Meet the artists we’re supporting with the Peter Whittingham Jazz Award

Since 1990, the Peter Whittingham Jazz Award has supported exceptional jazz musicians at a tipping point in their careers, helping them turn their ambitions into reality.

With past winners like Help Musicians Ambassador Soweto Kinch, Xhosa Cole, Errollyn Wallen, and Roller Trio, the award has become a key stepping stone for emerging artists aiming to build sustainable careers in jazz.

Musicians face significant challenges, from the high costs of recording, touring, and promoting their music to the pressures of maintaining creative independence.

Many emerging artists struggle to break through due to limited access to funding and opportunities.

Awardees receive tailored one-to-one business advice sessions, and financial support to fund projects such as recording new material, promoting releases, or pursuing mentorship.

In late 2024, after reviewing applications, we invited 10 UK jazz musicians to the Peter Whittingham Artist Development Day at Shoreditch’s Strongroom Studio.

Each musician had the opportunity to perform in front of an incredible line-up of figures from the Jazz industry who assessed live performances from these musicians to select the awardees. 

This panel included Zara McFarlane, Denys Baptiste, Louise Paley (Women in Jazz), George Hudson (Soho Live) and Clive Shelton (Peter Whittingham’s son-in-law).

Musicians also got to spend half an hour in Strongroom’s Studio 1 with award-winning Engineer, Mixer and Producer Carlos Mas who has over a decade of experience working with artists such as Mötley Crüe, Roger Waters, Stormzy & Mahalia.

Additionally, each applicant had a ​‘Get to Know Help Musicians’ meeting with a member of our Engagement Team and a one-to-one business advice session with industry experts Justin McKenzie and Jeremy Paterson. They discussed topics such as how to create and achieve long-term career goals and develop sustainable income streams.

The day was a great success and our thanks go to the entire Strongroom Team, especially Ella Harris, Eva Valentin, Katie Forman and Andrea.

The aim of the artist development day was to give a meaningful outcome to every musician and not just those who were award winners. To that end, all 10 artists who attended were offered additional business advice sessions.

Awardees of the Peter Whittingham Jazz Award receive £5,000 of financial support, plus tailored one-to-one business advice from experienced music industry professionals.

Olivia Cuttill is now able to record and release her debut EP, ​‘I’ve Won The Lottery,’ which showcases her unique blend of jazz and blues. 

With additional business advice, Olivia aims to grow her presence in London and beyond, creating new opportunities for tours and collaborations.

An additional £5,000 is also distributed between applicants demonstrating potential to make an impact in the scene. Successful applicants will also receive one-to-one business advice.

Glasgow-based Sonedo will use the development award to finish his debut album and implement a strategic release plan after receiving pragmatic business advice to help him maximise his reach and impact.

Matt is using the Peter Whittingham Development Award to fund his debut album with his quintet, a project that will define his artistic direction. 

The business advice he’ll receive will help him navigate the complexities of promotion and further his career in jazz music.

Glasgow-based Tao can use the award to release a considerable amount of music over the coming year, allowing them to bring their creative vision to life and promote it effectively through video content and other materials.

If you’re a musician looking to release new music, arrange a live event or work on developing your skills, opportunities for support from Help Musicians are always available.