Meet the Factory Sounds Class of 2026

"I am so grateful to be a part of the Factory Sounds Programme 2026. It feels like divine timing! Applying for funding can be extremely daunting so to be successful reignites hope and the support is greatly appreciated. I'm looking forward to bringing my vision to life and how I can expand as an artist from the financial support and mentorship that Factory Sounds has to offer."

Chia Kali is a singer and guitarist from Manchester. Her songs are a colourful palette of jazz, soul and indie, reflecting her curiosity for her Latin-Caribbean roots. This beautiful sound fusion compliments her uniquely raw storytelling, which explores spiritual journeys, obstacles and ego truths.

Instagram

"I am very excited about the opportunity that Factory Sounds has provided for me to further develop my music craft through mentorship from industry professionals."

David Oluwapemi Ajibola, known as Dahveed, is an artist and drummer whose work is rooted in rhythm, collaboration and storytelling. Dahveed began his journey with early setbacks that became the foundation of his resilience and creative identity and has since gained over a decade of experience behind the drums.

Refusing to confine himself to the traditional role of a session drummer, Dahveed has built a multidimensional career that blends performance, songwriting and visual storytelling. He is the founder and host of Shed with Dahveed – a creative platform where he collaborates with other musicians and artists, exploring their journeys while creating original music together. Through this, he has worked with artists across Nigeria, the U.K. and the U.S., producing original songs that reflect collective growth, creative process and musicianship. His sound draws inspiration from live-band culture and modern fusion while maintaining a deeply personal and expressive approach.

Instagram / YouTube

"I'm grateful and excited to be working with Factory International. Being recognised for my art at this level is humbling and I look forward to creating, collaborating and growing throughout the year."

Derasae is a Nigerian-Irish, alternative hip-hop artist based in Manchester. Music has been their passion since age 15, allowing them to perform all over the country to crowds of 1000+ people. Some of their biggest influences are Skepta, Travis Scott, Tyler, the Creator and Playboi Carti. Derasae wants to build worlds, creating unforgettable experiences whether that be through headphones or in a mosh pit. They make music for people living to push their own boundaries, create wildly, scream loudly and unapologetically be themselves.

Spotify / Soundcloud / Instagram / TikTok / YouTube

"Being selected for Factory Sounds means access to space, support and belief at a crucial point in my artistic development. It represents an opportunity to deepen my practice, experiment freely and connect with a wider creative community. This support will allow my work to grow in ways that wouldn’t be possible alone."

Edzor Talez is a boundary-pushing artist whose musical practice explores sound as storytelling, ritual and experimentation. Blending electronic textures with live elements, their work draws from personal history, community and an interest in how sound shapes emotional and physical spaces. Edzor’s practice spans composition, performance and collaborative projects, often centring improvisation. Through their music, they aim to create immersive experiences that invite listeners to slow down and connect.

Instagram / YouTube

"There’s so much exciting talent in Manchester right now so to have my music recognised by Factory International means so much to me. I moved to Manchester five years ago and have been slowly nurturing my presence within the city’s folk scene. Now I feel like I’ve reached a really exciting point in my journey as an artist, and I can’t wait to see how Factory Sounds will help me grow further!"

Evie Moran is a nature lover, poet and a folk musician. She has spent the past decade crafting melodies, scribbling lyrics and exploring an eclectic array of influences to become the artist she is today. Inspired by the rich harmonies of The Staves, the sweet soul of Corinne Bailey Rae and the delicate poeticism of Billie Marten, Evie breathes a fresh lease of life into contemporary folk.

Evie’s work is careful and considered, with some pieces taking years to come to fruition. Her songs of love, dreams and nature offer a meditative, reflective space, inviting listeners into moments of quiet introspection.

Instagram / Bandcamp

"Being selected for Factory Sounds feels like a huge step forward for me as a composer. Having my work recognised by Factory International is incredibly motivating, and I’m excited to grow creatively, collaborate with other artists and push my music into new spaces."

Hadi Muhammad is a UK-based Indian composer and record producer specialising in hybrid-orchestral and cinematic music for screen. He is currently a final-year BA (Hons) Music & Sound for Screen student at the University of Huddersfield. Drawing from orchestral, electronic and contemporary influences, his work focuses on emotionally driven soundscapes that support visual storytelling. Alongside scoring short films and independent projects, Hadi has released original music on streaming platforms and continues to explore new sounds and creative approaches across film and visual media.

Instagram / YouTube / Spotify / IMDb

"As a musician who has become reliant on creating their own opportunities, being selected for Factory Sounds 2026 feels like a genuine breakthrough. It's the boost I've been needing for a while now, and I'm excited to absorb as much as I can from this experience."

Isaac Malibu exists at the tripoint of R&B, Soul and Pop, with true vocal prowess being the centre of his musicality. Narratives of queer love, desire and heartbreak are illustrated by lush harmonies and warm textures, providing an essence of summer across all his releases. In addition to his musical releases and regular live performances, Isaac has curated several events under ‘Malibu Sessions’ – a platform dedicated to promoting grassroots talent, with particular emphasis on queer performers, women and people of colour. Isaac’s drive comes from his desire to support his creative network and bolster those who have supported him.

Instagram / Spotify / TikTok

"Getting Factory Sounds has been really affirming. I am confident in their desire to help grow the talent and passion already situated in Manchester and prepare us for what comes next in our career. I’m very excited to continue and create another body of work."

Lenacha (len • ah • sha) is a songwriter, composer, producer and multimedia artist from Greater Manchester. Through reimagining sounds from her childhood (gospel, Afro Latin, and electronica), Lenacha takes an experimental approach to her music making – whether it is in emphasising a singular musical component or having her songwriting and vocal delivery counter established rhythms. Her practice is intuitive and always led by curiosity.

Instagram / Spotify / Bandcamp

"Being selected for Factory Sounds feels like a meaningful step forward for me and I am really grateful to have been given this opportunity to grow alongside other likeminded musicians."

I am a singer, songwriter, producer and DJ from Bolton with a strong background in songwriting and live performance. My practice spans writing, recording, producing and live DJ performances, with my writing focusing on strong melodies and emotionally direct, honest storytelling. Since gaining my degree in Songwriting, I have opened myself up to collaborative projects spanning different genres and have allowed myself to create music in different genres in my solo work. Alongside releasing music, I have played live DJ sets across a multitude of iconic clubs throughout the UK and Europe, performed live vocal sets and have gained experience songwriting for other artists. 

Instagram

"Being a part of Factory Sounds 2026 is incredibly exciting and has come at a really crucial time for me as I work towards recording my album. As a solo artist, it can be quite isolating working alone so I’m looking forward to connecting with the rest of the cohort and supporting each other through our creative processes."

Hailing from Cornwall, electronic artist Mogan now calls Manchester home. Blending melancholic vocals with crunchy synths and woodwind, they create music that is ethereal and cinematic but somehow dance floor ready. Their latest EP The Bulwark was released in September 2025 with tracks receiving significant radio play on BBC Radio 6 Music. Mogan’s live shows are brooding and evocative with outlandish masks and costumes bringing a sense of campy horror to the atmosphere. They have supported the likes of Panic Shack, Grove and Comfort across the UK in Manchester, Salford, Bristol, Cardiff, Newport and Glasgow.

Instagram / Bandcamp

"We’re incredibly grateful to receive this funding and support, as it allows us to properly invest in Manchester’s underground rap and hip-hop community in a way that’s often not possible at grassroots level. The support will enable us to provide paid studio time, professional development, fair releases and high-quality platforms for artists who are frequently underrepresented and underfunded. It gives our community access to real infrastructure – from recording and distribution to live performance and education – while keeping ownership and creativity in the hands of the artists themselves. Most importantly, it allows us to celebrate, amplify and sustain the talent that already exists across Manchester’s underground scene."

Raise The Bar MCR and Spynal Records are Manchester-based, Black-owned organisations supporting the city’s underground rap and hip-hop community. Founded in 2023, Raise The Bar MCR is a CIC creating opportunities for underrepresented artists through live events, artist development, management and radio shows on Pie Radio and ALL FM. Since August 2023, RTB has supported over 300 emerging artists with paid performances, mentoring and industry guidance. Spynal Records is an independent label and studio run by Diligent Fingers, offering affordable professional recording, mixing, mastering and distribution. Together, they connect grassroots talent with professional infrastructure, championing visibility, ownership and long-term pathways for Manchester’s rap and hip-hop artists.

Raise The Bar MCR: Instagram / YouTube / Linktree

Spynal Records: Instagram / Bandcamp / Linktree

"I am very honoured for being able to be part of this programme. It genuinely means a lot to me!"

Tadhor is an experimental artist and producer based in Manchester. His releases span a range of genres from bass-heavy rap to layered, textured ambient and dark ambient. His lyricism oscillates between emotive introspection and cultural observations, often shaped by the contrast between his experiences in the UK and those in his city of origin, Lagos. Tadhor continues to evolve in his practice through experimentation, collaboration and the cultivation of a distinctive sonic and aesthetic identity.

Instagram / Bandcamp

"Such divine timing! I’m so excited to develop my music career with Factory Sounds. Being selected is an honour and I’m ready to take my music to that next level."

Tsana is Manchester's songstress known for her effortless runs and rich silky vocals. Fusing sultry R&B with a soulful edge, Tsana has crafted a sound that is reminiscent of legendary soul gurus Erykah Badu and Brandy. Tsana’s 2024 EP Lovehood weaves through the stages of a love affair, blending musical prowess with a remarkable assurance. Lovehood has gained support from BBC1Xtra, Unity Radio and BBC Introducing. Over the years, Tsana has mastered her performative craft, having played considerable UK stages including Manchester Academy and London’s Indigo at the O2, supporting musical icons including Faith Evans, SWV and Mica Millar.

Instagram / YouTube / TikTok

"The recognition from Factory Sounds has been truly affirming and reassuring about the path my creativity is taking. I’m beyond excited for the opportunity and the space it creates for me to explore and grow!"

Uchenna’s – aka Pooch’s – creative medium is DJing, which she has pursued for nearly two years. Her emotionally fluid sets foster a positive energy exchange between herself and the dancefloor. Uchenna’s goal to diversify the dancefloor and honour the Black roots of electronic music speaks to something larger than herself. Her selection serves as a bridge between lineage, lived experience and future possibility.

Instagram

"Being an artist and wanting to create community around your music in an increasingly digital, isolated world is harder than ever. Musicians rely on outlets like Factory International providing invaluable knowledge and expertise to help us navigate the industry. When I got the email through for my band UGLY CLUB, I was sat in the studio and literally jumped up and down. This is going to be amazing!"

UGLY CLUB take the parts people try to hide and throw them straight into the spotlight. A movement for misfits and underdogs who don’t quite fit the mould. Led by powerhouse vocalist Imo, they’re messy and unapologetically loud. With industrial grit and arena-sized ambition their sound fuses authentic rock and an air of nostalgia with edgy modern production. Expect a sound that fits a lineup with the likes of Yonoka, Cassyette and Bones UK. Their live shows are confrontational and euphoric – ranging from 100-cap basement shows in Manchester to big festival stages like Download and Isle Of Wight. Their undeniably captivating sound has even made its way onto Bring Me The Horizon’s stadium pre-show playlist. 

Instagram / YouTube / TikTok / Spotify