Brighter Sound is delighted to welcome back the inspirational BRIT award-winning, Mercury Prize nominated and critically acclaimed artist, Beth Orton, to lead the first Both Sides Now residency.

Both Sides Now is Brighter Sound’s ambitious three-year initiative to support and sustain gender equality across the landscape of music. Beth Orton with lead a five-day artistic residency for emerging female musicians of any genre from across Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Lancashire from Sunday 19 to Thursday 23 November. We’re looking for beatmakers and soundscape instrumentalists, songwriters and spoken word artists who have an interest in collaboration and experimentation – with an open mind to seeing what develops from the process.

Successful applicants will work with Beth and like-minded musicians to create new music, contemplate dialogue and response in the process of songwriting, and perform at the launch of Both Sides Now on Thursday 23 November to an audience of specially-invited guests.

Applications are open until midnight on Sunday 22 October.