April 2, 2025
Update: our 2025 call for musicians is now closed. Thanks to everyone who applied, we’ll be in touch soon!
We’re on the lookout for musicians, bands, and electronic artists to complete our exciting music programme for Hidden Door 2025. Applications invited until Wednesday 16th April.
Hidden Door is back, with this year’s festival taking place from 11th – 15th June 2025. We’re transforming The Paper Factory, an incredible disused industrial space in Edinburgh, into a vibrant celebration of music, art, dance, spoken word and more.
For our 2025 festival, we are showcasing a diverse mix of musical genres and styles, featuring some of the most exciting and boundary-pushing artists around. We are kicking off with an unmissable opening night offering energetic and theatrical fare from Bikini Body, Mermaid Chunky and Snapped Ankles. Thursday brings punk/pop attitude with Sprints, Witch Fever and SISTER MADDS, whilst Friday night sees Alice Faye’s lyrical Cabaret-come-Queen stylings programmed alongside Hidden Door favourites Tinderbox Orchestra and the dreamlike compositions of Erland Cooper.
Katy J Pearson, No Windows and The Orielles promise an alternative indie Saturday night to remember, with Sunday’s closing line-up welcoming Moor Mother’s poetic power alongside Bee Asha, MC Yallah & Debmaster and Ishmael Ensemble’s eclectic jazz infused energy.
If you are interested in appearing on the bill alongside talent like this, then read on…
We’re looking for musicians and electronic artists, working individually or as a band, group or collective who bring something special to the table. It’s not just about playing great music – it’s about creating an unforgettable live experience for our audiences.
There are limited places, with just ten slots reserved for the open call. We are looking for acts that will:
While we welcome all genres, we are searching for acts that will fit within the atmosphere and wider storytelling of the festival and existing programme, but will also stand out and make an impression on our audience.
We believe in fair compensation for our performers. As a volunteer-run, non-profit festival and in the interest of fairness Hidden Door aims to ensure that all our Open Call selected artists receive a flat performance fee, which covers performance time and basic rehearsal. This is an all-inclusive fee, which means no extra travel or accommodation budget is available, so please keep that in mind when applying.
Anyone from the UK can apply. However, as a charity set up to promote and support culture in Scotland, we will be looking to prioritise acts who are based in Scotland.
We are open to musicians at any stage of their career, but we want to find acts that will make the most of the chance to play at the festival, and will benefit most from it.
Deadline: midnight Wednesday 16th April
As part of the application we will ask for up to three examples of your performance, one of which we would expect to be a video of a live performance. Links can be a link to Soundcloud, Bandcamp, Spotify, or Youtube or any platform where the selection panel can listen to your music.
A panel comprising members of the Hidden Door team and music programming partners 432presents will conduct selection. Successful applicants will be notified by email early May. Even though we can’t book everyone this year, we hope to discover bands and acts that we can work with in future festivals and events.
Due to the volume of applications received, we are not able to give feedback on individual applications.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of Hidden Door 2025!
Thank you for your interest in performing at Hidden Door 2025! Before applying, please read the following information about performance fees and what to expect if you are selected.
Submission Deadline: Wednesday 16th April 2025, midnight
Event Dates: 11th – 15th June 2025
Location: the Paper Factory, 1 Turnhouse Road, Edinburgh
Hidden Door is inviting applications from bands, singer-songwriters, electronic music producers, solo musicians and any form of live music performance from any genre to form part of the Live Music Programme at Hidden Door 2025.
There are limited places, with only ten slots reserved for the open call. We are looking for acts that will fit well with what we have programmed, but will also stand out and make an impression on our audience.
Anyone from the UK can apply. However, as a charity set up to promote and support culture in Scotland, we will be looking to prioritise acts who are based in Scotland.
Performance Space & Atmosphere
Hidden Door transforms unique spaces into performance venues. For 2025 we are using a disused factory space so expect a warehouse-style setups. This year’s festival theme is “The Building as a Myth”, exploring ideas of transformation, memory, and reclamation. While you don’t need to tailor your music to this, we’re looking for acts that fit within the atmosphere and storytelling of the festival that will fit well with what we have programmed.
Hidden Door is about discovery and creativity and our audiences will be exploring multiple performances, installations, and artistic experiences throughout the festival.
Set Length & Technical Requirements
Sets will typically be 30 minutes, and artists should be prepared for a quick turnaround between acts.
Hidden Door will provide all technical requirements and technical support for the selected acts. Once selected, acts will be assigned an artist liaison who will work with them and help them provide all necessary technical information and promotional information required by Hidden Door.
Promotion & Engagement
We encourage artists to help promote their performance via social media and networks. Hidden Door will also promote all selected acts through our marketing channels. Specific requirements and arrangements for listing and promoting your show will be made after selection.
We also like our contributors to help by being a presence at the festival. Participating artists will receive a full access pass to the entire festival as well as guestlist passes and discount codes that will be confirmed closer to the festival.
Dates
If selected, you will be offered a specific date or a choice of dates (between 11-15 June). If you cannot commit to the available dates, we may need to withdraw your selection and offer the slot to another act.
Hidden Door is a volunteer-run, non-profit charity, with a focus on supporting emerging talent. We aim to fairly compensate all artists.
In the interest of fairness all selected artists will receive a flat fee performance depending on band size. Our fees are based on National Gig Rates.
| Band/Act Type | Fee |
| Solo artist/DJ | £180 |
| Duo | £220 |
| 3+ Band | £250 |
Fees include performance and basic rehearsal time. Unfortunately, we cannot cover additional travel expenses, so please consider this when applying.
We want a diverse, exciting, and high-quality lineup that fits Hidden Door’s vision. For 2025 our selection priorities are:
While we welcome all genres, we will be prioritising artists who bring something unique and align with our creative vision for the festival. This years theme is “The Building as a Myth” and we will be exploring the following themes through our creative programme:
We do not expect acts to specifically respond to these themes, but acts that align with the wider creative vision will be considered favourably.
Applications will be reviewed by a panel from Hidden Door, 432 Presents, and guest selectors. Please note the selection process is mainly based on the review of performance examples and as such we strongly encourage you to provide links to high-quality material where possible.
Successful applicants will be notified by email early May. Due to the volume of applications expected, we will not be able to give feedback on individual applications.
You can apply by completing our online application form. Key things to consider before applying are:
As part of the application we will ask for up to three examples of performances, one of which we would expect to be a video of a live performance. This is not compulsory, but is advisable as it will help us assess what audiences can expect from you.
Links can be a link to Soundcloud, Bandcamp, Spotify, or Youtube or any platform where the selection panel can listen to your music.
Do I have to be based in Scotland to apply?
No, applications are open to musicians from anywhere in the UK. However, as a Scottish arts charity, we will be prioritising Scotland-based acts.
What if my music doesn’t fit this year’s festival themes?
That’s okay! We encourage all genres and styles. While we are exploring themes such as Transformation & Reclamation, Rituals and New Narratives, Time & Memory, and Feminisation of Space, you don’t need to tailor your music to these. However, we are looking for artists whose style, atmosphere, or ethos aligns with the festival’s overall creative vision.
What do I need to do to apply?
We have an online form for you to complete. This will ask for background information, and for examples of work. We strongly prefer at least one live performance video to assess your ability to perform in a live setting. However, we also accept high-quality studio recordings if you don’t have live footage.
What if I don’t have a live performance video?
If you don’t have live footage, please provide high-quality recordings and a brief description of your live setup and experience.
How many performance samples should I submit?
We are looking for a maximum of 3 links.
When will I find out if I’ve been selected?
We aim to notify successful applicants in early May 2025. Due to the high volume of applications, we will not be able to provide feedback on individual submissions.
What equipment and technical support is provided?
Hidden Door will provide full festival production of:
All selected acts will be assigned an Artist Liaison who will help coordinate technical details. If you have any special requirements, please include them in your application.
What are the perks of performing at Hidden Door?
All selected artists will receive:
Will travel expenses be covered?
Unfortunately, Hidden Door does not have a budget for additional travel expenses. The fee should be considered all-inclusive, so please take this into account when deciding whether to apply.
Will accommodation be provided for artists traveling from outside Edinburgh?
No, we are unable to provide accommodation. If you are traveling to perform, you will need to arrange your own accommodation.
Still got questions?
Contact us at music@hiddendoorarts.org
