News

Meet the 25 artists from the Youth Music NextGen Fund selected as our Ones to Watch for 2025. 

For our final NextGen Community event of the year, we joined forces with Levi's and YGN for a free event on the power of brand partnerships and personal branding in today’s creative landscape.

Our Industry Connect Report seeks to support young creatives facing significant barriers to entering the music industry. We are calling for the first-ever cross industry coalition to revolutionise young people’s access to music, to close the gap from learning to earning.

The Spotify and Youth Music Fund aims to preserve and protect at-risk spaces for children and young people experiencing challenging circumstances.

Curious Youth Music by Curious Arts is a Trailblazer Fund project that's about building community, encouraging expression, and giving LGBTQIA+ young people a safe space to make music in Newcastle.

The Youth Music Awards 2024, in association with Hal Leonard Europe was a night to remember. Taking place at London’s Troxy and with over 600 guests, the fifth annual award ceremony was all about celebrating grassroots music.

Led by Lowender and funded by Youth Music, Perghenegi brings the unique sounds and stories of Cornwall’s folk traditions to a new generation.

Artist, author and actor, Jordan Stephens has been named the winner of the brand-new Grassroots Hero Award ahead of the Youth Music Awards 2024.

The Plugin Project, led by Quench Arts, set out to support vulnerable young mental health inpatients in Birmingham and Coventry, building their self-esteem, and express their feelings & emotions through music.

We're inviting the government, parents and schools to consider the controlled use of digital devices in order to equalise access to music making for the next generation.

The Kent Album Project, led by Square Pegs Arts, captures the spirit of Kent and Medway through the voices and talents of young autistic, learning-disabled, and neurodivergent individuals.

We've rounded up expert advice on how to network and build a community, from our panel of music industry insiders at our NextGen Community event in Glasgow.

A message from Youth Music CEO, Matt Griffiths, in response to the racist, Islamophobic and Xenophobic attacks happening across the country.

Meet the 11 recipients of our unique £1.5million Energiser Fund, dedicated to pre-school creativity.

Announcing the judges and sponsors for our annual Youth Music Awards in association with Hal Leonard Europe 2024.

Youth Music NextGen Fund artist Athena Aperta discusses their new song ‘Facing the Sun’, mental health, and working across genres.

Our new Sound of the Next Generation Report has revealed that young people in the North of England are feeling less musical than their Southern counterparts, due to lack of support, funding and opportunities

Youth Music NextGen Fund artist Lil Trubz discusses his successful EP, ‘Tracks On Tap’, creative collaboration, and plans for future music.

How can we make space for children's voices when it comes to music? We explore why co-creation gives early years the right to be heard.

We teamed up with Young Guns Network and KISS FM to host a Youth Music NextGen Community Event at Bauer Media's headquarters in London.

Groundswell Arts, specialists in creative programmes for young children, will be joining us as the Learning Partner for the Youth Music Energiser Fund.

Our latest research reveals that over a quarter of parents claim nursery rhymes are outdated.

Youth Music's NextGen Community Series headed to Bristol to host an event on all things radio, sync and A&R, for young artists to get their music heard.

NextGen Fund chill-hop artist Noah Bouchard discusses his highly anticipated debut album, 'Love of My Life', the benefits of collaboration, and his advice for emerging artists.

Youth Music NextGen Fund artist Spent talks about their debut album, 'City Music For Country Kids' and the importance of collaboration.

GRAMMY Award winning artist Eve, chart-topping singer-songwriter MNEK and BBC Radio 1 presenter Jess Iszatt are the new Youth Music Ambassadors

Find out what went down at our NextGen Community event in association with YGN and Meta, featuring a panel and presentation, live performances and networking.

Meet our two new Co-Chairs leading the Youth Music board of trustees: Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Social Impact at Sony Music UK, Charlotte Edgeworth and triple MOBO award-winning rapper, Isaac Borquaye, aka Guvna B,

To celebrate Women's History Month, we spoke with artist Megan Black, whose feminist anthems speak up about everything from misogyny to mental health, sexuality and climate change.

We have launched our NextGen Community Series for 2024, including new music industry networking events in partnership with Young Guns Network.

Meet Bailey P, a fast-rising producer from West Yorkshire who just released the music video for his single 'Slaps Like', supported by the Youth Music NextGen Fund.

BREATHE Academy is an empowering project supported by the Youth Music Trailblazer Fund, helping young people aged 12 to 25 across the UK to explore their identities using beatboxing.

Youth Music Programme Officer Phoebe Cross recounts her visit to Trailblazer Fund partner Horizon Studios in Cumbria.

Trailblazer Fund partner Digit Music's CMPSR instrument won a ‘Tech 4 Good’ accessibility award in 2019.

Youth Music CEO, Matt Griffiths, reflects on 10 years of support from players of the People's Postcode Lottery.

Get to know Youth Music NextGen Fund artist Meduulla, a Mancunian rapper whose slick lyrical flow is paving her path into the music scene.

Youth Music NextGen Fund artist Sharifa discusses his latest single, creative process, and recent music residency.

Find out what's changed in our Catalyser and Trailblazer Funds, and the application windows for applying.

Richard Carter discusses his Youth Music Awards opening performance, creative inspirations, making music for film, and his advice on how other young artists can get themselves heard.

Elizabeth J. Birch is the winner of the Inspiration Music Leader Award sponsored by The Musicians' Union.

Meet Lyricist Award sponsored by PRS for Music winner, TL.

Meet EVA, winner of the Rising Star Award (Artist) sponsored by Dr. Martens, Music Video Award sponsored by YouTube and Live Performance Award sponsored by Ticketmaster.

Learn about FORM, the winners of the Original Track Award (Group) sponsored by Marshall Amplification.

Klust founder Owain Elidir Williams is the winner of the Rising Star Award (Industry) sponsored by Songkick.

Get to know Ni Maxine, the winner of the Original Track Award (Solo) sponsored by Levi's.

Hear more about AutismAble and Future Collaborations, which won the Outstanding Project Award sponsored by TikTok.

Meet James Jones, the winner of the Music Producer Award sponsored by Amazon Music.

Learn about Amies Freedom Choir, the winner of the Social Action Award sponsored by Hal Leonard Europe.

Get to know David Coke, the winner of the Young Leader Award sponsored by Clintons.

Notion Magazine Managing Editor Rosie Byers on judging the Youth Music Awards, her career highlights, and advice for budding young journalists.

Meet Youth Music NextGen Fund artist, Hillarynx, a London-based artist making velvety smooth neo-soul.

Downtown's VP of Marketing & Communications, Gareth Mellor, shares his career reflections, and reveals why setting boundaries and building a network is key to success.

Continuing our Sponsors Spotlight series, RSL Awards CEO, Tim Bennett-Hart, shares his most memorable achievements, dreams for RSL, and tips for young creatives.

For European Day of Languages, Youth Music NextGen Fund artist, Pat, discusses bilingual rapping and championing his Polish heritage.

An outline on how we are taking action on the feedback you have given us. Want to have your say? The NextGen Feedback Survey 2023 is now open for responses.

A special takeover edition of our NextGen Community Event, announcing the nominees of the Youth Music Awards 2023.

39 nominees have been selected across 12 categories by an esteemed panel of industry experts.

LCCM Principal, Anthony Hamer-Hodges, talks about his role and shares tips for young creatives entering the music industries in the first chapter of our Sponsors Spotlight series.

Get to know Youth Music Nextgen Fund creative, Ijeoma Wagbaranta, who created the live music event series, MOOD Mondays.

Every year, we hire 18-25 year old creatives to help execute the Youth Music Awards, in roles from production to PR, presenting to photography. Find out what some of the talented NextGen have been up to since.

Meet Youth Music NextGen Fund artist, Supermann on da beat, a Disabled Scottish producer making music across a range of genres.

Find out what our trailblazing young creatives have achieved since their Youth Music Awards wins.

Our second in-person NextGen Community event took place in Manchester, with a panel discussion, DJ set, and live performances from Hot Minute, Meduulla, B!TEZ and Superlative.

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has opened applications for their award to support new Scottish talent; the Sound of Young Scotland Award.

Meet the sponsors and judges for the Youth Music Awards 2023 in association with Hal Leonard Europe, taking place at iconic London venue Troxy on 18 October.

Meet Youth Music NextGen Fund artist, Wolf Peaches, a queer pop/folk artist based in Sheffield creating politically-fuelled, reflective songs.

Youth Music NextGen Fund artists, ALT BLK ERA, brought their empowering nu-metal sounds to the Shangri-La stage at Glastonbury with Earache Records.

Are you aged 18-30, based in Manchester, and looking to connect with other young creatives? Join us for an exciting evening to meet like-minded people starting out in music, network, and find new collaborators.

Get to know Youth Music NextGen Fund recipient, Rianne Lewis, the founder of RUN IT, a music and networking events series.

The new recruits will help Youth Music achieve our mission to equalise young people’s access to making, learning and earning in music.

Youth Music took over Cardiff's Club Ifor Bach on Tuesday 25 April for our first ever in-person NextGen Community Event.

Jordan Stephens closed Give a Gig Week with support from Youth Music NextGen Pritt, and punk rap artist, psykhi.

Pop singer-songwriter and producer, Tia Kofi, headlines Moth Club on night two of Give a Gig Week, with support from Jason Patel and Queer House Party.

Bristol-based independent radio station, Noods, worked with two young people to launch in-house record label imprint, Dummy Hand.

Youth Music has been chosen as the official charity partner for the Music Week Awards 2023.

Ahead of Give a Gig Week (27 March - 2 April), meet EVA, Jason Patel and Jasmine Rowland, three Youth Music NextGen artists set to perform.

Discover the Youth Music NextGen artists to watch in 2023.

Youth Music NextGen artist Luke RV on how he got his track 'LONG TERM PARKING' noticed by BBC Radio 1Xtra and the impact it had on his career

Supported via Youth Music's Trailblazer Fund, Germination was a professional development project from Magic Acorns for early childhood educators, emerging artists and musicians.

"We all need to step up to ensure every young person has the opportunity to make, learn and earn in music" says Youth Music CEO Matt Griffiths.

Youth Music Associate, Elijah, recently became the first ever Guest Editor of Resident Advisor magazine. Elijah has built a reputation for demystifying the music industries over the past year and the content secured him a four-feature series last month.

Looking for a new radio show to boost your morning mood? Tune in to Reform Radio's first ever morning show, 'The Get Up', hosted by Yelena Lashimba, who previously took part in Reform Radio's SoundCamp programme, funded by Youth Music.

Noods Radio used Youth Music's Incubator Fund to invest in two interns who launched their new record label, Dummy Hand.

NextGen fund recipient Charity Stow shares her journey so far as an independent artist, and what Youth Music funding has helped her with.

Newcastle-Upon-Tyne based artist management company and record label Kaleidoscope told us how they used Youth Music's Incubator Fund to invest in two interns to run a record label, and how bringing in new diverse talent benefitted the business.

Second year music student Mai has worked in several paid freelance roles for Youth Music. We caught up with her about how the experience has helped her gain skills and confidence to work in the music industry.

Check out some of the ways music industry organisations have used investment from the Youth Music Incubator Fund to open up career opportunities to young people who are underrepresented in the industry.

This Living Wage Week, our Chief Operating Officer Angela Linton shares her thoughts around the importance of paying people the real living wage.

To kick off our new partnership with Turtle Bay, ten emerging creatives met with DJ and Capital Xtra Presenter, Shayna Marie, and Elijah, Youth Music NextGen Fund Project Lead and Founder of Butterz label. The group discussed building better networks in music, over delicious Caribbean inspired food at Turtle Bay in Brixton.

NextGen Contributing Writer Lisa spoke with Hema (director of Pedestrian Leicester,) Tian (facilitator with Pedestrian and rapper) and Max Wheeler (composer) about their grime opera, and how it's making classical music more inclusive. 

Find out more about how we made decisions on Round 3 of the Incubator Fund.

Gen Z musicians are shaking up the music world by pushing boundaries and speaking up for the causes that matter.

Today on Youth Mental Health Day, find out about some of the music-making projects we invest in nationwide that have a positive impact on young people's mental health.

Lily Fontaine, frontwoman of indie bands English Teacher and Eades, shares her personal experiences of coming up in the music industry, and how her health has impacted her.

This LGBT+ History Month, take a look at some of the organisations we invest in that support LGBTQIA+ young people all year round.

If you thought the Early Years was all about singing ‘Wheels on the Bus’ and Nursery Rhymes, prepared to be surprised. Check out some of the exciting work taking place across the country.

NextGen Writer Lydia Greatrix sat down over zoom with Nicholas Douglas, MD at Notion, to talk about the changing face of music journalism and hear his advice for young journalists starting out.

Thinking of making an application in the next round? If so, then this blog will help you work out whether to apply and how to increase your chance of success.

Read about some of the incredible work organisations we fund are doing to support women and girls in music.

Oscar is a 17-year-old pianist and percussionist from West Berkshire. He discusses the hurdles he has faced from a young age accessing music and how he overcame them to become a member of the highly regarded National Open Youth Orchestra.

Music business graduate Charlotte talks to friends about graduating during the pandemic in 2020, and what it's like to look for a job in the music industry right now.

15 year old Aiysha shares the creative work she's been doing with Kids On The Green (KOTG), an arts therapy fusion project based in West London, during the pandemic.

Laura shares her personal experiences pursuing a career in the music industry, and how her disabilities have had an impact.

“I have managed to do exactly what I wanted to do and I’m not a full able-bodied person firing on all cylinders. If that message could get out to anyone who needs it, that would be great."

Next Gen Lily Fontaine spoke to Beata, mother to four-year-old Alex, about how making a song together has changed their relationship for the better.

Based 20 miles outside London in Slough, the Youth Music funded Beat Routes project provides a space for the nurturing of artistically inclined youth. Next Gen Lily Fontaine spoke with two of their students-turned-apprentices about how working with and for the organisation has impacted their lives for the better. 

Whilst we were thrilled with the positive reaction to our first round of the Incubator Fund, but the high number of applications we received made the decision-making a difficult job! Find out more about the common themes that emerged.

Gloucester-based artist CubsNoCap discusses The Music Works’ UPSURGE programme, dropping his track Phoney, and the Gloucester music scene.

Next Gen Lily Fontaine spoke to Shannon, long-time volunteer turned music leader about her experience with Action on Disability.

Next Gen Lily Fontaine spoke to upcoming, 23-year-old, electronic music producer Jessie Pigott, a.k.a. Eskimoh, about the support she’s received through Music:Leeds’s emerging-artist support programme, Launchpad in West Yorkshire.

"Don’t be afraid to just do it. It’s better to fail than not try. I’ll always learn and get better."

"Assistants, temps and interns should be recognised for their hard work: they deserve bonuses and perks just as much as anyone else."

Youth Music and Music Ally have joined forces to bring you the Music Ally Creative Entrepreneurship Programme - a certified remote learning programme for DIY artists and aspiring industry professionals to develop their understanding of the music business.

Pembe was one of the first young people to join the Five O Band, a ground-breaking project run by The Crib in London which saw police officers and ‘at-risk’ young people form a band together.

Kallum, 24, is a rapper from Cambridge who’s been taking part in music-making projects run by local youth charity Romsey Mill since he was 14.