AMPLIFYING
BIRMINGHAM'S
EMERGING
VOICES

SUBMIT HERE

This project is about platforming Birmingham’s raw, rising talent - giving artists a space to be heard, to grow, and to connect. It’s not just about music. It’s about community, creativity, and opportunity.

Spotlight on Birmingham is a Sansom Studios project.
We’re here to support and champion the next generation of Birmingham’s musical voices.

Criteria

Birmingham’s music scene is one of the most vibrant and diverse in the country - full of fresh voices, original sounds, and artists pushing boundaries in every direction. Spotlight on Birmingham is here to champion that talent and give emerging musicians real support to grow and be heard.

Anyone who applies to the project will be invited to take part in a series of free workshops - covering everything from music production and promotion to navigating the industry and building a sustainable career. These sessions are designed to give real value to all artists, whether you’re just starting out or already gigging regularly.

From the full pool of applicants, six artists will be selected to take part in a professionally filmed live session and artist interview, recorded at Sansom Studios.. These sessions are produced to a high standard - giving you a platform to showcase your music, tell your story, and reach new audiences. Selected artists will also receive tailored mentorship and industry exposure.

Spotlight on Birmingham isn’t about chasing overnight success - it’s about investing in the creative energy of this city and helping local artists move forward with purpose, confidence, and the right tools around them.

Spotlight on Birmingham is designed to support and elevate emerging artists in the city. Here’s what you need to know before applying:

Age: You must be between 18-35 years old to apply.
Location: You must be based in or have strong ties to Birmingham.
Stage of Career:
- You must be an emerging artist, defined as having less than 5 years of professional experience in the music industry.
- This means you have not yet signed a major label deal or consistently earned a full-time income from your music. Independent releases, grassroots performances, and self-funded projects are absolutely encouraged!
Genres: We welcome artists from all genres - whether you specialise in hip-hop, jazz, neo-soul, indie, grime, R&B, folk, experimental music, electronic, or fusion sounds. We’re especially interested in original music, but covers with a bold, creative twist are also welcome.
Inclusivity & Representation: We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity, actively encouraging applications from underrepresented communities across cultural, socio-economic, and gender/sexual identity spectrums.

If you have a unique sound, a powerful message, and a hunger to grow as an artist, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

We want to get to know you and your music, so your application should reflect who you are as an artist.

Here’s what you need to submit:

Basic Info: Name, age, location, and contact details.
Artist Bio: Tell us about your journey, influences, and what fuels your creativity.
Music Submission Video: A raw, live performance video - this doesn’t need to be high-budget, just an authentic showcase of your sound.
Links to Your Work: Share existing recordings, social media, or website links that highlight your artistry.
Short Statement: Why do you want to be part of Spotlight on Birmingham? What does this opportunity mean to you?

We’ve brought together a diverse panel of producers, musicians, and industry professionals - people who know and care deeply about Birmingham’s music scene.

This panel will carefully review all applications, looking for artists who show strong potential across the following areas:

🎶 Musical Quality: Performance skill, creativity, and technical ability.
🌟 Originality: Your unique artistic voice and the authenticity of your sound.
📈 Potential for Growth: How Spotlight on Birmingham can help you take the next step in your career.
🌍 Representation & Inclusivity: Ensuring a lineup that reflects Birmingham’s rich, diverse, and ever-evolving music culture.

Selected artists will be contacted and invited to participate in a professionally recorded live session and an in-depth interview to help showcase their music and personal journey.

Let’s Stay Connected!

Have a question? Need more info? We’d love to hear from you! Drop us a message at info@sansomstudios.com.

Follow us on social media to stay updated on:
🎵 Application tips & reminders
🎤 Spotlights on artists & behind-the-scenes content
🏆 Exclusive announcements & events

Don’t just apply - join a movement! Be part of a community that’s championing Birmingham’s next wave of music talent.

Whether you make it to the final sessions or not, we’re here to support your journey as an artist. That’s why every applicant will gain access to exclusive workshops designed to help you navigate the industry and develop your skills beyond just performance. Here are some of the topics we're planning to cover:

🏆 Music Business - Learn about contracts, royalties, and strategies to sustain a music career.
🎤 Recording & Production Techniques - Develop home recording skills and get the best out of any studio session.
💡 Mental Wellbeing for Musicians - Essential tools to help balance creativity and mental health.
📢 Building Your Audience – The secrets of self-promotion, social media growth, and connecting with your fanbase.

More details on the workshops will be shared after the application deadline.

By applying to Spotlight on Birmingham, you agree to the following terms:

We encourage original music, but will also consider cover versions that have been creatively reworked. If you submit a cover, you must credit the original songwriter(s) in your application. If selected for filming, we may need to discuss rights clearance before any public release.
Spotlight on Birmingham and Sansom Studios retain the right to use all recorded materials for promotional purposes across digital platforms and media.
Artists keep full ownership of their music. By taking part, you give Spotlight on Birmingham and Sansom Studios permission to use your recorded performance to promote the project - including sharing it on social media, our website, and other platforms related to the project.
If selected, you consent to being filmed, photographed, and interviewed as part of the project. This content may be used by Spotlight on Birmingham for promotional and documentation purposes across our digital platforms and related media.
All personal data provided during the application process will be handled in accordance with GDPR guidelines and will not be shared with third parties without consent.

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AMPLIFYING BIRMINGHAM'S EMERGING VOICES

This project is about platforming Birmingham’s raw, rising talent - giving artists a space to be heard, to grow, and to connect. It’s not just about music. It’s about community, creativity, and opportunity.

Spotlight on Birmingham is a Sansom Studios project. We’re here to support and champion the next generation of Birmingham’s musical voices.

AMPLIFYING
BIRMINGHAM'S
EMERGING
VOICES

Spotlight on Birmingham is a Sansom Studios project.
We’re here to support and champion the next generation of Birmingham’s musical voices.