AMAZON, FEATURED ARTISTS COALITION STEP UP TO BENEFIT U.K. ACTS

Ten up-and-coming independent British artists have received grants from the Featured Artists Coalition and Amazon Music’s Step Up Fund.

The acts will benefit from grants of up to £8k (roughly $10,000), mentoring, a one-year PRO membership to the FAC—the nonprofit U.K. trade body representing the rights and interest of artists—a one-year subscription to Amazon Music and content-creation opportunities. This is the fund's third year.

Singer, songwriter and producer Azekel, who has collaborated with Massive Attack and Gorillaz and supported Erykah Badu, is among those chosen. Singer-songwriter BEKA, who's responsible for the soundtrack to the fourth season of the Apple TV+ series Trying, is also on the list.

Others include Ivor Novello Rising Star nominee Blair Davie, alternative duo Dirty Nice, singer-songwriter Hana Lili and rock band Lime Garden. The remaining acts are singer Olive Jones, rapper ShaSimone, singer-songwriter SOFY and metal act unpeople.

David Martin, CEO of the Featured Artists Coalition, said of this year’s cohort, “Since we launched Step Up in 2022, I've been consistently inspired by the quality and sheer volume of artists who apply. This year was no exception. The range and diversity has been incredibly strong. The U.K. clearly has no shortage of talent, and there is evidently a real need for more of this kind of targeted funding, which can help independent artists realize their potential and build sustainable careers.”