About
Tinderbox is a non-profit artist development programme, with three key strands designed to give upcoming artists the skills and resources needed to navigate the music industry.
At no cost to them, participants will receive bespoke artist development guidance and practical advice based on their music and aspirations, as well as professional production and studio time with an established producer to record a body of work, alongside expert funding and business advice from our experienced team.
We are currently looking to work with artists in the South East of the UK (exc. London). Please see Arts Council area map HERE
Tinderbox is non-profit and relies on funding from public money, private companies, trusts and foundations to provide our services at no cost to our clients.
Tinderbox: Championing a Diverse UK Music Scene
Tinderbox is revolutionising music funding, offering a fresh path for artists, bands, and the entire independent music scene.
The current music industry model is broken. Financial and socio-economic barriers increasingly silence diverse voices, stifle creativity, and homogenise the musical landscape.
Tinderbox is part of the solution
How we do it
Decentralised and accessible funding
We simplify the complex and exclusive world of arts funding by directly providing artists with high quality, tangible support: recording the record, supporting their professional development across a release campaign and providing the skills to maintain a fulfilling career long term.
Merit-based support
The success of a musician’s career is increasingly dependent on financial resources and background. Our support is based on talent and potential alone. The long term result is empowering underrepresented artists and those facing hardship to create important music that would otherwise not get heard.
Championing diverse voices
Our experience, network and resources mean we are well placed to provide an inclusive and accessible music programme. We want to champion underrepresented artists, help them reach their full potential and make sure diverse voices get heard in UK music culture.
Our Impact
Helping to build a thriving independent music industry
Our work fosters a thriving independent music industry that enriches the cultural conversation. In a cost of living crisis and a culturally polarised landscape, the voices of independent artists have never been needed more.
For artists this means:
Free services: we offer our resources and guidance at no cost.
Sustainable careers: we equip artists with the tools they need to build long-lasting careers in music.
Artistic Freedom: we encourage bold creative exploration by taking away the financial risks and the fear of failure. We believe passionately that brave art has greater longevity and cultural impact.
Beyond the artist
Our impact extends to the entire independent music ecosystem, supporting labels, managers, venues, booking agents, and the vital network of creative professionals like photographers, stylists, videographers, and content creators.
Ethos
We want to change the industry, in favour of the artist
UK Music has recently published its annual report on the economic impact of the British music industry, which contributed £6.7 billion to the UK economy last year in terms of gross value added, with exports topping £4 billion. Historically its big hitters have contributed diverse voices to public dialogue and permanently changed the culture & until recently it was possible for artists to make a living doing so. However, three recessions in 30 years, Brexit’s devastation on touring and manufacturing costs, a cost of living crisis and the shift to the streaming model mean that even acts with national followings cannot make a living.
The effect is not only financial but qualitative. It is almost impossible for artists with 'normal' jobs to finance working with experienced producers, to develop their skills and take creative risks. The industry is becoming homogenized, with artists and labels unwilling to promote non-commercial work when costs are high and prospective income is minimal. As artists feel the pinch, so too does the ecosystem of skilled professionals around them, with...
...bands unable to invest in budding photographers, sound engineers, tour managers, lighting engineers and videographers.
The most worrying effect is on diversity. Without intervention, the only voices we will hear addressing the culture will be from those able to finance themselves, who have the background or connections. The voices of working people, people of colour, women and LGBTQ+ people will be lost.
There is an abundance of talented people ready to create original, quality work, who only lack the resources: a professional studio and producer, help with funding routes and professional artist development. Tinderbox can provide it, and the artist that emerges will be armed with the product, skills and knowledge to build a career.
