UK-based producers and DJs can now apply for the Electronic Music Award 2026, a 12-month career accelerator run by charity Help Musicians in partnership with DJ Mag. Applications close Friday, September 25, 2026 at 5pm, giving hopefuls just over three weeks to put an entry together.
The award is open to artists across house, techno, drum & bass, grime, amapiano, ambient and other electronic styles who already earn at least 40% of their income from music; adjusted criteria are available for applicants with long-term health conditions or disabilities. Winners receive up to £3,000 toward a music project, one-to-one business mentorship from industry professionals, online peer networking, and an expenses-covered mixer event in London.
Now in its third year since launching in 2024, the award was created in response to research showing dance and electronic artists face steeper barriers to career support than other genres. Ghost producers building an artist project on the side may find the mentorship as valuable as the funding.