Announcing Our 2025-2026 Artist Mentoring Pathway Mentees

Sound Roots is proud to announce that, thanks to funding from Jerwood Foundation, PRS Foundation Talent Development Network, Greater Manchester Combined Authority Culture Fund and Arts Council England, we are able to deliver vital mentoring and performance opportunities for eight promising folk, roots and acoustic musicians between 2025 and 2026.

The Artist Mentoring Pathway,  previously known as the English Folk Expo Artist Mentoring Programme, launched in 2018 and equips artists with the skills, networks and experience needed to build sustainable music careers.

Over the past decade, Sound Roots’ initiatives have nurtured many of today’s leading folk musicians, including Katherine Priddy, Dominie Hooper, George Boomsma, Maddie Morris, Lady Nade and many more. Following an open call, where we were overwhelmed by the high standard and diverse talent of emerging English folk artists, we are proud to announce our promising new cohort of mentees for 2025-2026:

Lucy Grubb

Pictured: Lucy Grubb | Photographer Credit: Kate Wolstenholme

Norfolk-based singer-songwriter Lucy Grubb has been making waves in the British Americana scene since her 2017 debut EP, named ‘Best UK EP of the Year’ by Belles & Gals. She has won fans at Glastonbury, Latitude, Cambridge Folk Festival, Black Deer Festival, Country 2 Country and more.

Filkin’s Drift

Pictured: Filkin’s Drift | Photographer Credit: Yellowbelly Photography

The music of Filkin’s Drift captures the essence of their recent 870-mile walk along the Welsh coast, from North to West, during which they performed multiple shows, ‘weaving together a tapestry of shared experiences’ (Songlines). Their compositions, rooted in tradition, blend fiddle and guitar with ‘gorgeous close vocal harmonies’ (KLOF Mag), ranging from delicate Welsh folk songs to traditional English dance tunes.

Anna McLuckie

Pictured: Anna McLuckie | Photographer Credit: Akin Suvari

Edinburgh-born nu-folk singer and Clàrsach player Anna McLuckie, described as having ‘a voice like birdsong’ (Bella Caledonia), studied jazz and classical music from an early age. She grew up around a piano learning songs from both the Scottish trad world as well as The Great American Songbook.

Ed Blunt

Pictured: Ed Blunt | Photographer Credit: Anastasija Petuhova

Hailed by Rolling Stone for his ‘astonishing mastery of his craft’, Ed Blunt is a multi-instrumentalist storyteller whose songs will both make you laugh and gently break your heart. Featured on BBC Radio and playlisted in all 620 Caffè Nero branches, Ed’s songs weave folk, jazz and roots with a dry Randy Newman-esque humour.

During the 12-month intensive programme, the four chosen early-career artists will receive tailored guidance on navigating the music industry while performing at major festivals, including FOCUS Wales, FolkEast and Manchester Folk Festival. By the end of the programme, participants will have gained a comprehensive understanding of the industry’s roles and responsibilities, established valuable networks, and developed a clear strategic plan for the next stage of their careers.

David Agnew, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of Sound Roots said:

“The Artist Mentoring Pathway is an incredible project with brilliant impacts for artists ready to take the next step in building networks, developing their careers and reaching new and international markets. We’re immensely grateful to our funders for allowing us to deliver the Artist Mentoring Pathway and cannot wait to get started.”

Lara Wardle, Executive Director and Trustee Jerwood Foundation said: 

“I am delighted that the Foundation is offering this support to Sounds Roots, based in Greater Manchester. Their Artist Mentoring Programme will enable vital mentoring and performance opportunities for eight promising folk and grassroots musicians and this funding highlights Jerwood’s ongoing commitment to support excellence in the arts in the UK.”

We want to extend our thanks to our funders and to the artists who applied to this year’s pathway. Our open call for the 2026–2027 cohort will launch later this winter, so be sure to sign up to our mailing list to receive further details.

Sound Roots’ Artist Mentoring Pathway is a PRS Foundation Talent Development Network partner, supported by PPL and funded by Jerwood Foundation, Greater Manchester Combined Authority Culture Fund and Arts Council England.

FOCUS Wales was established to provide an annual new music showcase event for the Welsh music industry. Its core work focuses on delivering an international multi-venue showcase festival held in Wrexham each year, shining a spotlight on emerging talent from Wales alongside a selection of the best new acts from across the globe.

FolkEast is a three day festival taking place on Suffolk’s Sotterley Estate. It is committed to creating an open, friendly and welcoming environment in which audiences, artists and staff come together to make and enjoy a rich culture of music and arts.

Manchester Folk Festival is an urban multi-venue festival based in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The festival brings together a diverse range of artists who represent the broad definition of contemporary folk music.

English Folk Expo is an annual international showcase for the most exciting artists from or based in England. Running parallel to Manchester Folk Festival, it brings together 200 music industry delegates with Manchester audiences.