PREVIEWS

MUSIC

HANNAH WHITE @ BOBIK’S

Words: Laura Doyle

What if I told you that one of the hottest voices on the Americana music scene was a UK-born singer songwriter backed up by a Nordic band? It turns out this less than typical combination makes for a winning formula: Hannah White’s latest album, Hannah White and The Nordic Connections, has just been nominated for UK Album of the Year by the Americana Music Association Awards.

It looks like lockdown has eased just in time for the ensemble, as it means they can now get out on the road in support of their 2020 accoladed release, with a show coming up at Newcastle’s Bobik’s on Friday 28th May. While there definitely hasn’t been enough time for her most recent tunes to go stale, White has still elected to freshen up her set list with a brand new song, Walk Beside Me. She got sick of the suffering and injustice in the world, and took it upon herself to make sense of our social mess by advocating love and support for our fellow humans.

If Americana is truly born out of grassroots musical movements, then it only makes sense that the genre should pay respect to its humble origins and advocate for a slice of peace for everyone. Going forward, this may well be an essential mindset to survive the last leg of this seemingly never ending time of uncertainty.

Hannah White plays Bobik’s, Newcastle on Friday 28th May www.hannahwhitemusic.com

ART & LIT

CHALLENGING CONVENTION @ LAING ART GALLERY

Words: Claire Dupree

A new exhibition at Newcastle’s Laing Art Gallery aims to shine a spotlight on four inspirational female artists from the 20th Century whose work had a significant impact on the profile of women artists within traditional institutions and in the public eye.

The works of Vanessa Bell (1879-1961), Laura Knight (1877-1970), Gwen John (1876-1939) and Dod Procter (1890-1972) reflected the almost constant struggle to challenge the constraints of the patriarchal society they were born into in a time of radical change, burgeoning modernism and increasing emancipation.

Challenging Convention takes a deep-dive into Hannah Whitethe work of these four extraordinary women, demonstrating the changing attitudes of their times, and the evolving emotional and intellectual landscapes. “Challenging Convention celebrates four extraordinary women who pursued artistic careers with determination and imagination,” says Lizzie Jacklin, Keeper of Art at the Laing Art Gallery. “From quietly expressive interior scenes to bold experiments with colour and form, the paintings on display highlight the remarkable achievements of four of Britain’s most important early twentieth century artists.”

Julie Milne, Chief Curator of the Laing, Hatton and Shipley Art Galleries, says: “Issues of gender equality will have a particular resonance for audiences at a time where challenges of economic hardship, unstable work and child care caused by the pandemic are disproportionally affecting UK women.” Running as a companion exhibition at the gallery, WOW: Women Only Works on Paper features over 50 watercolours and pastels, etchings and screenprints by accomplished and acclaimed female artists working in the first part of the 20th Century.

Challenging Convention is at Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle from Monday 17th May-Saturday 21st August www.laingartgallery.org.uk

MUSIC

NOMAD ANTHEM RELEASE NEW SINGLE, GOOD INTENTIONS

Words: Laura Doyle

The worst time to start a new music project was probably in 2019. Just as you got ready to unleash your sound, the entire world collectively went into hibernation for practically a year. (Unless you’re somehow reading this from New Zealand, in which case I hope you’re having a wonderful time. Lucky sods.) For us in the North East, we have had to remain cautiously optimistic. Our music scene might have felt competitively sleepy, but like a swan gliding across a lake, our feet have been desperately paddling to stay afloat.

Nomad Anthem are amongst those artists doing their absolute best to prepare us for the next wave of new music. Unfortunately formed right before the pandemic hit, they haven’t been dissuaded from their dreams: they’re one of those bands who actually put out music in the ‘uncertain times’. They show no signs of slowing down for 2021, having already dropped one single in January with another hot on its heels this month.

What’s more, new track Good Intentions lives up to its name with collabs from other North East bands One Million Motors, Tired of Fighting and Filthy Filthy, culminating in a pop punk exploration of dysfunctional relationships that serves as unintentional couples therapy. How’s that for nominative determinism?

Nomad Anthem release Good Intentions on 7th May www.facebook.com/nomadanthem

Image by Lang Shot Photography

MUSIC

PAUL HANDYSIDE RELEASES NEW ALBUM, LOVELESS TOWN

Words: Maria Winter

Formerly of 80s indie darlings Hurrah!, folk and roots songwriter Paul Handyside is releasing his new album, Loveless Town this month – a fusion of pop and folk-tinged Americana. The album is a delicious genre blend, featuring long time companions Dave Porthouse on double bass and melodeon, and producer Rob Tickell on guitar and dobro.

As a country music fan, those loveable flavours shine through, particularly prominent in the songs Loveless Town and New Frontier. With more of a bluegrass tone, Not In My Name gives the listener more of an upbeat feel. Paul remains true to his roots however, with a nod towards indie rock in Lord, Show Yourself. Providing a variety of moods, styles and stories, the music successfully keeps the listener on their toes.

Along with his beloved eighties band, Paul has also previously released two albums with alt. country rockers Bronze before pursuing a solo career in 2006. Loveless Town will continue his streak of releases, and it definitely won’t disappoint.

Paul Handyside releases Loveless Town on 21st May www.paulhandyside.com

MUSIC

GIGS @ INDEPENDENT, SUNDERLAND

Words: Claire Dupree

The home of the blue pint has had much to celebrate over the last few months, despite the dire circumstances. Having been successful in their Culture Recovery Fund application and able to give the venue a lick of paint and put in new sound and lighting systems, Sunderland’s Independent have kept audiences entertained with online performances over the last few months, and now they’re gearing up to welcome punters back to what they do best: in person live shows.

The Mackems don’t mess about with their first two shows, choosing a quartet of bands who are certain to deliver high velocity live performances. Friday 28th will see alt. rock supergroup Kickin’ Lillies bring their riff-heavy show, with support from female-fronted quintet ABNORM, whose thrillingly raw rock sound has seen them reap plaudits from across the board.

Sunderland four-piece Hivemind prepare their dynamic pop rock on Saturday 29th, when they’ll be supported by Sunkings, who bring a melodic heavy rock sound to proceedings. All shows will be seated and socially distanced, but that won’t stop the atmosphere being electric and the performances red hot.

www.independentsunderland.com

Abnorm

MUSIC

SOPHIA AND ALFIE BLUE @ BASE CAMP

Words: Tracy Hyman

A new night of stripped back performances launches on Friday 28th May at Base Camp in Middlesbrough. A socially distanced, intimate showcase of some of the region’s freshest emerging talents, the Pindrop events (not to be confused with the Hartlepool-based promoter) provide an opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy the art of music in its purest form.

The first instalment sees local acts Sophia and Alfie Blue take to the stage. Sophia, with her humble and emotional brand of pop music, has been tipped as one to watch for 2021 by BBC Introducing in the North East, and it’s easy to see why. Her captivating style has sparked the imagination of her growing fanbase and cemented her firmly on the radar of the region’s taste makers. Alfie Blue is the lead singer of local favourites Ocean Floor, and his new project sees him bring bright, indie pop songs and dreamy sounds for fans of Mac Demarco, Dayglow and Baby Pablo.

Pindrop continues weekly on Fridays in June until the return of non-socially distanced shows later that month (fingers crossed), with acts slated to perform including Phibi and Scrannabis (Friday 4th), Dressed Like Wolves and Epilogues (Friday 11th), and Nel Unlit and Bloody Death (Friday 18th June).

Sophia and Alfie Blue play Base Camp, Middlesbrough on Friday 28th May www.basecampboro.co.uk

Sophia by Eye Of The Tyne

MUSIC

DYSKINETIC & SL WALKINSHAW @ SAGE GATESHEAD ONLINE

Words: Claire Dupree

Sage Gateshead continue their online meanderings with another series of New Beginnings shows this month, livestreamed from the venue. Royal Northern Sinfonia return for two new shows on Friday 14th and Friday 28th May, and funk and soul maestros Smoove & Turrell perform live from the venue on Friday 7th May.

Of particular note for alternative music lovers will be a double helping of sonic adventures from songwriter Kris Halpin and composer and musician SL Walkinshaw on Friday 21st May. Halpin, who performs under the moniker Dyskinetic, is a disabled musician who uses Imogen Heap’s ground-breaking MiMu Gloves to create music in the space between electronic and rock, using hand gestures and futuristic technology. Influenced by the likes of Smashing Pumpkins, Bjork and Deftones, his sound is created in collaboration with choreographer Ayaka Takai, and uses the gloves to generate music based on natural movements rather than treating them as an ‘instrument’ to play. Providing a supporting slot will be Ten Sticks musician and composer SL Walkinshaw, whose recently released debut album uses field recordings, analogue ambience and acoustic instruments to create an ambient soundscape.

Dyskinetic and SL Walkinshaw perform livestreamed sets via Sage Gateshead on Friday 21st May www.sagegateshead.com

FILM

CAP-A-PIE RELEASE CLIMATE CHANGE CATASTROPHE! ONLINE SERIES

Words: Maria Winter

North East theatre company Cap-a-Pie have embarked on a cross-generational campaign to bring the message of climate change to audiences with their new six-part online series, Climate Change Catastrophe!, available on YouTube from Wednesday 12th May. Made by children for grown-ups, the series will be an eye-opening experience addressing the relevant issues of climate change, all from the perspectives of the next generation.

Teaming up with Newcastle University climate scientists and engineers, singer-songwriter Katie Doherty and Cap-a-Pie engaged primary school children to provide encouraging perspectives on a subject that is incredibly important. Seeing the imaginative ideas devised by these kids come to life will be both entertaining and heart-warming – and you might learn a whole lot more about climate change than you knew before.

Cap-a-Pie’s artistic director Brad McCormik says: “It’s one of the biggest issues of our time and will affect us all, but it’s the younger generation who will bear the brunt so we felt it would be interesting and useful to get their perspectives and to broaden their understanding of climate science and engineering solutions from people with real expertise.”

Climate Change Catastrophe! will be available via Cap-a-Pie’s YouTube channel from Wednesday 12th May www.cap-a-pie.co.uk/climate-changecatastrophe

Hannah Goudie-Hunter and Liam Scarth in Climate Change Catastrophe! by Lindsay Duncanson

ART & LIT

MARGARET MITCHELL @ ESTON ARTS CENTRE

Words: Beverley Knight

Award-winning Scottish photographer Margaret Mitchell takes the lead in the reopening of Eston Arts Centre with mindfully selected pieces from not one but two of her collections: Family (1994) and In This Place (2016), at her exhibition which takes place from Thursday 20th May-Saturday 12th June.

Three generations of her extended families present their narratives, interlinked with political and personal issues probing the audience to consider options in life and what they believe is set in stone for their destiny. Mitchell speaks of her work: “I want the viewer to ask themselves a question about how society operates, how choice is related to opportunity and environment. To see that sometimes people choose what they do because really, not much has been offered in the first place.”

Margaret’s late sister Andrea and her three children are the focus of Family. They lived in an area constantly placed in the highest 5% of government statistics for multiple elements of deprivation, while In This Place returns to the three children – now parents and adults themselves – to see what their future held. Still housed in a deprived neighbourhood a short bus ride away, what decisions could they honestly make and were they able to affect their destiny?

Margaret Mitchell exhibits Family and In This Place at Eston Arts Centre from Thursday 20th May-Saturday 12th June www.margaretmitchell.co.uk

Steven, In This Place 2016-17

MUSIC

FINN FORSTER @ THE GLOBE, NEWCASTLE

Words: Steve Spithray

As a natural extension of his hugely successful lockdown sessions and livestreams (including the release of his debut five-track EP Lockdown B-sides, as well as being awarded BBC Introducing Track of The Week on two separate occasions) Teesside’s Finn Forster rocks up to Newcastle’s Globe this month.

Gaining praise right at the beginning of his career with debut single Empty Promises in 2019, followed by support slots with Chris Helme and Neon Waltz, his latest single, Lonely Nights (feat. Frikhan), is a smooth slice of indie soul that embellishes Finn’s increasingly silky tones, and should help the Teesside star-in-the-making hit the summer running as gig and performance opportunities hopefully begin to present themselves again.

The intimate Newcastle venue has kept the flag flying for online performances over the last few months, and this show will be both ‘in person’ as well as livestreamed.

Finn Forster plays The Globe, Newcastle on Saturday 29th May www.finnforster.com

ART & LIT

LOUCEY BAIN: SPACIAL NARRATIVES @ THE AUXILIARY

Words: Nicola Owen

The Auxiliary in Middlesbrough hosts its first physical exhibition since September 2020 with Spatial Narratives by Teesside-based artist Loucey Bain.

Spatial Narratives marks Bain’s first solo exhibition and brings together over a year of embodied research and work through an ethnographic turn as an artist, studio holder and gallery assistant within The Auxiliary Project Space. For Spatial Narratives, Bain will present a large installation and a series of drawings. Loucey notes: “You could say this work is my reaction to a particular moment in history, which has led to a new way of working and thinking. It’s a creation of work about a specific place at a specific point in time.”

The exhibition also coincides with The Auxiliary’s forth anniversary as an organisation and Liam Slevin, director of The Auxiliary Project Space and the exhibition’s curator, is excited to be hosting Loucey’s art. “This work speaks the material language of the Auxiliary; literally, it’s made of the things we’ve built it with; plasterboard, plywood, dropped screw bits, nails, tacks, the very stuff that laid the foundation for the amazing community of artists and makers we’ve become. Loucey’s subtle, almost delicate drawings visualise and capture that journey perfectly and to be reopening after such a tough year with this powerful exhibition is amazing.”

Spatial Narratives by Loucey Bain opens at The Auxiliary, Middlesbrough on Friday 21st May www.theauxiliary.co.uk

Spatial Narratives by Loucey Bain

MUSIC

ARCADE SKIES RELEASE NEW EP, LOOK TO THE SKIES

Words: Maria Winter

Whitley Bay-based independent electronic music producer Arcade Skies will release his debut synth pop EP Look To The Skies this month. As an artist who began transforming his creative talent into music production during the first lockdown, Adam Curran is known for producing 80s inspired synth pop electronica.

The tracks have a continuous and unifying sound running throughout, culminating in a transportitive amalgamation of dancefloor friendly bangers. Each song holds different musical qualities, yet Arcade Skies seals these differences into an overall chilled, lo-fi vibe, intrinsically present throughout.

Having received plaudits via BBC Introducing and regional radio stations, recent single Hold To Breathe channels an Ibiza-infused folktronica style; while Urban Fluidity’s sax appeal and darkwave track Forget Everything And Remember add further diverse facets to Adam’s multi-layered oeuvre.

Arcade Skies release Look To The Skies on 7th May www.arcadeskies.bandcamp.com

Arcade Skies by Karla Gowlett

MUSIC

OCEAN FLOOR & THE LULAS @ KU BAR

Words: Laura Doyle

It almost feels too good to be true, but the time has come for the return of actual, in-person gigs to the North East – hopefully for good. KU Bar in Stockton has thrown their hat in the ring for their own string of socially distanced live shows, bringing actual performances to their lovely Stockton venue after what feels like a decade of musical drought.

Their first show back on Thursday 20th May has been programmed by local promoters Famous Last Words, and features locals only: indie five-piece Ocean Floor will bring their pop rock melodies to the responsibly spaced out stage. Recent single Wet Socks invokes the same sunny, fun and slight surrealism that the late and great Her’s exhibited. They’re accompanied by Teesside pop groovers The Lulas; a four-piece who dip subtly into jazz sensibilities, spicing up their feel-good pop tunes. This easy-listening line-up is ideal for a re-entry level gig. Granted, we aren’t quite able to pile into a sweaty bar and writhe around in a moshpit just yet, but after being out of the live music game for so long, a quiet sit-down with a beverage of your choice should be just enough to whet your appetite. Mine’s a blackcurrant and soda.

Ocean Floor and The Lulas play KU Bar, Stockton on Thursday 20th May www.kustockton.co.uk

Ocean Floor by Ella Stock

STAGE

META4DANCE: CONFLUENCE LIVESTREAM

Words: Nicola Owen

Meta4Dance are an up-and-coming contemporary dance company based in the North East, who are planning on returning to their roots as they prepares for an exciting new performance titled Confluence, which will be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube from the banks of the River Coquet on Friday 14th May.

The wider Natural Theatres project seeks to encourage the use of non-traditional performance venues whilst also increasing accessibility for audiences of the arts. It’s something that Meta4’s co-creator and artistic director Lily Horgan (a native Northumbrian herself) is excited to see develop: “During lockdown, our outside environment has become essential for mental and physical health. We want to suggest a new way to experience live performance, that re-imagines the feeling of seeing it in person. It’s important that people who aren’t comfortable going back to theatres yet are able to view a professional live performance from the comfort of their own home.”

Natural Theatres has already been showcasing some of the best the North East has to offer, working alongside two other dance companies, What’s That Dance and Pelican Theatre, with performances able to be viewed online now.

Meta4Dance present Confluence on Friday 14th May, available via livestream on their Facebook and YouTube pages, charged at a ‘pay what you feel’ rate www.meta4dance.com

MUSIC

HONEYFLUX @ THE GLOBE, NEWCASTLE

Words: Laura Doyle

Being in a band is a big commitment, what with songwriting and recording, gigging (perhaps not much at present, but soon), and all the admin that goes with it. Being in two or more musical projects, then, seems borderline ridiculous. But for some, there’s just no end to their potential creative outlet.

Enter Honeyflux, a North East supergroup (previously known as Smithereen) made up of members from a whole host of your local scene favourites. Members from Backyard Rhythm Orchestra, Martha Hill’s band, Prudent Primate and Shields UK came together to make their own custom blend of Geordie alt. rock. They haven’t had much chance to stretch their musical legs since their inception last January, what with the whole no-shows-for-a-year thing we’ve had going on, but that’s about to change thanks to the continued efforts of our local venues providing some much needed socially-distanced options. Honeyflux’s show at The Globe in Newcastle takes place on Saturday 22nd May and provides an opportunity to enjoy the show up close and personal via a household table in-venue or, for those more nervous about reintegrating with society, an accessible livestream.

Honeyflux play The Globe, Newcastle on Saturday 22nd May www.facebook.com/honeyfluxband

Honeyflux

COMEDY

PATRICK MONAHAN @ THE FORUM MUSIC CENTRE, DARLINGTON

Words: Tracy Hyman

Local funny man Patrick Monahan brings his new stand-up show, Started From The Bottom, Now I’m Here, to The Forum Music Centre, Darlington on Tuesday 25th May.

Patrick was born in Iran before moving to the outskirts of Middlesbrough to live in a caravan. Flash forward two decades, and he’s now living with his upper-middle class girlfriend in a house. Presented by local promoter Hilarity Bites, the rescheduled date sees the multi-award winning Irish Iranian comedian providing smart and funny observations on his new found, middle-class lifestyle, complete with ski holidays. A contrast from the poor, immigrant, working-class family life he grew up in.

Well known for giving out hugs at shows, he’ll have to curb his natural enthusiasm for this socially-distanced show, but his performance will lose none of its warmth and hilarity.

Patrick Monahan performs at The Forum Music Centre, Darlington on Tuesday 25th May www.hilaritybites.co.uk

MUSIC

TEN EIGHTY TREES RELEASE NEW SINGLE, FEAR OF FALLING

Words: Damian Robinson

Opening up with juddering rock power chords, and blazing into soaring choruses, the new one from Tyneside rockers Ten Eighty Trees clearly aims to put their name squarely into the regional ‘ones to watch’ rock lexicon. Precisely produced and following interesting alternative rock standards, Fear of Falling mixes up light electronics, varying vocal ranges and changing rhythm tempos into a track that is both instantly accessible yet seldom stationary as it bobs and weaves into territory often occupied by the likes of alternatives Biffy Clyro, Stone Temple Pilots and Megadeath.

Suggesting the true meaning behind Fear of Falling, vocalist Nathan Newton admits that the track’s alternative sound may slightly disguise the true, deeply personal, meaning behind the song: “Fear of Falling is about my experiences with PTSD. I had a pretty horrific accident about four years ago and really struggled with sleep deprivation in the aftermath. It was such a tough repercussion and put a lot of stress on my life and relationships. Writing Fear of Falling was essentially my own personal therapy.” Having already toured extensively nationally, this sounds not just like a winning track for the band but also one to look forward to being played at full volume live.

Ten Eighty Trees release Fear of Falling on 21st May www.teneightytrees.bandcamp.com

Ten Eighty Trees

ART & LIT

WASSA @ WASHINGTON OLD HALL

Words: Beverley Knight

What if you could be in the presence of the first president of the USA, George Washington himself? It isn’t as impossible as it sounds if you take the chance to visit new art installation Wassa (titled after a historical name for the town of Washington) at Washington Old Hall by artists Lindsey Mendick and Dominic Watson, where a cast of six historical and mythical personalities connected with the area indulge in a feast.

Dominic explains: “The installation is partly based on facts, but it’s also steeped in stories and half-truths which have been passed down through generations.” Alongside George, you can meet the depiction of the White Lady and a sculpture of the local historian and schoolmaster Fred Hill, who played a pivotal role in saving Washington Old Hall from ruin in the early 20th Century.

Mendick and Watson worked with local residents and school pupils to gather legends and old tales. “I think that the people we met will recognise their own input. Talking to local residents really informed our work and gave us extra insight into the stories which are the most important to people here.” Lindsey declares. The sensory experience, bustling with theatre, shows the history of a building in a way that has never been attempted before and marks a forward-thinking approach for our new dawn.

Wassa is at Washington Old Hall from Friday 21st May-Sunday 31st October. Tickets for Washington Old Hall must be booked in advance via the National Trust website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/washington-old-hall

Lindsey Mendick and Dominic Watson, creators of Wassa