Jerwood Foundation awarded Sound Roots a grant of £20,000 in 2025 to support its Artist Development Programme. Established in 2018, the Artist Mentoring Pathway equips emerging musicians with the skills, networks and experience needed to build sustainable careers in music.
Jerwood Foundation’s first year of funding enabled Sound Roots to provide vital mentoring and performance opportunities for promising folk, roots and acoustic musicians: Ed Blunt, Anna McLuckie, Lucy Grubb and Filkin’s Drift.
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.
Following the success of this cohort, Sound Roots is proud to announce its outstanding new mentees for 2026-2027:
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.
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.
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.
Something Sleeps are a 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.
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 Jerwood, 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.
During the 12-month intensive programme, the selected early-career artists will receive tailored guidance on navigating the music industry while performing at major festivals. 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.
For further information please visit Sound Roots.
May 6, 2026
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