JBL Music Academy 2026 turns up the volume on emerging talent

MUMBAI: JBL is once again turning up the volume on fresh talent, unveiling the JBL Music Academy 2026, a global initiative designed to discover, mentor and amplify the next generation of music makers.

Returning for its fourth consecutive year in India, the programme goes beyond simply finding promising artists. It aims to connect emerging musicians with industry mentors, international exposure and opportunities that could help transform bedroom recordings into career-defining moments.

This year’s academy brings star power to the mix, with globally acclaimed DJ Martin Garrix and chart-topping singer Benson Boone joining as mentors. They will work alongside JBL’s long-time brand ambassador AR Rahman, giving selected participants rare access to some of the most influential voices in contemporary music.

Rooted in JBL’s purpose of “Making Voices Heard”, the academy is open to aspiring artists, producers and creators aged 18 and above. Applicants can submit a motivational video along with up to three original tracks through the programme’s website. Entries open on 1 June and close on 14 August 2026.

“For 80 years, JBL has stood for one thing: making sure no voice goes unheard,” said HARMAN India, Sales Management Leader, Consumer Audio India, Shekhar Datta. He described the academy as a platform for artists who use music as a form of self-expression and are eager to grow, be discovered and reach wider audiences.

The journey will culminate in a flagship JBL Music Academy event at STMPD in Amsterdam later this year, where selected artists will have the opportunity to perform on an international stage while taking part in creative workshops and industry-led sessions.

India’s previous representatives, including Pratika and Raksheet Ramesh, have showcased the kind of boundary-pushing talent the academy seeks to champion. With applications now open, JBL is once again inviting emerging artists to make some noise and perhaps be heard around the world.