Transatlantic Rising Stars Project (Music)

The call for applications is now open!

The first call of the Transatlantic Stars Music Program invites mid-career EU songwriters and performers to take part in a two-week immersion into the American music ecosystem. Selected artists will collaborate with U.S. musicians, write and perform new work together, and gain direct insight into how the American industry develops talent, supports creative production, and builds audiences.

Participants will begin in Philadelphia, in partnership with the Philadelphia Music Alliance, where they will take part in a focused series of collaborative songwriting workshops that pair EU and U.S. artists for meaningful creative exchange. Set within a city known for its rich and evolving music scene, this phase includes mentorship, studio sessions, and networking with producers, performers, and music business professionals, along with training on legal frameworks, rights management, touring, and other key elements of the industry.

The program then moves into performances and community engagements across Philadelphia, where newly created work is shared with local audiences through partnerships with venues, schools, and cultural organisations. Educational visits, industry conversations, and structured networking complete the program, offering a clear understanding of the American music landscape and perspectives that participants can carry forward in their own artistic practice.

The two-week program culminates in Washington, D.C., where participants will join fellow Transatlantic Stars from the visual arts and film programs for a public summit showcasing the work and perspectives developed during their time in the United States.

Each selected artist will receive international and domestic travel, visa assistance, accommodation, and meals for the duration of the program. This opportunity is open to EU citizens, preferably residing in one of the 27 EU Member States, who hold a valid EU passport and are working songwriters or performers with a demonstrated track record of artistic achievement. Applicants must have released original music and received recognition through national or international platforms such as festivals, showcases, touring, awards, or notable industry support.

We welcome applications from artists interested in exploring the U.S. music industry, building transatlantic networks, strengthening creative exchange, and sharing their work with new American audiences. If you are committed to your craft, open to exchange, and ready to expand your career by reaching wider international and transatlantic audiences, we look forward to receiving your application to the Transatlantic Stars Music Program.

Applications are open from December 15, 2025, through January 21, 2026. Please see the Eligibility and Application Materials section for details, and use the link below to submit.

Eligibility and Application Materials

1. Applicant Eligibility

• EU Member State Citizen with a valid passport. Citizens of EU candidate countries are not eligible.
• Confirmation of no criminal background.
• English proficiency (spoken and written)
• Availability to travel to the U.S. for the program dates (mid May – early June 2026).
• Performed at a qualifying music festival or major event in the EU within the past three years.
• A minimum of 3 of the following criteria must be met to apply:
  • Critical Acclaim: Positive reviews, awards, or nominations from critics, industry bodies, or peers
  • Industry Awards: Receiving nominations or wins in recognised award ceremonies
  • Media Coverage: Features, interviews, or mentions in prominent music publications, broadcasts, or online platforms
  • Audience Reception: Popularity indicated by ticket sales, streaming numbers, chart positions, or dedicated fan base
  • Collaborations and Opportunities: Invitations to perform, record, or collaborate with well-known artists or institutions
  • Cultural Impact: Influence on music, contributing to trends or inspiring other artists
  • Experience: a minimum of five years of active professional work in music
  • Demonstration of a substantial body of work, either as albums produced or songs released 

2. Application Materials

• Artist biography
• Publicity-ready images, including one headshot (with no copyright restrictions)
• Links to live performances or studio recordings
• Responses to narrative questions in the application portal

Question: How will musicians be selected?

Answer: Applications are first screened for eligibility and then evaluated against the published selection criteria to create a shortlist. A jury of European and American music professionals will review shortlisted candidates and invite them to interviews to assess vision, communication skills, and overall fit for the program. The jury will then make final recommendations for five EU artists to participate. Applicants will be notified by email, and selected musicians will proceed to contracting.

Question: How much does it cost to apply?

Answer: There is no application fee.

Question: I’m just starting out as a professional artist. Can I apply?

Answer: This program is intended for mid-career artists who have performed at a qualifying music festival in the EU within the past four years (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025).

Question: Can my manager attend with me, or can someone I have already worked with join me in applying?

Answer: Only the individual applicant may participate.

Question: Do I need to perform primarily in English to apply?

Answer: No. Artists are not required to sing or write primarily in English. You should, however, be comfortable communicating in English, as the program involves close collaboration with American peers. Co-created work may naturally involve different languages or cultural references, and participants should be open to that exchange.

Question: How will you ensure fair and equal access to artists from every EU country?

Answer: We are holding an open call for qualifying musicians who are citizens of EU Member States. Selection will follow a standardised scoring rubric, including independent reviewers for each application, conflict-of-interest checks, and a balanced jury of European and American music professionals. Final selections will be based solely on merit, in accordance with the published criteria. To ensure broad awareness, the call is promoted EU-wide through official channels and partner networks, with particular attention to visibility in smaller Member States.

Question: Will I be notified if I am not selected?

Answer: Yes, all applicants will be informed as updates become available.

Question: Is there an interview as part of the selection process?

Answer: Yes, shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview.

Question: Who are the members of the jury?

Answer: The jury will consist of music professionals from both the European Union and the United States.

Question: I'm an artist working in the visual arts or film industry. Can I apply for the current call?

Answer: The current call is for songwriters and performers only. Our call for visual artists is now closed and will reopen in fall 2026. Our call for filmmakers is currently open but will close on January 16, 2026.

Have questions about applying for the Music Program? Email the Transatlantic Stars Music Team at music@trsproject.eu.