Become a Pie Emerging Artist
Posted: 5th March 2026
We’re looking for six Emerging Artists between the ages of 18-25 years* to join a FREE music development programme worth over £1,200!
This is the seventh year of our flagship programme, starting on 15th April 2026 and running until 16th December 2026, which is designed to help aspiring young artists based in East Kent develop their music careers with professionals. Selected participants will receive comprehensive guidance and invaluable insights into the music industry, covering essential topics such as promotion strategies, rights, management, recording techniques, and live performance, and gain access to East Kent’s vibrant community of like-minded young musicians, seasoned industry professionals and experts, and iconic local music venues.
The programme has already helped 35 young artists progress and develop their skills and learn new attributes to help them thrive as musicians and have a broader understanding of the industry. There have been many successful gigs that the young people have planned, booked and performed during the programme’s duration.
What you’ll gain:
- Access to East Kent’s vibrant community of like-minded young musicians, seasoned industry professionals and experts, and iconic local music venues.
- Industry masterclasses at local venues
- Creative development and ongoing personal support
- One-to-one guidance from a carefully matched mentor
- Insight into key areas of the music industry, such as promotion, rights, management, recording, and live performance.
- The chance to perform at two live shows (June and November), in addition to gigs at local festivals, such as Margate Soul Fest and Ramsgate Festival of Sound.
- The opportunity to record in a professional studio, get your music mixed and mastered and released on our youth-led record label Wantsum Music? – gaining hands-on experience in releasing music.
Emerging Artists meet fortnightly on Wednesdays from 6 to 8pm, at Pie HQ (Ramsgate Youth Centre) and local venues across Thanet.
How to Apply
Send a short introduction (written or video) to us, including:
- Name, age, location, artist name
- Musical style and career interests
- A short biography
- A recording of your music or a link to an online video.
If you’re interested in the programme from a music industry (non-artist) perspective, such as management, promotion or label work, please include this in your application.
Email applications to moa@piefactorymusic.com by 5pm on Friday 27th March 2026.
What we ask of you:
COMMITMENT – if you are selected to join the programme you must turn up on time, be dependable and reliable at events, and commit to sharing your journey and the work of Wantsum Music? with your followers.
MOTIVATION – we want you to bring your passion, creativity and ambition to the programme, but you will also need to listen, take advice from our leaders and mentors on board, and be willing to learn and grow.
ADVOCACY – you will be a part of the Pie Factory Music family – shout loud and be proud about being an Emerging Artist, and be an inspiring ambassador for our young people and our organisation.
The first Emerging Artists sessions will be on Wednesdays, from 16th April 7-9pm. Please let us know in your application if you can make this date. The sessions will run weekly every Wednesday until 16th December 2026.
*applications of 16+ years may be considered.
This is what our Emerging Artists alumni say:
“Pie Factory Music, they’ve shown me the importance of collaboration. They’ve also shown me a deeper understanding of the music industry, especially with owning your music as well.” Janmakesnoise
“We’ve been to studios and met people who mix and produce, and we’ve met people who run labels. That was so informative to me because as much as I’m an independent artist and I’ve done well in the last year, it made me realise how much I’ve missed having PRS and things like that, that is so important.” Char.B
“It’s been really nice to have a sense of community especially people who are interested in music and similar things, to get to know other people.” Moss.E
“We’ve organised gigs which we’ve performed at. We’ve promoted them. We’ve recorded collaboratively, created collaboratively and worked together.” Motel Green
“Being part of the Pie Factory Music Emerging Artists has been amazing/ It’s been great to meet people that are as passionate about music as I am and being able to explore what I can do. I’m not musically trained so being able to see my art come to life has been really exciting.” Orla
“It was way better than I imagined. My first time doing original stuff, I’m really happy with it.” Fin, musician and producer
“Emerging Artists has been an incredible opportunity. It’s given me a platform, boosted my confidence, got me back to performing and connected me with the music community. I’m inspired by my peers every day. To be around like-minded people is so important.”
Connor Beerling, Emerging Artist 2020-21
Emerging Artist alumni, Elijah says:
“I didn’t just gain confidence and make music at Pie Factory Music, they taught me life skills, like how to collaborate with people, networking skills, how to set up my own gigs and how to approach others in the industry. Zoë was a big inspiration, she showed me how to market myself, and be professional but most of all she helped shape who I am today. I’ve since recorded my first album, performed at gigs in Kent and London, and Pie Factory Music introduced me to another music hub that has offered me funding for a new project.”
This programme is generously funded by Youth Music.
