Aesthetica short film festival seeks artists & band for their New Music Stage
News: 30th July 2025 by Louise Dodgson under Live
Now in its 15th year, Aesthetica is one of the UK’s leading festivals for new creative talent. As a BAFTA-Qualifying event held annually in York, it brings together groundbreaking work across film, music, performance, digital media, gaming, and immersive technology.
This year, as part of their expanded Beyond the Frame programme, Aesthetica launch the New Music Stage in partnership with Imagesound, Talentbanq, and Caffè Nero. This initiative creates a high-profile platform for independent musicians to perform live at a festival known for celebrating breakthrough voices.
The festival takes place from 5-9 November 2025, with the New Music Stage forming a central part of their New Talent strand, which highlights the next generation of voices across film, music, and performance from the UK and beyond.
The showcase will bring together 10 breakthrough acts across genres from indie and hip-hop to alt-pop and folk. Selected musicians will perform as part of a diverse, multi-arts programme attended by directors, producers, music supervisors, curators and other key decision-makers.
All performers selected for 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).
For more info and to apply, head to the link below. The deadline is 21st September.
Related Links
https://www.asff.co.uk/new-talent-stage
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Aesthetica film festival launches New Music Stage and welcomes submissions from emerging artists and bands
