08/12/25 - ALTERNATIVE ESCAPE SHOWCASE APPLICATION OPEN
Applications Now Open for the Rock & Metal Alliance Stage 2026
The Rock & Metal Alliance is pleased to announce that applications are now open for our 2026 showcase at The Alternative Escape in Brighton. The RMA Stage champions emerging heavy artists and provides a platform for bands across rock, metal, punk, hardcore, and alternative subgenres. Our mission is to spotlight new talent, strengthen the community, and support artists who are ready to take the next step in their development.
A Global Network and International Pathways
Artists selected for the RMA Stage become part of a growing global network of heavy artists, promoters, and festivals. RMA now hosts stages at events internationally, and our long-term goal is to create pathways toward international touring and cross-border opportunities for the artists we support.
Who Should Apply
We welcome applications from original rock and metal bands who are showcase ready and able to use the festival to leverage professional opportunities. Bands should be actively seeking agents, managers, labels, publishers, live opportunities, or broader industry connections. This opportunity is not for acts with full teams or very early career bands. RMA is committed to platforming emerging, underrepresented artists and strengthening the wider heavy music ecosystem.
Apply Now
If you would like to be considered for the 2026 lineup, please complete the application form below:
Be Part of the Movement
Heavy music thrives when artists, fans, and industry work together. So if you’re ready to reach new audiences, grow your professional network, and become part of a wider international community of Rock artists, we encourage you to apply.
15/11/25 - MONO GOES METAL : PANELS + SHOWCASE
There’s something special about touching down in a new country and immediately feeling its energy—and Denmark delivered that in full force. We landed just in time to catch the city’s Christmas parade winding through the streets, a surreal and festive welcome before diving into a weekend celebrating heavy music and the people who keep it alive.
The following morning kicked off with a brilliant panel discussion, giving us the chance to talk about what we do at Rock & Metal Alliance and to explore the role showcase festivals play in supporting emerging heavy artists. We were honored to sit alongside leading figures from across Europe’s metal landscape:
Stine Omega – Copenhell (DK)
Runa Stridin – Midgardblot (NO)
Celine Høie – By:Larm Black / Indie Recordings (NO)
Chris “Jagger” Jägger – Summer Breeze (DE)
Jarek Szubrycht – Mystic Festival / Poland Music Week
It was an inspiring conversation about community, infrastructure, and the future of metal. Each festival and organization represented brought a unique perspective, but the message was unified: the heavy music scene thrives when we collaborate, share knowledge, and elevate new talent.
As night fell, Mono Goes Metal came alive. We had the chance to witness a lineup packed with intensity, creativity, and raw power. Standout performances came from:
Lightchapter
Blodmåne
LYSBAERER
PERMANOIA
DITTO KRØYER
802
Terminalist
Swartzheim
From atmospheric black metal to progressive ferocity, every set reinforced just how strong and diverse the Danish metal underground truly is.
Though our time in Denmark was short, it was immediately clear that the country’s metal scene is not just alive—it’s flourishing. A huge part of that success can be seen in Mono HQ, an exceptional hub for developing artists. With rehearsal spaces, a recording studio, a live room, and a supportive team behind it, Mono HQ stands as a model for how to nurture emerging talent. It embodies the kind of grassroots infrastructure we champion at RMA: spaces where bands can grow, experiment, and find their place within the wider heavy music ecosystem.
We left Denmark with sore necks (we're too old for headbanging), ringing ears, and a renewed belief in the power of the international metal community. Mono Goes Metal showcased not only outstanding artists but also the dedication of the people working behind the scenes to ensure heavy music continues to evolve and thrive.
A massive thank-you to Trine and the Mono team for hosting us and for their ongoing commitment to supporting artists at every stage of their journey. We’re excited to continue this partnership with our Danish friends in the future. Keep your eyes peeled for Danish metal on our future stages!
(Photo Credits - Rolf Meldgaard)
17/10/25 - proweekend showcase / reception
We’ve just returned from Pro Weekend Festival in Castellón, where we announced our ongoing collaboration with the festival and showcased two acts — Lo Rays (Glasgow, Scotland) and The Alchemy (Canterbury, England). Both bands had previously performed on our Rock and Metal Alliance stage at The Great Escape earlier this year.
The festival itself was a fantastic experience, featuring a diverse range of high-quality artists from around the world and attended by numerous international industry professionals. Among the standout performances for us were Loretta’s (Castellón), Clitteband (Netherlands), and Indoor Foxes (Edinburgh, Scotland) — though every act we saw delivered to an exceptional, export-ready standard.
On the Wednesday, we hosted a drinks reception to officially announce our partnership with Pro Weekend and present the Rock and Metal Alliance project to the wider industry audience. The event was a great success — we received strong support and valuable ideas for future collaborations from many of the delegates in attendance. Emma also took part in a panel on DIY Touring at the Grassroots level and the various factors involved in that.
On Friday, Lo Rays delivered an electrifying set to a full house at the Terra venue — one of the festival’s standout spaces, known for its excellent atmosphere and sound. The band received incredible feedback and were approached with further opportunities as a result. The Alchemy closed the stage on Saturday night with an explosive performance, again playing to a packed crowd and proving that heavy music absolutely deserves a place at showcase festivals like this.
We’re proud to be helping build these pathways for grassroots heavy acts to be seen, heard, and celebrated on international stages.
KEEP AN EYE OUT AS WE WILL BE LOOKING TO OPEN APPLICATIONS FOR PLACEMENTS AT OUR STAGES IN 2026 IN THE COMING WEEKS.
16.05.25 - The Great Escape Brighton : Rock & Metal Showcase Triumph
The Great Escape in Brighton marked a significant milestone with the launch of our first-ever Rock and Metal Showcase, featuring 13 exceptional acts from the UK and Europe, including talent from Finland and Denmark. Held as part of the renowned festival, this event showcased a dynamic lineup that captivated industry professionals and fans alike.
Stellar Lineup
The showcase presented an impressive roster of emerging artists:
- Celavi
- HCK9
- Lo Rays
These acts delivered powerful performances throughout the day, drawing attention from a diverse audience of music fans, festival organizers, and representatives from agencies and labels.
Industry Impact
The event proved to be a resounding success, with several bands securing festival bookings and representation from agencies and labels. This showcase not only highlighted the strength of the current rock and metal scene but also served as a launchpad for emerging talent to connect with key industry figures.
Forging International Partnerships
The success of the showcase has paved the way for exciting new collaborations. We are thrilled to announce a partnership with Pro Weekend Festival in Valencia, where two of our showcased acts will perform. Additionally, discussions are underway to secure placements for our artists at international events starting in 2026, facilitated by new relationships with European export representatives. These partnerships will enable us to bring global talent to our events while providing our artists with opportunities to perform on international stages.
Looking Ahead
The Great Escape Rock & Metal Showcase has set a high standard for future events. We are committed to fostering the growth of the rock and metal community, connecting artists with opportunities, and building bridges across the global music industry. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming showcases and partnerships.
For more information, contact us at info@rmaofficial.com or follow our news section for the latest developments.