Deadline: 28 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
Music Gateway is inviting independent and signed artists across the UK and Republic of Ireland to apply for its Breakout Artist Programme, offering one artist 12 months of promotional support throughout 2027. The programme is designed to provide funding, industry expertise and strategic guidance to help an artist develop their career and reach new audiences.
The winner will receive a £20,000 Music Promotion Fund, which is not a cash prize but can be used on Music Gateway services including PR, playlist campaigns, digital and social advertising, YouTube advertising, TikTok creator campaigns, radio promotion and marketing strategy. The fund will be allocated in four quarterly amounts of up to £5,000, supporting the promotion of new releases throughout 2027.
Alongside the funding, Music Gateway’s in-house team will provide guidance on release strategy and campaigns, with the winner selected by a panel of music industry professionals.
Applicants must be 18 or over, actively releasing music, have a realistic 2027 release strategy and own or control the rights to their submitted music. AI-generated music is not eligible. Applicants submit a Spotify artist profile and may be asked to provide a short introduction video.
The Artists To Watch shortlist will be announced in December, with the Breakout Artist announced in January 2027.
