Perform at the New Music Stage .
Aesthetica joins forces with TALENTBANQ, Caffè Nero, and Beggars Group to present a bold new competition for live music. The New Music Stage is a vibrant launchpad for emerging artists, joining screen culture, performance and music. This showcase brings together 10 breakthrough acts – from indie and hiphop to alt-pop and folk. Set in the cinematic context of one of the UK’s leading film festivals, it’s an open invitation to hear what’s next in music.
New Music Stage
At Aesthetica, we celebrate music as a core narrative force that brings depth, emotion and meaning to every story. From film scores to live performance and experimentation, music shapes the way we experience and understand the world. This is a high-profile competition dedicated to new musical talent. Whether you're a composer, songwriter, producer or performer, this is your chance to connect with new audiences in a setting that values artistic exploration. Talks and panels from industry experts will also explore how sound and music are creating new ways to engage, inspire and connect.
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking bold sounds that move people. Music, like film, is a storyteller – creating emotional landscapes, setting tone and offering unforgettable moments. Live music heightens this connection, inviting audiences to feel as much as hear the story. From hip hop and grime to soul, spoken word, indie, folk and alt-pop, we’re curating a programme that brings a range of genres to the stage. We're building an experience that unites sound and screen – where audiences don’t just watch or listen, but are immersed. This is about new voices, live performance and the next chapter in storytelling.
Why Submit?
Submit for the opportunity to share your music with industry professionals and perform at one of the UK’s leading festivals. All entries include a ticket to Aesthetica's Music Programme on Saturday 7 November: attend panels, network with industry and access an all-day music festival. All performances selected for the New Music Stage will be eligible for the Best Music Award, decided by a jury of industry experts. This award includes a £1,000 cash prize, mentorship from Beggars Group and TALENTBANQ and the chance for your music to be played across every UK Caffè Nero.
Submission Information .
April 2026 | Entries Open
13 July 2026 | Submission Deadline
September 2026 | Bands Announced to play on the New Music Stage
7 November 2026 | Performance on the New Music Stage and winner announced
at York Theatre Royal, YO1 7HD, UK.
Judging | All entries will be judged by professionals in the music industry and feedback will be provided to all entrants upon request.
Registration for the New Music Stage is £20.
This includes:
- One entry to submit your track to perform on the New Music Stage
- One ticket to attend the full Music at Aesthetica Programme on 7 November 2026
- Access to live music performances across the day
- Access to industry panels, masterclasses and networking
Songs must be original compositions and capable of being played/sung in front of an audience.
Entries must be entered through a streaming link, (Spotify, Soundcloud, YouTube, BandCamp or Google Drive).
There is no premiere requirement – you are welcome to submit material that has been performed elsewhere, including at other festivals or online.
The competition is open to all ages and all genres of music and spoken word.
Short-listed entries might be required to provide a video of the song being performed.
All music and related content must respect copyright laws and not infringe on any intellectual property rights.
All entrants, regardless of the outcome of their submission, will receive one ticket to attend the full Music Programme at Aesthetica Film Festival on Saturday 7 November.
All entries will be judged online by professionals in the music industry. Feedback will be given.
The final will be judged by a jury made up of key people in the music industry (80%) and the audience (20%).
Finalists travel and accommodation to York will be covered.
Finalists will be given 2 free tickets per band member to the New Music Stage.
The winner will receive £1,000.
The winner will receive mentorship opportunities with Beggars Group and TALENTBANQ.
The opportunity for your music to be played across every Caffè Nero in the UK (subject to approval).
The finalists will perform on the New Music Stage, during the Aesthetica Film Festival on Saturday 7 November, at the York Theatre Royal, YO1 7HD, UK.
Performances will be scheduled in 20-minute sets. There will be a festival approach, with a 10-15 minute soundcheck allocated before your performance to ensure the best possible live sound.
A Sound Technician will be provided.
A full backline will be provided, including standard equipment such as PA system, stage monitors, microphones, DI boxes, and basic drum kit. Please specify any additional technical requirements or instruments in your submission.
You are responsible for bringing any personal instruments or gear not covered by the backline (e.g., guitars, keyboards, pedals).
Please note that all performances must consist of original music only. Covers or performances featuring copyrighted material without proper clearance will not be accepted.
The New Music Stage welcomes submissions of original tracks, EPs, or albums for showcase.
You can submit your music by providing a streaming or download link. Accepted platforms include SoundCloud, Bandcamp, Spotify, or Google Drive.
Please ensure your submission includes high-quality audio files (MP3 or WAV preferred) and any relevant track information or artwork.
If your music is part of a live performance setup or includes unique technical requirements, please provide details in your submission.
If you have questions, please contact: office@asff.co.uk
