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NextGen Resources

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Find links to organisations and resources that can help you get started with a career in the music industry.

DIY: Freelancing Tips & Advice

Starting a creative career on your own can be quite daunting. These resources below will help guide you in the right direction when it comes to setting up as a freelancer, self promotion, and being your own hype-man!

Funding & Financial Support

We know that in order to get your idea off the ground, you need funding. We have the NextGen Fund that supports 18-25s (and up to 30-year-olds who identify as d/Deaf, Disabled, or Neurodivergent) who are trying to fund their own projects, who do not have the financial means to do so. Here are a few other funders you can check out.

Need tips on writing your application? Check out these two articles below:

Access Support

Pursuing a career in music comes with it's challenges, but some of us have additional barriers to getting into music. If you need additional support, or you want to ensure your work is inclusive, the below resources may be of help.

Mental Health Resources

  • Samaritans - To talk about anything that is upsetting you, you can contact Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call 116 123.

  • Music Minds Matter on 0808 802 8008 which is run by Help Musicians, a UK based charity.

  • If you work in music and are concerned about a bullying or harassment situation, call Help Musicians confidentially for free on 0800 088 2045.

  • Music Support Helpline - 0800 030 6789 managed by mental health-trained peers with lived experience, for anyone working within music and live events.

  • The Mix. If you're under 25, you can call The Mix on 0808 808 4994 (3pm–midnight every day).

  • Papyrus HOPELINEUK. If you're under 35 and struggling, you can call Papyrus HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141 (weekdays 10am-10pm, weekends 2pm-10pm and bank holidays 2pm–10pm).

  • Rape Crisis - If something sexual happened to you without your consent – or you're not sure – you can talk to Rape Crisis. Call 0808 500 2222 or Live Chat on the website.

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Access Fund

If you identify as Disabled and need further support to make an application to Youth Music, you can apply to our Access Fund. This provides funding to cover any additional access costs required for you to make an application to Youth Music's Incubator Fund.

Image of a person DJ-ing. The image is a close up of their hand and the production equipment.
Image: You Press, London.

Looking for Creative Opportunities?

Finding a career in music can be hard for even the most savvy person. Here are a few job boards we recommend checking out (including our opportunities board!)

  • The Route - Entry-Mid level music industry jobs.
  • ArtsJobs - Find jobs within the creative and cultural sector in England
  • Creative Scotland - Find creative jobs and opportunities in Scotland
  • Run the Check - Creative freelance roles and projects.
  • Doors Open - Music industry jobs for Electronic music.
  • ERIC - Creative Careers App
     
  • It's always worth checking the companies job board directly, to make sure the job is still live. Universal; Sony; Warner; Kobalt; Beggars.

Youth Music also send out a fortnightly newsletter which share freelance opportunities with us, plus creative opportunities for young people across the country. Sign Up Here.

Person in music studio, using music software on their computer.

Advice

How To Get Started In Music Production Today

"I wasn’t convinced you could realistically hold a job ‘in music’ without luck and pure talent. But there are so many wonderful jobs out there, and I’m so glad I pursued this as a career." Written by Luke Davis as part of Commission Mission.

Marketing, Branding & PR

So you've created all this amazing work and now you need to share it with the world? Here are some useful tips on how to get your name out there.

Image of musician Little Simz performing at live on stage with a band.
Image: Roundhouse Rising Festival. Photo by Ollie Millington

Do you write about music?

Working in journalism can be very competitive, as is working in the music industry. Combine the two, and what do you do to stand out?

Where do I find other young creatives?

Anyone who has ever offered advice about working in the industry will tell you one of the most important things you can do, is network, network, and network! Not all of us were blessed with music industry connections, but there are a ton of young creatives out there, you just need to find them. But where?

purple and yellow sound wave on a charcoal background

Feature

The Higher Frequency

Produced and presented by the next generation of creators across the UK, Youth Music’s original podcast, The Higher Frequency, delves into the social and political issues behind the music you love. This six-part series features special guests GIRLI, Zoka the Author, [K S R], Lavs, Estee Blu, Nadia Khan, VITAL and more.