Breakout Artist Programme

Breakout Artist of 2026 – Terms and Conditions

1. Overview

The Breakout Artist of 2026 competition (the “Programme”) is run by Music Gateway. By entering, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions, as well as our core Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

This initiative is designed to support one outstanding independent artist in the UK or Ireland with strategic support, funding, and promotion throughout 2026.

2. Eligibility

• The Programme is open to artists aged 18 or over who are based in the UK or Ireland.
• Applicants may be signed or unsigned.
• Music be actively releasing music with a release plan for 2026.
• Group submissions are permitted but must identify a primary contact.
• Music submitted must be original and created by the artist(s). Music that is primarily AI-generated will not be eligible.

3. Submission Requirements

To enter:

• Submit your Spotify profile via the form on our Breakout Artist page.
• You may include additional links (e.g. YouTube, TikTok) if relevant to your campaign potential.
• There is no requirement to submit a specific track, we will assess your full discography.
• Initial submissions for consideration must be received by 23:59 BST on 28th October 2025. Any entries received after this time may not be reviewed as part of the 2026 programme.
• There is no entry fee. Only one entry per artist or act is permitted.

4. Selection Process

• All submissions will be reviewed by the Music Gateway A&R team based on creative potential, quality of music, and audience potential.
• Initial shortlisting will also consider whether Music Gateway can effectively deliver promotional services for the artist based on the quality and readiness of their catalogue.
• If shortlisted, you will be contacted and asked to provide a short video introduction to help us get to know you better.
• Failure to deliver this video in line with the brief and by the given deadline may result in removal from the shortlist.
• From there, our team will create the Artists To Watch shortlist, which will be announced on 11th December 2025.
• A panel of industry experts will review the shortlist and select the final Breakout Artist of 2026.
• The winner will be announced on 8th January 2026.

5. The Award

• The £20,000 promotion fund is not a cash prize and cannot be withdrawn or paid directly to the artist.
• The winning artist will receive access to a £20,000 music promotion fund, distributed across four quarterly stages (£5,000 per quarter) between January and December 2026.
• The fund is intended solely for the promotion and development of the artist’s music career, with a focus on supporting new and upcoming releases.
• To remain eligible, the artist must demonstrate clear and proactive plans for releasing and promoting music throughout 2026.
• While this will be taken into account during the selection and judging process, if circumstances significantly change after the award is announced (e.g. no longer releasing music or becoming inactive), Music Gateway is not obliged to commit to the full award or remaining fund allocations.
• Spend will be agreed in strategic consultation with Music Gateway’s A&R team and must be used on services provided by Music Gateway.
• Eligible services include (but are not limited to):
  • Spotify playlisting campaigns
  • Social media and YouTube advertising
  • Digital press and blog coverage
  • Radio plugging and broadcast campaigns
  • TikTok creator promotions
  • Marketing strategy and campaign planning
• The winner must have the necessary platforms and channels in place to facilitate the campaign (e.g. active Spotify, YouTube, TikTok, press-worthy presence). If these are not available, Music Gateway may offer an alternative campaign option at its sole discretion.
• The fund is non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash.

6. Fund Redemption

• The music promotion fund must be fully used between January 1st and December 31st, 2026.
• Fund allocations will be reviewed quarterly in partnership with Music Gateway’s A&R team to ensure spend is aligned with the artist’s growth strategy.
• If the artist becomes unresponsive, fails to meet agreed campaign requirements, or does not engage with the strategic planning process, Music Gateway reserves the right to pause or withdraw access to future fund allocations.
• Any remaining balance at the end of the 12-month period may be forfeited unless otherwise agreed in writing.

7. Terms of Participation

• By entering, you agree to take part in reasonable promotional and PR activity related to the Programme.
• You confirm that you have full rights to the music submitted and that it does not infringe on any third-party rights.
• You grant Music Gateway the right to use submitted material (music, artist name, photos, and video content) for the purpose of promoting the Programme and the winning artist.

8. Limitations & Conditions

• Music Gateway reserves the right to withdraw or modify the Programme at any time.
• Music Gateway’s decision on all matters related to the Programme, including eligibility, selection, and allocation of funds, is final.
• No cash alternative will be offered.
• Any communication about the Programme will be conducted via the email provided in your application.
• Entries that do not meet the eligibility or content standards may be disqualified at any stage without notice.
• For any questions about the Programme or Terms, please contact: [email protected]
• Music Gateway’s decision in all matters relating to the giveaway is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

9. Data Usage

By entering the giveaway, participants consent to the collection and use of their personal data (name, email, country, phone number) for competition administration, direct communication, and marketing purposes, in line with our core Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.