Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) today announces the sixth annual class of artists joining Fender NextTM - a dynamic initiative aimed to redefine the landscape of artist development and musical expression worldwide. As the guitar industry and its artists have evolved over the past six years, so too has Fender, recognizing and adapting to the changing needs of musicians. With Fender Next™, the guitar manufacturer continues its legacy of supporting rising talent while celebrating the diverse and groundbreaking music they create.
This year's Fender NextTM class includes 25 trailblazing artists from North America, Australia, Europe, Asia and Latin America that span genres, generations, genders and backgrounds, each elevating guitar in their own respective communities through unique personality and style.After an open call with over 1,000 submissions received from aspiring musicians and A&Rs across the country, the 2024 roster was hand-selected by Fender’s artist relations team as representative of the future of guitar and the wider industry. As part of the process, Fender partnered with key industry leaders at record labels, management companies, streaming services, talent agencies and other music entities to help curate the shortlist.
"As we look to the future of players and creators, we're thrilled by the creativity and innovation they bring to the scene. Artists are blending genres and exploring new sonic territories while paying homage to and drawing inspiration from those who came before them," said Matt Watts, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Fender. "With this new group of talented artists, Fender is proud to provide support. I'm eager to witness the remarkable journeys and groundbreaking sounds that will undoubtedly arise from this collaboration. Here's to pushing boundaries and shaping the future of music together."
Over the last six years, Fender NextTM has recognized and empowered a multitude of talented artists who have launched into critical acclaim and commercial success across various countries and regions, including; boygenius founding member and 2024 Gretsch signature artist, Phoebe Bridgers, UK chart-toppers Wet Leg, Sam Fender, and other notable acts like MAY-A, Japanese Breakfast, IDLES, Orville Peck, Little Simz, Madison Cunningham, Jun Xiao, Omar Apollo, The Black Pumas plus many more.
The Fender NextTM Class of 2024 Includes:-
- Adam Melchor (USA)
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- Billyrrom (Japan)
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- Deb Never (USA)
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- English Teacher (UK)
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- Fin Del Mundo (Argentina)
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- GAYLE (USA)
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- Girl Ultra (Mexico)
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- Jalen Ngonda (UK)
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- Jawny (USA)
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- Joy Oladokun (USA)
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- Julie (USA)
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- King Isis (USA)
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- Lava La Rue (UK)
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- LÜCY (Taiwan)
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- Maya Delilah (UK)
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- Militarie Gun (USA)
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- Petey (USA)
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- Q (USA)
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- Royel Otis (Australia)
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- Spill Tab (USA)
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- TIMØ (Columbia)
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- Vacations (Australia)
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- w.o.d. (Japan)
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- Zach Top (USA)
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- Zion Yan (Mainland China)
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- A welcome pack curated with FMIC items will include a 70th Anniversary Stratocaster, a Deluxe Moulded guitar hard case with strap and cable, a Mustang Micro, a pedal from Fender’s HammertoneTM series which will be selected to match to each artists unique sound, as well as a PreSonus® HD9: Professional Monitoring Headphones.
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- Amplification through Fender’s industry-leading marketing efforts to bring fans even closer to their favorite artists through a social content series that will live on Fender’s TikTok, Youtube and Instagram showcasing an at-home one-song performance and short interview dubbed "Play and Tell."
- Inclusion on Fender official playlists via music streaming service Spotify.