Case Studies

PLAY tutors bring an unrivalled source of experience and knowledge from the music industry to provide students with vital skills for your own music career. We’re proud to have helped to develop the careers of many young musicians through Generator. Here are just a few examples:

Lulu James (VOX)

Causing a serious stir throughout the music industry Lulu James graduated from the UMT class of 2011 and is going from strength to strength. Continuing to work alongside her UMT Tutor and producer, Dom P (aka Dom Zilla), Lulu’s recent releases have earned her multiple plays on Radio 1, 6Music and 1Xtra and rave reviews from the likes of The Recommender, SB.tv and the NME. Lulu's voice was born to flow over synthesized, button-made music in a wonderful juxtaposition and is a highly promising contribution to the new breed of soulful post-dubstep. Recently signed to RCA and BMG, expect massive things from Lulu who says, "UMT played a vital part in discovering who I am as an artist and songwriter as well putting me in touch with Dom."

Gordon Bruce (BEATS)

Since graduating from BEATS Gordon has kept himself busy being 1/5 of Newcastle's Shift-Static who are known for their masterful blend of the electronic with the human - creating glitchy, unsettling sonic canvases - with their latest EP mixed and mastered by BEATS tutor Danny Linton. Gordon says: “The best part was meeting a class group of people (including the tutors) who were all down to earth and all addicted to making music! The relaxed atmosphere of the studio meant everyone could have a laugh as well as interacting and learning from each other's skills.”

Louie Zico (PLAY WEEK, BEATS & VOX)

Louie ZicoMC has supported the likes of David Rodigan at World Headquarters after being recommended by PLAY as well as playing UMT: Emerging at Evolution Festival in 2011. ZicoMC states that through UMT he learnt to think about how to use effects and how to work a crowd which has helped him to get a good groove when producing songs. Now one half of promising clubnight promotions company Lively Up, Louie is taking the skills learned through PLAY to bring the best names in bass culture to North East club nights.

Simon Dennis (PLAY WEEK)

After his graduation Simon progressed on to a trainee role for PLAY courses before going on to music college in Leeds. From PLAY Simon has had the opportunity to work, perfrom and record with a diverse selection of talented young people and emerging North East artists as well as gaining confidence in his own music and teaching skills which he has put to good use. Simon has played live with the likes of The Union Choir and most recently at to a huge crowd at Split Festival with Hyde & Beast.

Get Involved

If like Simon and Louie you have a passion for teaching music, organising events or the music industry in general, please get in touch to find out about the many opportunities for young trainees, volunteers and steering group members.