First Take
An Artist Development Programme - offering Funding, Studio Sessions, and Industry Mentoring to young, emerging artists.
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.
Download our application guidance for full details about First Take and how to apply.
All applications must be submitted online.
How do I apply?
To apply you need to submit an application form. There are three sections on the application form:
Section A: About You - is a series of general questions about you, and the type of music you make.
Section B: Application Questions - is focused on learning more about your vision as an artist and what you want to achieve with the First Take Programme.
Section C: Examples of Your Work - is where you upload a few demos / examples of your work.
The deadline for applications is:
Tuesday 26th May 2026, 11:59pm
Access Support
Raw Material is committed to offering a clear and accessible First Take application process that is open to everyone.
If you identify as Disabled, we can provide extra funding to help support you to make your application. We offer up to £250 towards this cost. This is specialist funding to help you with writing and/or putting your application together.
If you have any questions or would like Access Support, please get in touch: programmes@rawmusicmedia.org or call us on 07506 242 033.
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.
FAQs
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No, the fund is open to any genre or style of music.
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This can be spent on a range of project expenses such as:
Mixing and mastering
Marketing
Session musicians
Up to £350 of the grant can be spent on a capital item that is relevant to your creativity or artistic practice such as equipment
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We know that using AI can help with writing applications and we are not against applicants using AI to support them. However, please make sure that it is an honest reflection of your creative ideas.
AI-generated writing can often feel generic so if you do decide to use it, it is important that you check your work and make any edits to ensure it is authentic to your voice and vision.