Ed Sheeran. Grimes. Christine & the Queens. What do all of these acts have in common?

These artists - and thousands of others - have submitted to us through our Apply To Play programme.

Over 19 editions of Sound City, we've showcased more than 3,000 emerging artists to over 400,000 fans and key industry figures, winning a stack load of awards along the way and helping to catapult hundreds of acts on the road to media coverage, record deals, hit albums and sell-out tours. Think Florence and the Machine, Sam Fender, Stormzy and Laura Marling. You want a bit of that, right?

At the heart of Sound City is the belief that the most exciting new music comes from artists from diverse backgrounds and cutting across genres. Artists are family to us - we'd be nothing without you. So, we listen to every single track that's submitted and each applicant gets feedback.

So, what are you waiting for, Sound Citizens? Apply To Play right now.

TuneCore is the leading global platform empowering independent artists to build sustainable careers. Through cutting edge technology, distribution and tools we allow self-releasing artists to keep control, grow their audience and their revenue. As long-time partners with Liverpool Sound City we're honoured to support the next wave of emerging talent with the apply to play activation, and can't wait to hear who comes through. To benefit from TuneCore's services, start your application for Sound City's 2026 Apply To Play and receive a 20% discount on our Professional level subscription via email when applications have closed.