Incubator is a new way to connect with music in its making and show support for Irish artists. A match-funding initiative from Improvised Music Company (IMC), Incubator offers supporters exclusive access to new content, music and real-life experiences, following two artists working on exciting projects over 1 year.

Following an open call-out, the artists selected for the inaugural edition of Incubator were Jennifer McMahon and Patrick Stefan.

Supporters are invited to sign up to invest €5 a month for 1 year, supporting new Irish music, which IMC match so that your €5 becomes €10, enabling Jennifer and Patrick to devote time into their respective projects and further develop their promising careers.

Both artists will interact regularly with their ‘creative champions’, with new and exclusive content, regular updates and special access to performances throughout the year.

The Artists

PATRICK STEFAN

"A gorgeous debut from a hugely talented mind” - Totally Dublin on Wayfarer

Patrick Stefan is an Irish-Dutch singer and guitarist. Originally from Co. Clare, Patrick’s unique musical background encompasses jazz, folk and world music, with him developing his craft in Brazil, the United States, Finland, Mali and beyond. He has collaborated with some of the top musicians in Ireland and released his debut album ‘Wayfarer’ to critical acclaim in 2022.

Patrick’s Incubator project will be an adventure in collaboration and the connection we find in improvisation, which will see him jamming, writing and recording a new track with a new collaborator every month.

It's an ambitious project, and an exciting creative journey over the 12 months.

Sign up to Incubator and join Patrick on each step of the way!

JENNIFER MCMAHON

“Raw, sensual emotion” – The Irish Times

Jennifer McMahon is a rising singer-songwriter from Dublin. Her lyrics are the keystone of her work, and her music illustrates the power of song, exploring personal and collective themes of love, loss, belonging, sensuality, and compassion. Following a Masters in Contemporary Performance from Berklee College of Music, and BA in Jazz Performance, Jennifer has been releasing powerful compositions over the past few years.

Jeni’s Incubator project ‘I Was Here’ is a multidisciplinary project about our relationship with nature, that will take inspiration from Dublin’s Phoenix Park, exploring senses of place and space.

Incubator supporters will follow her working through the seasons and the changing landscape as well as getting to experience her bespoke music trails in real life.

With your support, Patrick and Jennifer can explore, experiment and make new music over these 12 months, while you get to quite literally join them on the creative journey.

Incubator is a special chance to truly support and engage with the artistic community in Ireland - to be involved both in helping the artist to create, and in seeing how art grows, changes, and develops meaning. We want to help musicians continue to create and refine their music - give them time, space, and support to develop their best work.

As an Incubator Champion, your subscription means:

• You attract match funding as each subscription will be matched by IMC so the artists receive twice the amount.
• Regular (monthly) updates and perks including exclusive artist vlogs or diaries detailing how their music is being created from your support.
• A chance to chat and dive deeper on the creative process with the artists in an online Q&A’s.Special access to podcasts discussing their music.
• Video tour of the artist workspaces or collaborative processes.
• You are listed as a supporter on the artists’ work in 2023.
• First looks and listens to works in progress and/or finished work.
• An exclusive live performance for Incubator 'creative champions' only, showcasing the work you supported at the end of the project.
• Other special opportunities throughout the year.