Gilles Peterson-backed Future Bubblers Academy announces 2023 candidates

Candidates have been drawn from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds...

The Future Bubblers team have announced six new artists and industry candidates for the new phase of their talent discovery and artist development scheme, Future Bubblers Academy.

Supported by funding from Arts Council England, the program aims to highlight creatives in regions outside of London without access to the industry.

The 12 month program features real-life tasks, including promotions, marketing, creating and releasing masters, live opportunities and more. Each of the creative candidates will be allocated industry-ready mentors whilst the industry candidates will be receive mentorship from The Future Bubblers and Brownswood Recordings team.

Previous candidates have included Nottingham grime MC Snowy; soulful vocalist Yazmin Lacey, and more.

This year's candidates have been drawn from underrepresented demographics with a particular focus on those from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds with restricted access to traditional music learning paths.

They include: South London playlist curator Bill Bilwala; Leicester-hailing psychedelic space-soul band Shadeemus; Bristol-based producer and vocalist t l k; North London music lover Ebony; Manchester-based R&B/soul artist O.K Asanda; and Surrey-born and raised creative JOIISOL.