Factory International is introducing the incredible emerging artists from across Manchester’s grassroots music scene, selected for the latest edition of the award-winning Factory Sounds artist development programme, supported by adidas.
Factory Sounds is an annual programme designed to support and raise the profile of musicians and people working in the music industry, with a focus on creating opportunities for artists from the local area, particularly those most underrepresented in the sector.
This year Factory International is partnering with adidas to expand the Factory Sounds artist development offering and the number of artists supported.
The 2025 Factory Sounds cohort is made up of fifteen talented individuals and groups from across Greater Manchester, including eleven multi-skilled solo artists, DJs, and Producers:
- Bennettiscoming
- Ewan Sim
- Grumpy
- Hakeeb Ibrahim
- Olivesque
- RIYA
- Shanika Sunrise
- Superlative
- Tallulah Guard
- Victoria Jane
- Zuri
and four incredible bands and collectives:
- Beck Pocket
- PAVÉ
- PoolEra
- Shell Company
These rising stars working in the Manchester music scene will receive £1,000 of financial support towards the creation of a new project, skill or development goal; mentoring and peer-to-peer support; performance opportunities; and a series of masterclasses and networking sessions with the Factory International team, adidas, and other experts from across the industry.
Initially launched to support musicians through the Covid-19 pandemic, Factory Sounds was named winner of the Promotion of Talent & Leadership category at Manchester Culture Awards 2023. Factory Sounds alumni include: All Hands on Deck, Balraj Singh Samrai, J.Chambers, Lone Taxidermist, Loose Articles, Mali Hayes, OneDa, Rumbi Tauro, Sprechen, and STEAM Radio MCR.
To date, Factory Sounds has supported nearly 40 musicians, bands, producers, rappers, singers, collectives, record labels, studios, radio stations, events, and more to create music management companies; finance the release of singles, EPs and albums; fit out recording studios; run production workshops; film music videos; and support in their tours.
