First Take
Are you a musician, producer or songwriter aged 18-30?
Do you have a clear creative vision and ambition for your work, but feel like you need some extra support?
First Take is a new programme at Raw, offering early stage musicians an exciting package of professional studio time, industry mentoring and production to help them invest in their creative work, develop their skills, and finish and release their music.
5 successful applications will be given a package of support worth £3,000 - including professional studio sessions with an engineer, 1:1 mentoring with industry experts, and a grant to help bring your creative work to life.
The funding will support 5 early career artists with:
5x Full Days at Raw Material’s Studio with an Producer/Engineer.
A bursary/grant of £750 - to be used to support the delivery of your project.
5x 1:1 Mentoring Sessions with an industry professional.
First Take Overview
Aim:
To provide mentoring and production support to early stage musicians so they can take the next steps in their creative career
To support early stage musicians to invest in their creative work, develop their skills, and finish and release their music
Who can apply?
18-30 year olds
People who are at an early stage in their creative journey, but have a clear idea of their creative identity and vision
Those who would not usually have access to opportunities like these
What support is included?
5x Full Days at Raw Material’s Studio with an Experienced Producer/Engineer
A bursary/grant of £750 - to be used to support the delivery of your project
5x 1:1 Mentoring Sessions with an industry professional
Eligibility Criteria
Who is it for?
18-30 year olds
People who would not usually have access to opportunities like these, who face significant barriers (systemic or social/financial) to progressing their creative careers
Those facing socio-economic barriers to creative progression or systemic inequality (e.g. racism, classism, sexism and other forms of discrimination), or individuals disengaged from the formal education curriculum
Those who are at an early stage in their creative journey, but have a clear idea of their creative identity and vision
Open to those living in Greater London only (this is because most activity will take place at Raw Material’s centre in Brixton and ideally you’ll be able to travel to us easily)
We are specifically interested in hearing from creatives who can demonstrate:
Knowledge of their own creative journey and of the music industry context
A strong understanding of why now is the right time / or how this opportunity will help them get to the next level with their creative career
A track record of music creation including 2-3 solid demos or originally written tracks (not yet professionally recorded) to show as examples;
Distinctive and original music, with an established creative identity
At least 3 years of music creation - this could be learning how to produce, writing your own songs, performing at jam nights
That they have the time and ability to commit to all sessions
Who is it not for?
People who have already had significant investment from performance opportunities or record labels
Not open to groups, bands or collectives. However, individuals in bands can apply. (This is because the programme is focussed on individual professional development).
Unfortunately we’re unable to support anyone living outside of Greater London, or over the age of 30 at the time of making an application.
First Take is generously supported by Mark’s Music Fund.
It has been set up in the memory of Mark Long, a professional musician who was passionate about supporting others to develop their creativity. Mark unofficially mentored and supported many individuals to achieve their own creative dreams throughout his life and varied musical career which included worldwide touring and many recording projects.
Legacy funding has been raised by Mark’s family through an enormous network of friends, family and individuals who knew, loved and respected Mark. These funds have been donated to Raw Material who have worked in partnership with Mark’s family to design this programme.
