Making Tracks is an environmentally-focused international music exchange programme, based around an annual UK residency and tour. They bring together exceptional artists to showcase diverse music, initiate new collaborations and explore strategies for music-based environmental engagement.
Musicians from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, whether they have formal musical training or not. Although Making Tracks don’t aim to be restrictive when it comes to genre, they’re mainly interested in music with direct or implicit connections to cultural traditions and heritage, as well as environmentally engaged artists working with soundscape field recordings or sound art. Making Tracks is particularly interested in collaboratively minded music professionals who double up as community organisers, environmentalists, ethnomusicologists, writers, storytellers and more.
Due to uncertainties around COVID-19, in 2021 Making Tracks is only open to applicants based in the UK and other European countries. Artists outside the UK will be prioritised who would be suited and open to taking part virtually if travel restrictions require.
Making Tracks’ focus is on young professionals. This typically means that applicants should be between 19 and 35 years old (although occasional exceptions are made).
Making Tracks is a music exchange programme, which pays all expenses on top of a generous stipend. While the format is not comparable to a typical paid gig, Fellows are given a chance to create new collaborative works, perform at leading venues, establish lifelong musical friendships and receive professional development from a team of industry experts.
