MIXTAPE

WORDS: KATHRYN TYE

Hi, I’m Kathryn, Comms Manager at The Biscuit Factory Newcastle. This November The Biscuit Factory celebrates its 20th anniversary, a very exciting milestone for us. Back in 2012 we opened as an independent art gallery, and over the past two decades we’ve grown in many ways! Now, along with lots of original art, craft and design you’ll find artist studios, a roof terrace cafe and a unique event venue. Our Mixtape celebrates some of our favourite picks for the Autumn/Winter season, and tracks you might hear on our celebratory playlist as we present our Winter Social on Friday 25th November. On the night, we’ll unveil a specially commissioned art installation by ceramic artist Megan Randall and officially open Ade Adesina’s showcase exhibition, which reflects on the human footprint on the planet. There are even more activities planned during the Ouseburn Open Studios weekend on Saturday 26th-Sunday 27th November. www.thebiscuitfactory.com

MARTHA REEVES AND THE VANDELLAS - HEATWAVE

Chosen by the Gallery Team. Our playlists always include some soul or Motown. Heatwave is one of those songs that you recognise from the first note, and is a total crowd-pleaser. We’ll definitely be playing this on our 20th Anniversary playlist.

RICHARD HAWLEY - COLE’S CORNER

Chosen by Kathryn Tye. Richard Hawley’s voice is the warm blanket you need when the weather closes in and the nights grow darker. This song is both soothing and uplifting at once, both nostalgic and optimistic. Whenever I want some comfort, this is where I go.

LAURA MARLING - GOODBYE ENGLAND (COVERED IN SNOW)

Chosen by the Gallery Team. This song always appears on our Winter playlists in the Gallery as a nod to the season. We think that Laura’s storytelling is perfect listening for the time of year – with this particular song evoking memories of wrapping up for walks on cold, crisp winter days.

YANN TIERSEN - AMELIE SOUNDTRACK

Chosen by General Manager Rachel Brown. This soundtrack always gives me all the Autumnal vibes; cosy, charming and full of whimsy, it’s a soundtrack that makes me want to move to France and spend my days in a pottery studio. Given I’ve no ability as a potter it’s obviously also a very aspirational soundtrack.

DAVID BOWIE - LET’S DANCE

Chosen by the Gallery Team. Is it even possible to have a mixtape without some David Bowie? This comes from one of the playlists we choose in the gallery when we’ve got something to celebrate – and we definitely have this year! It’s rare to find songs that everyone appreciates under our roof, but this is one of them!

CELESTE - STOP THIS FLAME

Chosen by Kathryn Tye. Sometimes you need a little get-go. I love Celeste’s voice and this song is pure feel-good motivational joy – it just makes me want to get up and shake it out.

ABBA - VOULEZ-VOUS

Chosen by Kathryn Tye. Unashamed, unabashed disco classic. I wasn’t joking when I told my colleagues Abba would feature. And here we are. Slide into your sequins, put on your platforms – I’ll see you on the dancefloor!