Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition 2025: Spotlight on 90 Finalists

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. The Significance of the Emerging Talent Competition
4. Behind the Finalists: A Look at Emerging Artists
5. Prize and Opportunities
6. The Impact of the Pandemic on Emerging Artists
7. The 2025 Edition of Glastonbury: What to Look Forward to
8. Conclusion: A Bright Future for Emerging Talent
9. FAQ

Key Highlights

• The Emerging Talent Competition, part of the prestigious Glastonbury Festival, has announced 90 finalists for its 2025 edition.
• Supported by PRS for Music and the PRS Foundation, the competition aims to unearth fresh talent in the music industry, offering winners a chance to perform on one of the festival's main stages.
• The live finals will take place next month, where the competition's winner will receive a £5,000 prize and additional funding for the runners-up.

Introduction

As the world of music continues to evolve, providing a platform for new and emerging artists has never been more vital. In an industry often dominated by established names, the Glastonbury Festival's Emerging Talent Competition offers a beacon of hope to new talent striving for recognition. This year, a total of 90 finalists have made the cut, showcasing a diverse array of genres, styles, and backgrounds. This article explores the significance of the competition, the profiles of some standout finalists, and the implications for the future of live music in a post-pandemic landscape.

The Significance of the Emerging Talent Competition

Established as a way to nurture and promote new talent, the Emerging Talent Competition encapsulates the spirit of Glastonbury, a festival renowned for its commitment to musical innovation and diversity. With over 3,000 entries from across the country, the competition has garnered attention as a launchpad for many successful artists, including Declan McKenna, Liz Green, and last year's winner, Jamaican-Irish rapper JayaHadADream.

Emily Eavis, co-organizer of Glastonbury, has emphasized the importance of such platforms for new musicians. “There’s been a shortage of live music, and new bands have really suffered as a result,” Eavis shared in a previous interview. “To be able to offer something solid and give an opportunity to play at the finals and potentially at the festival is really exciting.”

Selection Process and Judging Criteria

Selection is carried out by a panel of 30 of the UK’s best online music writers—a blend of industry veterans and emerging voices. Choosing from a longlist of diverse artists, they look for performance quality, originality, and the potential to engage with audiences. This year, the panel has narrowed down the entries to 90 finalists, each representing a unique voice in the contemporary music landscape.

Behind the Finalists: A Look at Emerging Artists

Among the 90 finalists are some promising names that stand out. Each of these artists brings unique stories and styles, contributing to the rich tapestry of the UK's evolving music scene.

Featured Finalists

• Westside Cowboy: A blend of Americana and pop, they have quickly garnered attention, especially with their distinctively catchy songwriting.

• Tia Gordon: A rising star whose soulful voice echoes the likes of Adele and Sam Smith, Tia's music explores themes of love and identity.

• Jessie Reid: With a sound heavily influenced by folk and indie rock, Reid seeks to push boundaries in songwriting.

• Dog Race: Infusing punk energy into contemporary sounds, Dog Race aims to revitalize a genre that has seen recent dormancy.

Each finalist aims not just to win but to leverage the experience as a catalyst to their career. Realizing the importance of exposure, especially in an environment where traditional touring has faced unprecedented challenges, many artists understand the stakes involved.

Prize and Opportunities

The competition holds tangible rewards for its participants. The winner receives a £5,000 grant from the PRS for Music Foundation dedicated to furthering their artistic development. Additionally, the two runners-up are awarded £2,500 each, facilitating step-ups in production, recording, and promotion.

Finalists also benefit from invaluable exposure to industry gatekeepers—booking agents, record labels, and festival organizers—who are present at the finals. This exposure can dramatically shift an artist's trajectory; as noted by PRS Foundation CEO Joe Frankland, “Having the instant recognition you get as the winner of this competition means having money to support that next step is really crucial.”

The Impact of the Pandemic on Emerging Artists

As the music scene recovers from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, opportunities for live performances have diminished for many new artists. This competition symbolizes a return to live music's core experience—artists engaging passionately with audiences.

Frankland has indicated the race to recover from the pandemic requires more than just opportunities; it calls for grant funding to support those emerging in the industry. “The impact of that funding has been huge but way more so over the pandemic,” he noted.

The festival's commitment to new talent underscores a crucial ethos: while the landscape may be changing, the passion for live music remains a cornerstone, driving both creators and audiences towards collective experiences.

The 2025 Edition of Glastonbury: What to Look Forward to

Scheduled to unfold from June 25 to June 29, 2025, at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, the festival has already teased an exciting lineup featuring Neil Young, Olivia Rodrigo, and The 1975. The inclusion of such heavyweights indicates Glastonbury's undying commitment to curate an eclectic musical experience, fulfilling its reputation as the quintessential UK festival.

Anticipated Highlights

• Headliners: Prominent names are set to take the stage, promising exciting performances across various genres.

• Continued Announcements: Festival organizers have indicated that many more acts are still to be announced, further enhancing anticipation for this year.

• Sustainability Efforts: Following the 2025 festival, Glastonbury will observe a fallow year in 2026 to allow the land to rest, marking a commitment to sustainability amid booming festival culture.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Emerging Talent

The Emerging Talent Competition serves as a critical lifeline for new artists looking to break into a competitive industry. By spotlighting diverse voices and providing essential resources, Glastonbury continues to champion the next generation of musicians. As we look toward the live finals, excitement bubbles within the music community, fueling hope for a vibrant landscape ahead.

FAQ

What is the Emerging Talent Competition?

The Emerging Talent Competition is an initiative by the Glastonbury Festival to identify and promote new musical talent, allowing artists to perform on key stages at the festival.

How many finalists are there for the 2025 edition?

This year, there are 90 finalists competing for the chance to perform at Glastonbury 2025.

What do winners receive?

The winner receives £5,000 for their artistic development, while the two runners-up each receive £2,500.

What genres are represented among the finalists?

The finalists represent a variety of genres, including pop, folk, indie rock, punk, and more, reflecting the diversity of contemporary music.

How can artists apply for next year’s competition?

Artists can check the Glastonbury Festival's official website for announcements on the next application cycle, usually occurring early in the year prior to the festival.

When is Glastonbury 2025 scheduled to take place?

Glastonbury 2025 is set to take place from June 25 to June 29, 2025.