Submit Your Music .
As part of Beyond the Frame, Aesthetica joins forces with Talentbanq, Caffè Nero, and Imagesound to present a bold new platform for live music. The New Music Stage Competition is a vibrant launchpad for emerging artists, joining screen culture, performance and music. This showcase brings together 10 breakthrough acts across 5 genres - 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 contemporary music. Beyond the Frame is Aesthetica’s evolution into a multi-arts celebration - a space where film meets music, comedy collides with commentary and new voices shine.
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. We’re launching a high-profile live showcase 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 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 or audio with industry professionals and perform at one of the UK’s leading festivals. All performances selected for the Official Selection on the New Talent Stage will be eligible for the Best Music Award, decided by a jury of industry experts and practitioners. This award includes a £1,000 cash prize, mentorship opportunities with Universal Music and Talentbanq, submission of your track into the Imagesound database, and the chance for your music to be played across every Caffè Nero location in the UK (subject to approval).
Submission Information .
July 2025 | Entries Open
21 September 2025 | Submission Deadline
1 October | Bands Announced to play on the New Talent Stage
8 November 2025 | Performance on the New Talent Stage and winner announced
at York Theatre Royal, YO1 7HD, UK.
Each entry will cost £20 registration fee.
Up to 5 entries allowed per act, but each entry is a separate registration.
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.
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 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 will be given an honorarium of £100 to contribute towards expenses.
Finalists will be given 2 free tickets per band member to the New Talent Stage.
The winner will receive £1,000.
The winner will receive mentorship opportunities with Universal Music and Talentbanq.
The winning track will be submitted to Imagesound, for 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 Talent Stage, during the Aesthetica Film Festival on Saturday 8 November, at the York Theatre Royal, YO1 7HD, UK.
Performances will be scheduled in 45-minute sets. There will be a festival approach, with a 20-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 Talent 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: [email protected]
