering additional support for artists, including workshops and networking opportunities. Pronouns: he/him Instagram The Yard Woman South West The Yard Woman is a Greek-born, London-based DJ and producer. She has previously worked with Richie Hawtin, and has released tracks through respected labels including Simulate, Einmusika, Running Clouds, Pets Recordings and Epidemic Sound. With the help of the NextGen Fund, she is currently transitioning from her established work in Melodic Techno to explore new creative and professional possibilities in Melodic House. She plans to produce and release a two-track EP, bringing a fresh narrative-driven sound to the genre, and seeking to represent queer women in the electronic music scene. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Yemi Yohannes South East Yemi Yohannes is a London-based creative artist, known for her soulful spoken word poetry. Her performance credits include BBC Radio London, The Photographer’s Gallery, Sofar Sounds, COP26, the National Youth Theatre and more. With her work, she aims to make poetry more accessible in the mainstream. The NextGen Fund is supporting Yemi to create a solo EP exploring spoken word with jungle music, alongside a specific focus on choral sounds and storytelling. Pronouns: she/her Instagram
Mason Talbot Yorkshire and the Humber Mason Talbot is a Welsh-born DJ and producer based in Leeds. His breakthrough track, 'Cocaina', has surpassed 3 million streams to date, and he has performed at prominent venues and shows across the UK, including MiNT Warehouse, Egg, and Leeds Defected Festival. He is currently using the NextGen Fund to grow his independent record label, Redefy Records. Pronouns: he/him Instagram - Mason Instagram - Redefy TikTok Monica Wat South West Monica Wat is a singer-songwriter and producer from Hong Kong, now based in the UK. With the NextGen Fund, she is currently working on her sophomore EP 'Gaslight', which will fuse indie folk/country-pop with lyrical storytelling and ethereal vocals. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok NuAloe Greater London NuAloe is a Nigerian and Jamaican singer and rapper. Her music addresses themes of Blackness, Queerness, and the experience of living in South London. The NextGen Fund is supporting her to create and release her next EP, alongside a series of visuals. Pronouns: she/they Instagram TikTok Peter McMahon Northern Ireland Peter McMahon is a singer from Fermanagh. He has headlined sold-out shows at venues such as Little Whelan's in Dublin. With the NextGen Fund, he is working on his next EP 'QUEUEING FOR ONE', which will be accompanied by a series of music videos. The videos will coalesce into one cohesive short film about someone discovering themselves. Pronouns: he/him Instagram retropxssy Greater London retropxssy is an artist based in London, who blends hip-hop with jazz, punk and jungle. She has put on her own shows in the UK, Europe, and Canada; supported artists like Onoe Caponoe, Grove and Gal-Go; and has been longlisted in the Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition. She has also performed at festivals including Uplands Festival. The NextGen Fund will support her to produce and release her album, 'I Haven't Told Many People'. The album, which was catalysed by her close friend Evie’s death due to mental health system failure, will explore hidden disability and reframe the way we view mental illness, with a hope to inspire change. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Samantha Wales Samantha is a soul, Afrobeats and dark-pop singer-songwriter from Wales. She has played at various festivals including Big Love, Green Man and Immersed Music Festival; was selected for Focus Wales and the Anthem Fast Forward Project; and has performed at the Music and Race Show for Race Council Cymru, as well as headlining the Love Music Hate Racism showcase at The Moon in Cardiff. With her NextGen Fund, she is currently creating a 10-track Afrobeats album which will feature artists including fellow NextGen Fund recipient, ManLikeVision. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Sunny Side Down West Midlands Sunny Side Down is an indie, rock and alternative singer-songwriter. The NextGen Fund is supporting them to create and release their third album, which will be an emotional picture of them and the people around them over the last three years. With their music, they aim to capture the intensity and sweetness of learning to be a person. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Superlate North West Superlate is a dance/pop producer based in Liverpool. His releases have gained support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Merseyside, and BBC Introducing; he performed in front of 10,000 people at the Eurovision Main Stage in Liverpool in 2023; and has also performed at BBC Introducing LIVE at The Cavern Club. He has also co-produced tracks for Youngr and worked with Grammy-nominated producer Adriano Allaverdi. He is now working on two thematic EPs, 'The Tropics' and 'The Moment', with the backing of the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Surafeal Bruke Greater London Surafeal Bruke is the founder of GRADIENT, a platform celebrating the UK's vibrant and diverse music and creative scenes. The NextGen Fund will help Surafeal to scale up GRADIENT, hosting events with higher capacities throughout London, and offering additional support for artists, including workshops and networking opportunities. Pronouns: he/him Instagram The Yard Woman South West The Yard Woman is a Greek-born, London-based DJ and producer. She has previously worked with Richie Hawtin, and has released tracks through respected labels including Simulate, Einmusika, Running Clouds, Pets Recordings and Epidemic Sound. With the help of the NextGen Fund, she is currently transitioning from her established work in Melodic Techno to explore new creative and professional possibilities in Melodic House. She plans to produce and release a two-track EP, bringing a fresh narrative-driven sound to the genre, and seeking to represent queer women in the electronic music scene. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Yemi Yohannes South East Yemi Yohannes is a London-based creative artist, known for her soulful spoken word poetry. Her performance credits include BBC Radio London, The Photographer’s Gallery, Sofar Sounds, COP26, the National Youth Theatre and more. With her work, she aims to make poetry more accessible in the mainstream. The NextGen Fund is supporting Yemi to create a solo EP exploring spoken word with jungle music, alongside a specific focus on choral sounds and storytelling. Pronouns: she/her Instagram
Monica Wat South West Monica Wat is a singer-songwriter and producer from Hong Kong, now based in the UK. With the NextGen Fund, she is currently working on her sophomore EP 'Gaslight', which will fuse indie folk/country-pop with lyrical storytelling and ethereal vocals. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok NuAloe Greater London NuAloe is a Nigerian and Jamaican singer and rapper. Her music addresses themes of Blackness, Queerness, and the experience of living in South London. The NextGen Fund is supporting her to create and release her next EP, alongside a series of visuals. Pronouns: she/they Instagram TikTok Peter McMahon Northern Ireland Peter McMahon is a singer from Fermanagh. He has headlined sold-out shows at venues such as Little Whelan's in Dublin. With the NextGen Fund, he is working on his next EP 'QUEUEING FOR ONE', which will be accompanied by a series of music videos. The videos will coalesce into one cohesive short film about someone discovering themselves. Pronouns: he/him Instagram retropxssy Greater London retropxssy is an artist based in London, who blends hip-hop with jazz, punk and jungle. She has put on her own shows in the UK, Europe, and Canada; supported artists like Onoe Caponoe, Grove and Gal-Go; and has been longlisted in the Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition. She has also performed at festivals including Uplands Festival. The NextGen Fund will support her to produce and release her album, 'I Haven't Told Many People'. The album, which was catalysed by her close friend Evie’s death due to mental health system failure, will explore hidden disability and reframe the way we view mental illness, with a hope to inspire change. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Samantha Wales Samantha is a soul, Afrobeats and dark-pop singer-songwriter from Wales. She has played at various festivals including Big Love, Green Man and Immersed Music Festival; was selected for Focus Wales and the Anthem Fast Forward Project; and has performed at the Music and Race Show for Race Council Cymru, as well as headlining the Love Music Hate Racism showcase at The Moon in Cardiff. With her NextGen Fund, she is currently creating a 10-track Afrobeats album which will feature artists including fellow NextGen Fund recipient, ManLikeVision. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Sunny Side Down West Midlands Sunny Side Down is an indie, rock and alternative singer-songwriter. The NextGen Fund is supporting them to create and release their third album, which will be an emotional picture of them and the people around them over the last three years. With their music, they aim to capture the intensity and sweetness of learning to be a person. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Superlate North West Superlate is a dance/pop producer based in Liverpool. His releases have gained support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Merseyside, and BBC Introducing; he performed in front of 10,000 people at the Eurovision Main Stage in Liverpool in 2023; and has also performed at BBC Introducing LIVE at The Cavern Club. He has also co-produced tracks for Youngr and worked with Grammy-nominated producer Adriano Allaverdi. He is now working on two thematic EPs, 'The Tropics' and 'The Moment', with the backing of the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Surafeal Bruke Greater London Surafeal Bruke is the founder of GRADIENT, a platform celebrating the UK's vibrant and diverse music and creative scenes. The NextGen Fund will help Surafeal to scale up GRADIENT, hosting events with higher capacities throughout London, and offering additional support for artists, including workshops and networking opportunities. Pronouns: he/him Instagram The Yard Woman South West The Yard Woman is a Greek-born, London-based DJ and producer. She has previously worked with Richie Hawtin, and has released tracks through respected labels including Simulate, Einmusika, Running Clouds, Pets Recordings and Epidemic Sound. With the help of the NextGen Fund, she is currently transitioning from her established work in Melodic Techno to explore new creative and professional possibilities in Melodic House. She plans to produce and release a two-track EP, bringing a fresh narrative-driven sound to the genre, and seeking to represent queer women in the electronic music scene. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Yemi Yohannes South East Yemi Yohannes is a London-based creative artist, known for her soulful spoken word poetry. Her performance credits include BBC Radio London, The Photographer’s Gallery, Sofar Sounds, COP26, the National Youth Theatre and more. With her work, she aims to make poetry more accessible in the mainstream. The NextGen Fund is supporting Yemi to create a solo EP exploring spoken word with jungle music, alongside a specific focus on choral sounds and storytelling. Pronouns: she/her Instagram
NuAloe Greater London NuAloe is a Nigerian and Jamaican singer and rapper. Her music addresses themes of Blackness, Queerness, and the experience of living in South London. The NextGen Fund is supporting her to create and release her next EP, alongside a series of visuals. Pronouns: she/they Instagram TikTok Peter McMahon Northern Ireland Peter McMahon is a singer from Fermanagh. He has headlined sold-out shows at venues such as Little Whelan's in Dublin. With the NextGen Fund, he is working on his next EP 'QUEUEING FOR ONE', which will be accompanied by a series of music videos. The videos will coalesce into one cohesive short film about someone discovering themselves. Pronouns: he/him Instagram retropxssy Greater London retropxssy is an artist based in London, who blends hip-hop with jazz, punk and jungle. She has put on her own shows in the UK, Europe, and Canada; supported artists like Onoe Caponoe, Grove and Gal-Go; and has been longlisted in the Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition. She has also performed at festivals including Uplands Festival. The NextGen Fund will support her to produce and release her album, 'I Haven't Told Many People'. The album, which was catalysed by her close friend Evie’s death due to mental health system failure, will explore hidden disability and reframe the way we view mental illness, with a hope to inspire change. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Samantha Wales Samantha is a soul, Afrobeats and dark-pop singer-songwriter from Wales. She has played at various festivals including Big Love, Green Man and Immersed Music Festival; was selected for Focus Wales and the Anthem Fast Forward Project; and has performed at the Music and Race Show for Race Council Cymru, as well as headlining the Love Music Hate Racism showcase at The Moon in Cardiff. With her NextGen Fund, she is currently creating a 10-track Afrobeats album which will feature artists including fellow NextGen Fund recipient, ManLikeVision. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Sunny Side Down West Midlands Sunny Side Down is an indie, rock and alternative singer-songwriter. The NextGen Fund is supporting them to create and release their third album, which will be an emotional picture of them and the people around them over the last three years. With their music, they aim to capture the intensity and sweetness of learning to be a person. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Superlate North West Superlate is a dance/pop producer based in Liverpool. His releases have gained support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Merseyside, and BBC Introducing; he performed in front of 10,000 people at the Eurovision Main Stage in Liverpool in 2023; and has also performed at BBC Introducing LIVE at The Cavern Club. He has also co-produced tracks for Youngr and worked with Grammy-nominated producer Adriano Allaverdi. He is now working on two thematic EPs, 'The Tropics' and 'The Moment', with the backing of the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Surafeal Bruke Greater London Surafeal Bruke is the founder of GRADIENT, a platform celebrating the UK's vibrant and diverse music and creative scenes. The NextGen Fund will help Surafeal to scale up GRADIENT, hosting events with higher capacities throughout London, and offering additional support for artists, including workshops and networking opportunities. Pronouns: he/him Instagram The Yard Woman South West The Yard Woman is a Greek-born, London-based DJ and producer. She has previously worked with Richie Hawtin, and has released tracks through respected labels including Simulate, Einmusika, Running Clouds, Pets Recordings and Epidemic Sound. With the help of the NextGen Fund, she is currently transitioning from her established work in Melodic Techno to explore new creative and professional possibilities in Melodic House. She plans to produce and release a two-track EP, bringing a fresh narrative-driven sound to the genre, and seeking to represent queer women in the electronic music scene. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Yemi Yohannes South East Yemi Yohannes is a London-based creative artist, known for her soulful spoken word poetry. Her performance credits include BBC Radio London, The Photographer’s Gallery, Sofar Sounds, COP26, the National Youth Theatre and more. With her work, she aims to make poetry more accessible in the mainstream. The NextGen Fund is supporting Yemi to create a solo EP exploring spoken word with jungle music, alongside a specific focus on choral sounds and storytelling. Pronouns: she/her Instagram
Peter McMahon Northern Ireland Peter McMahon is a singer from Fermanagh. He has headlined sold-out shows at venues such as Little Whelan's in Dublin. With the NextGen Fund, he is working on his next EP 'QUEUEING FOR ONE', which will be accompanied by a series of music videos. The videos will coalesce into one cohesive short film about someone discovering themselves. Pronouns: he/him Instagram retropxssy Greater London retropxssy is an artist based in London, who blends hip-hop with jazz, punk and jungle. She has put on her own shows in the UK, Europe, and Canada; supported artists like Onoe Caponoe, Grove and Gal-Go; and has been longlisted in the Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition. She has also performed at festivals including Uplands Festival. The NextGen Fund will support her to produce and release her album, 'I Haven't Told Many People'. The album, which was catalysed by her close friend Evie’s death due to mental health system failure, will explore hidden disability and reframe the way we view mental illness, with a hope to inspire change. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Samantha Wales Samantha is a soul, Afrobeats and dark-pop singer-songwriter from Wales. She has played at various festivals including Big Love, Green Man and Immersed Music Festival; was selected for Focus Wales and the Anthem Fast Forward Project; and has performed at the Music and Race Show for Race Council Cymru, as well as headlining the Love Music Hate Racism showcase at The Moon in Cardiff. With her NextGen Fund, she is currently creating a 10-track Afrobeats album which will feature artists including fellow NextGen Fund recipient, ManLikeVision. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Sunny Side Down West Midlands Sunny Side Down is an indie, rock and alternative singer-songwriter. The NextGen Fund is supporting them to create and release their third album, which will be an emotional picture of them and the people around them over the last three years. With their music, they aim to capture the intensity and sweetness of learning to be a person. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Superlate North West Superlate is a dance/pop producer based in Liverpool. His releases have gained support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Merseyside, and BBC Introducing; he performed in front of 10,000 people at the Eurovision Main Stage in Liverpool in 2023; and has also performed at BBC Introducing LIVE at The Cavern Club. He has also co-produced tracks for Youngr and worked with Grammy-nominated producer Adriano Allaverdi. He is now working on two thematic EPs, 'The Tropics' and 'The Moment', with the backing of the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Surafeal Bruke Greater London Surafeal Bruke is the founder of GRADIENT, a platform celebrating the UK's vibrant and diverse music and creative scenes. The NextGen Fund will help Surafeal to scale up GRADIENT, hosting events with higher capacities throughout London, and offering additional support for artists, including workshops and networking opportunities. Pronouns: he/him Instagram The Yard Woman South West The Yard Woman is a Greek-born, London-based DJ and producer. She has previously worked with Richie Hawtin, and has released tracks through respected labels including Simulate, Einmusika, Running Clouds, Pets Recordings and Epidemic Sound. With the help of the NextGen Fund, she is currently transitioning from her established work in Melodic Techno to explore new creative and professional possibilities in Melodic House. She plans to produce and release a two-track EP, bringing a fresh narrative-driven sound to the genre, and seeking to represent queer women in the electronic music scene. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Yemi Yohannes South East Yemi Yohannes is a London-based creative artist, known for her soulful spoken word poetry. Her performance credits include BBC Radio London, The Photographer’s Gallery, Sofar Sounds, COP26, the National Youth Theatre and more. With her work, she aims to make poetry more accessible in the mainstream. The NextGen Fund is supporting Yemi to create a solo EP exploring spoken word with jungle music, alongside a specific focus on choral sounds and storytelling. Pronouns: she/her Instagram
retropxssy Greater London retropxssy is an artist based in London, who blends hip-hop with jazz, punk and jungle. She has put on her own shows in the UK, Europe, and Canada; supported artists like Onoe Caponoe, Grove and Gal-Go; and has been longlisted in the Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition. She has also performed at festivals including Uplands Festival. The NextGen Fund will support her to produce and release her album, 'I Haven't Told Many People'. The album, which was catalysed by her close friend Evie’s death due to mental health system failure, will explore hidden disability and reframe the way we view mental illness, with a hope to inspire change. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Samantha Wales Samantha is a soul, Afrobeats and dark-pop singer-songwriter from Wales. She has played at various festivals including Big Love, Green Man and Immersed Music Festival; was selected for Focus Wales and the Anthem Fast Forward Project; and has performed at the Music and Race Show for Race Council Cymru, as well as headlining the Love Music Hate Racism showcase at The Moon in Cardiff. With her NextGen Fund, she is currently creating a 10-track Afrobeats album which will feature artists including fellow NextGen Fund recipient, ManLikeVision. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Sunny Side Down West Midlands Sunny Side Down is an indie, rock and alternative singer-songwriter. The NextGen Fund is supporting them to create and release their third album, which will be an emotional picture of them and the people around them over the last three years. With their music, they aim to capture the intensity and sweetness of learning to be a person. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Superlate North West Superlate is a dance/pop producer based in Liverpool. His releases have gained support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Merseyside, and BBC Introducing; he performed in front of 10,000 people at the Eurovision Main Stage in Liverpool in 2023; and has also performed at BBC Introducing LIVE at The Cavern Club. He has also co-produced tracks for Youngr and worked with Grammy-nominated producer Adriano Allaverdi. He is now working on two thematic EPs, 'The Tropics' and 'The Moment', with the backing of the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Surafeal Bruke Greater London Surafeal Bruke is the founder of GRADIENT, a platform celebrating the UK's vibrant and diverse music and creative scenes. The NextGen Fund will help Surafeal to scale up GRADIENT, hosting events with higher capacities throughout London, and offering additional support for artists, including workshops and networking opportunities. Pronouns: he/him Instagram The Yard Woman South West The Yard Woman is a Greek-born, London-based DJ and producer. She has previously worked with Richie Hawtin, and has released tracks through respected labels including Simulate, Einmusika, Running Clouds, Pets Recordings and Epidemic Sound. With the help of the NextGen Fund, she is currently transitioning from her established work in Melodic Techno to explore new creative and professional possibilities in Melodic House. She plans to produce and release a two-track EP, bringing a fresh narrative-driven sound to the genre, and seeking to represent queer women in the electronic music scene. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Yemi Yohannes South East Yemi Yohannes is a London-based creative artist, known for her soulful spoken word poetry. Her performance credits include BBC Radio London, The Photographer’s Gallery, Sofar Sounds, COP26, the National Youth Theatre and more. With her work, she aims to make poetry more accessible in the mainstream. The NextGen Fund is supporting Yemi to create a solo EP exploring spoken word with jungle music, alongside a specific focus on choral sounds and storytelling. Pronouns: she/her Instagram
Samantha Wales Samantha is a soul, Afrobeats and dark-pop singer-songwriter from Wales. She has played at various festivals including Big Love, Green Man and Immersed Music Festival; was selected for Focus Wales and the Anthem Fast Forward Project; and has performed at the Music and Race Show for Race Council Cymru, as well as headlining the Love Music Hate Racism showcase at The Moon in Cardiff. With her NextGen Fund, she is currently creating a 10-track Afrobeats album which will feature artists including fellow NextGen Fund recipient, ManLikeVision. Pronouns: she/her Instagram Sunny Side Down West Midlands Sunny Side Down is an indie, rock and alternative singer-songwriter. The NextGen Fund is supporting them to create and release their third album, which will be an emotional picture of them and the people around them over the last three years. With their music, they aim to capture the intensity and sweetness of learning to be a person. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Superlate North West Superlate is a dance/pop producer based in Liverpool. His releases have gained support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Merseyside, and BBC Introducing; he performed in front of 10,000 people at the Eurovision Main Stage in Liverpool in 2023; and has also performed at BBC Introducing LIVE at The Cavern Club. He has also co-produced tracks for Youngr and worked with Grammy-nominated producer Adriano Allaverdi. He is now working on two thematic EPs, 'The Tropics' and 'The Moment', with the backing of the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Surafeal Bruke Greater London Surafeal Bruke is the founder of GRADIENT, a platform celebrating the UK's vibrant and diverse music and creative scenes. The NextGen Fund will help Surafeal to scale up GRADIENT, hosting events with higher capacities throughout London, and offering additional support for artists, including workshops and networking opportunities. Pronouns: he/him Instagram The Yard Woman South West The Yard Woman is a Greek-born, London-based DJ and producer. She has previously worked with Richie Hawtin, and has released tracks through respected labels including Simulate, Einmusika, Running Clouds, Pets Recordings and Epidemic Sound. With the help of the NextGen Fund, she is currently transitioning from her established work in Melodic Techno to explore new creative and professional possibilities in Melodic House. She plans to produce and release a two-track EP, bringing a fresh narrative-driven sound to the genre, and seeking to represent queer women in the electronic music scene. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Yemi Yohannes South East Yemi Yohannes is a London-based creative artist, known for her soulful spoken word poetry. Her performance credits include BBC Radio London, The Photographer’s Gallery, Sofar Sounds, COP26, the National Youth Theatre and more. With her work, she aims to make poetry more accessible in the mainstream. The NextGen Fund is supporting Yemi to create a solo EP exploring spoken word with jungle music, alongside a specific focus on choral sounds and storytelling. Pronouns: she/her Instagram
Sunny Side Down West Midlands Sunny Side Down is an indie, rock and alternative singer-songwriter. The NextGen Fund is supporting them to create and release their third album, which will be an emotional picture of them and the people around them over the last three years. With their music, they aim to capture the intensity and sweetness of learning to be a person. Pronouns: they/them Instagram Superlate North West Superlate is a dance/pop producer based in Liverpool. His releases have gained support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Merseyside, and BBC Introducing; he performed in front of 10,000 people at the Eurovision Main Stage in Liverpool in 2023; and has also performed at BBC Introducing LIVE at The Cavern Club. He has also co-produced tracks for Youngr and worked with Grammy-nominated producer Adriano Allaverdi. He is now working on two thematic EPs, 'The Tropics' and 'The Moment', with the backing of the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Surafeal Bruke Greater London Surafeal Bruke is the founder of GRADIENT, a platform celebrating the UK's vibrant and diverse music and creative scenes. The NextGen Fund will help Surafeal to scale up GRADIENT, hosting events with higher capacities throughout London, and offering additional support for artists, including workshops and networking opportunities. Pronouns: he/him Instagram The Yard Woman South West The Yard Woman is a Greek-born, London-based DJ and producer. She has previously worked with Richie Hawtin, and has released tracks through respected labels including Simulate, Einmusika, Running Clouds, Pets Recordings and Epidemic Sound. With the help of the NextGen Fund, she is currently transitioning from her established work in Melodic Techno to explore new creative and professional possibilities in Melodic House. She plans to produce and release a two-track EP, bringing a fresh narrative-driven sound to the genre, and seeking to represent queer women in the electronic music scene. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Yemi Yohannes South East Yemi Yohannes is a London-based creative artist, known for her soulful spoken word poetry. Her performance credits include BBC Radio London, The Photographer’s Gallery, Sofar Sounds, COP26, the National Youth Theatre and more. With her work, she aims to make poetry more accessible in the mainstream. The NextGen Fund is supporting Yemi to create a solo EP exploring spoken word with jungle music, alongside a specific focus on choral sounds and storytelling. Pronouns: she/her Instagram
Superlate North West Superlate is a dance/pop producer based in Liverpool. His releases have gained support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Merseyside, and BBC Introducing; he performed in front of 10,000 people at the Eurovision Main Stage in Liverpool in 2023; and has also performed at BBC Introducing LIVE at The Cavern Club. He has also co-produced tracks for Youngr and worked with Grammy-nominated producer Adriano Allaverdi. He is now working on two thematic EPs, 'The Tropics' and 'The Moment', with the backing of the NextGen Fund. Pronouns: he/him Instagram TikTok Surafeal Bruke Greater London Surafeal Bruke is the founder of GRADIENT, a platform celebrating the UK's vibrant and diverse music and creative scenes. The NextGen Fund will help Surafeal to scale up GRADIENT, hosting events with higher capacities throughout London, and offering additional support for artists, including workshops and networking opportunities. Pronouns: he/him Instagram The Yard Woman South West The Yard Woman is a Greek-born, London-based DJ and producer. She has previously worked with Richie Hawtin, and has released tracks through respected labels including Simulate, Einmusika, Running Clouds, Pets Recordings and Epidemic Sound. With the help of the NextGen Fund, she is currently transitioning from her established work in Melodic Techno to explore new creative and professional possibilities in Melodic House. She plans to produce and release a two-track EP, bringing a fresh narrative-driven sound to the genre, and seeking to represent queer women in the electronic music scene. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Yemi Yohannes South East Yemi Yohannes is a London-based creative artist, known for her soulful spoken word poetry. Her performance credits include BBC Radio London, The Photographer’s Gallery, Sofar Sounds, COP26, the National Youth Theatre and more. With her work, she aims to make poetry more accessible in the mainstream. The NextGen Fund is supporting Yemi to create a solo EP exploring spoken word with jungle music, alongside a specific focus on choral sounds and storytelling. Pronouns: she/her Instagram
Surafeal Bruke Greater London Surafeal Bruke is the founder of GRADIENT, a platform celebrating the UK's vibrant and diverse music and creative scenes. The NextGen Fund will help Surafeal to scale up GRADIENT, hosting events with higher capacities throughout London, and offering additional support for artists, including workshops and networking opportunities. Pronouns: he/him Instagram The Yard Woman South West The Yard Woman is a Greek-born, London-based DJ and producer. She has previously worked with Richie Hawtin, and has released tracks through respected labels including Simulate, Einmusika, Running Clouds, Pets Recordings and Epidemic Sound. With the help of the NextGen Fund, she is currently transitioning from her established work in Melodic Techno to explore new creative and professional possibilities in Melodic House. She plans to produce and release a two-track EP, bringing a fresh narrative-driven sound to the genre, and seeking to represent queer women in the electronic music scene. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Yemi Yohannes South East Yemi Yohannes is a London-based creative artist, known for her soulful spoken word poetry. Her performance credits include BBC Radio London, The Photographer’s Gallery, Sofar Sounds, COP26, the National Youth Theatre and more. With her work, she aims to make poetry more accessible in the mainstream. The NextGen Fund is supporting Yemi to create a solo EP exploring spoken word with jungle music, alongside a specific focus on choral sounds and storytelling. Pronouns: she/her Instagram
The Yard Woman South West The Yard Woman is a Greek-born, London-based DJ and producer. She has previously worked with Richie Hawtin, and has released tracks through respected labels including Simulate, Einmusika, Running Clouds, Pets Recordings and Epidemic Sound. With the help of the NextGen Fund, she is currently transitioning from her established work in Melodic Techno to explore new creative and professional possibilities in Melodic House. She plans to produce and release a two-track EP, bringing a fresh narrative-driven sound to the genre, and seeking to represent queer women in the electronic music scene. Pronouns: she/her Instagram TikTok Yemi Yohannes South East Yemi Yohannes is a London-based creative artist, known for her soulful spoken word poetry. Her performance credits include BBC Radio London, The Photographer’s Gallery, Sofar Sounds, COP26, the National Youth Theatre and more. With her work, she aims to make poetry more accessible in the mainstream. The NextGen Fund is supporting Yemi to create a solo EP exploring spoken word with jungle music, alongside a specific focus on choral sounds and storytelling. Pronouns: she/her Instagram
Yemi Yohannes South East Yemi Yohannes is a London-based creative artist, known for her soulful spoken word poetry. Her performance credits include BBC Radio London, The Photographer’s Gallery, Sofar Sounds, COP26, the National Youth Theatre and more. With her work, she aims to make poetry more accessible in the mainstream. The NextGen Fund is supporting Yemi to create a solo EP exploring spoken word with jungle music, alongside a specific focus on choral sounds and storytelling. Pronouns: she/her Instagram
