Whether you’re looking to apply for funding, explore future live bookings or just find some time and space to take that much-needed breather this summer, there’s a wide array of opportunities for songwriters of all levels to explore in August.
Here’s five creative openings to check out this month.
Take a break with PRS Members' Fund's Reset & Rewind scheme
The importance of taking time for yourself amid the hustle and bustle of the music industry can’t be overstated. If that sounds like a luxury you’re not usually in a position to take advantage of, then PRS Members’ Fund’s newly launched Reset & Rewind scheme may be just what you need.
Whether you’re a songwriter in need of some much-needed headspace or a band looking for R&R after an intense period of time together on the road, this initiative offers funding for UK-based breaks of up to five days for music creators to recharge, reset and rewind in order to boost both their wellbeing and their creativity.
£500 per applicant, which covers B&B accommodation and travel costs only, will be provided by the scheme, with funding available for 50 PRS members. To be eligible to apply, you need to have been a member of PRS for seven years or have earned £500 in royalties. You can apply now by completing an application form here.
Enter your music in The UK Songwriting Contest 2025
Founded in partnership with The BRIT Trust, this annual competition is once again offering the chance for songwriters to have their work recognised by industry professionals and win a variety of prizes.
This year’s judging panel includes Emmy-winning music creator Michele Vice-Maslin, Grammys voting member Rachel Walker Mason and Dr Martin Isherwood, who serves as Director of School of Music at the Paul McCartney co-founded Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts. That panel will pick both the finalists and the overall winner, who will then be showcased online and widely promoted to the UKSC's strong network of contacts, partners and music industry insiders.
To apply for this year’s contest, head over to the contest's entry portal and submit your songs (an entry fee of £18 is also required) before the first deadline on 21 September.
Get funded through PPL Momentum Accelerator Fund Wales / PPL Momentum Sbardun
The latest round of the PPL Momentum Accelerator Fund is now open, with this window supporting the development of outstanding artists and bands who are writing their own music in Wales. As ever, this fund is particularly geared towards those music creators who are facing additional barriers related to their location despite reaching a crucial career tipping point.
Successful applicants will receive funding of up to £5000, which can go towards anything from booking studio time through to touring, marketing, promotional opportunities and more. This fund also seeks to provide vital knowledge and advice to music creators so they can generate their own income, build their audiences and ultimately sustain their careers.
You can check out the full application criteria and submit your application here before the deadline on 11 August.
Apply to play at Eurosonic 2026
Already planning your 2026? You might want to check out ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag), which takes place in Groningen in the Netherlands every January and describes itself as 'the beating heart of the European music industry'.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026, the ESNS programme combines a music showcase — often filled with cutting-edge emerging and established talent — with an extensive music industry conference. Those who get booked on the former can expect to connect with top talent scouts, agencies and festival representatives, as well as enhanced visibility through the festival's partnerships with the European Broadcasting Union, Music Moves Europe and Keychange.
Applications are now open to bands, singer-songwriters, rappers and DJs across all genres to play at next year's festival, which will take place from 14-17 January. Head here to submit an application form before the deadline on 1 September.
Book yourself in for a free studio session with Free Yard
Securing and indeed affording to pay for studio time can often be a barrier to rising music creators. Fortunately, Free Yard is back by popular demand, offering songwriters and artists who are making music of Black origin the chance to work in UD’s vibrant studios.
Sessions and studios will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with sessions running from 4pm to 8pm four days a week. You should already be familiar with studio equipment and able to run your own recording session. Free Yard can provide a studio assistant to help, but you’re also welcome to bring your own engineer along.
London-based creators aged between 14 and 25 can apply now for free studio time by heading here.
