THE THINGS
YOU NEED TO KNOW.
Clear answers before you apply.
Do I need released music?
No. A demo, work in progress or released song is fine, as long as it is your own original music.
Who can apply?
Independent musicians aged 18 or over and based in England: solo artists, duos and bands of up to five. We particularly encourage people aged 18 to 30, artists in Gloucestershire and the wider South West, and musicians facing financial or other barriers. These are priorities, not automatic exclusions.
Do I need professional experience?
No. You need original music and to be ready to use professional sessions well. No record deal, studio experience or big following needed.
Is there a fee to apply?
No. There is no application or participation fee. Places are limited and selection is competitive.
How many places are there?
10 funded artist projects and 2 paid engineer and producer placements.
How much are engineers paid?
£150 for each supervised placement day you actually attend and work, up to two days (£300 if you work both).
Is the £200 showcase fee guaranteed?
It is a performance fee of £200 per act, earned by actually performing your showcase set, not by being selected. Once your act has performed, the fee stays earned even if something else later can't be completed.
How many musicians can come to a recording session?
Up to five performing musicians per session, including the lead artist or singer. If you need extra players (a drummer or pianist, say), you arrange them yourself and tell us in advance so we can plan the session.
Who runs the songwriting workshops?
Established professional songwriters, alongside the other selected artists. Each act takes part in two of the four workshops. Guest songwriters: To be confirmed. Workshop dates: To be confirmed.
Do I have to post on social media?
No. Sharing your ACCESS 001 experience is encouraged, and we provide professional photos, video and artwork to make it easy, but posting is entirely voluntary and never affects your place.
What happens in Application Stage 1 and Stage 2?
Stage 1 is your application and a listening link. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to Stage 2, a structured second conversation, with accessible alternatives where needed.
If I'm selected, how long do I have to accept?
30 calendar days from your formal offer. You read the Programme Terms and accept your place online; for a band, the representative accepts for every member after checking they agree. There is nothing to sign. Reasonable extensions can be considered in exceptional circumstances.
Can I keep my music?
Yes. The programme is designed for artists to keep ownership of their recordings, subject to any other contributors' rights. New co-writing is documented with the people who actually contributed.
How do I claim travel?
Limited reimbursement may be available for eligible travel costs, with evidence of what you actually spent and subject to eligibility, approval and available funds. There is no flat allowance or individual entitlement. Read the Travel Reimbursement Policy.
Will I hear back if I'm not selected?
You get an automatic confirmation when you apply. Only shortlisted and selected applicants normally receive further individual emails.
Can I submit covers or AI-generated music?
No. ACCESS 001 is for original, human-created music only. Covers and AI-generated songs or vocals are not eligible. Ordinary recording, editing, tuning, mixing and mastering tools are fine. If we have a reasonable concern we may ask about how a song was made; we never rely on an automated AI detector alone, and you always get a chance to respond.
Can I ask for adjustments?
Yes. Contact the team privately, or tick the adjustments box on the form. La Vie Studio's current premises in Bishop's Cleeve are not wheelchair accessible, and we will be honest about what we can arrange.
