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Future Icon

WE’RE ON A MISSION TO DISCOVER & DEVELOP THE NEXT BREAKOUT SOLO OR DUO ARTIST

Future Icon is your opportunity to step into a full artist development programme, with everything from professional PR and studio time to vital financial support.

 

We’re not just looking for a great voice or catchy songs, we’re looking for potential. The kind of artist with the vision, sound, and drive to become a ‘Future Icon’.

 

This is your opportunity to work with real industry experts who can help you define your goals, refine your sound, and elevate your career to the next level. Through hands-on guidance, professional development, and strategic support, Future Icon is designed to give emerging artists the momentum they need to grow and thrive in the music industry.

 

The winner of Future Icon will receive a career-changing prize package worth over £5,000, including £1,000 in cash, an industry-leading artist development and PR package, and professional studio recording time. These prizes offer vital support across all areas of an emerging artist’s journey, from funding to promotion to production.

 

At the heart of the development package is Blinding Talent, a full-service music marketing agency and artist consultancy founded by music industry heavyweight Mark Adams. With a CV that includes Channel 4, Kerrang!, Kiss, and Bauer, Mark has spent over two decades working with global brands, major labels, and A-list artists. The winning artist will receive tailored branding and promotional support, plus a dedicated artist development and writing session with Catlea of Warning Shot Studios, providing hands-on guidance to refine your music, image, and long-term strategy.

 

The prize also includes studio recording time at Puzzle Factory Sound Studios, led by award-winning producer Dax Liniere. Before stepping into the studio, Dax will work closely with the winner to workshop and elevate their sound. Puzzle Factory, located just five miles from central London, blends vintage and modern gear in an inspiring, fully equipped recording space, making it one of the UK’s most respected independent studios. This is a rare opportunity to create high-quality recordings in a truly professional setting.

 

Together, this package is designed to give one exceptional solo artist or duo the practical tools, industry expertise, and financial support to take their career to the next level.

THERE ARE TWO WAYS TO MAKE IT THROUGH TO THE GRAND FINAL:

THE LIVE ROUNDS

Out of all the artists that register, only a handful of the most talented artists will be chosen to go through to the Live Rounds

The Live Rounds consist of 3 heats: Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals and a Grand-Final

Once into the Live Rounds, there are two ways artists can get through to the next round…

THE INDUSTRY VOTE

Artists are judged through a combination of audience support and expert input from special music industry judges in our weighted ‘Industry Vote’. The judges assess acts on musicianship, songwriting, and fan engagement, helping ensure standout talent is recognised, not just popularity. This also guarantees every artist performs in front of industry professionals, gaining vital exposure and the chance to be noticed by influential figures.

THE FAN VOTE

We’re searching for an artist that can entertain a crowd, so it’s only fair that the crowd get to have their say too! Everyone who comes to the show will get a vote to help their favourite artist progress through to the next round.


THE GRAND FINALS

Artists who make it through the Quarter-Finals and Semi-Finals will earn their place at the Grand Final, taking place in London.

There, chosen by a panel of music industry professionals, one standout act will be crowned the Future Icon of 2025, The winning solo artist or duo will receive a career-changing artist development prize package worth over £5,000, including £1,000 cash, professional studio recording time with Puzzle Factory Sound Studios, and an artist development + PR package from Blinding Talent.

This package offers expert guidance, high-quality production, and vital financial support, all designed to help emerging artists elevate their careers and reach the next level.

To take part in the Future Icon Competition, you must be a solo artist or duo (maximum 2 performers on stage) and be over 18 years of age.

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