Musicians, record labels, DJs, and producers are encouraged to apply for financial support and development opportunities.

Factory International has announced the return of its Factory Sounds programme, supporting those in Manchester’s music scene in the creation of new projects.

Eleven successful applicants will be offered £1,000 of financial support towards the creation of a new project and also benefit from peer-to-peer support, access to Factory International’s talent development programmes and networking opportunities. With no restrictions on what the project can be, previous Sounds alumni have created music management companies, financed the release of singles, EPs and albums, fitted our recording studios, run production workshops, and supported artists to tour.

Initially launched to support musicians through the Covid-19 pandemic, Factory Sounds is a programme for music producers, artists, collectives, labels, bands, DJs and beyond. 

Factory International is the organisation behind both Manchester International Festival (MIF), and the landmark new cultural space, Aviva Studios, designed by Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), which has opened in the heart of Manchester, creating a global destination for arts music and culture.

Rivca Burns, Head of Music at Factory International said “The development of artists based locally as well as those from around the globe is integral to the work that Factory International do. Manchester is buzzing with creative, collaborative, exciting and hugely talented musicians, and through programmes such as Factory Sounds, we are really excited to continue to support the growth of this scene.”

Previous beneficiary Meduulla said “Factory Sounds allowed me to reach another stage in my career as a professional musician. It gives the opportunity to meet people outside your usual genre, to collaborate and and learn from other artists, which really helps you grow. Through Factory Sounds I was able to focus more on my creative practice, make time for content creation and reach online audiences. It’s really been a foot in the door.”

Other Sounds alumni include: All Hands on Deck, Balraj Samrai, Bitez, Chris Massey, Dirty Freud, Edane Ng, Fixed Abode, Foxglove, FREEQUENCY3, Gibbon, Hur̃guf, iss3n, Jacob Connor, James Holt, Jasmin Issaka, Ku’umba, Lavender Rodriguez, Lone Taxidermist, Loose Articles, Magpahi, Mali Hayes, Maryanne Royle, Meduulla, Obeka, OneDa, PRIDO, Rohaan, SAF-S2E, Sam Malik, SHAR, Sophie Cooper, Sprechen, STNLY, Test Card Girl and Vzion.

As part of a rich programme of events across all art forms, Aviva Studios will add to the city’s thriving music scene, with a broad range of gigs, including in-house concerts and collaborations with local and national promotors. Upcoming shows in December include: two unique shows from Johnny Marr joined by a 30-piece orchestra composed of musicians from across the North, (7-8 December); a Children of Zeus curated show of special guests including rap and grime MC icon Ghetts, legendary R&B band Loose Ends and a plethora of Manchester talent on show with soul artist [ K S R ], singer-songwriter Akemi Fox, soul singer and rapper KinKai, and Gyalex (9 December) and Sydney rock trio DMAs following the success of their highest-charting, fourth studio album How Many Dreams? released to international acclaim earlier this year (15 December). More music programme will be announced over the coming weeks.

Factory Sounds is just one way in which Factory International supports local artists, building on the organisation’s track record of commissioning artists to make new work. Factory International provides a training ground for the next generation of creators with a focus on creating opportunities for artists from the North of England, particularly those most underrepresented in the sector.

Also open for application is the Factory International Fellowship which offers six artists from the North the opportunity to shadow the creation of major new work at Aviva Studios. As part of the Fellowship programme, successful artists will shadow the making of a Factory International commission, receive a financial bursary, and be offered a mentor tailored to their specialism and needs, developing artistic ambition and critical thinking.

Factory Sounds

Applications close on 12 Feb 2024

https://factoryinternational.org/artist-development/factory-sounds-2024-call-out/