A collaborative Artist Development programme supporting singers, rappers & MCs aged 18-30
NEXT LEVEL 2025
Big Team and Bristol Beacon join forces for the 4th year, to springboard a new wave of Bristol artists to the next stage of their careers over 18 months.
With support from Team Love, Love Saves the Day, Pirate Studios, SWU.FM, Hey What?, Out Of Hand and other partners, this project will support the cohort on their journey to become independent artists and encourage intergenerational collaboration and community.
About the programme
Please note: Applications for 2025 are now closed.
Our artist development programme, NEXT LEVEL, is all about collaboration between artists and industry friends alike and has been designed to nurture Bristol’s next wave of artists in the city.
During the project, participants will:
- engage with a music writing and producing week
- learn from industry mentors such as Sam Interface, N.Y.T.A, Javeon, NGAIO, Dread MC, and Grove
- perform in a showcase at Bristol Beacon
- benefit from radio show features
- take part in industry workshops hosted by creative professionals
- be offered performance opportunities
- have the unique chance to connect and grow in the Next Level community.
These opportunities will cover an 18-month period, which will prepare the cohort for festival performances in summer season 2025 and 2026.
How we’ve developed the programme
This amazing project has been running for 3 years. We’ve listened to feedback from the artists and mentors and have been reflecting on how we approach festival performance opportunities.
For this year’s programme, being offered a place does not guarantee you slots at all the previous festivals we have worked with through the project. But we will continue to work alongside you to develop your performance skills, identify appropriate and beneficial performance opportunities and help you effectively prepare.
Artists from the previous years will be invited back to industry tailored workshops and collaborative opportunities, supported by Big Team.
Meet the NEXT LEVEL 2025 artists
NEXT LEVEL Showcase 2025
Wed 16 Apr
Weston Stage
The NEXT LEVEL Showcase marks the culmination of all the hard work put into the studio during an intensive writing, production and rehearsal camp, where the artists receive invaluable mentorship from acclaimed artists; Sam Interface, Dread MC, Grove, Javeon, N.Y.T.A. and Ngaio.
The Showcase is a chance to see this year’s NEXT LEVEL artists – Addi P, Badliana, TIA, Hulton, Kwazi, Jabani – perform live ahead of the 18 month supported project. Catch them all in one hit in the more intimate setting of Bristol Beacon’s Cellars space.
Previous Artists
Get to know the NEXT LEVEL cohorts from previous years, watch documentaries detailing the process and learn more about how NEXT LEVEL has helped support young, local artists in progressing their careers.
View 13 images
Apply
Applications for 2025 are now closed.
What the project offers
- Support from mentors experienced in songwriting, rapping, singing, production, performance
- Studio sessions to write, record, and rehearse
- Creative collaboration with other artists and producers
- Performance opportunity at Bristol Beacon showcase event
- Industry workshops with local music companies
- Live Radio broadcast on SWU FM
- Support to identify and prepare for additional performance opportunities
- Wellbeing support and advice
- £300 fee for participation in the programme
Essential criteria
All applicants must meet these criteria:
- Be between the age of 18 – 30
- Be a vocal artist of some description (rapper, singer, MC etc)
- We are currently unable to accommodate bands, so must be able to participate as a solo artist
- You are already making your own original music (i.e. not just cover songs)
- Be open-minded to learning and willing to collaborate with others
- Be Bristol based or from the surrounding area (up to approx. 15 mile radius)
- Not signed to a management / record / agency contract that would restrict you from taking part in the project
- Able to attend and commit to the full project dates and times:
Mon 7 – Wed 16 Apr (Excluding Sat 12 / Sun 13 Apr)
Key dates
- Deadline for submitting applications: Thu 13 Feb
- Interviews offered by: Fri 21 Feb
- Online interviews: Thu 6 Mar
- Programme dates: Mon 7 – Wed 16 Apr
- Showcase performance at Bristol Beacon: Wed 16 Apr
Project collaborators and partners
NEXT LEVEL is produced by Bristol Beacon and Big Team with support from Team Love, Love Saves the Day, Pirate Studios, SWU.FM, Hey What?, Out Of Hand and other partners.
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