Music at Aesthetica
We’re bringing the worlds of music and film together through a dedicated Music Programme designed to spark connection, collaboration and new opportunities. The programme features panels, the New Music Stage featuring 10 breakthrough artists, masterclasses and networking. Meet industry professionals from Beggars Group, BBC Introducing, Universal, Futuresound Group and A&R reps. Hear from award-winning sound editors and composers. Gain advice on sync and building a career.
Masterclass: Scoring to Picture with Anna Rice
Saturday 7 November 10:30-11:30 | York Theatre Royal Studio
Multi award-winning composer, lyricist, arranger and music producer Anna Rice joins us for an in-depth conversation about scoring to picture. Across her twenty-year career, Rice has produced songs and written arrangements featuring acclaimed performers including Lang Lang and Ronnie Wood (The Rolling Stones), and has experience across film (Re-Creation, Our Blue World), TV (Ian Hislop's Age of the Do-Gooders) and games (God of War, Ghost of Tsushima).
Meet the Music Jury
Saturday 7 November, 12:00-13:00 | York Theatre Royal Main House
Welcome to the New Music Stage. We kick off proceedings with a panel featuring Jury members Rob Cannell (Beggars Group), Sally Bryant (Futuresound Group), Nicolas Tyrell (Culture and Music Journalist) and Arusa Qureshi (Writer and former Editor of The List). This session takes a deep dive into the music industry, unpacking the structures that shape how emerging talent is discovered, developed and supported. The Jury will discuss the practical realities of working in music today, including the roles of labels, publishers and curators in building sustainable careers and breaking acts to wider audiences.
10 Breakthrough Acts
Saturday 7 November, 13:00-21:00, with intervals | York Theatre Royal Main House
Discover the New Music Stage at Aesthetica, an all-day music festival featuring 10 breakthrough British acts who are already making waves on Radio 1 and at Glastonbury. It’s an exciting chance to experience fresh music from a whole host of genres – indie, folk, jazz, pop – and support emerging talent. 10 incredible acts. 10 unique sounds. See these incredible artists here first, before they explode onto the world stage.
Networking: Sync in Focus
Saturday 7 November, 15:45-16:45 | York Theatre Royal Main House
An introduction to sync licensing and the power of collaboration between sound and screen. The session opens with three concise talks from leading figures, including Universal Music, Rough Trade Records and Domino Recording Company. They share insights into how music is placed within film and TV, and the different pathways available for artists, filmmakers and composers. Following the talks, attendees will have the opportunity to connect in an informal networking session. Whether you’re a filmmaker looking to understand music partnerships or a musician interested in breaking into visual media, this is a practical entry point into the world of sync.
Keynote: BBC Introducing: Jess Iszatt
Saturday 7 November, 17:00-18:00 | York Theatre Royal Main House
Every week, thousands of listeners across the UK tune in to BBC Introducing on Radio 1 – a show hosted by Jess Iszatt, dedicated to championing brand new artists that are breaking through across the nation. It gives up-and-coming names broadcast opportunities on radio, TV and online, alongside the chance to perform at major festivals. Ed Sheeran, Florence + the Machine, Lewis Capaldi, Raye, Sam Fender, Aitch, Olivia Dean, Myles Smith, Nia Archives and Tom Grennan all received BBC Introducing support at the start of their careers. In this session, Iszatt – who is not only a dynamic radio presenter, but an accomplished DJ and respected tastemaker in the industry – speaks about her career, and the importance of nurturing new talent.
Live Performance & Q&A with Dilettante
Saturday 7 November, 21:00-21:45 | York Theatre Royal Main House
“A dazzlingly skewed pop-vision” – MOJO. Dilettante is the art-pop brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Francesca Pidgeon, based in the North of England. Last year, they won the New Music Stage, delivering a set that captivated both audience and jury with emotive vocals, layered textures and a commanding stage presence. This Q&A offers an insight into the journey of an emerging artist navigating the music industry today. Dilettante unpacks the practical and personal experiences of breaking through as a new artist, and concludes with a must-see live performance. For fans of St Vincent, Tune-Yards, Fiona Apple, Billie Holiday, Stephen Sondheim, Grizzly Bear and Dirty Projectors.
Want more from our music programme?
Unlock Five Days of Music, Film and Connection with the Unlimited Festival Pass With an Unlimited Festival Pass, you’ll get access to five days of masterclasses, networking opportunities and music screenings — opening the door to the people, ideas and conversations shaping the future of music and film. Learn how to score a film, hear directly from leading voices in the music industry at an event hosted by Beggars Group, and connect with musicians, filmmakers, developers and creatives from across the industry. More than just a programme of events, the Unlimited Pass is a chance to build connections, discover new perspectives and spark collaborations that could turn into your next big idea. Book your Unlimited Festival Pass and be part of it. See the Music specific sessions below
Masterclass: Sync with Beggars Group
Thursday 5 Nov, 14:30-15:30 | York Theatre Royal Studio
An essential introduction to the world of sync licensing from Beggars Group, one of the world’s largest independent label groups and the home of 4AD, Matador, Rough Trade, XL Recordings and Young. Sync enables creatives to use copyrighted music across film, commercials, television and video games. This panel demystifies the process – from identifying tracks that support the narrative on screen to working with music supervisors on licensing and rights clearance.
Beggars Presents: Meet the Music Industry Party
Thursday 5 Nov, 20:00-21:00 | York Theatre Royal Upper Foyer
The worlds of film, games, XR and music increasingly intersect, and exciting opportunities emerge when we connect the dots. Beggars Group Universal, EMI, Fontana, Dance to the Radio and others invite you to a Meet the Music Industry takeover for drinks and collaboration, to explore shared opportunities and spark new creative partnerships across sectors. This session offers space to meet peers across the music ecosystem, exchange ideas and build relationships.
A Masterclass in Award-Winning Sound Design
Friday 6 Nov, 10:00-11:00 | Yorkshire Museum
Film might be a visual medium, but sound is equally vital in shaping narrative and emotion. From dialogue and score to sound effects and foley, carefully crafted audio immerses and guides audiences through a story. Academy Award-winning Nina Hartstone and Emmy-winning Louise Burton are sound editors who have collaborated on major productions including Bohemian Rhapsody, Saltburn and Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights. They draw on their experiences to explore how audio can be used to bring stories to life on screen.
Masterclass: The Power of Soundtracks
Friday 6 Nov, 17:30-18:30 | York Theatre Royal Studio
Sound plays a vital role in shaping a film, influencing everything from atmosphere and emotion to narrative and pacing. Jen Moss is a music supervisor with over 15 years’ experience in the industry. Her extensive credits include the Academy Award-winning I, Tonya, Saint Maud, American Animals, Misbehaviour and the BAFTA-winning Beast. In this masterclass, Moss will break down her role, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the creative and practical realities of collaborating with filmmakers on unforgettable soundtracks.
Official Selection Music Video Screenings
Various Times - See Festival Programme
As part of our Official Selection we showcase a selection of Music Video short films, celebrating the relationship between music, sound and film. On across various times and venues during the festival, meet directors who specialise in music videos and find out what resonates with audiences. This year's selection hosts films from artists such as Girl in Red and Wet Leg. See the Official Selection programme for more information on screenings and timings.