Introducing Our 2026-2027 Artist Mentoring Pathway Cohort
Pictured L-R: Eleanor Dunsdon & Gregor Black, Arthur Coates & Kerran Cotterell, Ceitidh Mac and Something Sleeps.
Sound Roots is proud to announce that, thanks to funding from Jerwood Foundation, PRS Foundation Talent Development Network, Greater Manchester Combined Authority Culture Fund, The Leche Trust and Arts Council England, the charity are able to deliver vital mentoring and performance opportunities for eight promising folk, roots and acoustic musicians between 2026 and 2027.
Established in 2018, the Artist Mentoring Pathway equips emerging musicians with the skills, networks and experience needed to build sustainable careers in music.
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.
From major festivals such as FolkEast, Manchester Folk Festival and Focus Wales to international touring, mentor-led breakthroughs and the release of Anna McLuckie’s acclaimed album through Hudson Records, the past two years have been momentous for Sound Roots’ 2025-2026 cohort: Ed Blunt, Anna McLuckie, Lucy Grubb and Filkin’s Drift.
Following Sound Roots’ most recent open call, where they were overwhelmed by the high standard and diverse talent of emerging English folk artists, they are proud to announce our outstanding 2026-2027 cohort:
Photographer Credit: Elly Lucas
Eleanor Dunsdon & Gregor Black
Eleanor Dunsdon & Gregor Black are a multi-award-winning harp and percussion duo, interweaving traditional music with jazz, folk, classical and electronic influences. Winners of the prestigious Danny Kyle Award at Celtic Connections and Purbeck Rising, their sound explores the boundaries of vibrant Scottish folk-jazz through storytelling, themes of nature and the Irish language.
Photographer Credit: Graeme MacDonald
Arthur Coates & Kerran Cotterell
Arthur Coates & Kerran Cotterell are a two-man trad tornado, tearing through the folk world with foot percussion, fiddle, guitar, vocals and groove to spare. Mixing Scottish and English roots with modern flair, they are winners of the Robinson Emerging Artist Showcase at Canada’s Goderich Celtic Roots Festival and are fast becoming one of the scene’s most talked-about acts.
Photographer Credit: Saya Naruse
Ceitidh Mac
With a progressive twist to her music, Ceitidh Mac is an alt-folk artist, tipped by Jude Rogers as a “fascinating new Welsh-born, Tyneside-dwelling singer-songwriter and cellist, with an unusual, stunning voice.” Mac has released multiple EPs and has been lauded by BBC Radio 2, BBC 6 Music, BBC Radio Wales and BBC Introducing.
Photographer Credit: @studiodonshades
Something Sleeps
London-based dream-folk band Something Sleeps features distinctive songwriters Fiona Fey and Rey Yusuf, known for their breathtaking harmonies and emotionally provocative lyrics. Intricately flowing songs of introspection and protest are enhanced by stirring string arrangements from violinist Monica Viñoly and cellist Josh Considine.
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, 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.
David Agnew, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of Sound Roots said:
“We’re thrilled to welcome our next cohort of artists and mentors for the Artist Mentoring Pathway. The programme continues to support and empower talented folk musicians ready to harness the power of experience and peer support provided throughout the year. With thanks to our funders, our industry mentors, Focus Wales, FolkEast, Your Roots Are Showing and Highlights Touring, we are confident of extraordinary outcomes for our selected artists for 2026-2027.”
Chris Avery, member of Filkin’s Drift said:
“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.”
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 Trustand Arts Council England.
