Creative Projects

Bunker Sessions 2025

Bunker Sessions are live music sessions, recorded and filmed in The Grand Studio for Lancashire artists aged 16-30. In a bid to break down barriers faced by local, undiscovered artists, we offer these sessions out for free so that they can approach big players in the industry with a pro-level piece of content. 

Free live sessions for six original Lancashire artists aged 16-30

In the depths of The Grand, underneath our auditorium in an old nuclear bunker, lies a hidden gem of the Ribble Valley – our world-class, state-of-the-art recording studio. It’s this studio that acts as a base for one of our more recent projects; Bunker Sessions. 

Bunker Sessions are live sessions, performed by Lancashire artists aged between 16 and 30, recorded and filmed professionally in our studio. We know how expensive good quality recording and filming can be, which is why we offer these sessions to a handful of musicians within our community for free.  

With this recording, artists can then approach promoters, venues and labels with content that’s up to, or even above the industry standard. Having good videos and recordings in your press kit is more likely to lead to paid gigs and opportunities. 

With a wide variety of styles and genres, Bunker Sessions is all about nurturing and developing young, local, undiscovered talent. Sessions are recorded and filmed live for authenticity, taking multiple cuts to ensure quality. Our team provides the sound tech, production and editing, so the result is a pro-level recording and live video, with the artist having the final say on each element. 

Bunker Sessions is one of our ways of giving back to the local community and contributing to a rich, diverse musical landscape. We’re trying to help artists that don’t have big financial or label backing break down barriers within the industry. 

What Will I Get?
You’ll get the opportunity to record one of your original songs in our studio. At the end of it, you’ll get a fully mixed and produced recording, as well as an edited live video.  

How Much Does It Cost? 
Nothing, apart from your time. Bunker Sessions are completely free to successful applicants.  

How Do I Apply? 
Fill out the application – the more detail you can provide, the better. You’ll have to play an original song (so no covers), and we’re only accepting applicants from within Lancashire.

Terms and conditions below. 

Bunker Sessions

Bunker Sessions 2024/25 Application

Applicant name (if different from artist name)
Please write an artist bio, or if you have an EPK, either drop a link or upload it below.
Max. file size: 60 MB.
Please provide a demo of the song you want to record. This can be as rough as you like e.g. a voice memo on a phone. Either paste a link, or upload below. If you would like to submit via email or WhatsApp, please get in touch via [email protected]
Max. file size: 60 MB.
Socials/website
Please link to any websites or social media channels you have
Upcoming live dates
Let us know if you’ve got any upcoming gigs
Let us know anything else you think might help your application

Terms & Conditions

1. Eligibility and Application

• Artists must be aged between 16 and 30
• Artists who have previously performed on Bunker Sessions will not be chosen (unless as a member of a new act)

2. Ownership of Music and Content

• The selected artists will retain all rights to their original music
• By participating in this project, artists grant The Grand Studio & Venue (hereby referred to as The Grand) permission to record, film, and produce their performance of the selected song
• Artists must have complete ownership of the rights to the music they are performing. Any samples used must be either royalty-free or cleared by the rights holder. No covers or interpolation
• Artists agree to their performed song being digitally distributed by The Grand to various streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music etc.

3. Usage Rights

• The Grand may use the recorded music and videos for promotional purposes, including but not limited to: social media, website content, newsletters, and other marketing materials
• The artists will be credited appropriately in any promotional material

4. Financial Compensation

• Participation in this project is free, but artists acknowledge that they will not receive any financial compensation for the use of their music or videos, unless through a performing rights organisation, such as PRS (it is the artist’s responsibility to register the song with their PRO)

5. Modification and Cancellation

• The Grand reserves the right to modify or cancel the project at any time, with prior notice to the participating artists.

6. Timings

• Sessions will be run at predetermined times; it is the artist’s responsibility to ensure they are on time. If you are unable to attend your slot, The Grand will make best efforts to accommodate, but ultimately, you may lose your session.
• Load-in and soundcheck will take place directly before the session. It is the artist’s responsibility to complete these in a timely manner so that there is sufficient time to perform and record. Please ensure you have all your necessary gear and that you can set it up quickly.

7. Agreement to Terms

• By submitting an application, artists agree to these terms and conditions.