Northern Sound Programme

Overview

Northern Sound is NMEO’s flagship international showcase programme, creating dedicated platforms for Northern artists at major music industry events worldwide. Unlike open access national showcase opportunities, it provides a focused route to market that champions the strength and diversity of the region’s music sector.

Artists selected for Northern Sound stages receive up to £10,000 to cover travel and production expenses, alongside high impact promotional campaigns, dedicated on the ground support and direct matchmaking with international buyers, labels, agents, festival bookers, media and overseas music executives.

What the Programme Supports

• Performance and industry engagement at official NMEO-curated international showcase events e.g., SXSW, The Great Escape, M for Montreal, CUEW Japan and Reeperbahn.

Eligible Costs

• International flights, transit, and local transport.
• Accommodation and reasonable subsistence.
• Visas, ESTAs, and international work authorisations.
• Instrument freight and backline.

Key Application Criteria

• Event Invitations: Applying for certain Northern Sound stages requires evidence of an official showcase invitation from the host festival (e.g., applications for the NMEO SXSW Showcase require an official SXSW performance invitation). Please check specific call-out details for each event.
• Export Strategy: Applicants must demonstrate how performing on a Northern Sound stage fits into their wider international release and business strategy.

Please note at this time, these programmes are exclusively available to artists from the Tees Valley, West Yorkshire and North East Mayoral Strategic and Combined Authority areas.

Please read Application guidance & FAQs before applying and download the Supporting Table Templates

Applications for SXSW and CEUW Showcase Japan are now open