Five opportunities for songwriters in January and February 2025

As the music industry rouses itself from its festive slumber, now is an ideal time for music creators to start laying the groundwork for the coming year. From accessing game-changing funding to securing that next big gig, there’s plenty of ways to get your 2025 off to the best possible start.

Here’s five opportunities for songwriters in January and February 2025.

(Main image credit: Sam Corcoran)

Apply to play at these major UK festivals

It may be early January, but festival season will be here before we know it. As you’re reading this, festivals across the UK and beyond are continuing to curate their line-ups — and many of those are looking for new and emerging talent to take to their stages. Your first port of call should be M’s dedicated Festival Application Guide, where we’ve listed a wide array of events that are welcoming artist submissions.

Among the key events in our guide is the inaugural SXSW London, which is accepting applications from both signed and unsigned artists to play at the showcase event — although you don’t have too long left to apply as the deadline is 16 January. Away from the capital, the likes of Sheffield’s Tramlines, Oxford’s Truck Festival and Derbyshire’s Y Not Festival are all looking for emerging talent to help populate their respective line-ups.

Another key event for the music industry is The Great Escape, which has long welcomed cutting-edge talent from across the globe to Brighton for its annual multi-venue showcase. You can apply to play at The Great Escape by heading here, with registrations set to close in February.

Get career-boosting support from Factory Sounds

Factory International, the organisation behind Manchester International Festival and the city’s Aviva Studios, has announced the return of Factory Sounds, their in-house development scheme for music creators and industry professionals currently operating in the Manchester music scene. 15 successful applicants will each receive up to £1000 to help fund their creative development, while peer-to-peer support, mentorship sessions and tailored workshops will also be provided.

It’s also worth noting that Factory International are particularly interested in supporting the development of people who are underrepresented in the music industry: ‘We're keen to hear from applicants whose lived experience is currently underrepresented within the UK creative industries, including but not limited to those from low-income backgrounds, trans and gender diverse people, women, people from the Global Majority, and those who identify D/deaf, disabled and/or neurodiverse.' 

Applications for Factory Sounds will close on 20 January.

Join Black Lives in Music’s mentorship programme

As part of its ongoing mission to combat racism across the music industry, Black Lives in Music is dedicated to supporting the next generation of music creators and industry professionals through initiatives like BLiM Connect.

Open to final-year music students of colour and music industry professionals in the early stages of their career, successful applicants will be paired with experienced industry mentors to help them progress and thrive in their chosen career path. The programme, which will span four months, promises to open doors and provide a host of exciting opportunities for its mentees.

‘Black Lives in Music wants to support mentees in realising their musical aspirations by actively providing vocational opportunities in all aspects of live music, including the areas of technical production, management, administration and performance,’ the organisation said in a recent statement. Applications are set to close in mid-January, so head on over to the application form.

Submit your application to join Mother’s Write 2025

A groundbreaking initiative founded in 2021 by Girl Grind UK’s Namywa Hutchinson, Mother’s Write aims to address the unique and often-overlooked set of challenges which mothers working within the music industry typically face. Mother's Write, which is funded by PRS Foundation, is now the proud organiser of the UK’s first songwriting camp that is specifically tailored for mothers in music.

Beyond the collaborative nature of the camp itself, there will also be ample chances to network and receive mentoring from fellow mothers who are already balancing their music careers with motherhood. Participants in Mother’s Write will also gain invaluable access to resources and support systems, as well as industry expert-run workshops that will enhance their skills and confidence.

Applications to join the 2025 edition are open now until 29 January.

PRS member? Sign up to the Ivors Academy for just £9.99

The Ivors Academy has long celebrated the work of its songwriter and composer members. Boasting an ever-growing creative community, the academy promises to protect your rights, empower your creativity and champion your achievements every step of the way.

PRS members can currently join The Ivors Academy for just £9.99 for the first year (saving up to £161 in the process), providing access to key industry events, resources, mentoring, a legal referral scheme, funding advice and much more.

Head on over to The Ivors Academy's site and take advantage of their offer before it expires on 28 February.