Calling all young artists - record your first professional single

You'll be matched with an experienced producer in your genre, get a professional press shoot, learn how to release your music, and you may be selected to perform it live at Next Up Next Up 2026 at Binks Yard | Inspire - Culture, Learning, Libraries 

Spaces are limited to 6 artists, split across three genres: 

• Pop / Acoustic / RnB 

• Hip-Hop / Electronic 

• Indie / Rock 

Because spaces are limited, we'll be selecting artists against the following criteria. You don't need lots of experience - but you do need to meet all the following: 

1. You have 1 complete song, ready to record. It doesnt need to be professionally written or produced - just finished and ready to bring into the studio. 

1. You take part in an Inspire Youth Arts programme - dance, songwriting, music production, or digital. Not signed up yet? No problem - you can join retrospectively as part of your application. 

1. You can commit to the full programme timeline, set out below. 

1. Applicants are either studying or living in Nottinghamshire County. 

1. You are between the ages of 13-18 (up to 25 with a disability) 

Programme Timeline 

When 

What's happening 

12 January 2027 / 5pm - 6pm 

In-person kick-off meeting - all artists and young people together  

15–19 February 2027 

Your recording day with your producer (date within this week confirmed once cohorts are matched) 

March 2027  

Online feedback session on your mixing and mastering 
 

3 April 2027 

Press shots day for your single artwork 

10 April 2027 / 14:00-19:00 

Workshop: How to release your music 

26 June 2027 / 14:00 – 17:00 

Listening party. A celebration at the studio for friends and family to come together, listen to the music created as part of the project, and celebrate the young people’s work and achievements. 

There also will be a potential performance slot at Next Up, our showcase event at Bink's Yard on the 11 July 2027 but this is TBC.  

How to Apply 

Applications open: Monday 21 September 2026 Applications close: Friday 16 October 2026 

Engine Room Presents: Release Ready – Fill in form 

We'll review applications and let everyone know the outcome by the end of October, ready for the January kick-off. 

Please feel free to get in touch with any questions you may have to: iya@inspireculture.org.uk. 

 
Inspire Youth Arts is committed to making its programmes and activities inclusive and accessible to all young people. Their base at The Old Library, Leeming Street, Mansfield, NG18 1NG, is accessible for wheelchair users, and the organisation encourages young people with physical and/or learning disabilities and neurodivergent young people to take part. Inspire Youth Arts can also discuss individual access requirements and provide appropriate support where possible. For further information, or to discuss accessibility needs, you can contact Inspire Youth Arts by telephone on 01623 644 377 or by email at iya@inspireculture.org.uk.

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