The Featured Artists Coalition (FAC) and Amazon Music have revealed the next ten awardees from this year’s Step Up Fund – with artists Ellie Dixon, Mellina Tey, 4AM Kru, Arz, Balancing Act, Crae Wolf, Bina, Edbl, Jadu Heart and Namesbliss all receiving grants of up to £8,000.
The Step Up Fund was established in 2022 with the support of Amazon Music to help boost the creative development of independent artists. As part of the grant, awardees are free to use their funding for any music-related activities, including recording and mastering costs, video creation, PR and marketing campaigns, showcasing and live performance.
Notably, over half of 2025’s awardees will use their Step Up grants to fully or partially underwrite the increasing costs of live touring.
I would urge everyone in the industry to carve out some time and listen to the 2025 Step Up playlist
David Martin
“First and foremost, I'd like to say a sincere thank you to Amazon Music for their continued support of Step Up,” said David Martin, CEO of FAC. “ The UK team has shown real dedication to championing British talent and investing in the careers of emerging acts. With their ongoing commitment and passion, we are genuinely making a huge difference to a growing number of artists – providing targeted finance that boosts their creative development. The FAC is incredibly proud that our partnership has enabled us to play a part in this. The standard of applications we have received remains incredibly high and continues to increase in volume year-on-year. I would urge everyone in the industry, and every fan of music, to carve out some time and listen to the 2025 Step Up playlist. The calibre of artists in the UK is simply extraordinary. We have no deficit of music talent, but it is more vital than ever that we can nurture and recognise this artistry and sustain it with business models and an industry environment that are fit for purpose.”
“We’re delighted with the outstanding artists selected this year and are excited to support them as they take the next steps in their creative journey,” commented Amazon Music’s head of music UK, Australia & New Zealand Laura Lukanz. “With our help and the valuable support of the FAC, we aim to encourage them to realise their potential and achieve lasting success. We’re really looking forward to working with all the artists to nurture their talent, champion their music and support their continued growth.”
We aim to encourage the outstanding artists selected this year to realise their potential and achieve lasting success
Laura Lukanz
Ellie Dixon said: “I’m so honoured to be chosen for the Step Up Fund this year – it’s helping me get out to Europe on tour to play my biggest shows yet! Touring is super expensive, especially playing internationally, so this is making sure I get to go out and see my fans, play all my new music and bring my band with me. Big thank you to the FAC and Amazon Music!”
Mellina Trey added: “The Step Up Fund is going to help me push boundaries, develop my debut mixtape and to stay independent. Most importantly, it’s proof that it’s possible, when the right people believe.”
