Supported by
North Essex — Grassroots Music Funded
Where original music finds its audience.
A live programme for emerging artists with original material. We film you, pay you, and make sure your music earns income long after the night is over.
Most venues will let you play for free and call it an opportunity. We don't think that's good enough.
What every artist receives
Every artist who performs at a Hamford Session receives the full package — no catches, no hidden costs. Both indoor and outdoor events offer exactly the same commitment.
Professional video of one song of your choice from your 45-minute set — filmed on the night and ready to share on your socials and streaming channels.
A ticketed audience who are there specifically to hear new original music — not a half-empty pub with people on their phones.
You get paid £100 for your set, regardless of how many tickets sell. This is your time and your talent — it has value.
On top of their fee, the artists performing on the night share half of all ticket revenue between them. Bring your crowd and the pot grows with them.
We help you register with the Performing Rights Society and submit your setlist — so every song you perform starts earning you rights income. Supported by PRS for Music.
We walk you through how the music industry actually works — publishing, rights, income streams — so you enter it with your eyes open.
The numbers
Every artist performing at a Hamford Session receives both of the following:
Performing Rights Society
Most artists don't discover PRS until years into their career. By then they've already lost out on income they were entitled to from the very first time they performed.
We help every Hamford Sessions artist register with the Performing Rights Society and we submit the details of every song performed on the night to the Performing Rights Society. A song you register with PRS at this session and continue to perform could still be earning you money in ten years' time.
This is how the music industry works — and PRS are supporting this programme specifically because they want emerging artists to understand it from the very start.
Optional add-on
You don't have to record with us to take part. But if you want to, we offer a full day at Hamford Studio — professional recording, an experienced engineer, and mixing included — for just £150. That's 50% off our standard rate, funded through the Grassroots Music programme — but book quick, we have limited availability.
Recording, engineer, and mixing included. Pro Tools Ultimate and assistance from an engineer with real industry experience.
This is not an open mic.
This is not pay-to-play.
This is a properly supported session designed to show you how the music industry works — and make sure you're in it.
Hamford Sessions are funded by Hamford Studio in conjunction with Government Grassroots Music funding through the Arts Council.
Upcoming events
Indoor and outdoor sessions throughout the year. Places at each event are limited — contact us to apply or register interest.
| Date | Format | Venue | Slots | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friday 8 May | Indoor | Hamford Studio, Little Oakley | 2 artists | Apply now |
| Friday 5 June | Outdoor | Hamford Studio, Little Oakley | 3 artists | Apply now |
| Friday 3 July | Outdoor | Hamford Studio, Little Oakley | 3 artists | Apply now |
| Friday 31 July | Outdoor | Hamford Studio, Little Oakley | 3 artists | Apply now |
| Friday 4 September | Outdoor | Hamford Studio, Little Oakley | 3 artists | Apply now |
| Friday 2 October | Indoor | Hamford Studio, Little Oakley | 2 artists | Apply now |
| Friday 6 November | Indoor | Hamford Studio, Little Oakley | 2 artists | Apply now |
If you've got original material and you're ready — get in touch. Places at every event are limited.
Supported by