Youth Club sessions

Emerging Artists is Pie Factory Music’s dedicated programme for young artists looking to kick-start their music careers.

It’s a year-long programme for 18-25-year-olds that gives in-depth guidance and advice about the music industry such as rights, promotion, recording, and performing, as well as access to a network of like-minded young musicians, industry mentors and experts, and local music venues.

We’ve already helped 35 young people progress and develop their skills since the programme began in 2018, and launched a youth record label – Wantsum Music? – in 2021.

Many of the artists are now thriving as musicians, including Evan Williams, who has gone on to tour with Pete Doherty from The Libertines, got signed to Doherty’s new record label, Strap Originals, and released his debut album. In 2021, the Emerging Artists launched their own record label, Wantsum Music? to give local young people a platform to promote their new music. They have released a number of singles to much local acclaim.

Every year, we work with six young people to develop their skills and live performance experience, which includes gigs at local live venues including Whereelse Margate, Olby’s, Tom Thumb Theatre and Ramsgate Music Hall.

Emerging Artist alumni, Elijah Femi 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. Zoe was a big inspiration, she showed me how to market myself, 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.”

Read Elijah’s story

“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

This programme is generously funded by Youth Music.