YOUR BAND. YOUR SOUND. YOUR NEXT STEP.
A NEW ARTIST DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
COLOSSUS STUDIOS
AND
ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND
Got a band that's ready to take things further?
Amplify! is a funded artist development programme from Colossus Studios, created to give emerging local bands the space, support and opportunities they need to develop their sound, record original music and get on stage.
We're selecting three bands aged 16–23 to take part in a nine-month programme combining professional rehearsal facilities, experienced musician mentoring, studio recording, promotional support and a live showcase.
Whether you're finding your feet as a band or already writing and performing original material, Amplify! is an opportunity to take your music to the next level.
Three bands. Nine months. One big opportunity.
What is Amplify!?
The aim is simple: give emerging bands the tools, experience and confidence to keep moving forward long after the programme finishes.
Making music is one thing. Finding the time, money and opportunities to develop as a band is another. Rehearsal costs add up. Professional recording can be expensive. And getting your music heard isn't always straightforward, especially when you're just starting out.
That's where Amplify! comes in.
We've designed a structured programme to help young bands move from writing and rehearsing their music to recording, releasing and performing it. Over nine months, you'll work towards two major goals: producing your own professionally recorded EP and preparing a full live set for a public showcase. Along the way, you'll have access to professional facilities, guidance from experienced musicians and producers, and creative support to help establish your band's identity.
Rehearsals
Your band will receive 24 three-hour rehearsal sessions at Colossus Studios, giving you dedicated time to write, develop and perfect your music.
The first part of the programme focuses on songwriting, arrangements and preparation for recording. The second focuses on building a tight, confident 45-minute live set.
Mentoring
You'll receive ongoing guidance from Colossus Studios, with additional coaching sessions delivered by experienced musicians.
From songwriting and arrangements to stage presence and performance technique, you'll get practical advice to help your band develop.
Recording
Time to get your music recorded properly.
Each band will receive two full days of professional recording at Colossus Studios, working towards a 3–4 track EP.
You'll gain hands-on experience of the recording process and come away with professionally produced material to help get your music out into the world.
What is included?
Photography and
Artwork
Every band needs an identity.
You'll receive professional band photography and graphic design support to help create artwork, promotional materials and a visual identity that represents your music.
These assets will be yours to use for future releases, gigs and promotion.
Physical Release
There's something special about holding your music in your hands.
As part of the programme, we'll help you produce a small run of physical CDs featuring your recorded material, giving you something to sell at gigs, share with fans and use to promote your band.
Showcase and
EP Launch
The programme finishes with a live showcase and EP launch party, where all three bands will perform their own 45-minute sets in front of a public audience.
It's your chance to put everything you've worked on into practice, gain valuable live experience and introduce your music to new listeners.
Who can apply?
Amplify! is open to emerging bands who:
-
Have members with an average age between 16 and 23.
-
Are already playing together as a band, or have an established lineup ready to develop.
-
Are interested in writing and performing original music.
-
Can commit to regular rehearsals, recording sessions and a live showcase over nine months.
-
Are enthusiastic about developing their music and willing to engage with mentoring and feedback.
-
Are based within the Bolton local authority area, or are nearby enough that weekly travel is not a substantial hurdle (ie from Bury, Salford, Wigan etc.)
You don't need professional recordings, industry contacts or loads of gigging experience to apply.
We're looking for potential, creativity and commitment, not a finished product.
We particularly welcome applications from musicians who face financial or other barriers to accessing professional music facilities and opportunities.
How much does it cost?
Thanks to project funding, the vast majority of the programme is subsidised.
Each successful band will be asked to contribute a one-off £100 participation fee.
Rather than simply covering programme costs, this contribution will be reinvested into producing merchandise for your band, giving you physical products to sell and an opportunity to generate income from your music.
We also have a dedicated (but limited!) participant access fund to help with costs such as travel or essential instrument maintenance where these might otherwise prevent participation, which can be offered at our discretion.
We don't want financial circumstances to stop the right bands from getting involved!
How to apply:
Show us who you are!
We want to get to know your band, hear about your music and find out why you want to be part of Amplify!
To apply, we're asking bands to put together a short 3–5 minute video introducing themselves and telling us a little about their journey so far.
Don't worry about fancy cameras, professional editing or polished presentations. A phone recording is absolutely fine! We're interested in your music, your ideas and your enthusiasm, not your video production skills.
What should you talk about?
1. Introduce your band
Tell us your band's name, who's involved, what instruments you play and where you're based. How did you get together, and how long have you been making music as individuals and as a band?
2. Tell us about your music
What kind of music do you make? Who or what inspires you? What would you say makes your band unique? If you have any clips, we'd love to hear a little of your music even if this is just a short phone video of a rehearsal, but please don't feel discouraged if you're not there yet - that's what we're here for!
3. Where are you at right now?
Tell us about what you've achieved so far, whether that's writing your first songs, playing your first gigs or releasing your own music.What challenges have you faced as a band? Is there anything that's been holding you back from taking the next step?
4. Why do you want to join Amplify!?
What attracted you to the programme? Which opportunities are you most excited about, and how do you think the rehearsal time, mentoring, recording and live performance experience could help you develop?
5. What do you want to achieve?
Where would you like your band to be in a year's time? What would success look like for you, and what are you prepared to put into making that happen? We're looking for bands who are passionate about their music, open to learning and ready to make the most of the opportunity.
How to submit your video
-
Record your 3–5 minute video. We'd love to hear from as many band members as possible!
-
Upload your video to YouTube, setting its visibility to Unlisted if you don't want it publicly available. Please don't set it to Private, as we won't be able to view it!
-
Copy the YouTube video link and include it in the application form below.
Remember: this isn't an audition for a record deal.
You don't need to be the finished article. We're looking for potential, commitment and bands who are excited about developing their music.
Be yourselves, have fun with it, and show us what you've got!
Timeline
Applications close: 12th December 2026
Applicant outcomes delivered by: 19th December 2026
Acceptance and participation fee due by: 27th December 2026
Rehearsal phase 1 - Weekly on Monday 7-10pm: 4th January 2027 - 26th April 2027
Weekend recording sessions: Dates TBC with each band May 2027
Band photoshoot and artist consultation: Dates TBC, aiming for start of June 2027
Rehearsal phase 2 - Weekly on Monday 7-10pm: 7th June 2027 - 26th July 2027
EP launch event: Date TBC, August 2027