That's a Wrap

It’s been a groundbreaking year for Northern Music. As a community, we’ve re-centred the narrative, taken up space, and demanded attention. At Generator, we’ve had an ambitious year all about championing local talent, showcasing our region, and creating a legacy – shaping better pathways for homegrown artists and professionals.

This year, we made an impact. We supported 491 people across our programmes from Youth Music and Tech Skills to Sonic Futures.

We launched Young Ambassadors, a brand-new programme bringing fresh thinking and sharp insight straight into our team. Their voice is already shaping how we work and has impacted not only the Mercury Fringe activity but also our offering for independent artists.

For the first time, Generator Connect has opened its doors for monthly drop-ins across the region, giving space for questions, support and connection. 

We trained 50 learners through our Level 3 Technical Skills Course, with one cohort joining us at Kendal Calling to power our showcase stages. In total, we have supported 50 people with real work experience, jobs and skills development across internships, placements and paid work opportunities at national showcases.

We kept our ear to the ground. At Open Decks, early-career DJs found a stage that backed them. Music Futures in North Shields supported local creatives, pushing talent and skills in tangible ways, and First Notes returned with eight standout artists, turning studio time into live performance and proper momentum. 

“My favourite event this year was the First Notes showcase. All 8 artists delivered an exceptional performance, I was truly blown away by how much all of them had grown in only 6 months. We had fantastic artists on the programme this year, and it’s such a joy to see them thrive.” – Laura Freyaldenhoven

This year’s cohort spanned genres - from rap, soul and RnB to country, folk and indie rock – all found a platform and creative outlet through First Notes. Six of our eight artists have already released tracks recorded as part of the programme, with more to follow in the new year.

We scaled things up. Nrthrn Baby: Next Up brought together emerging artists in rap, R&B and afrobeats for a full weekend of writing and collaboration and Sonic Futures delivered funding, mentoring and release support to artists and professionals across the Tees Valley, turning potential into progress.

“My standout moment of the year was kicking off the Sonic Futures Get Promoting programme - there's so many great ideas coming from the cohort. Next year, I absolutely can’t wait for Sonic Futures First Notes, as we look to work out of The Studio in Hartlepool for the first time in the project's history.”  - James Hewitson

From ‘Get Promoting’ to ‘Breakthrough: Release Ready’ and the Kycker programme, Sonic Futures has created new, accessible routes into music for Tees Valley creatives.

For the first time, Sonic Futures delivered a songwriting camp in the Tees Valley, connecting local artists with platinum-selling mentors and live sync briefs. An invaluable experience for both artists and facilitators. A programme that pushed boundaries and took creatives to the next level.

“The group got to work with a 5x platinum KPop writer, work on an active multi-million pound film brief, and they got to do it all on their own doorstep rather than having to travel to another part of the country for the experience.” – Ste Allen

We backed local voices. We supported 33 artists across showcases, leaving the North to make their mark at SXSW Austin, SXSW London, The Great Escape, Reeperbahn, FOCUS Wales and Kendal Calling. 

“This was my second year going to Kendal Calling and it was brilliant, not only was it nice to see multiple programmes come together but also I made friends for life!” – Chyaro Hylton

Kendal Calling marked a particular milestone for our team as it combined our usual showcase with the opportunity to bring our Level 3 Tech Skills cohort, as well as a group of Level 3 alumni, to the festival to power the Generator stage.

And finally, in October, the Mercury Prize landed in Newcastle. The Mercury Fringe turned the shortlist into a region-wide celebration, with live shows, panels, workshops and community events throughout the week. A milestone moment for the North East, powered by its music

“My standout moment of the year was working on the Mercury Prize Fringe, an ambitious week-long programme that took months of hard graft to bring to life. I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved and the lasting legacy it created for the region. It was a true celebration of the North East.” – Adam MacDonald

We worked with partners, promoters and venues across seven local authorities to create an inclusive, easily accessible programme of events and workshops and bring the Mercury Prize to your doorstep. We even partnered with primary schools across the region to form a Mini Mercury Choir and bring music (education) to underserved spaces and make an impact where it matters most.

“My standout moment was getting slightly teary as the Mini Mercury choir did their first run through of People Watching at St James Park” – Thomas Bagnall

And we’re not done. Next year, we keep building. With more purpose, more energy and more impact. 

The talent is here. 
The future is here. 
And we’re just getting started.