THE 2025 Sonic Guild Seattle Grants
Sonic Guild is proud to announce the finalists for the 2025 Seattle Artist Grants. These musicians were nominated and selected by our members, advisors, and past grantees, reflecting the creativity and diversity of Seattle’s music community.
The finalists now move into the final round of voting, where ten artists will be chosen to receive a $10,000 grant at our Grant Celebration on February 21.
How Final Voting Works
Final voting is open to Sonic Guild Seattle members, advisors, and past grantees with a ballot send to them directly by email.
Voters may select up to ten artists from the Top 40 finalists.
You do not have to choose all ten, but you may vote for up to ten different artists.
Please avoid voting for bands you are in or have a business interest in.
If you submit more than once, your most recent ballot will be the one counted.
The ten artists with the highest number of votes will receive a 2025 Sonic Guild Seattle Artist Grant.
2025 Sonic Guild Seattle Artist Grant Nominees
This year’s nominations broke every record — with over 625 artists submitted by our members, advisors, and past grantees. The outpouring of support and enthusiasm from our community was so strong it even exceeded our system’s capacity for a moment (a testament to how much Seattle cares about its music scene).
We’re thrilled to share this year’s remarkable group of nominees, representing the diversity, creativity, and strength of Seattle’s artists. Each one embodies the passion and originality that make our city’s music community so vital.
From Executive Director Ben London:
“This year we received over 625 artist submissions—our largest group ever. Thank you for listening, voting, and helping shape the Class of 2025. Your participation strengthens Seattle’s music community. Artists not selected this year remain eligible for the Artist Grant, Tour Support Grants, and Producer Grants in 2026, as well as ongoing free music education events throughout the year.”
Sonic Guild’s Artist Grants are chosen through a member-driven process that celebrates community participation and collective impact. Members, advisors, and recent grantees help guide the selection of this year’s recipients — ensuring the grants reflect the voices of those most connected to the local music ecosystem.
Timeline
November 9 – First round voting closes
November 17 – Top 40 announced and final voting opens
November 26 – Final voting closes
December 5 – Grant recipients announced
February 21 – Sonic Guild Seattle Celebration at The Triple Door
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FAQ
What are the Sonic Guild Seattle Artist Grants?
Each year, Sonic Guild awards a series of grants to local musicians to help sustain and grow Seattle’s music ecosystem. These grants are funded through Sonic Guild memberships and community support, and chosen through a member-driven nomination and voting process.
Who can nominate artists?
Nominations are submitted by Sonic Guild Seattle members, advisors, and recent grant recipients. Anyone in the Sonic Guild community who is actively engaged with local music can put forward artists they believe deserve recognition and support.
How many artists were nominated this year?
This year we received over 625 artist submissions — the most in our history! The outpouring of nominations reflects how much creative energy is thriving in Seattle’s music scene right now.
What does being nominated mean?
Being nominated means that a Sonic Guild member or advisor recognized an artist’s impact and potential, and submitted them for consideration. Nominees are then reviewed and included in the official list for member voting — it’s a significant honor and recognition from the community.
How are grant recipients chosen?
Grant recipients are determined through an internal voting process among Sonic Guild members, advisors, and recent grantees. Votes are based on artistic quality, originality, impact, and alignment with Sonic Guild’s mission to support and sustain local music.
When will the 2025 grant recipients be announced?
The final recipients will be announced on December 5, 2025, followed by the Sonic Guild Grant Celebration on February 21, 2026 at The Triple Door.
Can artists share that they were nominated?
Absolutely! Nominees are encouraged to celebrate and share their achievement. A customizable nominee graphic is available here:
👉 Create your nominee graphic
Be sure to tag @sonicguildseattle and @sonicguild so we can celebrate with you.
What if I notice an error in an artist’s name or link?
If you see an error or broken link in the public nominee list, please email k.vanpetten@sonicguild.org and we’ll make sure it gets corrected.
What if I’m not a member — can I get involved?
Yes! Membership in Sonic Guild directly supports local musicians through grants and education programs. Members also receive exclusive invitations to showcases, concerts, and community events throughout the year. Learn more or join at sonicguild.org/join.
What if I wasn’t nominated this year?
Artists not nominated this year remain eligible for future opportunities, including the Tour Support Grants, Producer Grants, and free artist education events offered year-round.
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