Factory Sounds 2027

Factory Sounds is our annual programme designed to support and raise the profile of the music industry in Greater Manchester.

Musician on stage with headphones on with bright green lights
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About

Making music in Greater Manchester or working in the industry? Apply to be part of our Factory Sounds 2027 cohort today.

Every year we support 15 extraordinary people working in music. Whether you’re a musician, technician, label or creative, Factory Sounds is for you. We're particularly interested in supporting the development of people who are underrepresented in the sector.

Want to find our more? Meet our wonderful Factory Sounds alumni here.

Apply now →

Supported by

How it works

We’re offering financial support of up to £1000 for anyone based in Greater Manchester who’s involved in music, whether as a professional or amateur. This includes musicians, DJs and producers, even label owners and managers. Simply send us a proposal mapping out why you’d like to receive financial support (details are below) and we’ll consider your pitch.

Do you need help to make or complete a recording? Perhaps you’re a label wanting to promote some new releases or you’re looking for support to present a gig or live event. Perhaps a little financial support will go a long way towards giving you the headspace to make new music. Or maybe you just want to buy some equipment. Factory Sounds can provide the support you need.

Successful applicants will receive peer-to-peer support through regular meetings with your Factory Sounds cohort and specialist members of the Factory International team, who will help support your artistic development. You’ll receive adidas merchandise, invitations to exclusive events and mentorship from a diverse team of specialists across the creative industries and music world. You’ll also get the opportunity to record at the adidas Originals Recording Studio, engineered by Abbey Road at Co-op Live.

Alongside receiving £1000 to support your creative development, you will participate in workshops and other creative opportunities including styling, studio visits, commission invites and expert-led sessions. Factory Sounds artists will be given the chance to showcase their work through a live performance opportunity, with details to be announced soon.

How to apply

To apply for this programme, please click the link below to complete the application form including your name, contact details and expression of interest – either written or recorded as a short video (up to five minutes) – answering the points below with a short pitch.

  • Tell us about yourself
  • Please include any links to your previous work
  • What would you like to do and how do you plan to do it?
  • How you would spend or allocate your budget of up to £1000 (a rough idea is fine)
Apply now →

FAQs

What does underrepresented mean?

Underrepresented groups are those who have a lack of representation, and consequently less of a voice, in a specific industry or body. For this programme, we’re particularly 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. 

Key dates

Recruitment Opens: Thursday 5 November 2026

Recruitment Closes: Monday 11 Jan 2027

Factory Sessions

Explore our Factory Sessions featuring alumni of the Factory Sounds programme and get to know the artists.

Our Alumni

Factory Sounds 2026

Keiran Jones wearing a glittered mask and feathers
Get to know the next cohort of Greater Manchester musicians joining Factory Sounds in 2026
Find out more →

Other opportunities