YouTube Music has added 12 new artists to its global Foundry artist development program.
The YouTube program supports independent artists at early stages of their careers, providing them with marketing and promotion as well as development support and tools to help set them up for long term success.
Since its inception in 2015, Foundry has supported over 120 emerging independent artists in more than 13 countries.
This year’s group includes Birmingham, UK grime MC Jaykae, who has supported Skepta and The Streets on tour, appeared as a guest for Drake at a London O2 date last year and featured on Stormzy and Ed Sheeran’s Take Me Back to London remix.
Joining him from the UK is Glaswegian singer/songwriter Joesef, who has been drawing comparisons to the likes of Sam Smith and Amy Winehouse. Joesef is set to release a six-track EP in September.
Elsewhere, avant-garde French rapper TESSÆ features in the class alongside Lagos-based singer/producer Tems.
The rest of the line up includes Los Angeles singer-songwriter Adam Melchor, Puerto Rican trap storyteller Eladio Carrion, Brooklyn based multifaceted artist Gabriel Garzon-Montano, LA-based corridos artist Natanael Cano, five-piece Japanese indie rock band Novelbright, Mumbai DJ/producer duo Lost Stories, Sydney pop-rock brothers Lime Cordiale, and Korean-American, REI AMI.
“In these uncertain times it’s more important than ever for us to support and celebrate independent artists. Storytelling lies at the heart of YouTube.”
Roz Mansfield, YouTube UK
Roz Mansfield, Artist Partnerships, YouTube UK, said: “In these uncertain times it’s more important than ever for us to support and celebrate independent artists. Storytelling lies at the heart of YouTube.
“It’s the cornerstone for creating meaningful connections between artists and their fans, and we are delighted to help facilitate that process for the next generation of Foundry talent.
“The diversity of the class is testament to the sheer range of progressive sounds and visions we are currently witnessing, as artists around the world push boundaries to create truly exciting and unique art.”
Music Business Worldwide