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logo for 'Next Level'
A collaborative Artist Development programme supporting singers, rappers & MCs aged 18-30

NEXT LEVEL 2024

Big Team and Bristol Beacon have joined forces once again in search of the city’s best emerging talent. Now in its third year, we are bringing the activity to Bristol Beacon’s brand new redeveloped studios and stages, as well as returning to the Big Team festival circuit!

This project has been specially designed to help support aspiring artists who are making original music of modern genres, and might already be making steps with performing live, or releasing records. We aim to help advance the artist’s creative development through building confidence and connection whilst enhancing their writing, recording, performance, and promotional skills.

Successful applicants will take part in a creative studio week and will present their demos, write new material, and collaborate through co-writing and rehearsals.Following on from that will be an industry workshop day focused around navigating the world of music business, featuring specially curated workshops hosted by Bristol heavyweights Team Love, Saffron, Boomtown Festival and Hey? What! – who better to learn from than some of the biggest names in the creative industries.

With guidance from well-established artists who are experienced in the industry, and a number of active organisations in the local music scene, the hope is that together we can support the next generation of exciting Bristol artists to take their careers to the NEXT LEVEL.

Apply

 

Applications for 2024 are now open with a deadline of Thursday 22nd Feb. Please take time to read the following info before submitting.

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
  • Performance slot at Love Saves The Day Festival 2023
  • Additional opportunities to perform at Boomtown,
  • Glastonbury and Forwards festivals
  • Wellbeing support and advice
  • £300 fee for participation in the programme

Please note – all applicants must meet the essential criteria:

 

  • Be between the age of 18 – 30
  • Be a vocal artist of some description (rapper, singer, MC etc)
  • You are already making your own original music (i.e. not just cover songs)
  • 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:
    Tue 2 – Fri 5 Apr
    Mon 8 – Wed 10 Apr
    Sat 25 & Sun 26 May

To apply please fill out the Google form here:

Apply

Project collaborators and partners

NEXT LEVEL is produced by Bristol Beacon and Big Team with support from Team Love, Pirate Studios, SWU.fm, Boomtown Festival, Love Saves The Day and Hey!What?

We would also like to thank Out of Hand for their help in promotion of the 2024 programme.

logo for 'BOOMTOWN'Love Saves The Day LogoBig Team CIC Logo  Pirate Studios Logologo for 'Hey!What?'Bristol Beacon Logo

Watch: Next Level 2023 Documentary

To get an insight into what went down in the project last year, watch our mini-doc here:

Meet the NEXT LEVEL 2023 artists

Watch: Next Level 2022 Documentary

In April 2022 we launched Next Level with Big Team and partnered with some of Bristol’s biggest names in music – Team Love, Pirate Studios, Crack Magazine and SWU FM – to find and inspire six local upcoming acts with an unparalleled heavyweight package of artist development support.

Watch the short documentary looking back over the year so far, immerse yourself in their sounds, and discover how the Next Level 2022 artists are defining the future of music in Bristol.