Music Gateway

Returning to the Breakout Judging Panel is the incredible Ceri Dixon! 🎉

With 20+ years of experience in the music industry, Ceri Dixon is the Head of Digital Partnerships at Red Light Management, the largest independent music management company in the world. Prior to this, she played a key role in the creation of Universal Music UK’s streaming department in 2014, and was involved in the development and breaking of artists such as Sigrid, Blossoms and Raye.

Her level of expertise and familiarity with what makes an artist stand out from the crowd will be key in deciding who will be crowned our Breakout Artist of 2027 💜

⏰ 3 days left to apply!

💬 Comment 'Breakout' for the link via DM
🔗 Find the link in our bio

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Have you applied to Music Gateway’s Breakout Artist Programme yet? This may be your last chance!

In case it’s fallen to the bottom of your to-do lists OR it’s your first time hearing about it, make sure you apply before submissions close 2nd October 💜

Thank you to the incredible Oli Higginson (Modern Oli) for spreading the word 📢 Only 4 days to go!

⭐️ The winner of the Breakout Artist Programme will receive…
• £20k promotion fund
• A free pair ACS Pro Custom Earplugs from
• A limited-release of cassettes, courtesy of
• 12 months of strategic support direct from the Music Gateway team
• Mentoring from selected members of the judging panel

Apply now via the link below.

GOOD LUCK!! 🤞

🥳 We’re THRILLED to welcome Nicola Davis to the Breakout Artist Programme panel!

As a music journalist for over a decade, Nicola has interviewed artists ranging from Majid Jordan, to Odeal, Baby Rose and Ezra Collective, with writing featuring regularly in publications such as Clash and Notion. She has also appeared multiple times across live broadcast media, including BBC News, Times Radio and ITV News.

In 2024, Nicola launched IN SITU, a platform dedicated to the intersection between brand strategy, culture and music.

"We have so many emerging artists in the UK, but there simply isn't enough support for the weight of talent out there. I'm really looking forward to being part of The Breakout Artist Programme this year and getting to know some of the best underground talent the UK has to offer, while also playing a tiny role in helping one artist reach their goals." 💜

⏰ Submissions close in 8 days. This is your sign to apply if you haven't already!

💬 Comment 'Breakout' for the link via DM
🔗 Find the link in our bio

Music competitions
Music opportunities
Artist opportunities
Independent Artist fund
Artist development
Music Promotion Fund
Music Promo

One of the leading experts on music streaming is joining the Breakout judging panel! 🤩

Author of the critically-acclaimed industry guidebook on streaming 'Work Hard Playlist Hard' and host of the Streamline With Mike Warner podcast, Mike Warner has held many roles in music over the past 20 years. Covering artist, label and DSP relations, music data and release strategy, he has held senior roles at both Believe and Chartmetric.

"I’m excited to participate and hear from some talented artists and their plans. Providing artists with the tools and access they need will give them every chance for a successful journey into music!" 💜

Submissions close next Friday 2nd October. Make sure you don't miss out!

💬 Comment 'Breakout' for the link via DM
🔗 Find the link in our bio

Music competitions
Music opportunities
Artist opportunities
Independent Artist fund
Artist development
Music Promotion Fund
Music Promo

Who's ready to meet our next Breakout panelist? 🤭

James Booton is a music journalist and Editor in Chief of BOOT Magazine, a music, arts and culture publication he launched in 2018 to champion emerging talent across the North-West. Interviewing global stars including Yungblud, Kneecap, Declan McKenna and Tom Grennan, local talent remains at the heart of the project. 🎶

BOOT also host regular live shows and curate the annual all-dayer Into The Pit in Manchester. With six years’ experience reviewing artists, albums and live shows, James currently writes for CLASH, promoting the best upcoming talent from the UK and beyond.

"I'm really looking forward to being a part of the Breakout Artist Programme this year. We're all too familiar with the financial barriers to entry into the music industry and the costs of touring and recording are only rising. There's so much incredible talent that never gets the adequate backing or support to take the next step so the importance of the funding and mentoring support that this programme offers can't be understated. I'm also excited to discover loads of great new music from the 2026 applicants!" 💜

📣 Submissions for the Breakout Artist Programme are still open! Apply via the link in our bio
⏰ Deadline: 2nd October 2026 23:59

📣 New panelist just dropped!

We're so excited to have Kemal Ibrahim on board with his proven track record across music and entertainment as an esteemed Artist Manager 👏

Founder of OF-A-VISION Management, Kemal has collaborated with Columbia Records, Island Records and artists including Atomic Kitten's Natasha Hamilton, Jean-Mikhael, Eddy Luna and Shocka. His current role is Peggy Gou's day-to-day and tour manager.

“I’m proud to be part of an initiative that champions emerging talent, creates meaningful opportunities and helps artists turn their potential into lasting careers.” 💜

Ready to have a Breakout year? Apply to the Breakout Artist Programme before submissions close.

💬 Comment 'Breakout' for the link via DM
🔗 Find the link in our bio

Music competitions
Music opportunities
Artist opportunities
Independent Artist fund
Artist development
Music Promotion Fund
Music Promo