Sound Roots Artist Mentoring Pathway
Pictured: Anna McLuckie performing at English Folk Expo 2026. Photo by Mark Lear
The Sound Roots Artist Mentoring Pathway (previously known as the English Folk Expo Artist Mentoring Programme) has been running since 2018 and equips emerging folk, roots and acoustic musicians with the skills, networks and experience to build their music career sustainably.
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.
During the 12-month intensive programme, the four chosen early-career artists receive tailored guidance on navigating the music industry while performing at major festivals, including FOCUS Wales, FolkEast, Your Roots Are Showing 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.
Applications for the 2027/2028 cohort will open on Friday 14th August. Please read the full pathway guidance notes before applying.
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, The Leche Trust and Arts Council England. This pathway is only made possible with the support of our funders and partners.
Past Cohorts
2026/2027 - Eleanor Dunsdon & Gregor Black, Arthur Coates & Kerran Cotterell, Ceitidh Mac and Something Sleeps
2025/2026 - Ed Blunt, Anna McLuckie, Lucy Grubb and Filkin’s Drift
2022/2023 - George Boomsma, Heather Ferrier, Maddie Morris and Hannah Scott
2021/2022 - Ben & Dom, Georgie Buchanan, Amelia Coburn and Izzie Walsh
2020/2021 - Danny Addison, Lizzy Hardingham, Dominie Hooper and Katherine Priddy
2019/2020- Katy Rose Bennett, Harri Endersby, Lady Nade, Hollie Rogers and Jordan Price Williams
2018/2019 - Gareth Bonnello, Chloe Foy, Angharad Jenkins and Jack Rutter
The 2025/2026 AMP cohort: Lucy Grubb, Chris Avery, Ed Blunt, Seth Bye, Anna McLuckie
The 2019/2020 AMP cohort performing a live session: Hollie Rogers, Lady Nade, Jordan Price Williams and Katy Rose Bennett
Past Mentee Testimonials
Chris Avery, member of Filkin’s Drift (2025/2026 cohort):
“The Sounds Roots Artist Mentoring Pathway is such a lifeline for early-career musicians. (It's) been totally transformative. Our monthly mentoring helped us chart a clear course through a confusing industry. We’re now building our career through a more intentional touring schedule. Previously intimidating words like publishing and PR have been demystified and we better understand how to maximise the impact of an album release.”
Ben & Dom (2021/2022 cohort):
“Being on the EFEX Artist Mentoring Scheme was a really important stepping stone for our collaboration and has continued to be a useful platform for us a few years on… The mentoring and professional guidance from the EFEX team enabled us to turn our collaboration into something focused and sustainable, with a clear vision for how to go out into the world and make a living from our work… Last year we did our first international tour, taking our songs to Canada, and that trip came about entirely through a connection we made at EFEX.”
Katherine Priddy (2020/2021 cohort):
“The Artist Mentoring Scheme played a very important role in a pivotal chapter of my career, when I made the move from part-time to full-time musician and prepared for the release of my first album. The scheme matched me up with the perfect mentor who was able to help me navigate conversations with different record labels, connect me with other useful contacts in the industry and deal with the general logistics and create a plan for a first full-length release. But as well as this practical help, the scheme and my mentor provided a crucial boost in confidence when I needed it most, and access to a sense of community that I hadn't experienced before, both with the fellow mentees, and within the organisation itself… I walked away feeling more sure of myself, both professionally and personally, and with a much firmer understanding of the industry and the release process - all crucial lessons that I still use now.”
Hollie Rogers (2019/2020 cohort):
“The Artist Mentoring Pathway was absolutely game-changing for me. It introduced me to so many industry professionals and gave me opportunities to play in spaces I wouldn't have otherwise, opening many doors… Being part of the programme was still one of the most valuable things I ever did as an emerging artist, and I wouldn't be where I am in my career today without it.”