The Oh Yeah Music Centre has announced the four new acts joining its Scratch My Progress talent development programme for 2025: GUSH, The Thing Is…, Pinsleep and Lord Jane.

Now in its 14th year, the scheme continues to provide mentoring, showcases and practical support for emerging artists, with backing from PRS Foundation and IMRO. Over the next nine months, the artists will work with new Scratch mentor Benjamin Magee of New Champion Management, taking part in workshops, studio sessions, professional photo shoots, live showcases, and one-to-one guidance from industry figures.

Magee, who manages acts including Chalk and Scratch graduate Lemonade Shoelace, said, “It’s been an honour to be handed the reins to the decade-long mission that Scratch My Progress has pursued. I look forward to sculpting the programme going forward and shaping the careers of the emerging artists that come through the scheme.”

Charlotte Dryden, CEO of the Oh Yeah Music Centre, said, “A warm welcome to the new Scratch cohort. This year saw an impressive number of band applications, reflected in the strength of the new group, with Pinsleep standing out for their innovative solo work. We’re also delighted to welcome Ben, who brings fresh energy and perspective. Our thanks go to former mentor Charlene Hegarty for her invaluable contribution, and to PRS Foundation and IMRO, whose support is vital in enabling Scratch to champion artists in these challenging times.”

The four acts expressed their excitement at joining the programme.

GUSH said, “We are beyond excited and grateful for this opportunity to be part of such an acclaimed programme that so many incredible artists have gone through over the years.”

The Thing Is… commented, “We’re so grateful to be selected for this year’s Scratch My Progress Scheme! A huge thank you to everyone involved at the Oh Yeah Centre. We can’t wait to grow our potential in this community of amazing artists and professionals.”

Pinsleep said, “Being selected for the programme means I can tune more into the community which forms the music industry here in NI. To me, as a solo artist, it is especially important to feel being part of something larger, to be cheered, but also kept accountable on this strange journey of turning your deepest dreams into reality.”

Lord Jane added, “We were so delighted to be chosen to take part in this year’s Scratch, especially because of the incredible depth of talent that is currently on offer within Belfast and NI! So to be selected is a huge honour and we feel very lucky to be given the opportunities that Scratch provides to learn and grow as artists!”