Glastonbury is back for 2022 and so is their EMERGING TALENT COMPETITION!Â
The competition gives new UK and Ireland-based acts of any musical genre the chance to compete for a slot on one of the main stages at this year’s Festival.
This blog has been lucky enough to be part of the judging team for a few years now and I can honestly say that every single entry, irrespective of the style of music, is carefully listened to and considered. Personally it takes me an absoloute age trying to narrow down who to choose from the artists I get assigned to ‘judge’.
It’s a free chance to play one of the greatest music festivals in the world – why not give it a go?
The winners of the competition will also be awarded a £5,000 Talent Development prize from PRS Foundation to help take their songwriting and performing to the next level. Two runners-up will also each be awarded a £2,500 PRS Foundation Talent Development prize.
Acts from any musical genre can enter the 2022 competition FOR ONE WEEK ONLY on the Glastonbury website from 9am Monday 31st January until 5pm Monday 7th February 2022.
To enter, acts need to supply a link to one original song on SoundCloud, plus a link to a video of themselves performing live (even if it’s only recorded in a bedroom).
-> ENTER HERE <-
Once the entries are in, a panel of 30 judges (including myself) will help compile a longlist of 90 acts. The longlist will then be narrowed down to a shortlist of eight artists by judges including Glastonbury organisers Michael and Emily Eavis, before the live finals in Pilton decide the winning act.
Glastonbury co-organiser Emily Eavis said: “We’re so happy to announce the return of the Emerging Talent Competition, which is always one of the first big markers that another Glastonbury is on its way. The competition has helped us unearth so much amazing music over the years and I’m really excited to hear this year’s crop of entries!â€
Andrea Czapary Martin – CEO at PRS for Music said: “After a long hiatus, PRS for Music is pleased to see the return of Glastonbury Festival and its Emerging Talent Competition. This fantastic initiative shines a light on promising upcoming talent and gives them an opportunity to perform at one of the world’s greatest festivals. We look forward to seeing this year’s entries and can’t wait to return to Worthy Farm.â€
Joe Frankland, CEO at PRS Foundation said: “We’re very excited about the return of the Emerging Talent Competition. Time and time again, we’re blown away by the response from artists wanting to win a prestigious slot at Glastonbury Festival. Having been lucky enough to attend the live finals in Pilton for a number of years, I know it’s harder and harder each year to choose the winners. But it’s so pleasing that thanks to the support of the Festival, PRS for Music and the talent development bursary from PRS Foundation, so many artists have been discovered and made progress in their careers. Thinking back to Declan McKenna, Flohio, She Drew The Gun, Che Lingo and 2020’s winners including R.A.E (who will perform at this year’s Festival), we can’t wait to see who comes forward in 2022.â€
The winner of the 2020 competition – which had its entry window before that year’s Festival was cancelled – was the incredible South-East Londoner R.A.E. She will play on one of the main stages at this year’s Festival as part of her prize.