SOUND CITY (LIVERPOOL) LTD: TDN 2026
Short Project Title: Arts Bar to Arenas: an interconnected programme of training and performance at one of Europe’s leading festivals for new music.
Bio: Liverpool Sound City is one of Europe’s leading independent festival for new music with an international reputation for supporting emerging talent. Over 19 editions, we’ve showcased more than 3,000 artists to over 400,000 fans and industry figures. A hotbed for early career artists, Self Esteem, Olivia Dean, The 1975, Stormzy and The Mysterines have risen through our ranks. We believe the most exciting talent comes from diverse backgrounds: that’s why we’re proud to be Keychange’s lead festival in Europe. Our development and training programs are central to our mission to unearth and nurture talent in the north-west and beyond.
Programme Description: Liverpool Sound City Festival and Conference are a springboard for careers in the music industry – whether as an artists, performing as part of our Apply to Play programme or a showcase, or an aspiring industry leader able to network with key figures in the global music industry.
Sound City’s Launch Training programme offers a wide range of industry insights into musical performance, production, music business and more. Weekly sessions are led by our expert mentors who guide trainees through the immersive programme, sharing their extensive knowledge of all corners of the music industry and offering constant feedback and support. The programme is completely free and acts as an alternative to university or other paid forms of higher education for people of all backgrounds. Past trainees have gone on to perform world tours, play at festivals, and establish careers at Spotify, BBC and Universal Music Group.
Our Artist Training & Development Programme is a unique course, aimed to cultivate new musical talent at the start of their career journeys. ATDP gives support alongside an artist’s existing trajectory – or helps create a new one – with free mentorship for 6 months, recording sessions, songwriting and performance workshops and pastoral care.