Factory International Launches 2026 Factory Sounds, Championing Manchester’s Next Gen of Music Talent
Factory International has announced the return of Factory Sounds, its acclaimed artist development initiative supporting Manchester’s grassroots music scene.
Now in its fifth year, the 2026 edition - backed once again by adidas Originals - will expand its reach, supporting 15 emerging artists, bands, producers, collectives, and labels across Greater Manchester.
Each selected participant will receive £1,000 in financial support, alongside mentoring, industry masterclasses, networking opportunities, and access to performance platforms. This year, the partnership with adidas Originals also opens up access to the groundbreaking adidas Originals Recording Studio at Co-op Live, engineered by Abbey Road Studios - further levelling up the opportunity for Manchester’s next wave of talent.
Since launching in 2021, Factory Sounds has supported nearly 50 artists and collectives to create music, launch labels, and grow their careers, with alumni including OneDa, Mali Hayes, Loose Articles, STEAM Radio MCR, and Rumbi Tauro.
“Factory Sounds is a really unique and exciting opportunity for musicians of Greater Manchester to take that step up,” says Rivca Burns, Factory International’s Head of Music. “Coming from the grassroots myself, it’s so important that we continue to support the ever-growing voice of the Greater Manchester music ecology.”
Applications for Factory Sounds 2026 are open now via the Factory International website. The programme forms part of Factory International’s wider commitment to developing local talent, alongside its Factory Academy and Artist Takeover initiatives.
Apply now and find out more at factoryinternational.org
