Jazz North’s leading live talent development programme, Northern Line, is seeking the north’s best jazz talent.
Now celebrating its 10th year, the live music scheme offers jazz artists bursaries of £3000 and features a showcase at Manchester Jazz Festival.
Now in its 10th year, Northern Line is the leading live development programme for jazz and jazz-inspired artists in the North of England. Northern Line involves intensive 121 support, mentoring, networking, marketing support and industry upskilling. Artists applying to the scheme are awarded bursaries of up to £3000 to support their live touring.
Chris Bye, Jazz North CEO, says :“Northern Line is a roster representing the most pioneering, bold and innovative artists across the scene. It’s a roster of the best new talent, recognised by promoters, festivals, funders and management. Whether you are Afrobeat, Electronic, Soul, Nu-Jazz, RnB, Instrumentalist or MC, if you have that passion, individuality and drive, then get involved.”
With a roster selected by an independent panel of UK-wide industry experts, Northern Line is a sector-leading, 18-month programme, offering unique opportunities and transformative support. Successful applicants will perform at the Northern Line Showcase at Manchester Jazz Festival on Sunday 21st May 2023 in front of a public audience and invited music industry guests.
Manchester Jazz Festival is the North’s largest jazz festival, with a reputation for fostering rising jazz talent through their own bespoke development schemes and innovative events programme.
Steve Mead, mjf’s Artistic Director, says: “I’m delighted to be welcoming the Northern Line showcase back to mjf. Partnering with Jazz North means both organisations can celebrate our shared passions for championing the very best in northern talent. The showcase day is always an exciting event and a great way for festival audiences to discover and enjoy a broad range of artists in a free and welcoming environment.”
Artists on our previous and current rosters include Jazz FM nominated Archipelago, TC & The Groove Family, Nishla Smith Quintet, Stuart McCallum, Maja Bugge, Shatners Bassoon, John Pope Quintet, New York Brass Band, Nicola Farnon Trio, Skeltr, Ubunye and Parliamentary Jazz Award winner, Zoe Gilby Quartet.
Faye MacCalman, of Jazz FM Award nominated Archipelago, says: “Being on Northern Line enabled me to make lasting connections beyond ones I could make on my own, and allowed me to test out different venues at a developmental stage for my band 'Archipelago', in turn giving me the agency, confidence and tools as an independent artist to self manage and tour on our own terms.”
Jazz North is committed to supporting the incredible variety of people, places and genres across the breadth of the North. The organisation wholeheartedly believes that the scene is only made stronger by celebrating diversity in all its forms and creating places for artists to thrive in the North.
Northern Line opens for applications on 20th February. Applications close at midday on Monday 20th March 2023.
Visit www.jazznorth.org/opportunities to find out more and apply on 20th February.
