Inside the Sound Roots Artist Mentoring Pathway: Ed Blunt shares his experiences

The Sound Roots Artist Mentoring Pathway has been running since 2018 and equips emerging folk, roots and acoustic musicians with the skills, networks and experience needed to build their music careers sustainably.

Over 12 months, this intensive pathway is designed to support early-career artists in demystifying the international music industry and developing their professional networks and profiles.

The Sound Roots cohort of mentees for 2025–2026 includes Ed Blunt, Lucy Grubb, Anna McLuckie and Filkin’s Drift. They’ve already performed at FolkEast, Focus Wales and Manchester Folk Festival. Here, Ed Blunt reflects on his experience so far and what he’s gained from the AMP:

“At this halfway stage, Sound Roots’ Artist Mentoring Pathway has already given my career a real boost.
Performing at Folk East, Manchester Folk Festival and Focus Wales were big opportunities for me, ones I found quite daunting at first. But with the guidance and encouragement of the Sound Roots team, I now feel much more confident in how I approach these kinds of shows and how to play a set that showcases me at my best.
I’ve been paired with a brilliant mentor who really understands me and my music. As an independent artist without a team, having someone to bounce ideas off, be accountable to and plan with has been incredibly valuable. Our sessions have been super helpful and practical; in recent chats, we’ve been planning a timeline for my album release and tour in 2026.
Overall, at this halfway stage, the mentoring pathway has given me momentum and the reassurance that, in an industry of closed doors, I’m not doing this completely on my own anymore.”

Ed Blunt