No, we currently do not have an application process for playing the general stages at Output Belfast - instead all live music shows (apart from the emerging artist stage) are curated by hosts. Please see the “how can I be considered by a showcase host” for more information on this; and see the “who has hosted” dropdown for previous hosts.

Please see info below on the annual open call for emerging artists.

Yes, every year we have an open call for emerging artists. This gives a selection of new artists the chance to be included in the Output Belfast live music showcase.

APPLICATION PROCESS: We release the application form on our site one month before the conference. You will need to meet certain requirements to show you are an emerging artist. Once applications are closed a team of UK/ROI music industry professionals will listen to the submissions and choose 2 artists to perform.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the volume of submissions, we can only respond to the 2 artists selected to perform.

Each stage for the music showcase is hosted by two music organisations - this could be a management company, a record label, a blog, a PR company, a radio station, a festival, a booking agency or another music company or organisation. These hosts are in charge of curating the showcase lineup. If an artist is being considered by them to perform, the hosts will contact the artists directly or through the evening showcase co-ordinator, Thomas. There’s usually between 14-16 different stage hosts.

PLEASE NOTE: This means the Output Belfast event organisers do not choose the artists who perform at the evening showcase - the decision is given solely to all the stage hosts.

One of the best ways to be considered is to continue promoting yourself on social media, reaching out to previous hosts and networking with any music industry representatives you know r an companies who have involvement in hosting stages at Output Belfast and other music conferences/events around NI and ROI. The Output Belfast daytime conference offers delegates the opportunity to network with a vast range of music industry professionals who represent different areas of the sector - and representatives from the companies who host stages at the music showcase usually appear on panels every single year. Finding out who hosted last year (from our previous showcase pages) and reaching out to them with examples of your music is a great way to make yourself known to them. Also keep in mind that attending the conference this year provides delegates with a chance to hear from and meet, in-person, some of the individuals who host stages.

Please contact Mark at mark@scoredrawmusic.com with your name, company and request, and your details will be forwarded to the evening co-ordinator. This usually happens around 4-5 months before the conference.

The full set of showcase hosts is released every year on our line up posters/flyers under “hosted by” or beside the stage name. All of these posters are still available to view on our social media platforms (Facebook and Instagram).

Please note we have confirmed all hosts for 2026.