Studio Monkey Shoulder is once again inviting grassroots music communities from the UK to apply for a £10,000 grant to support a developing music project.
This initiative, launched last year in collaboration with Monkey Shoulder whisky and Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide FM, aims to uplift more local music communities that are making innovative strides in their scenes. Ranging from independent record shops to DIY venues and online radio stations, this initiative helps safeguard spaces where individuals can connect, create, and discover music.
In addition to funding, the selected winner will share their story through a series of films and radio broadcasts made by Worldwide FM. Last year, the grant was awarded to Gut Level, an event series based in Sheffield that backs a recently established DIY venue, focused on creating an affordable and inclusive nightlife environment for women, queer individuals, and marginalized groups.
Regarding the initiative, Gilles Peterson stated: “I’m excited to see Studio Monkey Shoulder expand in its second year in collaboration with Worldwide FM. It has been a privilege to work alongside the communities we supported in 2024, witnessing their projects flourish and come to fruition. I look forward to discovering more incredible community-driven projects across the UK and seeing the talent that accompanies it as the project evolves into its second year.”
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In response to last year's overwhelming interest, the initiative is dedicated to showcasing deserving shortlisted applicants throughout the year. Orii Community, based in Peckham, was invited to headline alongside DaMetalMessiah at the 'Studio Monkey Shoulder' stage at the We Out Here festival in Dorset, joining Bristol staples like Noods Radio and Saffron Records.
This project extends grants to grassroots groups globally, with the team this year set to choose five winners from the UK, India, Nigeria, Taiwan, and Germany.
Applications for the UK Studio Monkey Shoulder fund opened on April 28th, 2025, and will close on June 1st, 2025.
To learn more and apply, visit the Monkey Shoulder website: https://www.monkeyshoulder.com/en-gb/studio-monkey-shoulder
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Studio Monkey Shoulder will once again open applications for a £10,000 grant aimed at supporting expanding music projects within grassroots music communities across the UK. The