PREVIEWS

Image: Leyla McCalla by Rush Jagoe

MUSIC

BACK ON TRACK

Words: Claire Dupree

Always to be relied upon for excellent train-based puns, Darlington music collective Tracks are celebrating the receipt of some Arts Council funding by putting on a series of tasty online events.

Kicking off this month, their Back On Track project features several strands which focus on supporting local musicians and providing some much-needed entertainment. Their Noisy Daughters initiative, which aims to shine a light on female artists in the North East, will be hosting a series of workshops for womxn in the industry and were so popular they were fully subscribed within a matter of hours.

Audiences can get involved with the latest HARK! event though, taking place on Sunday 31st January the online evening of music and poetry has been inspired by the works of writers Langston Hughes and Ted Hughes, and will feature performances from US-based multi-instrumentalist Leyla McCalla, whose sound is deeply influenced by traditional Creole, Cajun, Haitian and American jazz and folk music and musical storyteller Bird Radio, with a third act TBC, plus a poetry recital from Teesside writer, performer and former BBC Tees DJ Bob Fischer.

There’s more musical excitement in the coming weeks as some of the region’s hottest rappers will deliver a brand new series of cyphers. Rather than a traditional group performance, North Beats will take the form of three socially-distanced filmed performances in locations around the North East, with videos expected on YouTube from early February. Beats will be commissioned from top local underground producers including Freddy & Kv$shnoodle, with six rappers offering up their best lines. Curated by BBC Tees Introducing host Rianne Thompson, it’s guaranteed to be a showcase of some of the region’s most exciting hip-hop talent. Keep an eye on Tracks’ socials for updates and jump on board! www.facebook.com/tracksdarlington

MUSIC

GIRL FROM WINTER JARGON RELEASES DOUBLE A-SIDE SINGLE

Words: Maria Winter

This month County Durham’s talented Girl From Winter Jargon is set to release a limited edition 7” featuring two new songs, Song For The Waves and Matilda. With live performances described as a “one girl loopaganza”, Girl From Winter Jargon’s atmospheric alternative edge shines through in this release. Thanks to local Darlington label Butterfly Effect Records, whose recent singles club has seen releases from the likes of Jodie Nicholson and Ceiling Demons, an exclusive 7” will enable fans to get their hands on a lovingly made physical edition.

Each song was written, performed and recorded by Girl From Winter Jargon and mixed with the assistance of Rob Irish. Song For The Waves is said to be inspired by “social ghosting, disillusionment and the healing power of music”; emulating the immense energy transference made possible by various waves, the track includes intricate musicality from squealing guitars to theatrical vocals. Matilda on the other hand, is a rhythmic and harmonious ballad about “loyalty, love and advocacy”, loosely inspired by characters in the Roald Dahl novel.

With proto-grunge and neoclassical influences, Girl From Winter Jargon’s work not only includes traditional instruments but also eclectic sounds of dolphin vocals and pot smashing – it’s safe to say we can expect something quite unique. Girl From Winter Jargon releases Song For The Waves/Matilda via Butterfly Effect Records on 21st February www.girlfromwinterjargon.com

Cortney Dixon

MUSIC

GOSFORTH CIVIC THEATRE LIVESTREAMS

Words: Ali Welford

Is anybody else missing gigs far more than they did during the first lockdown? Personally, I blame that late summer/early autumn mirage – a period where things, while by no means rosy, did appear to be moving in the right direction – before our calendars were cruelly and abruptly wiped once more of anything remotely classifiable as ‘fun.’

Livestreams, then, remain the order of the day for the foreseeable future; and one venue doing its bit to bring us our culture fix is Gosforth Civic Theatre. From Friday 29th January the community space will host a series of virtual Friday night shows from some of the region’s finest emerging names, kicking off with a set from hotly-tipped South Shields singer-songwriter Cortney Dixon. She’s followed on Friday 12th February by Me Lost Me – one of many local artists denied a proper album launch for last year’s stunning second effort, The Good Noise. Many Moons – the outfit led by Bangor-born musician Patrick Kelly – are next up on Friday 26th February, while London-cum-Newcastle performer Lizzie Esau takes centre stage on Friday 5th March with her own full band outing.

Each virtual event begins at 7pm and can be streamed for free over on the Gosforth Civic Theatre YouTube channel, with no need for tickets. Spice-up those sofa-bound evenings and set yourself a reminder! www.gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk

STAGE

WHAT SONGS MAY DO @ DANCE CITY ONLINE

Words: Laura Doyle

Have you ever been minding your own business, in a shop or perhaps in a taxi with the radio on, and heard a song that’s taken you back? That’s the vibe of award-winning choreographer Mathieu Geffré’s latest production, What Songs May Do.

Inspiration strikes in unusually specific places, which is maybe why this performance’s setting features a 1970s jazz festival, Nina Simone and the inclusive story of two men trying to amend their fractured relationship. It’s quite refreshing to see this take of an imperfect LGBTQ+ love story: these relationships are after all the same as any heteronormative relationship, yet they’re often deified to the point of unrealism in media. Perhaps this is part of Rendez-Vous Dance’s mission to tell LGBTQ+ stories from the past and present, as they help us uncover the tales from under-represented communities which have been their backbone for decades. And, while 2021 may not feel as different to last year as we all wanted it to just yet, it comes with a key difference – we’re getting used to these new parameters.

Postponed since last May, Dance City finally hosts the now-online premiere of this ground-breaking performance on Saturday 13th February to be enjoyed in full. Rendez-Vous Dance present What Songs May Do via Dance City online on Saturday 13th February www.rendez-vousdance.com

EVENTS

INSIGHTS VIRTUAL LECTURES FROM NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY

Words: Claire Dupree

While we remain in some form of lockdown or other, it may be tempting to learn a new skill or educate ourselves by hearing from diverse voices (in between home-schooling/working and despairing at the state of the world, of course).

Newcastle University’s INSIGHTS series of lectures can always be relied upon to tackle topical subjects in an accessible and insightful manner, and this year’s virtual lectures are no different. Kicking off on Tuesday 9th February with a highly relevant discussion from Dr Sophia Gaston, director of British Foreign Policy Group, which ponders whether President Biden’s term as US president will be a clean slate, a correction to the norm or ‘more of the same’. Continuing every Tuesday and Thursday until 20th May (with a brief gap in April), further lectures will focus on a range of topics including LGBTQ+ literature (Is The Gay Novel Dead, with journalist and author Paul Burston on Thursday 11th February); how the pandemic will change capitalism (with economist and author Grace Blakeley on Thursday 18th February); the crucial roles of the arts and humanities in the ‘4th Industrial Revolution’ (Thursday 25th February); writer and director Marc Jobst ponders the job of directing character-led action films (Thursday 11th March); director of Tell MAMA (Measuring Anti-Muslim Attacks) Iman Atta OBE discusses the increasing problem of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate crime (Thursday 18th March); Prof. Helen Carr looks at the unsettled history of Britain and Europe (Tuesday 23rd March); author and activist Zion Lights explains why geographers need to stand up for the planet (Tuesday 27th April); writer and journalist Patrice Lawrence gives a speedy A-Z run-down of being a Black British children’s writer in a publishing industry still working on diversity (Tuesday 11th May); and to end the series, Prof. Joan Beal outlines the history of accent prejudice in Britain and discusses why it’s still a problem in the 21st Century.

All lectures are free to attend and start at 5.30pm via the Newcastle University website. www.ncl.ac.uk/events/public-lectures

COMEDY

MATT HOSS & FRIENDS ONLINE COMEDY SHOW

Words: Claire Dupree

Coming up with original comedy ideas during a worldwide pandemic can’t be an easy thing to do, but Darlington-born comedian Matt Hoss has managed to entertain himself and a host of fans thanks to his congenial manner and a plethora of comedy pals. Over the last ten months he’s livestreamed gameplay on Twitch via his @MattHossComedy page and set up the Castival podcast, in which he’s joined by special guests – including the likes of Dane Baptiste, Justin Moorhouse and Lauren Pattison – to pitch their dream music festival. His debut hour-long show, which got a highly-acclaimed airing on Zoom back in December, is an emotionally honest and hilarious show which tackles the knotty subjects of romance, awkward sex and falling in love.

He’s now turning his hand to monthly online comedy shows, in a bid to highlight the plight of the comedy scene as well as keep his fans entertained, and God knows we could all do with a laugh at the moment. The handpicked guests will perform a blend of old and new material, with the show held together by Matt as the masterful MC. Coming up on Saturday 13th February is a star-studded show filled with recognisable funny figures, including Laura Lexx, Mark Simmons, Athena Kugblenu and Joby Mageean. Tickets are a mere fiver, and the show takes place on Zoom. Matt Hoss & Friends takes place via Zoom on Saturday 13th February www.matthosscomedy.com

Matt Hoss

MUSIC

THE JOHN MICHIE COLLECTIVE RELEASE NEW ALBUM, HIGH VIBRATIONS

Words: Michael O’Neill

If not for the press release I have to hand, I’d be forgiven for assuming that John Michie was an otherworldly being who fell to Earth, absorbed the last 60 years of underground culture, and then spewed out this gloriously bizarre, kaleidoscopic carnival of sound. Indeed, High Vibrations is a universe unto itself.

The record, in his own words, explores “personality, truth, beauty, inspiration and euphoria in the form of guitar-based psychedelia”; it’s a very safe conceit, and one that undersells the sheer maverick force of the LP, which revels in being relentlessly unpredictable and multi-faceted, cunningly avoiding the classic pitfall of sounding like yet another third-rate S.F Sorrow.

Instead, High Vibrations is an enthralling and head-spinning exercise in avant-garde acid-soaked splendour. More often than not, the record sounds like a pummelling descent through a tilted hall of mirrors, with a plentiful supply of galvanising left turns allowing the LP to remain enthralling and relentlessly entertaining.

Michie wisely avoids letting the sheer audial cacophony overwhelm the quality of his songwriting, making for one hell of a refreshing experience. It’s an utter delight, and a bold new frontier for psychedelia. The John Michie Collective releases High Vibrations on 12th February www.thejohnmichiecollective.com

PBVArts

ART & LIT

PINEAPPLE BLACK LAUNCHES PBVARTS

Words: Claire Dupree

The world of online art exhibitions are by no means a new thing, but innovation in the field of virtual spaces is coming on leaps and bounds, and it’s vital for arts-based businesses to adapt. Teesside-based virtual gallery Dovetail Joints have worked alongside Middlesbrough art space Pineapple Black to launch a new extension to their versatile art space. PBVArts will be a virtual rendition of their gallery space which viewers and interact with their programme of work.

They’ll be launching the space on Friday 5th February with the first UK exhibition in almost a decade from photographer and filmmaker Mitchel Proctor. His collection, entitled planes, is an in-depth look into the cohabitation of humans and their environment, drawing on Proctor’s time spent in the US. “It’s an exciting chapter for Pineapple Black and for us as curators. Over the last year we’ve not been able to do what we love doing.” Says Stephen Irving, Pineapple Black’s co-director. “This new venture is great because it means we can get back to curating shows and working with artists again. It allows us to explore new and fantastical ideas that would not be possible in reality. And when we can get back to hosting physical exhibitions – this will serve as an excellent extension of our programme.”

As Dovetail Joints’ director Connor Clements puts it: “The creative possibilities available in the virtual medium far exceed what could ever exist IRL. It really extends the limits of what a gallery can be,” and for businesses like Pineapple Black to embrace such routes to their audience will ensure they will not just survive, but thrive. planes by Mitchel Proctor opens on Friday 5th February via PBVArts www.facebook.com/pineappleblackarts

EVENTS

DARLINGTON HIPPODROME LIVESTREAMS

Words: Mollie Field

Darlington’s treasured Hippodrome, legendary home of the arts since 1907, reminds us this month that although we are all still tucked up at home, the show must go on. “We are offstage, but not offline”, their website proclaims. Having kicked off a series of A Night In With… in January, the livestreamed talks and performances come from an eclectic variety of authors, activists and comedians.

On Wednesday 3rd, A Night In With Nikesh Shukla is imperative viewing. Expect a lively exploration of racism and feminism, parenting and the concept of home. In celebration of Nikesh’s latest must-read Brown Baby: A Memoir of Race, Family and Home, expect a provocative, humble and honest evening from this multitalented author and leading voice on diversity in the arts.

The ever sophisticated and remarkably witty Raven Smith brings some laughter to our living rooms on Wednesday 17th. Dubbed as ‘Instagram’s funniest man’, Raven’s thoroughly modern social commentary is a joy. If his Sunday Times best seller Trivial Pursuits is anything to go by, we are in for a treat!

On Thursday 18th, join Nicky Campbell, ITV’s treasured TV personality, in an intimate exploration of his own journey through loss and abandonment. In the honouring of his courageous memoir One of the Family, expect some raw storytelling. The month ends with an event for fans of fantasy fiction, as New York Times Bestseller Sarah J. Maas is in conversation with Katherine Webber on Sunday 20th February; getting down to the nitty gritty of her fiercely anticipated sequel A Court of Silver Flames. More events are promised throughout the spring, so keep an eye on the venue’s website. www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

Nikesh Shuklar

MUSIC

INFINITE ARCADE RELEASE DEBUT SINGLES

Words: Ali Welford

As artists continue adjusting to the repressive whims of a global pandemic, 2021 seems set to offer a fresh cluster of projects born from perpetual cycles of isolation. This would certainly appear to be true of Infinite Arcade, an anonymous new guise from a musician who’s COVID year has evidently been spent in pursuit of fresh creative pastures.

Debuting on Friday 26th February alongside accompanying videos, curtain raising tracks I Will Make You Better and Sparrow share a strikingly minimal tone, yet equally hint at the disparate strands underpinning their maker’s imagination. Sensual and multifaceted, the former could score the most intimate of on-screen dramas, while the latter’s taut, foreboding beats would perhaps prove better suited to an intense psychological thriller. Stylish and mellow in tone, each piece represents a rich, wholehearted embrace of bedroom electronics; awash with warm, fluid textures and atmospherics dictated via bass synth swells and evocative found sounds as opposed to overbearing beats or melodic motifs.

With a pair of contemporaneous yet contrasting EPs set to follow come Springtime (and… who knows… maybe even a couple of live shows?), these twin initiations pitch Infinite Arcade as an artful and intriguing addition to the North East’s thriving electronic community – one whose post-pandemic face already feels markedly different to that which entered. Infinite Arcade releases I Will Make You Better/ Sparrow on 26th February www.facebook.com/infinitearcade

Faithful Johannes by Leslie-Ann Spence

MUSIC

FAITHFUL JOHANNES RELEASES NEW EP, ...IS HOPEFUL

Words: Ben Lowes-Smith

After a terrific debut record in 2018’s Thrills and Bills and a string of Christmas singles, Faithful Johannes returns in February with four-track EP ...Is Hopeful.

Johannes says that this is his “most personal collection of songs to date”; tapping into the mundane detail of childhood to scintillating poetic effect – a tapestry of small poetic detail making a record that is packed with pathos.

Whether he’s recognising his dad’s face in his own during a Skype call, ruing a misspent youth being perfectly behaved and succumbing to internalised guilt, or watching dead skin settle on an unplayed instrument, Johannes’ eye for detail and jet black sense of humour make ...Is Hopeful an incredibly compelling listen. Johannes’ has self-deprecatingly referred to his music as ‘barely rap’, but the new EP displays his knack for rhythm and flow impeccably; these songs wouldn’t sound out of place on an Anticon Compilation. The EP is bolstered by a spooky remix courtesy of Me Lost Me and features artwork from Middlesbrough’s one man music factory Oli Heffernan.

Faithful Johannes...Is Hopeful is released digitally and on a very limited run of transparent 8” vinyl via Win Big Records on 5th February www.faithfuljohannes.bandcamp.com

ART & LIT

COBALT STUDIOS LAUNCH THE ZINE SOCIETY FOR CHALLENGING TIMES

Words: Caitlin Disken

Whilst 2021 may not have begun the way we’d all hoped, Ouseburn’s Cobalt Studio and its sister venue Ernest have two new projects bound to wipe away those winter lockdown blues. With their staff working tirelessly over the new year, within a few weeks we’ll see the projects come to fruition: Cobalt Studio’s The Zine Society For Challenging Times workshops commence on Thursday 4th February, and new deli shop Ernie opens at the end of January.

Both projects show a commitment to creating a sense of community. The Zine Society For Challenging Times is open to anyone across the UK, with each participant submitting work to produce a communal zine. Only a way of making black marks is needed, as those taking part will receive all other materials in the post. The internet isn’t necessary, making the project accessible to all, yet Cobalt will be hosting demonstrations on Zoom workshops. Each workshop will be centred around a different lockdown theme: ‘Joy’ on Thursday 4th, ‘Ritual’ on Thursday 11th, ‘View’ on Thursday 18th and ‘After’ on Thursday 25th February.

Meanwhile, over at sister venue Ernest, their deli shop Ernie will be opening round the back of the venue. Initially a lockdown survival project, it has evolved into a venture that seeks to work directly with producers, emphasising the local. Out of 1196 products, 313 are super-local, which

means they are from within 20 miles of the venue. Ethical produce is paramount at Ernie, and they are working directly with 91 producers to ensure high-quality produce which is kind to the planet.

Visit their social media for info on how to book tickets for The Zine Society For Challenging Times. www.facebook.com/cobaltstudioscic www.ernieouseburn.com

FILM

VALENTINE’S EVE 2

Words: Claire Dupree

Having tasted success last year with his short horror film Valentine’s Eve, local film producer Dean Midas is reprising his popular character for a sequel this month.

Based on the fictional character of Eve Valentine, a serial killer who terrorized Durham in the 1950s, Dean’s short films centre around Eve’s ghostly return on 13th February to wreak havoc at the West Manor hotel. “In the first film, a local police training unit stop at West Manor to raise money for a local charity,” Dean explains, “they know about the legend, but the last thing they expect is for Eve to turn up.”

The sequel will be filmed once again at The Manor House Hotel in West Auckland, and Eve will be played by North East singer and X Factor finalist Sam Lavery, whose ‘day of the dead’ style as the ruthless killer has won over fans. The film’s DIY style, shot on a mobile phone on zero budget, has seen it win awards and media coverage, so Dean’s hopeful the sequel will find just as many fans.

Valentine’s Eve 2 will be released via YouTube and social media on Saturday 13th February at 7pm www.dollyveve.co.uk

MUSIC

KYLVER RELEASE THE PLAGUE TAPES

Words: Beverley Knight

During a slightly sweeter-spot of our lockdown, under the kind summer sun of August 2020, instrumental progressive rock/metal four-piece Kylver accomplished the mysterious phenomenon of actually being able to enjoy a few rehearsals together. Following this, the recording of their new project, The Plague Tapes, was possible at their treasured and favourite Ouseburn utopia, The Cluny. The initial idea was to produce their third record, but with the trials and tribulations that the pandemic caused, the formation of Plan B arrived.

Seven tracks are presented as a live performance, and although there is no audience in tow, the outfit believes this is the next best thing to an authentic, all-encompassing Kylver show. Aptly named The Plague Tapes, this collection offers versions of the band’s two previously released studio albums, The Mountain Ghost and The Island, which showcases their colossal vibe and mighty force through tracks such as the urgent and thrilling The Dance Of The Mountain Ghost and The Great Storm of 1703. Also included are two unreleased tracks, Allghoi and a building and technically appealing The Frozen Sands. Kylver brings a slice of much-wanted drama, thrash and sonic theatricality to 2021.

Kylver release The Plague Tapes on 5th February www.kylver.com

Kylver: The Plague Tapes recordings by Philip Gray

STAGE

LISTEN UP @ ALPHABETTI THEATRE ONLINE

Words: Claire Dupree

There’s no doubt that the events of the last year have given many people pause for thought in the way they run their businesses, and Newcastle’s independent theatre Alphabetti are no different. They’ve announced this month that they plan to do away with the ‘artistic revolving door’ programming model in order to focus on building stronger, more lasting relationships with artists. Four-week blocks will focus on one programmed production, with greater accessibility for those needing captioned or audio described performances, and a relaxed Saturday matinee. They also confirm that all their shows will be ‘pay as you feel’, further enabling a wide audience to access their programming.

News of what’s to come will be imminent, but for now they’re showcasing the results of their Listen Up project, with nine short plays written by under-represented writers in the North East kicking off from late January and available indefinitely on their website. Already on the site is an exciting audio thriller There’s Nothing To Worry About, by Julie Burrow, shortly to be joined from Monday 1st February by Elijah Young’s Contactless, a heartfelt comedy drama about growing old and dealing with loss; James Piercy presents Transmission, his queer love-loss story with a twist on Monday 8th; Laundry is a comedy drama audio play by Assad Zaman (Monday 15th); and emerging writer Beth Nolan debuts her heart wrenching drama Jigsaw (Monday 22nd). Kicking off on Monday 1st March is Richard Boggie’s play about voices, Hearing Voices; Hannah Sowerby’s character Janet takes herself off on an unusual bus journey in Mystery Tour (Monday 8th); Julie Tsang’s short audio play is about loss, honour and childhood friendships (Monday 15th); and to round off the season on Monday 22nd March, Jaz Craddock-Jones’ Roots Food sees a terminally ill Windrush migrant teach her British-born daughter some precious Jamaican recipes, with emotional results. www.alphabettitheatre.co.uk

Ten Eighty Trees

MUSIC

TEN EIGHTY TREES RELEASE NEW SINGLE, BORN FREE

Words: Laura Doyle

Songwriting is a tricky job, and I for one do not envy it at all. Writing something catchy with enough meaning to be relatable and philosophical but without disappearing up one’s backside is a delicate balance. North East rockers Ten Eighty Trees have accepted this challenge for their new single, Born Free.

No, it isn’t an homage to that 1960s film about a partially domesticated lion cub. Instead, it’s a brutally honest take on personal ambitions versus social expectations. Rich guitar riffs and intricate basslines reiterate this band as one of the most exciting ensembles to come out of the region in recent years. And although the lyrics “I’m begging for your uterus walls” are a brave choice for a ‘wish I’d never been born’ synonym, their intent is loud and clear. Because let’s be real for a second: us lot born and raised in the North East have drawn a short straw; we’re underfunded, undervalued and under-represented, so it’s no surprise really that this anthem for the underestimated comes out of our region.

Ten Eighty Trees have the opportunity here to write a bit of their own destiny – maybe we should all take a leaf out of their book and do the same. Ten Eighty Trees release Born Free on 5th February www.teneightytrees.bandcamp.com

MUSIC

A FESTIVAL, A PARADE RELEASE EXPANDED COMPANY EP

Words: Maria Winter

Newcastle alt. rock band A Festival, A Parade will release an expanded edition of their Company EP featuring new tracks Area Man and Running Man, compiled on a limited edition blue and white marble 12”.

Company was previously released in July last year as a digital-only EP. A culmination of both alternative punk rock sounds and more chilled out vibes consolidate the release, and the two additional tracks more than live up to the EP’s well-regarded reputation. Area Man is about “feeling claustrophobic and kind of swallowed up by your place of work”, the notion of living a double life is explored intricately through the track’s lyrical content and musicality; apparent in moments of pause, contrasting with heavier breakdowns.

Running Man, meanwhile, expresses the harmonious relationship between guitar and vocals through interesting tonal qualities. Starting with a prominent drum rhythm which continues throughout, the track is reminiscent of bands like Interpol and The Twilight Sad, who remain firm influences.

A Festival, A Parade release the Company EP 12” on 26th February www.afestivalaparade.co.uk

ART & LIT

THE PEOPLE’S PALACE OF POSSIBILITY @ ARC

Words: Laura Doyle

In the national effort to provide arts and culture entertainment in a time of seemingly endless lockdowns and restrictions, one issue of accessibility has been all but entirely overlooked: internet provision. Not everyone has Wi-Fi, and more still have an unstable connection, effectively excluding many from participating in anything our beloved venues and organisations put on.

ARC Stockton’s collaboration with interactive arts company The Bare Project might go a little way to remedy that, with their project The People’s Palace of Possibility. Presented as an opportunity to delve deep into the concepts of change and democracy, and to dream of alternatives to our status quo, participants will be privy to an immersive, explorative experience akin to mystery boxes and escape rooms, encompassing both theatre and storytelling as they’re asked to radically reimagine the world.

The best part? There’s no internet connection required, with challenges delivered to your door, and telephone alternatives for any bits that do suggest digital access. If you’ve found yourself twiddling your thumbs over this latest lockdown and are blessed with a TS postcode, or if you’re reading this on our site and have a relative or pal running up the walls without social media to scroll through, this could be the ideal opportunity to get your cogs turning and our society moving.

The People’s Palace of Possibility begins on Friday 19th February and will run for four weeks www.arconline.co.uk

ART & LIT

COME TOGETHER @ WORKPLACE GALLERY ONLINE

Words: Claire Dupree

Gateshead art gallery Workplace is set to host an online exhibition from Thursday 18th February in support of the Music Venues Trust. Come Together will see work by eleven artists displayed online, with part of the proceeds from the sale of works donated to the music charity.

Each of the artists comes to the exhibition with an innate connection to music and the industry. Working in a variety of media and with different approaches to their practices, artists taking part include Laura Lancaster, whose found imagery paintings are collected from anonymous analogue photographs and film; Joel Kyack, whose work takes a dysfunctional and chaotic social context; painter, performer and sculptor Susie Green; animator and painter Rhys Coren; James Bartolacci, whose compositions draw from personal experiences of queer nightlife in New York and other cities; Matt Stokes’ often context specific work stems from inquiry into musical subcultures; photographer, designer and filmmaker Hassan Hajjaj; artistic duo Sophie Hastings and Hannah Quinlain, whose work centres around film, drawing, installation and performance; Hardeep Pandhal, whose cartoonish work unpicks identity and empire; moving image maker, writer and sound artist David Steans; and Glasgow-based visual and sound artist Sue Tompkins.

Workplace as a gallery is no stranger to collaboration and showing solidarity across art forms; they previously ran an alternative exhibition space from 2009-2012 in iconic Newcastle record store Alt Vinyl, and they’ve hosted events at TUSK alternative music festival as well as occasional gigs and events in the gallery space. Come Together further shows what it is the North East’s creative communities need to do in order to succeed in this most challenging of years.

Come Together is at Workplace Online from Thursday 18th February www.workplace.art

Matt Stokes. Prelude to Cantata Profana: Paroxysm’s rehearsal room, Kassel, 2010. Light-jet Print, Diasec Mounted. 171.4 x 120 cm. Edition 1 of 5 plus 1 AP. Courtesy of the artist and Workplace