National youth music organisation, UD, has revealed the nine talented young artists selected for its 2025 Incubator programme.
Now in its third year and supported by PPL Giving, the six-month creative and professional development initiative supports artists aged 18-25.
Alongside expert mentoring and coaching, participants benefit from financial investment, studio time, workspace and guidance on music law, publishing, distribution and live performance.
The nine acts represent a broad spectrum of genres including grime, pop, rap, R&B, drill, hip-hop and jazz:
• Alternative electronic artist, producer and guitarist Anya Jasmine
• Neo-soul vocalist and rapper Dia Day
• Soul and alt R&B artist and actor Diya Sohi
• Progressive R&B/neo-soul artist and producer Isabelle Mettle
• R&B/pop singer, songwriter and producer Jacob Storey
• Multi-genre rapper Jedz
• Soul and alt R&B artist and multi-instrumentalist Rio Sterling
• Multi-genre singer, songwriter and rapper Shelbee Tee
• Alternative pop artist Teodora
The participants came together in London last week for an opening bootcamp featuring a series of expert-led industry talks and hands-on workshops. Artists heard from Amazon Music, Bandcamp, the Musicians’ Union, PPL and TikTok’s SoundOn, covering everything from fanbase growth to digital marketing.
Un:hurd led sessions on product management and release planning. There was also a performance showcase, and the opportunity to make connections with industry executives, marketers and legal professionals.
UD launches new Emerging Artist Residency
Adding to its educational and professional development initiatives, UD has also launched a new Emerging Artist Residency. Hosted at the Talent House, the residency provides emerging artists with a chance to record and mix a single, working closely with UD’s in-house engineers and industry mentors. Participants will leave with a release-ready track.
The residency reinforces UD’s mission to provide early-stage artists with access to professional facilities, expert advice and the creative freedom to take their music to the next level.
“Complementing the Incubator programme, the Residency reflects UD’s ongoing commitment to nurturing Black music and empowering emerging artists across genres with access, opportunity and expert development,” said a statement.
Pamela McCormick, CEO of UD, said: “Now in its third year, the Incubator Programme continues to address a clear need in the industry – supporting young artists creating music of Black origin as they move from education or training into the professional world. The success of last year’s cohort, with several artists securing management, bookings and first releases, has reinforced the importance of this work.
“By nurturing both creative talent and business knowledge, we’re helping to build sustainable careers and ensuring these artists are truly industry-ready. We remain grateful to PPL for their continued support; together, with the support of all of the Incubator partners, we’re committed to driving meaningful change and opening doors for the next generation of UK talent.”
We’re helping to build sustainable careers and ensuring these artists are truly industry-ready
Pamela McCormick
Peter Leathem OBE, CEO of PPL, said: “It is fantastic to see UD’s Incubator programme return for a third year, continuing to provide a vital platform for young artists to develop creatively and professionally. At PPL, we’re proud to support initiatives that invest in the future of music by opening doors and building tangible pathways into the industry. Through our ongoing partnership with UD, we’re helping to equip the next generation of talent with the tools, knowledge and opportunities they need to succeed, while also strengthening the diversity and richness of the UK music scene.”
Izzy Withers, who participated in the 2024 Incubator programme, said: “UD’s Incubator programme came at a pivotal point in my journey and gave me the structure, support and confidence I needed to take the next step in my career. I had a clear creative vision, but the programme helped me understand the business side of music and how to make that vision a reality. The funding allowed me to create my first music video, something I’d been working towards for a long time, and the speed networking opened my eyes to areas of the industry I didn’t even know existed.
“The programme gave me real momentum – since completing it, I’ve released my debut single and video, booked a BBC Introducing session and started laying the groundwork for my EP. I feel more prepared than ever to grow as an artist.”
UD’s flagship vocal group, Flames Collective, has secured a number of bookings. The group joined Raye at The BRIT Awards at The O2 in 2024, returning to the venue to take part in her sold-out headline show.
Flames Collective will take part in Little Simz’s Meltdown Festival at Southbank Centre (June 14), performing as part of a set with soul artist Sasha Keable. The event forms part of UD’s ongoing work to support emerging talent and create routes into professional performance across the UK’s creative industries.
PHOTO: (L-R) Anya Jasmine (bottom row), Diya Sohi, Rio Sterling, Shelbee Tee (bottom row), Diya Day, Isabelle Mettle, Jacob Storey. (Photography: Vincent Dolman for UD) (credit: Vincent Dolman)
