New initiative aims to boost South Asian music development in Wolverhampton and the Black Country
Playback Creates has unveiled its ambitious Homegrown programme, described as the UK’s first major South Asian music development initiative designed to support emerging talent. The programme, funded by Arts Council England and in partnership with Punch Records, seeks to provide vital opportunities for young British South Asian artists, especially in areas with a significant South Asian population, like Wolverhampton and the Black Country.
Empowering Young Talent in Underrepresented Areas
The programme was born out of a common sentiment expressed by young South Asian musicians: while talent exists in abundance, the pathways to success are often unclear or inaccessible. Homegrown aims to address this gap by offering hands-on support, mentoring, and training to emerging artists aged 16-30. Over the course of the programme, up to ten selected artists will work in professional studios, gaining real-world experience in music production, songwriting, and performance.
What the Homegrown Programme Offers
The selected artists will have the chance to record and produce their own tracks, working with industry professionals to create polished, release-ready music. In addition to the technical skills, participants will receive training in areas such as live performance, career planning, and navigating the music industry. The programme will culminate in a live showcase event at Vaal & Vaal in March 2026, giving artists the opportunity to perform their work in front of an audience.
Application Details and Selection Criteria
Applications are open to South Asian communities across Wolverhampton and the Black Country, with no fees or paywalls to access the programme. Applicants will be judged on originality, commitment, and potential, rather than genre. Whether the artist’s style leans towards Bhangra, pop, grime, hip hop, fusion, or something entirely new, genre will not be a barrier. Interested musicians must submit examples of their work via an online application form, along with a monitoring form.
A Long-Term Vision for Talent Development
Dr Harpreet Jandu, founder and artistic director of Playback Creates, emphasised that Homegrown is not a one-off initiative but the beginning of a long-term effort to provide consistent opportunities for young South Asian artists. “Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not,” Jandu said. “Homegrown is here to change that.” With the success of this first cohort, the programme hopes to expand and serve as a model for other UK cities, creating more pathways for British South Asian music talent.
Applications for Homegrown close on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, at 5 p.m.