Are you an unsigned artist looking for your break? Do you have ambitions of performing across some of this summer’s biggest events? Well, Coca-Cola Great Britain & Ireland and GAY TIMES are looking for you!

Back for the second year, Coke Studio and GAY TIMES are thrilled to announce the return of Breakthrough; a campaign designed to support six independent musicians and artists, particularly from the LGBTQIA+ community, to take their career to the next level.

Breakthrough will offer the selected talent, over the age of 18, a range of opportunities, including paid festival experience and the chance to work with the GAY TIMES creative team on a bespoke photoshoot.

In addition to these immediate opportunities, Coke Studio and GAY TIMES will create a long-term collaboration with each selected act to ensure genuine impact for the talent involved in the campaign. We strongly believe that this continued collaboration is crucial in providing the foundation for independent musicians to build, craft and sustain lasting success within the music industry.

2023 saw Breakthrough catapult Keanan, Lleo, Callum Crighton and Celaviedmai to the next level in their careers.

Celaviedmai reflected on their experience to GAY TIMES: “Thanks to Breakthrough I performed at my first international festival – which was a dream come true and one of my manifestations for 2023.

“I won’t lie, the whole experience was elevated by participating in such a slay photoshoot with GAY TIMES. It gave me so much confidence and reminded me of who I am. It gave face card never declined.”

Keanan shared: “Touring the UK & Ireland – 100%. It was such an amazing experience and I’m truly grateful to have been given the opportunity to perform at such renowned festivals at this stage of my career.

“Boardmasters Festival was a personal highlight… being by the coast every day, waking up and being able to perform, surrounded by the best team of people – the vibes were immaculate.”

Breakthrough is about more than just music. Coke Studio and GAY TIMES are committed to promoting diversity, inclusivity, and self-expression. By helping artists from all backgrounds and identities to gain visibility and recognition, we hope to make a positive impact and create a more inclusive and welcoming society for all.

Omar Sadiq-Baig, Senior Brand Manager at The Coca-Cola Company says “We’re so excited to be back for a second year with Breakthrough, which comes to life via our internationally renowned Coke Studio platform. The content from last year’s campaign was seen by over 30 million people. It’s amazing to see our ‘Class of 2023’ shine and we can’t wait to meet this year’s acts”.

Coke Studio and GAY TIMES are looking for talented acts with a unique sound and a passion for making a difference. Whether you are an established artist or just starting out, we want to help you take your career to the next level. So please apply to be the UK’s next breakout star.

Apply here, full terms and conditions are listed below.

Terms and Conditions:

  1. The Breakthrough campaign is open to independent or unsigned musicians, DJs, or groups aged 18 years old and above and to those based in the UK or Ireland. Successful applicants must be able to provide proof of age and residency in the UK or Ireland.
  2. Applicants must have original music and experience performing in a music venue or live event.
  3. All selected acts may have PR representation but must be independent or unsigned musicians.
  4. The selected acts will receive festival slots, professional-quality photoshoots, media amplification, and long-term collaboration with GAY TIMES to further their career.
  5. Selected acts must be available to attend a photo shoot in Central London on 17th April and must be available to attend Pride in London or Brighton Pride, as well as selected UK and Ireland festivals. Selected acts must also participate in interviews with GAY TIMES and wider media to promote the opportunity.
  6. Applicants must apply via official channels using a Typeform link access by gaytimes.co.uk and via social channels.
  7. The decisions of Coca-Cola and GAY TIMES in selecting the successful applicants will be final and feedback will not be provided to individual applicants.
  8. Selected acts will be required to sign a contract with GAY TIMES outlining the details of their participation in the campaign.
  9. Any personal information collected during the application process will be handled in accordance with GAY TIMES’ privacy policies.
  10. By applying for the Breakthrough campaign, applicants are agreeing to be bound by these terms and conditions and must act in good faith while working with Coca-Cola and GAY TIMES. Participation in the campaign does not guarantee any future opportunities or employment with Coca-Cola or GAY TIMES. The campaign is subject to change without notice, and GAY TIMES reserve the right to make changes to the terms and conditions at any time.