“It feels like another perfectly timed step up in my career and I’m so glad and excited to begin this journey with Factory International and co. It is incredibly validating to be chosen for something of this magnitude. Many, many thanks to Factory International for seeing the vision and believing in me and my talent.”

Bennettiscoming is a 25-year-old singer-songwriter. With roots in R&B, his music is emotive with a sultry, sensual tone and honest, soul-baring lyrics.

Sonically boundless, his experimentation in garage and house and even acoustics add deeper shades of experience to this up-and-coming queer Mancunian’s repertoire. Combined with his strong presence, this enables Bennettiscoming to control his narrative, with true vulnerability emerging.

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“Being selected for the Factory Sounds opportunity allows me the headspace to work creatively without having to think about the financial restraints that come with it.”

Corey Brown, a.k.a. Superlative, is a UK based beatmaker, producer, songwriter and rapper whose music defies genre boundaries. Known for his 'SPR' ethos, Superlative inspires listeners from all walks of life with his barrier-breaking artistry.

His collaborations with icons like Mr Scruff and The Mouse Outfit, along with standout festival performances and his viral social media presence, have made him a prominent figure in the music scene.

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“Being selected for Factory Sounds is an absolute honour and privilege. This will have a monumental impact on my career. It will allow me to continue making and releasing music and give me valuable mentorship and insight to further develop as an artist.”

Drawing inspiration from the timeless voices of yesteryear and today, Ewan Sim crafts a genre-defying sound that seamlessly fuses soul, pop, rock and R&B. His raw vocals and heartfelt lyrics have earned him notable accolades, including featuring in Clash Magazine.

With radio plays on BBC Introducing and BBC Manchester, Ewan Sim's musical journey is swiftly gaining momentum, promising an electrifying fusion of soulful melodies and poignant storytelling. He recently sold out headline shows at Manchester's Deaf Institute and Gullivers.

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“I’m so excited to have been selected for Factory International Sounds — I look forward to further exploring my creative vision and pushing boundaries to connecting with audience.”

RIYA has been championed by Rolling Stone, BBC and ITV (Granada introducing ‘one-to-watch’ Artist) and has performed on ‘The Hundred X BBC Introducing Stage’ at Headingley Stadium , headlined ClimateLive at Latitude Festival, and graced COOP Live Arena and Beyond the Music Festival stages. Hailed by Youth Music as ‘One To Watch 2024,’ she’s backed by the NEXTGEN fund, luxury fashion brand COACH, and earned Abbey Road Studios Amplify support.

RIYA writes/produces her music, amassing over a million YouTube views, and is trained in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, piano and classical singing.

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“Releasing DIY music is a daunting experience. Receiving this funding has given me the reassurance and support needed to execute a project I care so passionately about. I appreciate the vote of confidence!”

Olivesque, the alias of North East-raised musician Olivia Rees, is a captivating force in the world of self-expression and musical experimentation. Known for her work with the Manchester-based trio *Nightbus*, Olivesque carves out her own space in the music scene, fusing dream pop aesthetics with melancholic melodies.

Currently, Olivesque is working on a self-released EP that showcases her evolving style and growing creative vision.

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Michael a.k.a. Grumpy is a 24-year-old artist originally from Lagos, Nigeria who moved to the UK at the tender age of six. Growing up, music was always a part of his life, whether it was leading the youth choir at church or free-styling with his older brother in his room.

Grumpy was found when he found music and, soon, the name stuck. Now, he uses his alter ego, Grumpy, as a form of expression to articulate the feelings he has experienced such as being hurt, love and companionship. His unique afro-fusion sound is a combination of his heritage and upbringing.

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“We are really pleased to have the support of Factory Sounds this year. We have a lot of exciting projects lined up for 2025 and with the support of Factory Sounds we hope to realise their full potential.”

Shell Company are a Manchester based three-piece. Their work combines spoken word, fractured electronics and expressive guitar work to create a style of dark hued, contemporary dream pop.

Their debut EP was released on Rainy Millers' Fixed Abode label in 2023 with support from Mary Anne Hobbs and Dazed. 2024 saw releases on Morsel and Turnend Tapes as well as a collaborative project with London/Lisbon based musician Older Brother. The culmination of this project is a four-track EP, due to be released on the Numbers label in March.

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“Being selected fills us with immense pride. To receive support from the very city that shaped us – both individually and musically – reinforces Manchester’s dedication to underground arts.”

PAVÉ has rapidly forged a unique sonic identity since their formation in 2019, seamlessly blending the raw intensity of Bad Omens and Spirit Box with infectious, pop-infused vocal melodies. PAVÉ has shared the stage with Bones UK, The Hara and SOAP, while making waves on the UK festival circuit. Their rising reputation has garnered critical acclaim from CLASH, Planet Rock, Radio X and BBC Radio 1.

With their debut seven-track EP and new music produced by Jon Cass from As Everything Unfolds, PAVÉ are standing firmly among the most exciting new names in rock.

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“I also applied last year but didn't get through so to be accepted after trying again is such an amazing feeling. As an independent artist with no management or agent, funds like these really do make such a huge impact, so I'm beyond thankful.”

Victoria Jane is a 26-year-old creative all-rounder. London born and Manchester raised, she has been named one of Manchester’s most exciting new talents to emerge from the UK R&B and soul scene. From dabbling in production to freestyling most of her soulfully-rich records, she’s a natural singer who has an effortless love of music.

She has supported the likes of 6lac, Dylan Sinclair’ Wayne Show and Tamera, and has performed at an array of places including ‘Mahalia’ Present, The Jazz Café, Manchester’s O2 Apollo and the iconic Band on the Wall.

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“Absolutely buzzing that we've been chosen to be part of Factory Sounds. It'll gives us the opportunity to meet other musical creatives and be mentored by industry professionals.”

PoolEra are an energetic four piece indie/alt band from Rochdale who write, record and perform their own original music.

PoolEra are enjoying building their presence and loyal fan base as they perform support and headline gigs in iconic and intimate venues such as Academy 3 and Deaf Institute. There is a good mix of mood, flair and charm amongst the band members. In 2024, PoolEra have recorded and released tracks Falling and Almeria. Said and done is to be released early 2025.

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“We’re really excited about the opportunity to learn and grow from mentorship and from our Factory Sounds peers, and developing community through music.”

Electronic-pop duo Beck Pocket melds larger-than-life pop production with influences of deep house and liquid funk. Lovers of all things maximalist, glitchy and nostalgic, the Manchester-based duo write the soundtrack to a pixelated world where ethereal synths meet groovy basslines, depicted through their self-made animated visual backdrops.

Viv Griffin and Jasper Clarke formed Beck Pocket in 2021. The last year has seen Beck Pocket independently release their self-produced/mixed/mastered debut EP all your dreams, garnering airplay from BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Introducing Manchester as well as a performance at Manchester Jazz Festival. 

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“This moment reaffirms the countless hours spent building Lemonvinyl, producing If Life Gives You Lemons, and supporting underground artists through my A&R work. I’m thrilled to bring my experiences from Lagos to Manchester and beyond and to return with new inspiration to keep pushing the boundaries of what we can create together.”

Hakeeb Ibrahim is a visionary music producer, curator, talent and event manager. As an astute community builder, he co-founded Lemonvinyl – a creative collective dedicated to celebrating people, culture, and community through music. In album If Life Gives You Lemons, Hakeeb blends his passion for storytelling with his expertise in Afro-urban music production.

Hakeeb’is also the creator of The Lemon Room – a series of immersive musical events featuring DJ sets and live performances, which have taken place in Lagos, Manchester, Leicester and Ireland.

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“As a working-class artist, financial barriers have often limited my ability to invest in my music. I’m very excited to see what could come out of having the headspace and resources to fuel my creative work.”

Zuri is a DJ originally from Spain but now based in Manchester. Her distinctive approach to mixing places a strong emphasis on her genre-defying selections, seamlessly weaving between an eclectic mix of styles.

Over the past year, Zuri has performed alongside the likes of Joy Orbison, Overmono, TSVI, Madam X, Tristan Da Cunha and Manami. As a resident at Amber’s Club and Crop Radio, and with frequent shows at Manchester’s iconic venues such as Soup and Warehouse Project, Zuri continues to carve her very own path.

Now, she is expanding her craft into music production, blending her classical music background with electronic sounds.

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“I'm over the moon to be part of Factory Sounds! Being part of the 2025 cohort is a wonderful opportunity, and I can't wait to meet other creatives, grow as an artist, and give my music and this year my all.”

Tallulah Guard is a singer-songwriter driven by a desire to tell stories. Their song-writing is a method of making sense of queerness, relationships, uncertainty and growth. With playfully honest lyrics, anthemic choruses, and a 90s alt-rock flair, Tallulah walks the line between critical introspection and soaring power. 

Moving from London to Manchester five years ago, Tallulah found a home in their local grassroots scene, developing as a writer and performer in the open mic ecosystem. In this time, they’ve shared a series of exploratory singles, receiving support from BBC Introducing Manchester and Amazing Radio.

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“As an Indian artist who performs in drag, my music is seldom taken seriously, and I have fought hard to take up space and be recognised as a musician, above all else. I am therefore excited to grow with Factory Sounds and be able to access professional industry support and advice after working independently for so long.”

Shanika Sunrise is a transfemme Indian rapper and music producer who writes, records and produces all of her own music. Shanika began making music in 2017 following a teenage cancer diagnosis, releasing her debut single Sued as catharsis during a dark time in her life. After a hiatus, Shanika returned in 2023 with her comeback anthem Directions – a feel-good synth pop mantra marking her return to the stage and the Manchester music scene.

Since then, Shanika has toured her music internationally and recently opened for queer icon and superstar Chappell Roan. While her music spans various genres, Shanika’s songs are always lively and energetic, and her metaphorical and comedic lyrics are designed to entertain and empower her audiences. 

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