Applications open for Help Musicians and DJ Mag's Electronic Music Award 2026

A 12-month accelerator for early-career electronic artists

Applications opened on 1 September 2026 for the third edition of Help Musicians and DJ Mag's Electronic Music Award, a 12-month career accelerator for UK-based electronic musicians. The program provides selected artists with up to £3,000 toward a music project, one-to-one business advice, online meet-ups with industry figures and an expenses-covered peer mixer in London. It is open to applicants across house, techno, drum & bass, grime, amapiano, ambient and other electronic genres.

Eligibility, timeline and past recipients

Applicants must be based in the United Kingdom and already earn 40% of their income through music, with adjusted criteria for musicians with a long-term health condition or disability. The application window runs from the announcement through 5 PM on Friday 25 September, with submissions made via the Help Musicians website. Over 20 artists have taken part in the program since its 2024 launch; the 2025 cohort included dogheadsurigeri, Yasmin Rai, BITEZ, Mount Palamore and SO SHA, while 2024 recipients included NGAIO, PERiiSU and Meg Ward. The program was created in response to findings from Help Musicians' Musicians' Census highlighting increased barriers for musicians working in dance and electronic music.

Industry panel and structured mentorship

A panel of industry experts from across the electronic music ecosystem will select the shortlist, with additional industry talent providing in-person support throughout the year. Organisers describe the offering as combining funding with networking access and structured business guidance aimed at helping producers move from independent release work toward sustainable touring careers. The London mixer event is intended to bring cohorts together for workshops, peer sessions and direct contact with established artists and industry professionals.

Next milestone

The application window closes at 5 PM on Friday 25 September, with awardees to be announced after the panel's shortlisting process.