Generator Secures Third Year as PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner
Generator has been announced as one of 69 organisations selected for the PRS Foundation Talent Development Network in 2026, securing a third consecutive year of support for its artist development programmes.
The Talent Development Network brings together organisations across the UK working at the frontline of music creator development, strengthening support for emerging artists through funding, collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Joe Frankland, CEO at PRS Foundation, said: "As we move into year three of our first phase of the Talent Development Network, we've been so impressed with the expertise, passion, dedication and impact on display. At a time when there are increasing barriers to development for music creators, growing sustained networks like this to support the huge amount of talent we have across the UK is more important than ever. This ecosystem support enables us to reach more songwriters, composers and artists while creating more sustainable and inclusive scenes across the UK."
Over the past year, PRS Foundation support has enabled Generator to deliver a range of talent development initiatives, including Royalties Sessions, Generator Connect networking events, Music Industry Advisory support, Next Up songwriting camps and First Notes, helping artists take their first steps towards building sustainable careers in music.
Supporting the Next Generation of Artists
One artist benefiting from this support is Teesside indie-pop band Marketplace, who have blossomed over the past year.
Following the release of their debut EP MARKETPLACE HAVE MADE AN EP! in 2024, the band performed on Generator's showcase stage at The Great Escape, and the Roots Stage at Kendal Calling 2025. Their manager, David Macnab, secured PPL Momentum Accelerator funding through the ringfenced Tees Valley allocation, before the band themselves successfully secured Momentum Accelerator funding to support future recording and audience development.
Following this support, MARKETPLACE have secured further opportunities, including BBC Introducing support from The Glasshouse and invitations to showcase at SXSW Austin and New Colossus Festival in New York in 2026.
Marketplace said: "Being involved with Sonic Futures and Generator has been a massive boost for us. Coming from Hartlepool, it's really important to feel like there are organisations backing what you're doing and helping us navigate an often London-focused music industry from a town about as far away from London as you can get.
"Sonic Futures has been brilliant at opening doors and supporting us with opportunities that were previously inaccessible to a band from a small town in Teesside. PRS Foundation support has come at a really crucial stage for us – momentum is building, but financial barriers can easily slow that down. Having this support allows us to properly create a long-form project and continue pushing the band forward without compromising creatively."
Generator also returned to Kendal Calling in 2025 with the collaborative Roots Stage, delivered alongside Soundwave, and BBC Introducing. The stage showcased 35 emerging artists across the weekend, including Marketplace, Marina Josephina, Nadedja, Cherry Blur, Robyn Errico, Swindled and Ten Eighty Trees.
Ten Eighty Trees said: "As far as festival debuts go, we couldn't have asked for a better one than Kendal. It was a dream to play at such a huge festival for the first time and show so many new faces what we are about. A massive thanks to Generator for their help in making all this a reality."
The Roots Stage continues to demonstrate a clear pathway for artist progression. Following his appearance on the stage in 2024, Finn Forster returned to Kendal Calling in 2025 to open the festival's main stage.
Looking Ahead to Year Three
In 2026, Generator will continue delivering its core talent development programmes, including First Notes, Next Up, Generator Connect and the Music Industry Advisory Group.
Alongside these established programmes, new regular workshops will focus on practical career development, covering topics such as Getting Gig Ready, Engaging with BBC Introducing, Marketing Your Music and music royalties.
Generator will also expand opportunities for artists to develop their craft in professional studio environments, providing greater access to collaborative creative development, industry expertise and professional music-making settings.
National and international showcasing opportunities will continue to grow, with an expanded presence at The Great Escape, SXSW Austin and London, alongside deeper collaboration with regional partners across the North of England.
Thomas Bagnall, Head of Programmes at Generator said: “PRSF funding has enabled us to enhance our artist development initiatives, creating new pathways for talent and fostering essential collaborations across the North. Their support amplifies local artists, promotes diversity, and equips them with the tools they need to succeed in an ever-changing music industry.”
As Generator enters its third year of PRS Foundation support, the focus remains the same: creating clear pathways for emerging artists, strengthening regional music ecosystems and ensuring talent from the North can access opportunities on both national and international stages.