Did you manage to catch a few rays of sunshine during July? As predicted in last month’s missive, I seem to have spent longer dodging rain clouds than enjoying decent weather, and being thoroughly surprised when the sun dared to shine. But enough weather chat, lest you think I’ve got nothing better to talk about, eh?
I did manage to get out and about a fair bit this month actually; a couple of gigs, a few flicks and our very own NARC. Fest (good craic, total washout, obvs), combined with some work meetings and lots of research-based outings for my freelance job (yes dear reader, I have two, sometimes three, jobs because – *surprise!* – income from indie publishing sucks). All this leaving my desk (gasp!) has left me thoroughly socially drained and ready for some R&R, so I’m going to spend a few days in August eating cheese and drinking wine in France (might have to do some hiking, if only for the waistline’s benefit) and also putting some exciting plans into place for the rest of the year – more on that again soon!
However! We put our party pants back on (whaddya mean that’s not a thing?!) in September, as we join our pals at Tracks in Darlington for Last Train Home festival on Saturday 7th September, where we’ve curated a cracking line-up of musical fun for your delectation. Our stage features the talents of Michael Gallagher, Gaydar, Twayn, Citrus and Cora Manchester, plus there’s LOADS of other amazing artists throughout the day. More on that in next month’s issue!
Neil Ainger / Jake Anderson / Phoenix Atkinson / Matthew Brown / Susie Burgess / Jonathan Coll / Roz Cuthbert / Jacob Easton / Lee Fisher / Nat Greener / Michaela Hall / Lee Hammond / James Hattersley / John Knox / Ben Lowes-Smith / Isabel Maria / Stephen Oliver / Michael O’Neill / Niamh Poppleton / Kate Relton / Ben Robinson / Damian Robinson / Laura Rosierse / Elodie A Roy / David Saunders / Steve Spithray / Mack Sproates / Dawn Storey / Linsey Teggert / Robin Webb / Ali Welford / Maria Winter / Cameron Wright / Matt Young
PREVIEWS
4 HIGHLIGHTS
Some of the best events in August, plus what’s online at narcmagazine.com
6 PREVIEWS
Live shows from Polypores, WITCH, Mozart Estate, Hivemind, Parastatic, Conscious Pilot, Gruff Rhys, Dactyl Terra, Explosions in the Sky, Georgian Theatre’s Northern Showcase, Amanda Anne Platt, Interval Records showcase and much more; there’s stand-up comedy from Laughing Stock and Anu Vaidyanathan at The Stand, and Jesterval returns to Gosforth Civic Theatre; thought-provoking event Mind & The Muse at Great North Museum: Hancock; exhibitions including Sottobosco: Tales of the Undergrowth at Globe Gallery and James Ray & Jonny Bainbridge at The Bottleworks; plus Middlesbrough Mela, SIRF and more!
Reports of live shows from Bitchfinder General, Soccer Mommy, Kevin Morby, Nils Frahm, Eater,
and many more
Reviews of local singles and EPs from Kites, Cherry Blur, Cane Rouge, SwanNek, Mr Bigfoot, India Arkin, Diago, Lauren Amour, Charts & Graphs, Marketplace, Hayley McKay and ROMM
Featuring new releases from Spider Noises, TK SYNE, Hamish Hawk, Chrystabell & David Lynch, Melt-Banana, Los Bitchos, Little Hag, Charly Bliss, Destroy Boys, Personal Trainer, Pom Poko, And So I Watch You From Afar, Fontaines D.C. and more
Chris Fleming (also known as stencil artist IDa4 and drag artist Latrine Lurka) celebrates Queer excellence, past, present and future at a special event at Vane. He chooses some of his favourite tracks in Mixtape
28 NEV CLAY
Lee Fisher spent a wonderful hour in the company of Nev Clay, who found time between fascinating tangents to talk about collaboration, Buddhism and (probably) not being a folk musician
PREVIEWS
THIS MONTH’S DIVERSIONS INCLUDE MUSICAL SURF VIBES, ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION, VARIED ARTISTIC PRACTICES, FAMILYORIENTATED FESTIVAL FUN, SLICK COMEDIC BANTER AND MUCH MORE!
MUSIC
FRI 9
NORTHERN KIN FESTIVAL
This is the rescheduled date for family-friendly Northern Kin Festival, which returns from Friday 9th-Sunday 11th August with a new home at Thornley Hall Farm, Durham. Expect a stellar line-up with more than 40 artists on the bill including Jools Holland, Hawkwind, Billy Bragg, Starsailor, The Feeling, The Waterboys and the Peatbog Faeries among many more. Thornley Hall Farm, Durham www.northernkinfestival.co.uk
MUSIC SAT 3 SURF BONANZA
The annual surf extravaganza returns to the Cluny, bringing some of the grooviest sounds to keep you dancing all night long. Setting up the breaks will be Ulverston’s finest The Spiratones, who offer up trad sound and unique visuals; London’s The Eerie mix math rock and Balkan folk with 60s-style surf rock; the North East’s own Milk Lizards bring the bang and twang surf to the party; while York’s Wax Phantoms reunite for a one-off reunion of their instrumental sounds. The Cluny, Newcastle www.thecluny.com
EVENTS
SAT 3
HAPPY ROOMS
Get your recommended dose of happiness throughout August and September, as Stellar Projects present a world of pure joy, endless creativity and play at Happy Rooms. The family-friendly immersive walk-through experience features artist designed rooms and colourful interactive trails, activities, artist pop-up events and thoughtful exhibitions. Runs until Sunday 22nd September. The old M&S building, Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough www.happyrooms.co.uk
MUSIC
SAT 3
B.O.P. FEST
Building Our Planet is a free festival, produced by the Jack Drum Arts Youth Board, which promises a wonderland of live music, art and street theatre, all with a strong focus on environmental conservation and awareness. Performers include Megan Black, Ponyland, Ceitidh Mac, Izzy Price and many more. Glenholme Park, Crook www.jackdrum.co.uk
NORTHERN SUMMER EXHIBITION 2024
The city centre arts enterprise’s annual celebration of artistic practice returns this month with a showcase of a range of mediums, genres, subjects and abilities. Put together by Newcastle Arts Centre and the North of England Art Club, the exhibition takes submissions from artists based across the North East, and aims to showcase a breadth of talent. Runs until 31st August. Newcastle Arts Centre www.newcastle-arts-centre.co.uk
MUSIC
FRI 9
LATE ‘N’ LIVE
A unique concept of live music and pub quiz with a musical theme, the Late ‘n’ Live events have been proving popular with those in the know. The interactive event features a house band who perform in between quiz rounds, and even provide musical accompaniment to the questions. The event makes a nice change from the standard gig format, and will also serve to challenge your musical knowledge! Newgate Social, Newcastle www.facebook.com/latenlive1
MUSIC
FRI 9
TYNE & QUEER NE SHOWCASE
The North East non-profit offer up a delectable line-up of noisy North East talent, featuring high-energy Teesside four-piece Onlooker, whose songs tackle themes of toxic masculinity and social injustice; the doomy beats and alt. fuzz rock of SWEARS; and headliner Lovely Wife, who explore diversity and experimentation through drone and hardcore. The Cluny 2, Newcastle www.instagram.com/ tyneandqueercic
The Milk Lizards
Onlooker by Hollie Galloway
AUGUST HIGHLIGHTS
MUSIC TUE 13
FAT FREDDY’S DROP
Internationally renowned seven-piece hit NX Newcastle, bringing their signature euphoric live spectacle to the North East. Known for straddling multiple genres, the New Zealanders bring together a colourful blend of soul, reggae, rhythm and blues and jazz. Formed in 1999, the band continue to sweep audiences along in their psychedelic energy. NX Newcastle www.fatfreddysdrop.com
ART & LIT SAT 17
NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY MFA FINE ART DEGREE SHOW
Marking the culmination of years of study, Newcastle University’s Fine Art MFA Degree show is a chance to celebrate the work of emerging artists. A diverse exhibition covering painting, film, video, sculpture, photography and sound among many other practices, the exhibition runs until 31st August and is free to enter. Hatton Gallery, Newcastle www.hattongallery.org.uk
SAT 17
SNATCH A THREAD
A solo exhibition by Bethany Stead, who works across drawing, painting and sculpture, to draw upon allegory, iconography, feminist theory, psychology and sci-fi through visual storytelling and object making, culminating in a symbolic space that disrupts our fragile and entangled socio-political fabric. Runs until 30th August.
Moving Gallery, Sunderland www.bethanystead.com
MUSIC
FRI 23
JAY GLASS DUBS
Promoters Industrial Coast offer up a whopper of a show for dub music fans featuring experimental composer, musician and sound artist Dimitris Papadatos, aka Jay Glass Dubs, whose approach focuses on a counter-factual historical approach of dub music, stripped down to its basic drum/bass/ vox/effects form. Support comes from vocalist, composer and performance artist Katya Shirshkova and harpist Sissi Rada. Middlesbrough Town Hall Crypt www.industrialcoast.bigcartel.com
FILM
WED 28
MORVERN CALLAR
Waking on Christmas day to find her boyfriend has committed suicide, Morvern Callar empties his bank account and embarks on a hedonistic journey. A feminist fairytale based on Alan Warner’s cult novel, Lynne Ramsey’s tale of reinvention and desire is part of This Woman’s Work, a programme of screenings presented by Sunderland Film Club celebrating the world’s greatest female filmmakers. Port Independent, Sunderland www.linktr.ee/sunderlandfilmclub
COMEDY
FRI 30
CATCH 22 COMEDY CLUB
Hosted on the last Friday of every month, Catch 22 Comedy Club brings some of the UK’s best comics to The Point at ARC. Featuring MC Matt Reed, Mick Ferry and Louis Etienne, this month’s headliner is Geordie comedian John Fothergill, known for his biting sarcasm and slick banter. ARC, Stockton www.arconline.co.uk ART & LIT
NARC. E-ZINE
Issue 13 of the NARC. E-ZINE has landed! Discover exclusive playlists, videos, mini-documentaries and much more, continually updated throughout its lifespan
NARC. TV
Alongside our brand new mini-doc on Durham’s Brassed On event, watch live performance and chats from some of the region’s most impressive artists + ALSO THIS MONTH…
SUNDERLAND MUSIC CITY
David Saunders talks to Frankie Francis and Marty Longstaff about Sunderland’s bid to become a Music City
GREAT NORTH NIGHTS
Ruth Sheldon from Great North Museum: Hancock picks her Bunch of Fives
Image by Paris Tavitian
MUSIC
THE FORUM MUSIC CENTRE COMMUNITY SHARES
Words: Claire Dupree Darlington’s Forum Music Centre recently announced their successful capital investment funding award from the Arts Council, which will enable them to undertake major repairs and improvement to the Borough Road building. The fund will allow the venue to create a state-ofthe-art recording studio, new viewing spaces for audiences and improve the building’s ecological credentials. They’ve also begun a share offer campaign, which will enable members of the community to help steer the future of the venue through community membership and shared ownership. All of this is important because with the help of this vital investment the future of grassroots music at the venue can be secured for many years to come, bringing bigger artists and a wider range of events to the town. Find out more about the project and the venue’s future plans at a dropin event on Tuesday 3rd September. In the meantime, the venue is clearly in celebratory mode, as they have several great events throughout August that demonstrate why they’re such a valuable resource. Amongst the musical offering this month are Birmingham blues rockers Big Wolf Band (Friday 9th); the venue’s regular Live & Local gig night features sets from Joe Durdan, Emily Rowan and Jack Challis (Thursday 15th); psych pop seven-piece Ronald Raygun head up a sterling line-up which also features electro project Pearly Gates and indie rock artist George Bailey (Friday 16th); North East catchy jangle rock band Holiday In Tokyo and Darlo-based rockers Falchion
(Saturday 17th); and local up-and-comers The Callows, alt. rock five-piece The Hyperbolics and emotive songwriter Harvey Body (Friday 30th). The venue is also a hub for comedy club Hilarity Bites, Saturday 3rd will see comedians David Longley, Alex Hylton, Kevin Precious and Pete Otway offer up rib-tickling aplenty. www.theforumonline.co.uk
MUSIC
WITCH @ THE CLUNY
Words: Ben Lowes-Smith
An opportunity to experience real world music heritage is arriving at The Cluny on Friday 2nd August, as promoters F54 welcome Central African rock royalty WITCH. Formed it Kitwe, Zambia in 1972, WITCH (We Intend To Cause Havoc) are arguably the most famous proponents of Zamrock, a fusion of traditional African music, psychedelic rock, hard rock and blues.
Surviving original member Emanyeo ‘Jagari’ Chanda has had a fascinating life; the band were initially persecuted by government authoritarianism at the peak of their powers, and as the band’s star faded initially, Chanda stepped aside to concentrate on his career as a teacher. The band have reformed a handful of times over the subsequent decades, but hit a real watershed moment just over ten years ago. In 2012 Now Again Records reissued their entire back catalogue and introduced their work to a brand new generation at the advent of the age of streaming. It allowed the band to play outside of Africa for the first time, facilitated by Dutch musician Jacco Gardner, and last year, WITCH put out Zango!, their first record in nearly 40 years. Their UK tour promises to be something of a victory lap for this new found popularity, and
provides an opportunity to engage with a brand new generation of music fans. Tickets are a snip at £7 for those under the age of 25. www.weintendtocausehavoc.com
MUSIC GRUFF RHYS @ KU
Words: Michael O’Neil Gruff Rhys needs little introduction. As the former frontman of the almighty and inimitable Super Furry Animals, the iconic Cardiff-hailing quintet armed with a wealth of hooks, riffs and wit took a hammer to the Britpop malaise and crafted a unique sound that is both peerless and timeless, oft imitated and never bettered, with an influence that stretches to all the corners of modern guitar music. Although the band are in the midst of a lengthy hiatus, Gruff has remained prolific and restless, seemingly playing a gig in the North East every few months (not that I’m complaining!) and crafting a rich songbook of eclectic and brilliant solo music that shows a songwriter still happy to experiment and far from ready to rest on his laurels. The marvellous Sadness Set Me Free (his 25th LP, counting his work in bands) was released in January to a raft of critical acclaim, further cementing his legacy as one of the UK’s finest songwriting talents. His live shows are always eclectic, enthralling and a phenomenal testament to his command of the craft, and it’ll shine on the glorious stage of Stockton’s legendary KU Bar on Saturday 31st August. www.gruffrhys.com
WITCH by Pooneh Ghana
MUSIC
JULIANNA RIOLINO & BAND @ THE CLUNY 2
Words: Susie Burgess
Dive into a cosmic exploration of modernised country music with Julianna Riolino & Band, who will be performing at The Cluny 2 on Friday 30th August.
Anticipate hauntingly beautiful vocals rife with texture and character as Riolino nimbly accompanies the rich instrumental support of her band. Riolino’s vocal performance offers notes of Kacey Musgraves and Maren Morris with a fully individualised twist which sets her apart in the country rock setting. Retrospectively exploring a journey of aching and recovery, Riolino’s powerful debut album, All Blue, is a testament to multi-faceted lyricism and tight execution. Navigating a complex soundscape, the album invites listeners into Riolino’s heart through the depths of blending folk and country rock. With melodies to savour and each song offering lyrics that beg to be prolonged over, engaging arrangements draw listeners into the mirror of Riolino’s life, with artful vocal delivery bringing to mind the likes of Patty Griffin and Dolly Parton. Nostalgia weaves between her performances, drawing comparisons to The Bangles and Joan Jett, with a unique folk rock lens and a lyrical journey.
www.juliannariolino.com
COMEDY
JESTERVAL COMEDY CLUB @ GOSFORTH CIVIC THEATRE
Words: Matthew Brown
Get ready for a night of unstoppable laughter as Jesterval Comedy Club returns to Gosforth Civic Theatre on Saturday 31st August. The line-up features an impressive roster of comedic talents who promise to leave the audience in stitches.
Matt Reed, renowned for his everyman style and lightning-quick wit, headlines the night. With experiences ranging from intimate gigs to massive festivals like Bestival and Sonisphere, Reed’s versatility and sharp humour have earned him accolades and the role of resident compère at numerous gigs nationwide.
Joining him is Jonny Pelham, a celebrated comedian known for his appearances on Live at the Apollo, Mock The Week and more. Pelham has also showcased his writing and acting talents in his own comedy scripts and served as a script consultant for BAFTAwinning series.
Kelly Rickard, the Felt Nowt New Act of The Year winner, adds her fresh comedic flair to the line-up, and rounding out the night is Mick Ferry, a seasoned performer with a global footprint. Ferry’s effortless engagement with audiences and quick-witted material make him a standout headliner. www.gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk
ART & LIT
JAMES RAY & JONNY BAINBRIDGE @ THE BOTTLEWORKS
Words: Nat Greener
Experience a unique fusion of abstract art and collage in a joint exhibition by renowned artists James Ray and Jonny Bainbridge at The Bottleworks in Newcastle’s Ouseburn Valley, running from Thursday 22nd-Tuesday 27th August.
James Ray’s latest work draws from his deep fascination with Cuban history and culture, influenced by his extensive travels throughout Cuba. Cuban Variations features a dynamic blend of collage and abstract impressionism, utilising guerrilla-style photographs. Ray captures the essence of Cuban life, presenting a striking vision of contradiction amidst chaos and communism.
Jonny Bainbridge’s new collection of abstract paintings delves into the interconnectedness of the microcosm and macrocosm; his work highlights the recurring forms and mechanisms that shape our universe, offering a thoughtprovoking perspective on humanity’s place as observers within it. Bainbridge’s abstract forms invite viewers to contemplate the underlying patterns that govern existence.
Don’t miss this evocative exhibition which seeks to explore culture, history and universal patterns, merging historical depth with abstract interpretation.
www.instagram.com/jonnybainbridge.art
Juliana Riolino by Colin Medley
MUSIC
DACTYL TERRA @ THE CUMBERLAND ARMS
Words: James Hattersley
Set your phasers to stun. The always reliable Wandering Oak creates a hyperspace vortex to the ancient rocks of the South Wales valleys to bring us the psychedelic and experimental space-groove rock of Dactyl Terra. With support coming in the form of local and rambunctious bluesters Pink Poison; this seminal event is scheduled for launch on Friday 9th August at The Cumberland Arms, Newcastle. Having released their debut album FEE FI FO FUM earlier this summer, Dactyl Terra plan to grapple with this North East galaxy and bring us their energetic live show that has made them a standout in South Wales. If you do decide to beam up, you will be invited to surf the interstellar tsunami and hang ten on the cosmic waves. The band comprises of a well-oiled rhythm section, infectious space rock synths and sky shattering melodies that must be heard to be believed. Imagine if an aurora borealis also made noise.
For fans of Frankie & The Witch Fingers, The Bug Club and King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, there is no limit to how soaring each celestial jive can reach. Otherworldly and positively wild – Dactyl Terra are not to be missed. www.dactylterra.com
MUSIC
NORTHERN SHOWCASE @ THE GEORGIAN THEATRE
Words: Ben Robinson
Get ready to rock out and vibe to the sounds of some of the North East’s best up-and-coming talent at the Northern Showcase, coming to The Georgian Theatre and The Green Room in Stockton on Saturday 3rd August. This jampacked all-day music line-up features two stages of live music, showcasing an incredible array of local talent.
From the high-energy punk anthems of Northern Hospitality to the infectious beats of BBC Introducing North East presenter and rapper Shakk, there’s something for all music lovers. Other performers taking part in the event include raucous rockers Scruffy Bear, the catchy melodies of Stockton’s Rare Breed, post-punks Middle Management, Darlington jangly rock band The Callows, self-described twee punks Maeve & the Trains, ukulele and loop pedal maestro Lockheed Lindsay and more, and the line-up represents some of the region’s most exciting emerging musical minds. The Northern Showcase is all about celebrating the region’s vibrant musical culture, with a dazzling line-up that spans rock, punk, and everything in between. Whether you’re in the mood for a day of dancing or just want to sway to some laid-back tunes, this event has it all.
And, best of all, it’s free! www.georgiantheatre.co.uk
EVENTS MIDDLESBROUGH MELA
Words: Matthew Brown
Middlesbrough Mela is set to return to Albert Park on Saturday 17th-Sunday 18th August for its 34th year, promising a vibrant celebration of culture, music and diversity. As one of the region’s most popular and long-standing events, the Mela is expected to attract over 50,000 visitors with its rich mix of entertainment and activities.
This year’s line-up features high-profile South Asian artists and home-grown talent, including Sunday’s headliner Roach Killa, known for his Bollywood hits and international success.
Saturday’s main act, the Hussain Brothers Qawaali Group, will bring their 800-year-old musical tradition to the stage. Other notable performers include singer-songwriter Roma Sagar, the Birmingham-based duo Haseeb & Muki, British Asian actress and singer Rameet Sandhu, and DJ Shai Guy from Bombay Funkadelic.
In addition to the musical performances, visitors can enjoy fairground rides, street food from around the globe, a fashion bazaar, interactive games and children’s activities. The event is free to attend and does not require tickets.
Executive Director Kash Patel highlights the 2024 line-up as one of the strongest ever, ensuring a memorable weekend for all attendees.
www.middlesbroughmela.co.uk
Dactyl Terra
MUSIC SWISS PORTRAIT @ ZEROX
Words: Jake Anderson
Edinburgh’s Swiss Portrait will take control of Newcastle’s Zerox on Sunday 18th August, as part of the band’s summer tour. Swiss Portrait is the brainchild of Michael Kay Terence, and marks his fully DIY venture into songwriting. Last year saw the release of the instrumentalist’s second album The Crippling Pain of Happiness. The album was praised for its dreamlike and lo-fi soundscapes, blended together with jangle pop, sounding like Wolf Alice covering The Cleaners From Venus. But arguably, the band’s most popular song (and the one you may know them for) is Cassette, a track which smoothers itself in reverbdrenched vocals and is built upon a really catchy core melody. It’s a sound that has clearly been carefully handcrafted, and oozes with passion for the craft.
Since the release of their second album in
2023, a steady stream of singles has been released over 2024, including the newest track Photobooth, with the high-energy indie pop tune continuing to flesh out the artist’s distinctive sound. It’ll be a night of hazy tunes and meditative melodies at Zerox. www.swissportrait.co.uk
EVENTS
GREAT NORTH NIGHTS: THE MIND AND THE MUSE
Words: Ben Lowes-Smith
Great North Museum: Hancock is exemplary at family friendly cultural events, and their Great North Nights series of events are designed for adult audiences to enjoy the museum after hours.
The Mind and The Muse, taking place on Friday 30th August, looks to be one of the highlights of their summer programme aimed at adults. Visitors are invited to uncover hidden
architecture of cities past and present and explore function and form through culture, design and artefacts. This could be interpreted fairly broadly, and leaves an exciting amount to the imagination, what we do know is that it will involve performances using ancient musical instruments and techniques, sound installations and a set from DJ Awkward Black Girl. For those wanting to take a more hands-on approach, visitors can participate in discussions, printing and craft activities with artists from the museum and architecture museum The Farrell Centre. Academics from the city’s universities will give presentations on the function, form and design of Roman technology and architecture, and you can experience the Northumberland sky at night in the Planetarium chill out zone. If this smorgasbord of knowledge, ideas and participation gives you a hunger or thirst, then you’ll be catered for with cocktails, pizza and local craft beer. Truly a feast of ideas. www.greatnorthmuseum.org.uk
Swiss Portrait
MUSIC MCLUSKY
@ THE GROVE
Words: Lee Fisher
mclusky were one of the most exciting bands of the early noughties but they collapsed in acrimony and the magnificent Future Of The
A MEDIEVAL MARVEL
ART & LIT
SOTTOBOSCO: TALES FROM THE UNDERGROWTH @ GLOBE GALLERY
Words: James Hattersley
After 29 long years and hopping from venue to venue, Globe Gallery is returning to its original home in the heart of North Shields’ Cultural and Creative Quarter at 97 Howard Street. To celebrate this glorious homecoming, the gallery doubles down on its commitment to thought-provoking and inspiring contemporary art by presenting Sottobosco: Tales of the Undergrowth – a captivating exhibition by Gateshead-born and internationally renowned artist Mark Fairnington.
Building upon his previous works, this latest series of paintings offers a unique perspective and exploration on the hidden world beneath the forest floor; something rarely considered but alive and thriving. Carrying on in the tradition of naturalist 17th Century artists, Fairnington’s meticulous brushwork and detailed portrayal of varied surfaces provides a restless energy, revealing the transformative power of the natural world. There is a nature in motion, highlighting the vibrant and dynamic processes of growth, decay and regeneration. With exquisite tree roots, the lines are blurred between observation and imagination; taunting the viewer to decide what truly is real. A haunting reflection on the state of modern AI creations.
Sottobosco: Tales of the Undergrowth will be
exhibited between until Friday 20th September at Globe Gallery in North Shields. www.globegallery.org
MUSIC
PARASTATIC & SPLIT THE TICKET @ SEA CHANGE
Words: Michael O’Neill
The glorious North East coast has long boasted a plethora of brilliant spots for food and drink, however, in the last few years in particular, the cultural offerings in South Shields keep on coming. Sea Change Cafe, located on the iconic Ocean Road, is a worthy and exciting staple of the area, offering employment for people with autism and learning disabilities, serving superb veggie and vegan-friendly food, and contributing to the musical landscape as a brilliant multi-purpose space, regularly hosting gigs with quality local talent.
This double bill on Saturday 17th August is no exception, with local legends Parastatic being joined by Split The Ticket. Considering themselves ‘shoegazing postkraut’, Parastatic is a glorious experience for those who love their left-field rock with a hearty dose of motorik and abstract splendour. Split The Ticket are an indie rock trio who have already managed to get three sold-out headliners under their belt and have a wonderfully eclectic sound that takes in sun-soaked anthems and thought provoking downtempo introspection. All in all, it’s a gloriously diverse line-up at an incredible venue to boot.
www.sea-change.co
MUSIC INTERVAL RECORDS SHOWCASE @ THE GROVE
Words: Claire Dupree Committed to breaking down the Londoncentric focus of the music business, Interval Records is a joint record label partnership between EMI North and Newcastle-based talent development agency Generator. Spearheaded by Teesside-born recording artist, manager and entrepreneur Josh Daniel, the label is driven by a desire to showcase the wealth of talent in the North, nurturing local creatives and investing in music in the region by providing a high-profile platform for artists.
Their first signings, which include Middlesbrough singer-songwriter Finn Forster, Newcastle-based EDM artist Ellie Scougall and Liverpudlian rap artist KOJ, prove the label is more than capable of repping the wonderful diversity of the area’s music scene. A launch event at The Grove, Newcastle on Thursday 15th August will see all three artists perform, and provide a chance for audiences to find out more about the label and opportunities created from its inception.
Interval’s creation, and their pledge to tackle the deep-rooted skills and knowledge barrier in the North, marks the continuation of Generator’s strategy to strengthen the musical industry infrastructure in the North East. www.intervalrecords.com
The Meeting by Mark Fairnington
MUSIC
PACIFIC AVENUE
@ THE CLUNY 2
Words: Michael O’Neill
From The Saints and Midnight Oil through to The Chats and Amyl and the Sniffers, Australia has an extraordinary track record in producing some staggeringly bombastic rock. Their more recent exports (such as the aforementioned)
have proven that the Lucky Country is still very much a fertile incubator for a good tune, with high-energy quartet Pacific Avenue being a quintessential example of the talent brewing abroad.
The band’s debut LP Flowers soared straight to number one on the ARIA Australian Album chart and is a glorious showcase for their soaring sound; anthemic, sun-soaked and catchy as hell. They’re co-headlining Cluny 2 on Thursday 29th August with fellow Oz quartet
The Rions, whose dynamic pop-shot splendour recalls the modern new-wave technicolour stylings of The 1975 and offers a darker and cinematic contrast to the more classic sound of Pacific Avenue, with upcoming EP Happiness In A Place It Shouldn’t Be signalling a bold step forward by the group. All in all, it’s an extraordinary opportunity to witness two of the most acclaimed and popular Australian bands in an intimate setting. www.linktr.ee/pacificavenue
Image by Charlie Hardy
EVENTS SIRF
Words: James Hattersley
Stockton International Riverside Festival presents the usual jam-packed programme of performers from around the world in Stockton this month, as the town is magically transformed into one of the oldest and internationally loved outdoor arts and street theatre festivals.
SIRF is full of wonder and whimsy, attracting a multitude of artists from home and abroad.
Suitable for all the family, the jam-packed programme will showcase spectacular street theatre, dance, circus and music acts. Expect big shows, small stuff, slow burners and unearthly spectacles.
Whether it’s interactive art installations that unleash the feeling of joy and collective happiness, a delicate bamboo circus interplay that defies the laws of psychics or a noisy roar-powered tricycle race for kids – there really is something for everyone to be tantalised by. Be sure not to miss the beloved Community Carnival, which consists of 750 participants animating all along Stockton High Street in a sea of colour and music.
The smorgasbord of artistic majesty takes place from Friday 2nd-Sunday 4th August throughout Stockton. Prepare to be intrigued, entertained, puzzled, moved and made to laugh out loud!
www.sirf.co.uk
MUSIC AMANDA ANNE PLATT @ THE CENTRAL BAR
Words: Isabel Maria
On Thursday 29th August, Amanda Anne Platt (known for playing alongside her band The Honeycutters) heads to The Central Bar in Gateshead for a night of captivating original material and introspective country songwriting. Nuanced and lyrical, North Carolina-based Platt’s music spans themes of heartache, hope and life on the road – and she knows just how to make your eyes well.
Tender wit and thoughtful perspective – on both her own life and others’ – weaves through Platt’s music like a silken thread. Her country music is classy and dynamic, while also sustaining a remarkably down to earth quality; there’s really something for everyone. Her sound – embedded with the skill of her four bandmates The Honeycutters – is instrumentally fascinating and substantial as well as being lyrically engaging and heartfelt. Platt is joined by Hannah Kaminer, another North Carolina-based artist known for her pure voice and her poignant blend of Americana and country compositions. If you’re a lover of good country roots tunes and female-led celebrations of music, this is the show for you this month – and it’s brought to you by local roots promoters Jumpin’ Hot Club. Insightful, inspiring and immersive, don’t miss a rare jewel of an evening for country fans. www.honeycutters.com
COMEDY
LAUGHING STOCK @ THE STAND
Words: Michaela Hall
There’s a good chance you’ve already heard of the American comedy troupe Laughing Stock, especially after several sold-out shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. You might have also caught them on Netflix, Comedy Central, HBO and Amazon to name drop just a few, and now the wait is over as they bring their first ever UK tour to The Stand in Newcastle on Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th August to share their collective of comedic talents, or as they put it – LA’s Best.
Their in-demand comedy is unique, and has something for everyone, through off-beat and hilarious stories from a collection of comics we can all identify with, it’s guaranteed you will be laughing yourself out of your seat. With Laughing Stock, it’s possible to explore the trials and tribulations of unexpected step-motherhood to American culture and hard lessons about ant poison all in one show.
It’s true to say that the shows will truly make their mark on the North East comedy scene, bringing new American alternative voices and perspectives on life. In their own words –“civilisation is crumbling. The world is on fire. It’s time for a joke.”
www.instagram.com/laughingstock_la
SIRF - Tim Davies
MUSIC
HIVEMIND @ THE CLUNY 2
Words: Laura Rosierse Sunderland’s fast-rising alternative rock outfit Hivemind will be headlining The Cluny 2 on
Friday 16th August, celebrating the release of latest single Big Deal. What’s more, they’ll be bringing an intense and exquisite line-up of local grassroots rock bands along with them, making it a line-up truly not to be missed. Headliners Hivemind are known for their explosive stage presence, thundering sound and unstoppable live energy, and their anthemic sound has become a firm favourite
with local audiences. Singer Georgia knows how to captivate her audience, and the audience give as good as they get.
Supported by locals Grey Palm, who promise to mesmerise with their sparkling sound and passionate performance from frontman Jonathan, three-piece grunge band Shallow, and post-hardcore quartet Ruled By Raptors. www.linktr.ee/hivemind_uk
Image by Brian McCartney
MUSIC SHY, LOW @ THE CLUNY
Words: Matthew Brown
Virginia-based post-rock/metal band Shy, Low will be performing at The Cluny in Newcastle on Saturday 10th August, supported by their label mates A Burial At Sea. Known for their mastery of stark contrasts and broad dynamics, Shy, Low seamlessly blend delicate crescendos with powerful riffs, epitomising outstanding instrumental rock.
Active since 2012, the four-piece gained significant attention with their 2015 album Hiraeth. Their latest album, Snake Behind The Sun (2021), showcases their creativity, groove and heaviness, earning praise for its intricate and mature songwriting. Their 2023 single, Babylonica, continues this legacy with emotive moments and expressive soundscapes, despite its short runtime.
Having just completed a successful US tour, Shy, Low are now bringing their dynamic sound to the UK. This event at The Cluny offers fans an opportunity to experience the band’s live performance, noted for its balance of subtlety and intensity.
Opening the night will be A Burial At Sea, known for their atmospheric and impactful performances. Their presence will set the stage for an evening of compelling post-rock and
metal. Fans of the genre should not miss this chance to see Shy, Low and A Burial At Sea deliver an unforgettable show at The Cluny. www.shylowmusic.bandcamp.com
MUSIC CALVOAS @ INDEPENDENT
Words: Isabel Maria
Summer may be coming to an end on Friday 30th August, and unfortunately so is Calvoas’ incredible run across the local music scene. Their final explosion of a show is set to be in Sunderland (home of their rehearsal room and their hearts) at Independent, and it’s supported by up and coming rock trailblazers Rokkari and intriguing indie newcomers The Monday Club. The quartet is made up of lead singer and bassist Scarlett Peverley, drummer Ben Summers and guitarists Finn Johnson and Will Brooke-Lovell. I also have intel that a special mystery guest may be gracing the stage, but that’ll be for lucky ticket-holders to find out. Calvoas are, in their own words, a “jangly indie band from Mars” – and their electrifying live sound is sure to skyrocket you straight onto another planet. Sonically fascinating and chock-full of swirly, garage-y, surfy vibes, the four-piece are inspired by The Strokes and Alvvays.
The whole line-up is comprised entirely of some of the region’s best young talent, and it’s sure to be an amazing testament to what some of the freshest Sunderland talent is up to. It’ll be a night of local indie surf rock at its peak – so don’t miss your last chance to catch the wave.
www.instagram.com/calvoas.ne
MUSIC POLYPORES @ THE CUMBERLAND ARMS
Words: Lee Fisher
After a long wait, the Endless Window crew brought two of the shining stars in the Castles In Space firmament to Newcastle last February when Polypores and Field Lines Cartographer fetched up at The Cumberland and rearranged our synapses with a couple of hours of modular joy. Both men are back on Saturday 10th August – during which time they’ve both released a lot of music, for CiS, DiN and others – and it’s bound to be something very special. Support comes from Yorkshire artist Thomas Ragsdale in his Sulk Rooms guise, whose recent Viewers album caused a bit of a stir in analogue synth fetish circles. www.polypores.bandcamp.com
Shy, Low
COMEDY
ANU VAIDYANATHAN @ THE STAND
Words: Jake Anderson
BC. AD. What does it mean? Before Christ? Anno Domini? British Columbia? Or Advertisement? Bachelor of Chemistry or Active Duty???
Well, if you ask comedian Anu Vaidyanathan,
you’ll get the answer ‘Before Children and After Diapers’.
Meaning and syntax is at the root of Vaidyanathan’s debut off-Broadway show, as she intends to explain these two new definitions to the ever-growing list of what BC and AD can be acronyms for. According to Vaidyanathan, motherhood brings new definitions to words, which is at the core of the entertainer’s newest act.
Described as highly relatable, the show first made its mark in the UK as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, with Vaidyanathan
being praised for her quick delivery. Now, the comic intends to bring it nationwide, including a show at The Stand in Newcastle on Thursday 15th August. BC:AD lets Vaidyanathan illustrate a peripatetic picture of her life and an impressive CV which includes roles as a comedian, filmmaker, engineer, athlete and parent, graduating with a PhD in Electrical Engineering and being the first Indian athlete to complete an Ironman Triathlon. www.anuvaidyanathan.com
MUSIC SUMMER PARTIES @ THE FIRE STATION
Words: Nat Greener
Sunderland’s Fire Station are set to deliver a series of spectacular Summer Parties throughout August, utilising their outstanding outdoor Parade Ground space.
The festivities kick off on Sunday 4th August with Ibiza in Symphony, an electrifying show which feature a talented orchestra who will bring iconic Ibiza anthems to life with an unforgettable sound, expect a night of non-stop beats and dancing! Friday 9th will see Mancunian rockers Inspiral Carpets perform; celebrating their 35-year legacy, the band are known for hits like This Is How It Feels and Saturn 5, and this emotional return follows their eight-year hiatus so promises to be a real highlight for fans.
On Saturday 10th the Transatlantic Ensemble will perform Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours, recreating one of the greatest albums of all time, while on Saturday 24th award-winning DJ and BBC Radio legend Trevor Nelson MBE will bring his Soul Nation show to Sunderland for the biggest party of the summer, which will also featuring DJ Jus’ Neil and a live PA from Rose Windross.
Local artists get in on the action too, with a superb line-up on Sunday 25th featuring
electro dancefloor fillers Vandebilt, energetic pop punkers bigfatbig, rock band noyou and more TBC, while the summer parties conclude on Saturday 31st with indie rock icons Maxïmo Park, performing hits from their seven studio albums, including their upcoming release Stream of Life. www.thefirestation.org.uk
MUSIC
WESTFALIA @ ZEROX
Words: Ben Robinson
Westfalia are bringing their spectacular live sound to Zerox in Newcastle on Sunday 4th August. Their performances, filled with soul, passion and attack, are perfect for those looking for a night filled with music and dance. Westfalia began their journey together in Italy, they saw success on the Italian instalment of X-Factor and from there began to amass success across Europe. Their music comprises of soft synth and bass, with sweet harmonies. After releasing their successful debut EP We’re Not Just Good At Playing in 2022, Westfalia have garnered a name for themselves as being electrifying live performers.
This summer they are performing their self-described ‘trip-rock’ music across Europe. From ethereal vocals to rhythmic instrumentals, the band comprises of four members who bring individual flair and musicality to the group, each
creating a combined magic when they take to the stage.
www.facebook.com/westfalia.collective
MUSIC
EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY @ BOILER SHOP
Words: Cameron Wright
Explosions In The Sky are a sublime emotional force. If you are not familiar with the Austin, Texas’ band post-rock odysseys, an album like 2007’s All Of A Sudden I Miss Everyone will become a revelation. The evocative instrumental passages that span across the band’s phenomenal third album The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place are nuanced, tinged with hope and despair in equal measure; simple guitars twinkle over building rhythms, ebbing and flowing, brooding and rejoicing. For me, there are very few bands that can paint such vivid, acute images through their music as clearly as Explosions In The Sky. These storytellers have such uncanny communication, it is no wonder they turned their talents to movie soundtracks.
Now, on the back of their 2023 release, END, the cinematic composers bring their sound to Boiler Shop on Wednesday 14th August, and it promises to be an epic show. Don’t miss it. www.explosionsinthesky.com
Westfalia
MUSIC MOZART ESTATE @ THE CENTRAL BAR
Words: Matt Young Lawrence, the mononymously named guitarist and singer-songwriter from Mozart Estate, previously held pivotal roles in the nearlegendary bands Felt or Denim from the 80s and 90s Cherry Red and Creation Record stables where he cut a hermit-like figure, notoriously protective of his privacy and
musical ‘legacy’ with a mildly tyrannical reputation, a sort of less belligerent Mark E Smith. However, following years of limited sales, exposure and niche-sounding records, Mozart Estate is Lawrence’s deliberate venture into more (potentially) commercial areas. He and his band compose a mix of wildly catchy, wry novelty pop tunes and he’s taking his reclusive self on the road, with an appearance at Gateshead’s Central Bar on Thursday 22nd August.
Borrowing heavily from familiar advertising jingle melodies, TV themes and elsewhere, the new live repertoire is a dayglo montage of
jangly guitar pop and synth tunes like Vanilla Gorilla, Poundland and the tragi-comic Relative Poverty, in which Lawrence lays out his daily routine on “a tenner a day”. There’s a lot of pertinent commentary and self-awareness that might pass the average person by, both on England’s malaise and the state of the music industry as Lawrence sees it. They’re a fascinating band to watch, balancing their cheery sounds with an underlying heartache, so be sure to catch this rare outing. www.facebook.com/mozartestate
Image by Laura Ghezzi
MUSIC CONSCIOUS PILOT @ ZEROX
Words: Michael O’Neill
Time and time again, Zerox have proven themselves to be thriving in their Quayside location. I always loved their older incarnation, in the Central Station’s old ticket office, but the quality of gigs they’re hosting alongside the likes of promoters Wandering Oak and F54 make it clear that they were always destined to prosper in a bigger location.
This glorious show on Saturday 3rd August is no exception. Fresh from the release of their single Me & Marcel, quartet Conscious Pilot are undertaking a tour of Northern England and Scotland, showcasing their unique blend of deft, witty post-punk. The single is a brilliant calling card, with razor-sharp slap bass, cutting staccato guitar, pummelling beats and gloriously witty wordplay and thunderous vocals from lead singer Joe. It’s a welcome
addition to the fertile community of left-field rock that has reigned supreme in the indie world over the last few years, but with plenty of personality and virtuosity to set Conscious Pilot apart from the pack. Support comes from the fledgling Toon-hailing outfit TV Death and Leeds based art rock quintet Mother Said, and is another stellar offering from the almighty Wandering Oak. www.cpilot.band
MUSIC
JOHN POPE & JOHN GARNER @ THE GLOBE
Words: Ben Lowes-Smith
John Pope is one of the region’s most celebrated instrumentalists, lending his talents to music as diverse as that of futuristic folk artist Me Lost Me, off-kilter jazzers Archipelago and the multi-limbed psych-infused jazz punk of Ponyland.
His show at Newcastle’s Globe on Sunday 25th
August, however, provides something a little bit more personal and intimate. John has been playing with virtuoso violinist John Garner for many years, and their 2022 album Water Music, which was universally acclaimed by jazz press, was a love letter to twentieth century artists like Ornette Coleman and Alice Coltrane.
The pair also boast four records of purely improvised music, the last being released in support of United Help Ukraine.
The duo have appeared at a litany of jazz festivals across the UK, and have played venues as revered as Café Oto. The Globe, as a jazz cooperative, has become Newcastle’s home of improvisational music, and this promises to be a special evening to bear witness to two of the forms most proficient and imaginative musicians.
www.theglobenewcastle.bar
Conscious Pilot
MUSIC BRIGHT RED MUSIC FESTIVAL @ THE CLUNY
Words: Nat Greener
The Bright Red Music Festival takes place on Friday 16th August at The Cluny. The charity event, which will be hosted by TV’s Pam Royle, will feature an array of musical talent with all
profits supporting the Bright Red charity, dedicated to improving the lives of people with blood cancer across the North of England. Headlining the festival are Fargo Railroad Co., known for their powerful country rock and blues. Other standout acts include the legendary 80s band Fuzzbox, who bring their vibrant energy, and Frankie Goes To Hollywood guitarist Brian ‘Nasher’ Nash, who will perform a special acoustic set. The event promises a diverse line-up which will
also feature local favourites like alt. rockers Park View and the Americana-infused sounds of Sam Shields.
Tickets are just £15, making this an excellent opportunity to enjoy live music while supporting a worthy cause. The Bright Red charity works tirelessly to fund research, provide patient care and support those affected by blood cancer. www.brightred.org.uk
September Sun1Sep SisterShack:FleaandHandmadeMarket Fri6Sep MidnightCallers:DJSetfrom PaulSmithandPeterBrewis Thu12Sep ATalkonTheGreatStrikeof1926 withEdWaugh
SUSIE BURGESS TALKS TO THE NORTH EAST-BASED CALIFORNIAN ARTIST ABOUT HER SOPHOMORE EP AND GENRE-BLURRING APPROACH TO HER SOUND
In anticipation of Hekla Goodman’s upcoming EP release, Forward, the North East-based Californian singer-songwriter discusses creating a deeply personal sound of resilience and hope amidst a genre-blending backdrop of pop fusion. When asked about her journey as a musician, Hekla shares: “I always kind of played music. I didn’t really start releasing music until my later twenties, when I started with a band called KHASMA. We met through some friends and were writing for a couple of artists in Europe. We were like, ‘oh, we really like each other, we’re super inspired – let’s start a band’, as you do. We had a lot of fun and then COVID happened.” It was at this point she decided to start releasing music herself.
Her first EP, All I Should’ve Said, was something of a catharsis for the artist; she recalls performing at the Cluny launch show: “It felt like a full circle moment because the songs are quite intimate and in a place where I was super broken. It was nice to end it with such a lovely place and everybody that I really admire in my life.”
Now on the precipice of releasing her sophomore EP, it’s clear that Hekla’s songwriting has moved onto sunnier times. “I want to tell the next part of the story. It started when I first met my husband and ends with a song I wrote him that I walked down the aisle to. It’s about all these feelings I had during that time, so the EP could be encapsulated as a relationship.”
I’VE REALISED IT’S OKAY TO HAVE A BIT OF TWANG IN MY VOICE. I’VE KIND OF LEANED INTO MY STRENGTHS
Fusing pop, electronic and folk sounds, Hekla’s music amalgamates a rhythmic soundscape of Scandi-pop akin to Swedish singer-songwriter Robyn. There’s a deeply country influence in her lyricism, notably on Ruin Heartbreak and The Reason, as Hekla invites listeners into chapters of her life as though pages from a memoir. When asked about her songwriting style, Hekla draws on a country influence, sharing: “It’s always been a storytelling vibe because I come from a country area. I used to hate being country when I was younger, but now I’ve realised it’s okay to have a bit of twang in my voice. I’ve kind of leaned into my strengths. You never really let go of it.”
Forward navigates an artful balance of electronic pop with catchy dance mixes and acutely honest lyricism woven between. The EP’s first single, Ruin Heartbreak, discusses “the pep talk everyone needs”, with a lead electric guitar and layered synths, the opening of the track creates a muted ambience, only for the chorus to offer clear release with a lyrical uplift “nobody told you, you could ruin heartbreak.”
Hekla’s in something of a creative purple patch, joking that she’s at least two EPs ahead on her release schedule. “Now I’m just gonna continue to release EPs maybe till I die. The next one is quite spiritual. And the one after that is going to be super stripped-back. And I’m only going to play with like three or four sounds. So that will be really cool. I think I’m excited about it. But I’m still writing it. I’m still on EP number two. So, it’s hard to live in the future so much, you know.”
Hekla Goodman releases Forward EP on 30th August. www.heklagoodman.co.uk
TEES VALLEY ARTISTS OF THE YEAR
WORDS: CLAIRE DUPREE
Launched by Tees Valley Combined Authority to provide support and investment in the area’s creativity, five artists will receive professional development and financial assistance, enabling them to move to the next level of their careers. Here, we meet filmmaker Andy Berriman, theatre-maker Scott Turnbull, visual artist Claire A Baker, musician Amelia Coburn and author Lisette Auton, to find out about their creative practice and what they’re hoping the next 12 months will bring.
ANDY BERRIMAN
“I’m a writer and director from Stockton. I make commercial films for a living and when I can I make music videos and short films, working my way up to features and TV shows. My passion is telling stories with rich characters, that are funny and touching. All my films are of my homeland in some way – if not set here specifically, then they spring from the sensibility I have developed growing up here.
“This year my aim is to crack some practical milestones in my career – things like shadow on a TV series, get an agent and write a treatment for a feature film. Beyond that, the most valuable thing this year is giving me, is the opportunity to take the time to really hone in on what I want to make and who I want to be as an artist.
“To some degree, this award has transformed what I think is possible in my career. For the first time in a long time, it feels like the sky is the limit.”
www.andyberriman.co.uk
LISETTE AUTON
BEING ABLE TO WORK ON MY CRAFT WITHOUT THE STRESS OR PRESSURE OF MAKING ENDS MEET IS AN ABSOLUTE LIFELINE
“Born and based in Darlington, I do stuff with words; I work with them in all their forms as an author, dramatist, filmmaker, performer and activist. One of the strands of my work is as a children’s author and I currently write for Puffin. All my books are set in the North East and always have disabled and neurodivergent characters at the centre, just like me.
“This year will allow me to focus on my work for adults, building on the award-winning Water Cycle trilogy of films I made for Durham Book Festival. This will involve writing a
L-R Andy Berriman, Lisette Auton, Amelia Coburn, Claire A Baker, Scott Turnbull
creative non-fiction novel which is highly experimental in form and uses a Tees Valley chorus of voices, and alongside this creating a multimedia performance for theatre spaces.
“There is absolutely no way I could make this work without the financial and highly tailored support being offered to us this year. It feels like an absolute gift and privilege to be given this time. The mentoring has already begun with New Writing North and it’s enabling me to be ambitious and bold, be brave and take risks, invite failure, dig into process and experiments, but also recognises my brain and body and how we can work to make it the very best it can possibly be.” www.lisetteauton.co.uk
AMELIA COBURN
“I’m a singer-songwriter from Middlesbrough. I write unusual, narrative-driven songs that take their inspiration from gothic fairy tales, film noir and the people I’ve encountered on my travels through unfamiliar lands. This year I released my debut studio album Between The Moon And The Milkman which was produced by Bill Ryder-Jones.
“I’m hoping to have enough songs written for my next record, by spending time honing my skills as a songwriter as well as collaborating and co-writing with different musicians. I’d also like to become a self-sufficient artist, so I’ll be working closely with my mentors to try and find ways of making a sustainable income as a musician.
“It may sound cliché, but being able to work on my craft without the stress or pressure of making ends meet is an absolute lifeline. Thanks to the award, this new-found time and space to be creative has already allowed me to spend more time writing music and to take a full band out on tour, which would have been nigh-on impossible without having this kind of support.” www.ameliacoburn.co.uk
CLAIRE A BAKER
“As a visual artist based in Stockton, my research is concerned with the textile legacy of a dying community – the Babushkas who still live in the Chernobyl exclusion zone, with whom I have connected through our common interest in, and love of, embroidery. I am passionate about sharing their stories through
the contemporisation of their textile heritage and bringing it to new audiences. My dialogical works consider loss, memory, relationships and connections.
“This bursary will give me the space, time and opportunity to fulfil a longtime ambition of working with digital, industrial processes in order to produce much larger scale works. I will spend time training on new software and machinery and concentrate on making a new body of work referencing the significant disintegration and destruction by Russia of the historic material culture of Ukraine.
“I aspire to show this new and previously unseen work at a high profile national gallery by the end of the programme, the first of its kind here in Teesside, alongside having laid the foundations of a globally accessible archive. By the year end I hope to have identified, embraced, and underpinned my creative brand, gaining the confidence and credibility to be able to clearly articulate, demonstrate and establish it in the contemporary art and craft markets.
“The Tees Valley Artists of the Year programme has made me feel that all my research and artwork to this point has value and is meaningful, which is an incredible motivator.”
www.claireabaker.shop
SCOTT TURNBULL
“I’m a theatre maker, actor, illustrator and writer. I love making stuff and doing silly voices in wigs and/or papier-mache heads. The work I make is funny, interactive and thought-provoking. Sometimes I just dance around in my underpants.
“I’m working on a new show called Unexpected Item In The Bagging Area for theatre and TV. It’s the story of two brothers working the endless night shift in a 24-hour garage somewhere between Stockton and Newcastle. It’s a supernatural comedy horror featuring singing sausages, jazz-playing cockroaches and serial killing convicts.
“I know Teesside isn’t fucking Malibu, but I see beauty and humour all around me. As an artist, I try to reimagine my day-to-day experiences then respond to them on stage, on screen and online. Over the next 12 months I’ll continue making work… only this year I’ll be getting paid a living wage to do it.”
www.scottturnbullpresents.com
LINDISFARNE FESTIVAL
IF YOU LIKE…
THE HEADLINERS
As well as the chart-topping acts already mentioned, the festival comprises of stellar a line-up where serious talent is set to shine. Among the hot tips on offer are art rock band Everything Everything, psychedelic rockers Kula Shaker, top electronic music act Dreadzone and iconic electro band 808 State. And of course, the festival isn’t complete without a performance from the icons themselves, folk rock band Lindisfarne
EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCES
This festival is more than just a musical feast; it’s a holistic heaven! Dive into relaxation with soothing therapies, rejuvenate with invigorating yoga and meditation sessions, or soak up the friendly atmosphere by witnessing some mind-blowing entertainers. If you fancy tapping your toes to infectious drum beats, then make sure to check out Harbingers Drum Crew and Bangshees Drummers. If you need to balance all those energetic festival high moments, then zen out in the Shanti Bee Healing Area and take part in wellness workshops and holistic healing treatments. This festival truly offers a vibrant mix of experiences to suit every soul!
MUSIC
WORDS: MARIA WINTER
Lindisfarne Festival, the ultimate end-of-summer party festival will be back for its ninth year from Thursday 29th AugustSunday 1st September. Nestled on the stunning Northumberland coastline just a stone’s throw from the iconic island, Lindisfarne Festival is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and eclectic mix of music, art and culture. This year’s line-up features headline acts such as the electrifying Orbital, indie rock legends The Vaccines, Scottish singersongwriter Tom Walker, and the unparalleled De La Soul. With performances across multiple stages – from a rave craver’s paradise to a heavy rocker’s heaven – this festival promises an unforgettable experience for music lovers of all tastes. Here, we check out some of the highlights of the huge programme of live music, art installations and wellness activities in one of the UK’s most picturesque settings. www.lindisfarnefestival.com
THE WEIRD AND WONDERFUL
If your heart desires a touch of eccentricity, then step into the whimsical world of Lindisfarne Festival’s Dingle Dell stage, where the unexpected awaits. Prepare to be enchanted by the legendary mix of dubstep, jungle, TV themes and 80s advert jingles from Darren Trunks, or encounter lashings of laughter from crack-pot comedians courtesy of Punch-Drunk Comedy. Maybe the haunting sea shanties from Old Time Sailors will sail straight into your heart? Whether you’re cackling hysterically or swaying to hypnotic rhythms, Dingle Dell is your portal to a world of magic and wonder, promising something new and unforgettable at every turn.
PROMISING PERFORMERS
Lindisfarne Festival is a perfect launchpad for the next big thing, and with eight different stages there’s ample chance to catch a dazzling array of up-and-coming acts. Head down to the DJ booth to see turntable wizards Becky Woodcock, Man Power and MAIA spin some tunes, or perhaps you fancy delving into the darkened dance depths of The Crypt, which showcases some of the North’s rising rave masters including Kaytee Bee and Sad Spit Sally. If that isn’t your vibe, check out the sensational Groovetrain, acoustic country queen Hayley McKay, or the emotive contemporary folk music of Shannon Pearl
The Vaccines
Man Power by Amelia Read
Tom Walker by Frank Fieber
Image by Rachel Deakin
SILVER MOTH
MATT YOUNG TALKS TO ELISABETH ELEKTRA ABOUT THE BAND’S ELEMENTAL AND COLLABORATIVE SOUND AHEAD OF THEIR NORTH EAST HOMECOMING
“Tell everybody that they have to come and see us.” I can hear the excitement in Elisabeth Elektra’s voice even when separated by over 250km. I reply saying that’s a given, “I’ve been shouting about it from the rafters to everyone I know.”
We are discussing her upcoming tour dates with the collaborative band Silver Moth, in particular their ‘homecoming’ show at Gosforth Civic Theatre on Monday 12th August. She resides in Glasgow with her husband Stuart Braithwaite, also a core member of Silver Moth, and of the esteemed rock band Mogwai.
“So do you still consider Newcastle home?” I ask. “Yeah, of course. I spent my whole childhood and teenage years going to Newcastle from nearby Hexham. I moved there when I was 16. So, you know, I was still a kid. There’s a lot of formative stuff that happens around those late teenage years and early 20s. Pretty much all my immediate family are in the North East and I’ve got lots of friends there, so it does feel like home. If I was going to say I was from somewhere, it would be the North East.”
The reason we’re discussing these touring shows is due entirely to a leap of faith Elisabeth and Stuart took with fellow musicians and kindred spirits back in early 2021. Evi Vine, Steven Hill, Ash Babb, Ben Roberts and Matthew Roachford joined the pair without really knowing each other, convening in the dramatically remote Atlantic Ocean-facing Black Bay studios on The Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. The landscape and intense working period of just one week resulted in an extraordinary album full of elemental, spiritual and collaborative music that surpassed any expectations. I’m intrigued how that condensed improvisation transfers to the live setting. Elisabeth explains: “I think we had to reimagine it as a whole. It’s different than it was in the studio and I think that’s a good thing. We had to really listen to the record because
SILVER MOTH’S WHOLE REPERTOIRE SETS LIGHT TO ENORMOUS BONFIRES AND THEN REFLECTS IN THEIR COOLING EMBERS
when we made it it was so improvised that we weren’t sure on some songs who had played what, we had to figure that out.”
There is also a slightly changed line-up of those musicians on the album, due to other commitments, both Evi and Matthew aren’t with the band and Elisabeth explains the impact. “One of the songs Evi sang, Henry, has become an instrumental piece because I didn’t want to sing her song, it didn’t feel right to sing her vocal. It sounds great as an instrumental, really powerful, then on Mother Tongue, I just sing both the parts.”
The haunting, melancholic layers of guitar and cello in Henry lap like constant, soothing waves, while elsewhere the epic rock of Hello Doom embarks on a fifteen-minute odyssey through ebbing prog and post-rock tides. Drones, wheezing strings and emotive vocals drift in and out on Mother Tongue and Eternal. Silver Moth’s whole repertoire sets light to enormous bonfires and then reflects in their cooling embers.
Elisabeth, Stuart, Ash and Ben are essentially Silver Moth’s core members, augmented by other touring members. There may even be new material. “We’ve written it. But it depends on how good it sounds when we play together live, I’m excited. But I would be surprised if we play live again for quite a while because you know, there are some big commitments the band members have in the next year or two.”
So this is where you come in readers. Get your tickets and experience that same excitement when they play Gosforth this month. If you needed further convincing, Elisabeth’s sister Katie
NEV CLAY
LEE FISHER SPENT A WONDERFUL HOUR IN THE COMPANY OF NEV CLAY, WHO FOUND TIME BETWEEN FASCINATING TANGENTS TO TALK ABOUT COLLABORATION, BUDDHISM AND (PROBABLY) NOT BEING A FOLK MUSICIAN IMAGE BY AMELIA READ
Any attempt to explain Nev Clay’s status in Newcastle is not only a folly but will just make him squirm uncomfortably, so let’s consider instead his incredible new album So Little Happened For So Long, his second in 30-plus years. The obvious first question is – why so long, Nev?
“Well, I’ve been skint for a long time, you know? And I put a lot of stuff out on Bandcamp. It seems like a really simple way to operate. So the question really is, ‘why ever?’.” What led to the release was Chris ‘Prancey Dog’ Trew, who wanted to make a 7” with Nev during lockdown. That turned into a 10” (“because we’re both obsessed with The Fall – we said ‘why don’t we do a
10” single, three tracks on each side, like Slates?’”) and eventually that became the 14-track album. Both the tracklisting and the title kept changing, with the oldest song, appropriately enough, providing the title.
Most of Nev’s songs grow from just playing, and the lyrics are mostly just observations and memories, Cuddy’s Cave notwithstanding. “Well, it all goes in, doesn’t it?” he suggests. “The best songs come out of nowhere, I know it’s a cliche, but it is true… I’m playing all the time during the adverts, the guitar is always there. And you get a nice riff and a nice melody. That’s mainly how it starts, then the words fit in with the melody.”
MUSIC
For Nev, observation is the point. “When I came back from living in London, I went to a writing class in Eldon Square and the guy in the writing class was saying ‘It’s alright observing things, but you have to improve on reality… Reality is never enough and you have to improve it.’ And that incensed me! Although then I went and wrote a story about a girl who got knocked down in a hit and run accident and was reincarnated as a dolphin… I think reality is enough, isn’t it?”
As mentioned, Cuddy’s Cave is the exception. It’s a sprawling hymn to the North East, a Geordie American Trilogy, that grew variously out of earlier songs (Nev dates version one to 2013) and a collaboration with St James Infirmary. The gorgeous, epic album version is version 24 and there are more on the way, often including rhyming couplets sourced from friends. So remarkable is Cuddy’s Cave that Gary Lang’s Maplestreet Press has published a small-press book about it, complete with lyrics, notes, sources and a beautiful cover painting by Narbi Price (this is indicative of how Nev likes to work, collaborating with friends and keeping it in the family).
Nev has a reputation as genuinely lovely and particularly talkative performer, although he doesn’t feel compelled to be chatty at every gig. “Every audience is different, and you don’t know what it’s going to be like till you get there. So sometimes I have a plan and then I completely change my mind as soon as I arrive. The thing is, because I live alone, I can’t stop talking when I’m with someone. I spend my whole life in silence, and then I feel myself being over-garrulous.“
IT’S ALL ABOUT DECLINE. A GENTLE DECLINE. DISSOLUTION. IMPERMANENCE IS A THREAT THAT’S DEFINITELY THERE
32 years in, Nev’s probably never been better known, but circumstances and disposition have stopped him chasing that guitar-shaped swimming pool. He’s always worked, for a start.
“Another thing is that I’ve been skint ever since I started smoking and drinking… it’s never been on the table for me to make a full-time career of this.” Still, his status as a Newcastle institution and acclaimed songwriter is unassailable, leading close friend and collaborator Richard Dawson to describe him as ‘the finest songwriter I know’. As befits someone so much a part of the Tyneside scene, the album boasts contributions from the likes of Dawson, Yakka Doon, Cath & Phil Tyler, Kathryn Williams, Brick and Gary Lang.
Nev has always rejected the term ‘folk singer’ despite the music he makes and the company he keeps. When challenged on this, he took a swig of tea and chuckled while considering his response.
“When I was growing up John Peel would play Willy O’Winsbury [by Pentangle], John Renbourn… I obviously loved Joni Mitchell. I loved all of that shit. I got a lovely review in Klof Magazine – which is folk backwards, isn’t it? – and I was looking on the website and it had Jim White and Gastr del Sol, all of that. And I thought, ‘if folk is as broad as that, then I don’t mind being part of it.’”
He concedes he came up through folk clubs, starting at one George Welch ran above The Cumberland Arms. “I played my first ever songs there, there were only three people in the audience, you know, and a dog! One of the songs was about Elizabeth Nietzsche, Frederick’s sister. She was involved with this project where she was sent to Bolivia to start an Aryan colony, Nuevo Hermanica. It was a song about how it all went wrong. So that’s me at a folk club.”
Nev is a widely-read deep thinker, which shines through in conversation and song. I wondered if he had a worldview of sorts and he suggests an identification with Buddhism. “I think that’s if there is a worldview, then that’s it. I just remembered yesterday that when I was 16, I wrote a poem for the school magazine… and the punch line was ‘let the litter be my epitaph’, and it was all about the minutiae, the disposable, the transient… I mean, from the very first words [of Nine Dart Finish] about Jockey Wilson missing the shot, it’s all about decline. A gentle decline. Dissolution. Impermanence is a threat that’s definitely there.”
Nev Clay’s So Little Happened For So Long is released on 2nd August via Prancey Dog Records. www.nevclay.bandcamp.com
RUSSELL HASWELL
AHEAD OF HIS FORTHCOMING MIDDLESBROUGH SHOW, JOHN KNOX SPEAKS TO MULTI-DISCIPLINARY ARTIST RUSSELL HASWELL ABOUT HIS NEW ALBUM DEEP TIME
Multidisciplinary artist Russell Haswell’s various creative outputs include DJing in support of acts like Autechre, producing black metal-influenced noise recordings, creating art installations and most recently writing an opera. His accolades haven’t gone to his head however, as throughout our conversation he is affable, enigmatic and down to earth – which is all part of his charm.
“I got started quite late. I was 18 in 1988 so I grew up with Model 500, early 808 State and A Guy Called Gerald, but at the same time it was also Napalm Death, Carcass, Nocturnus and Confessor,” he explains, outlining what interested him musically growing up. “Then I came across Vangelis and [Iannis] Xenakis because of the alphabetical order of the lending library… I thought, who has a name that begins with ‘X’?”
He thinks back fondly to his days as a paperboy, reading music magazines like NME and Smash Hits before popping them through a letterbox. “I’m not really a musician, I just make sounds. I don’t consider it to be music. I come from an art background and I ended up doing gigs. I studied performance art and conceptual art, massive art that is formidable. I always drew a parallel between noise and performance art. To me, listening to Merzbow is like being inside a giant Michael Heizer sculpture,” he says, which leads us onto discussing the concepts underpinning his upcoming album Deep Time.
“It’s about the massive scale of the earth. I recently got into geology and rock structures. Living up in Scotland has meant I can visit the islands and see all of these things,” he enthuses, but you’d struggle to pull that from the sounds alone. There are retrogressive elements to his sound, old synths and drum sounds from the 80’s, arranged together from the perspective of
I’M NOT REALLY A MUSICIAN, I JUST MAKE SOUNDS. I DON’T CONSIDER IT TO BE MUSIC
now. It’s all very conceptual.
Like most of his recorded output this new record is improvised. “When I play live it’s all improvised, but when I come to Middlesborough in August I’m going to try and reproduce what’s been improvised on the album. If it doesn’t work out then that’s fine, the album won’t be out by then, so no one will have heard it yet anyway, but it should resonate in their minds when they hear the album in the future.”
Russell operates in a niche, admitting he usually polarises his audience; he finds there is more of an appetite for his performances in Europe or Japan. “This is only the second time I’ll have played in Middlesborough. I had a great time last year and I’m over the moon to have been asked back.”
We chat about the struggles facing travelling artists post-Brexit, -lockdowns, -cost of living crisis which has meant he’s played more gigs in the UK in the last 12 months than he has in his whole career. So, what keeps him going? “I want to get one over on all of the beige, vanilla, run-of-the-mill artists selling out mega stadiums right now. I get a lot of encouragement from fellow artists and honestly, I wouldn’t know what else to do at this stage of my life… go down the job centre?”
Russell Haswell plays Disgraceland, Middlesbrough on Friday 30th August.
www.russellhaswell.bandcamp.com
Image by Rachel Deakin
ELEMENTS FESTIVAL
WORDS: MACK SPROATES
ELEMENTS is a bold new street art and graffiti festival taking place in Newcastle’s Ouseburn Valley on Saturday 3rd-Sunday 4th August. The area has a long history of graffiti heritage, and ELEMENTS plans to celebrate Newcastle’s thriving street art scene with live painting, DJs and workshops, and community and expression at its centre.
“I have been wanting to establish an event which brings everyone together,” says Mark One87, local street artist and organiser of ELEMENTS. “The time is right to really showcase
ELEMENTS FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
It’s the first year of ELEMENTS so we’re really hoping to set the tone – a bringing together of all the styles and scenes that the North East has to offer in a collective celebration. The main festival site will undoubtedly be the centre of this, showcasing 18 artists in one area painting live murals with good music and good people.
Here you will recognise some of the area’s most prominent and prolific artists – from legends like Mr.Zee and Prefab 77, artists like Raven and Nesbit, to more contemporary street artists like Mul and Cack Handed Kid
The site is a bit of a highlight here – people will recognise it from the Ouseburn Market and the Wild Roots Community Garden, but it’s also a bit of a hidden gem, just off Stepney Bank. It’s a great spot, Newcastle doesn’t have a street art festival and this site feels like a perfect place to establish. ELEMENTS isn’t just about the big showcase event though, it’s about all the moving parts coming together and supporting each other. You will get to see some of the results of our work with the surrounding communities. There will be a piece designed and painted with the Shieldfield Youth Programme (developed by The NewBridge Project and Dwellbeing Shieldfield), which empowers young people to
the North East whilst creating a platform for artists from a range of backgrounds.”
While it’s exciting to be bringing new audiences into the area, it was really important to engage those who live there too.
“Community is everything,” explains co-organiser Carlo Viglianisi from Building Culture. “It’s not just about the creative communities or the other existing communities that engage with Ouseburn, but also about those that don’t.”
Here, the team offer up some of their awesome festival highlights. www.instagram.com/elements_streetartfest
become active members of their local community. It will be a lovely example of helping to develop pathways in and out of surrounding areas. We’re doing similar work in Byker – keep your eyes peeled for a painted minibus making the rounds. Another highlight has to be the art market in collaboration with Nowt Special. We love what they do so it’s great to bring in a range of local sellers – they’ve pulled together a great line-up including Electric Sheep, The Writing Is On The Wall, Van Goth, Grimcraft and loads more.
Our work with Wild Roots Community Garden should be well on the way. The community garden at the back of the site is an incredible project and we’re working with them to add some mural work to the space.
Finally, we do have one guest artist this year. Southamptonbased artist and designer Ricky Also is renowned for his large-scale, designed-forward typographic pieces which burst with colour leaning into the history and heritage of a place. He’ll be doing something special referencing Heaton-born author Jack Common, who was a working class voice in literature and admired by the likes of George Orwell.
Artwork is a collaborative piece of work painted by Mark One87 and Sune 2
Artwork by Doodle D
Artwork by mul
SMOTE
LINSEY TEGGERT
TALKS FARMHOUSES, FOLKLORE AND FOREBODING WITH DANIEL FOGGIN
Last summer, Daniel Foggin, the mind behind Newcastle’s Smote, found himself alone in a farmhouse in the Scottish border town of Kelso. With only alpacas and chickens for company, he set about writing and recording his fourth album, the 70-minute plus ethereal opus that is A Grand Stream. “My previous albums have largely been recorded in practice rooms, so it was a nice experience to know no one was around. That calm attitude probably helped a lot with the creative side of it. I had a few snippets beforehand for the record but most of it was written and powered through that week in the farmhouse, working until 4am some nights.”
It’s impossible to pin Smote’s sound to a genre, with elements of drone, noise, doom and folk blended to create a kind of primal sorcery that feels otherworldly and ceremonial. For Foggin, it’s more about creating a feeling. “All the records revolve primarily around atmosphere. I find it hard to put into words, but a lot of my inspiration comes from cinema; lots of the films I like aren’t necessarily big on narrative, they’re about creating feeling and building a world.”
Though Smote is more widely inspired by folklore and Pagan ritual, Foggin is reluctant to talk about any further meanings or concepts behind his records. “I’ve never publicly put a narrative on any record because I don’t think it’s necessary, it’s up to each listener to take what they want from it. I suppose if I had to talk about what inspired this record, some of the ideas revolve around rural living: manual labour and how it fucks you up when you’re older as there are a lot of older farmers out there, rural living on your own and how it makes you go a bit loopy
and maybe experience things that aren’t there. Also, in terms of the weirder, folklore side, there’s the Linton Worm, which is a Scottish Border legend like our Lambton Worm. There was a church around the corner from the farm with a plaque above the door dedicated to the Knight who killed the Worm, John de Somerville. I suppose the area around the farmhouse did inspire me, even if I didn’t realise it at the time.”
The rural landscape that inspired the world of A Grand Stream is more dark pastoral than golden cornfields. There’s a sense of the ominous throughout, with tracks such as The Opinion Of The Lamb Pt. 1 & Pt. 2 leaning heavily on monomania to create a feeling akin to infrasound: a ritualistic voyage filled with foreboding. Foggin admits he definitely leaned into making a darker record. “I wasn’t trying to make an accessible record, I didn’t worry so much about making happy psych rock songs that would get a lot of Spotify plays. It’s all about atmosphere. It’s about creating suspense and catharsis and the way to do that is to drag stuff out as long as possible and push things as far as you possibly can through repetition. Of course, you get the old fellas outside your gigs saying ‘It sounds like someone has smoked too much weed in their practice room, I could do that,’ but it’s really not that easy to restrict yourself, to force yourself to stick at something for ten minutes and upwards, but when it works it works and it feels really good.”
Smote releases A Grand Stream via Rocket Recordings on 23rd August.
www.smote.bandcamp.com
SALTBURN FOLK FESTIVAL
WORDS: ISABEL MARIA
Calling folk fans old, new and prospective – Saltburn Folk Festival returns for its 25th year to venues across the seaside town from Friday 9th-Sunday 11th August, and it’s chock-full of action to fill a perfect summer weekend. Artistic director Elinor Creaby-Attwood tells us more about the huge event and its community-driven impact: “We’re very lucky to have such a supportive community who’ve helped us to reach this milestone, including a loyal core audience who return to the festival every year.”
SALTBURN FOLK FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
It feels too easy to say “everything!” here – so I’ll try to narrow it down to a few absolute highlights on each day of the festival! First of all, I am unbelievably thrilled to have Kris Drever joining us on Friday 9th. Kris is a wonderful contemporary Scottish musician and songwriter, known for his work with Lau, among other things, and he’s been one of my favourite artists for a long time. In fact, that whole concert will be an exceptional showcase of folk song – featuring The Wilson Family (who are also celebrating a big anniversary this year – 50 years of playing together!), Holly & The Reivers and Amy Leach & Alasdair Paul. It’s a great example of how we’re drawing together nationally acclaimed artists with those a bit closer to home. Also coming up on the Friday, the Queer Folk Showcase is back this year. This concert is all about celebrating LGBTQIA+ voices in folk music, with a line-up curated by Queer Folk founders George Sansome and Sophie
The festival’s ethos is all about good folk music on an astronomical scale, while also helping local communities flourish and thrive. “We’ve got an expanded line-up, including both nationally acclaimed and emerging artists, and there’s a strong focus on North East talent too.” There’s also a free programme of gigs on the bandstand and dance displays all across town, as well as the ticketed events.
It’s a festival conscious of environmental issues and sustainability too, as well as the inclusion of whole families and all communities; there’s a new and improved Youth Hub, a Queer Folk showcase,
Crawford. I’m looking forward to seeing George and Sophie play, as well as some new faces including Island Girl, Georgie Rix and Theo Dussek. I’ve been following Island Girl for a while, and can’t wait to see their set. On the Saturday, I’m looking forward to seeing The Rheingans Sisters, who have to be two of the most innovative musicians on the folk scene today. Plus, Heather Ferrier, Grace Smith and Amy Laurenson are bringing the absolute best in tune playing to Saturday night – and there’s some serious North East representation on that line-up! On the Friday and Saturday nights, we’ve also got the amazing DIY Ceilidh to keep us dancing all night. Finally, on the Sunday, The Often Herd will be closing out the festival with high-energy bluegrass, and I can’t think of a better way to finish this year’s festival. And after all of that, perhaps a rest!
The Often Herd by Amelia Read
Kris Drever
The Rheingans Sisters by Dalma Berger
SUNDERLAND’S ALTERNATIVE UNDERGROUND
STEVE SPITHRAY DELVES INTO THE SUNDERLAND ALTERNATIVE UNDERGROUND THIS MONTH TO SEE WHAT SCENES ARE FLYING UNDER THE RADAR THERE
Here’s a thing, Sunderland doesn’t really have an alternative underground because it has always existed as a creative underdog by constantly bucking against regional and national trends. So, whether that be the Futureheads’ indie philanthropy, Pop Recs Ltd.’s fiercely independent stance or Field Music’s charitable nature, it’s no surprise now that many roads still lead back to the likes of Barry Hyde at The Peacock, Marty Longstaff and Frankie Francis’ involvement with Sunderland’s Music City bid or Laura Brewis at We Make Culture.
So, I did a bit of digging with the help of a few pals to find out what’s going on under the radar. First up, Graeme Hopper from Boundaries Festival (fourth edition incoming in November) was keen to tell me about Feral Yon, a Wearside producer using rhythms, tones and live improvisation to create intimate abstract sounds, so keep an eye out for more from them. Meanwhile, down Deptford bank in the old industrial heartlands of the city, Ben Richardson from the iconic Independent venue is part of a small team trying to build a cool community in a previously neglected part of the city, where they have taken over a couple of pubs and are putting on events and socials with a view to reviving an old scene that dates back to the 1970s. Graeme also told me about Klang, an electronic music open mic night held once a month at either The Ship Isis or The Saltgrass in the same area of town, which features everything from modular hardware to serious laptop producer stuff, while Ben has also been name dropping local poet and lyricist Tobias Hodgson who is on a mission to make poetry cool again (with a new book, Flotation
SUNDERLAND HAS ALWAYS EXISTED AS A CREATIVE UNDERDOG BY CONSTANTLY BUCKING AGAINST REGIONAL AND NATIONAL TRENDS
Chamber, out this month).
Elsewhere, Sunderland-based artist/photographer (and Middlesbrough ex-pat) Eugene Schlumberger and fellow artist Jo Stanness have set up Tion, an art collective specialising in exhibitions, ‘zines (they were behind the recent Ross Millard photo ‘zine), showcases and takeovers working mainly out of Pop Recs. Pop Recs is also home to Stitch & Bitch, a delightfully named needlework and knitting group while, elsewhere in the Sunderland art scene, Pink-collar Gallery is dedicated to the development of women and working-class people using art to promote equality. Originally set up as an online gallery in 2020, this year the collective has branched out into pop-up events and exhibitions throughout Sunderland. In a similar vein, Ford Gallery in Pallion was started by artist Albert Bennett-Cowell in his house, with the unique space showcasing up-and-coming local artists.
Sunderland Shorts Film Festival came and went for the eighth time in early May, and the festival’s dedication to bringing world-class film to the region is admirable, as is the work of Sunderland Film Club, who pop up regularly at Arts Centre Washington and Port Independent.
Finally, still going strong is The Bunker. The epitome of everything underground in Sunderland for over four decades, it remains steadfastly under the radar if something of a go-to for new bands and performers in the city. With the bare minimum of funding The Bunker continues to offer a structured programme of group and individual music sessions, neuro-diverse friendly and super inclusive creative options for those on a budget. They also support weekly gigs which are filmed, mixed, video edited and uploaded to YouTube, which is an incredible incentive to perform there. And while you are heading down that particular rabbit hole, give Barry Hyde’s Northern Academy of Music Education a Google because all roads really do lead back…
L-R, T-B: Tobias Hodgson, Belonging exhibition at Pink-Collar Gallery, artwork by Bethany Stead Sybil, Image by Ross Millard from Destination, published by Tion
TEROX
IT’S A FRESH, BOLD, EXPERIMENTAL AND COLOURFUL EXPRESSION OF HOW I VIEW THE WORLD
MACK SPROATES TALKS TO THE YOUNG GRAFFITI ARTIST ABOUT HIS ALREADY REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENTS AHEAD OF HIS FIRST SOLO EXHIBITION
“I think people shouldn’t be afraid to be themselves and follow what they love doing. No matter how different it may be from what others are doing, it’s okay!” Wise words from the legend that is Terox, an 11-year-old spray paint and graffiti artist from Newcastle. Not only is Terox the youngest person ever to have his work featured in the Baltic, but he will soon open his first solo exhibition, Garden Graff.
The young artist explained more about his work and inspirations. “My parents would take me around Newcastle so I could look at the graffiti when I was about two or three. I started drawing and painting around the same time. I’d collect graf books and get inspiration from them.” Terox’s technique with spray paint is absolutely magic – his dedication for the art form is incredible and really shines through in the work. The art is bright, vibrant and full of life, with gorgeous colours carefully placed inside striking, dreamlike weather-inspired shapes and patterns. There are a tonne of brilliant inspirations behind the work like Jean Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring and Damien Hurst – as well as some local artists who Terox will be working alongside at Bridge festival and ELEMENTS Street Art Festival. As well as graffiti, Terox also loves DJing and is a big fan of old school hip-hop artists like Nas, Rakim and Biz Markie to name a few.
Terox first drummed up a storm last year when his artwork Bubbles was selected to be in the Baltic’s open call exhibition. “When I found out my piece had been accepted I was really excited as I’d always wanted to have my work shown there. I’d
love to have my own show there one day.” It’s so inspirational to hear these big dreams from someone so young, yet so motivated and driven. It’s especially exciting as Terox’s solo exhibition, Garden Graff, is set to open at Bottleworks in the Ouseburn Valley from Monday 29th July-Wednesday 7th August. “It’s two years of my work all come together in one place. It’s contemporary graffiti, inspired by traditional graf but mixed with my contemporary view of my surroundings – it’s a fresh, bold, experimental and colourful expression of how I view the world.”
Graffiti is often an art form that is overlooked and forgotten, yet it is one of the most accessible forms of expression. Newcastle has such a vibrant and supportive street art scene and it’s so exciting to see the ripple effect that this can have on young artists such as Terox. “Graffiti and art makes me happy and I’ve met some amazing people already, young and old, all following what they love.” Terox hopes his exhibition will help encourage others to get into graffiti, and “inspire them to pick up a spray can, pencil or paint brush and get creative.”
With a part in a TV show, a mural at Redcar Contemporary Art Gallery and a show at Alphabetti Theatre plus more on the horizon, Terox’s future is looking bright and covered in spray paint. Chatting with him reminded me of how important it is to have a supportive network who encourage your dreams, and that young people’s voices are so vital and powerful, and must be seen and heard.
www.instagram.com/terox_10
Image by Kenya Benjamin
GROUNDBIRD
BEN LOWES-SMITH TALKS TO THE DEADPAN INDIE FOLK ARTIST ABOUT HIS DEBUT ALBUM
Groundbird, aka Richard O’Brien, releases his first full length album, Misery Chords, this month. It’s a lyrically dense and imaginative affair, recalling songwriters like John Darnielle, but filtered through a particularly 21st Century, and crucially online, prism. The album starts in Peterborough in 2004, and ends in a room above a Little Chef in Maidenhead in 1975, as Richard elaborates; “Peterborough is where I was born, and the first song (Teenage Atheist, 2004) is supposed to be kind of an indication of where I’m coming from, I guess. It’s partly based on this weird guy in a leather coat who I used to occasionally see on the bus into town who would go and argue with people handing out religious pamphlets in the shopping centre, but also more broadly it’s about just the hubris of being 14-years-old and convinced that you know everything, with these very 2004-coded cultural references like Grand Theft Auto 2. The songs after that aren’t arranged chronologically so much as thematically: there’s a few songs in a row that play around with religious imagery which is sort of a nod to my Catholic upbringing.”
Richard’s songs move with the melodic cheerfulness of Belle and Sebastian; this sugars the pill beautifully, and the simple yet densely melodic arrangement style could be compared to local legends ONSIND. From Cambridgeshire, and now calling North Tyneside his home, these songs are peppered with eminently relatable English images; dilapidated town centres, adolescent boredom, bus journeys. However, some of Richard’s songs on the record look outward. “Plastic Passenger is all about this strange Amtrak ride I took a couple of summers ago from Portland to L.A. But then I kind of wanted to bring it back to something more typically English and familiarly crap at the end to bookend the record, which is the song Two Swingers (In A
MUSIC
I DECIDED QUITE EARLY ON THAT I WANTED TO BE OPEN TO SURPRISE AND TO NOT WORRY TOO MUCH IF IT FELT LIKE EVERYTHING FITTED IN THE SAME LYRIC
Room Above A Little Chef). That’s the song set in Maidenhead in 1975 which would be around where my parents lived when they were young, although they weren’t swingers to the best of my knowledge.”
It goes without saying that this isn’t your usual fare for lyrical concepts, and O’Brien’s personality shines through on this incredibly endearing collection of songs. “My background is in poetry so I’m used to thinking a lot about rhyme and structure and so on, but then something that really appeals to me – but which I don’t always find easy in practice – is bringing a very contemporary, conversational voice into that. I decided quite early on that I wanted to be open to surprise and to not worry too much if it felt like everything fitted in the same lyric, in a way I might give myself more grief about on the page. I think the one exception to that model on here is Among Otters, which I wrote for this themed songwriters’ night called Tower of Song: the brief was to write about ‘unfortunate encounters with animals’, and do it in waltz time. I’m not convinced you’d know the latter from the result but having an external prompt is something I love because it’s just another way of getting outside of your own head.” Groundbird releases Misery Chords on 26th August. www.groundbird.bandcamp.com
NOVUM
IF YOU LIKE…
STAY & PLAY
NOVUM’s Stay & Play are free family-friendly activities taking place around the Civic Centre throughout the weekend between 11am-5pm, including screen printing fun with Huge Dollops Of Joy (Friday 9th), enchanting puppeteering with The League Of Curiosity (throughout), Hippocampus-themed printing with Northern Print’s Seeing Seahorses (Saturday 10th) and Juan Loaiz’s Afro-Latin American music extravaganza, Heartbeats In Clave! (Sunday 11th). On Friday 9th and Saturday 10th audiences can become cygnets, via purpose-built aerial rigs, with All Ways Good: Swanning And Swooping; alternatively, explore the movement and music of India as part of Ripu – Enemies of the Mind, as well as take part in fun, dragon-themed activities with Unfolding Theatre’s Here Be Dragons.
A BIT OF FLEX
NOVUM will bring various acrobatic acts to dazzle you with awe-inspiring gravity and fear-defying performances from the likes of Bristol-based Cirque Bijou (throughout) who over at the Civic Centre will be delivering their brand new aerial spectacular, Do Your Thing, which includes live music, singing from local choirs, hat juggling and acrobatics, as well as The Flying Piano sing-a-long, which is exactly what it says it is. Dance-circus production company Motionhouse come roaring into the festival with their piece WILD, (Friday 9th-Sunday 11th) where performers roam animal-like through a forest of tall poles. And continuing with the circus antics on Sunday 11th are Newcastle Circus Arts, whose show Shy Bairns Get Nowt explores what it means to be Northern for young people today.
MUSIC
WORDS: DAVID SAUNDERS
Thursday 8th-Sunday 11th August multi-artform event NOVUM returns for its second year, bringing the best local, national and international talent to Newcastle Civic Centre and The Great North Museum: Hancock.
The festival features spectacular visual arts installations, vibrant music, dazzling circus performances, spoken word and live theatre as well as free family-friendly activities and opportunities to get involved. It’s also brimming with talent with the likes of DJ Yoda, performance art specialist Lawrence Malstaf, break dancer Rob Anderson, dance circus production company Motionhouse, and a whole load more. www.novumnewcastle.com
STIMULATING SOUNDS
Alongside the visual stuff, NOVUM will be pleasuring our ears with some of the finest musicians. Head to the Civic Centre Banqueting and feast on all kinds of wonderfulness from world-class turntablist and producer DJ Yoda (Saturday 10th) who headlines the event with an exclusive immersive audio visual showcase created especially for the festival. Also dropping the dance beats, albeit with a jazz, gospel and house edge on Friday 9th are Newcastle quintet Knats. Promoters F54, Generator and The Glasshouse will be joining in the party with shows from the likes of modernist folk outfit Hector Gannet (Thursday 8th), anthemic spiritualists Flamingods, Welsh-Nigerian Pop/R&B artist Kima Otung, and soulful solo artist Ruth Lyon (all Friday 9th).
Other highlights include Newcastle-based indie/grunge pop singer-songwriter India Arkin and Teesside alt. folk maestro Amelia Coburn, who will be captivating audiences on Thursday 8th.
COMMUNITY
NOVUM is set to create an engaging festival experience for the local community through the programming of local artists alongside touring performers, as well as providing opportunities for local people to get involved. Locals can also join in the fun and become a living, breathing work of art as part of Lawrence Malstaf’s striking installation SHRINK 01995 at the Great North Museum: Hancock, sign up to take part in a masterclass with photographer Andrew Brooks and tour some secret Newcastle locations ahead of a Secret Cities exhibition, or get down for breakdance competition Triple Threat, who are looking for individuals and crews to battle it out in on the dancefloor.
Flamingods
Shrink
DJ Yoda
NEWCASTLE CENTRAL RECORDS
JAKE ANDERSON TALKS TO LOCAL ARTIST MDATA ABOUT THE NEW RECORD LABEL WHICH AIMS TO PROVIDE A PLATFORM FOR THE REGION’S ELECTRONIC MUSICIANS
Newcastle Central Records is a new electronic label established in the North East. It’s a monumental task that local electronic musician Michael Peter (aka MData) is up to, as the head of the newly formed collective is seeking to create a forward-thinking and fully independent space for the very best electronic musicians that the region has to offer, as Michael explains: “I’ve been involved in music for over 30 years. Over that period, I have been witness to its evolution, from early experimental electronic and pop music, the underground dance, rave and techno movements… The Newcastle scene has always been at the forefront of underground music due to its demographic; a positive, hard-working, hard partying, resilient, but welcoming and friendly people. The city has always celebrated music.” Michael further explained his thoughts around the ecosystem that enabled the label’s evolution: “The same scene that shone historically is here again; an abundance of artistry, and not just music; local, home-grown talent, born and bred in the region. Our industrial heritage, our ever-expanding student population, art, fashion and music influences from our universities, colleges, galleries and creative workplaces; and not to forget our wealth of increasing diversity within the region. We have it all –massive regional creative collectives, and a massive regional appreciation for it from artists, supporters and fans alike.”
To celebrate the start of this new label, Newcastle Central Records will be releasing a compilation album, in addition to hosting a launch gig at Newcastle’s The Lubber Fiend. The
WE WANTED A CHANCE TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR BOTH OUR ARTISTS AND AUDIENCE TO FEEL THEY ARE PART OF SOMETHING NEW, THAT THEY HAVE BEEN INVOLVED FROM THE VERY BEGINNING
album will include a wide variety of songs from the artists behind Newcastle Central Records, including veteran producer Iron Blu and Lithuanian-born Šikšna. “All the artists have their own styles, and contribute very different things on an individual basis, all of equal measure. The qualities that unite them is their shared passion for good music, and enthusiasm for the collective to happen.
“It was built on a one-to-one basis. I’d had the initial idea, asked some close friends in the industry, then asked some others whose styles I admired if they be interested in submitting tracks; I visited their gigs and events, listened to their radio shows, bought their existing music, so I had huge confidence in their musical knowledge and ability to deliver something that would work well for us all as a collective.”
The label’s first compilation album showcases a diverse conglomeration of passionate musicians, with this selection of tracks showing an emotional connection to the art from each artist. “Music is more often-than-not, mood-reflective. It seemed that with the range of artists on the label, all demonstrate outstanding quality, but are from very different backgrounds, with varying experiences, interpretations and ways of realising that via musical output; capturing and sharing this diversity was key.”
The label’s launch at The Lubber Fiend on Friday 2nd August will feature a line-up of Cal Bell, Isaac Dean, Šikšna, Ben Caldwell, Iron Blu and Beth Alana. “Six of the North’s best underground techno, electro and house DJs to showcase their individual styles, and their ability to identify great music and most importantly, to make the dancefloor move! Most of our artists will be there supporting the event; we wanted a chance to provide opportunities for both our artists and audience to feel they are part of something new, that they have been involved from the very beginning.”
www.instagram.com/newcastlecentralrecords
L-R, T-B: M Data, Isaac Dean, Janay
JOYFUL PUNK
CLAIRE DUPREE TALKS TO OUTGOING ARTISTIC AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALI PRITCHARD ABOUT HIS SWAN SONG PROGRAMME
As one of Newcastle’s much-loved cultural institutions, Alphabetti Theatre seek expression through innovation and experimentation. Their next season of shows come under the banner of Joyful Punk, and marks the culmination of founder and executive and artistic director Ali Pritchard’s tenure at the helm; in typical Alphabetti fashion, it’s all about shaking up the system.
“Punk is all about deep self-expression, boundless creativity and boldly defying societal norms.” He explains. “It’s made a powerful comeback as a platform for social activism, rooted in the belief that art can truly change the world. And why joyful? Well, we all need a bit of joy in our lives right now, and Alphabetti is here to bring it!”
The season kicks off from Tuesday 6th August with Let’s Create Not Apply! festival, an open call-out to creatives to submit work in any format they desired. “Our goal was to keep things simple and say YES to as many artists as possible. We wanted to create a space for artists to experiment, evolve and discover excellence.” Ali explains. As such, the season’s line-up is spectacularly varied and includes shows about sex anxiety (Does My Fanny Look Big In This?, Wednesday 7th); rogue AI (Why Won’t You Talk To Me?, Wednesday 14th); a triple bill of short plays telling the stories of unwritten women (A Night With Night-Light Theatre, Thursday 15th); a show from drag king Benjamin Dover (Man Spread, Friday 16th); a theatrical clown show of laundry and friendship (Friend of Frankenstein, Wednesday 21st) and much more. “This festival is all about giving North East-based artists a real chance to shine without the usual hassle of filling out endless applications and waiting for approvals.” Ali says, enthusing that the festival provides an ideal opportunity to see fresh, raw and exciting work from local artists.
The festival strives to encourage artists to create and perform their work unhindered by financial constraints, and it’s an approach that Ali acknowledges is hard to come by. “One of the
WE’RE GOING TO RAISE OUR VOICES AND WORK TOWARDS POSITIVE CHANGE — POWERED BY JOY, LAUGHTER, ART AND COMMUNITY. THIS IS MY RALLYING GOODBYE
biggest challenges theatre makers and creatives face is, without a doubt, money. Here’s the thing, though — if people want to see more diverse, genuine Geordie voices on mainstream platforms like Netflix and want more new, exciting art, they need to support grassroots artists now. The best of these artists could be the ones lighting up your TV screens in less than a decade. If we don’t support them, they won’t survive and we’re going to end up with the same old boring shows or even worse, AI-generated content.”
The rest of the Joyful Punk season continues to push work made by exciting creatives, from folk gig theatre show The Nurse’s Station, created by musician Ruth Lyon and directed by Ali (10th-28th Sept); to the debut production from North East-based LGBTQ+ company Wet Arts Ltd, My Name Is Rachel Corrie (8th-26th Oct); and Fixing, the poetic world premiere of Matt Miller’s drag persona (5th-23rd Nov).
Ali’s departure inevitably marks the ushering in of a new regime; forward-thinking theatre maker Edward Cole will take up the mantle with his own season of work in January 2025, but Ali’s not quite ready to hand over the reins just yet… “Even though we’re tired and disillusioned with the state of things, we’re not just going to sit around and moan. Instead, we’re going to raise our voices and work towards positive change — powered by joy, laughter, art and community. This is my rallying goodbye.”
www.alphabettitheatre.co.uk
Alphabetti’s outgoing founder, artistic and executive producer Ali Pritchard, with new artistic and executive producer Ed Cole
NORTHERN ELECTRIC
IF YOU LIKE…
CHOICE
If you like a wide selection of sounds that embraces genres from across the music spectrum, then this is the event for you. There’s Gram? Gram at Alphabetti who draws inspiration from late 70s South Bronx funk, 80s Detroit techno and the French disco revolution. Alternatively, if loops, drones and minimal compositions are more your thing then there’s Drooping Finger at Lubber Fiend, or if it’s bands that float your boat, then there’s synth-fuelled indie trio The Worry Party or brass playing, rock ‘n’ roll noisemakers No Teeth. I could go on, but basically whatever you’re into, Northern Electric has you covered.
SPOKEN WORD AND RAP
Despite the festival’s focus being on electricity-powered music-making machines, the human voice box is still pretty prominent and will be adorning soundscapes with plenty of rhythmic rhyme, staccato singing and spoken word. Catch two-piece DIY post-punk/IDM outfit Badger and their abstract hip-hop style reminiscent of Sleaford Mods and Death Grips at Lubber Fiend, or Hurrian Cult Legacy at Alphabetti with their dense rap flows about AI, biometrics and the relationship between technology and time, or Akam and his internet culture-inspired rhymes, as well as Jack Fordham and his poetry and genre-spanning grooves at Alphabetti.
MUSIC
WORDS: DAVID SAUNDERS
An absolute gem in the North East music calendar, Northern Electric is an annual celebration of all things alternative and electronic. It’s a platform for music innovators and a hub for those who love synths, samples and summat a bit different. This year’s event takes place on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th August at The Lubber Fiend and Alphabetti Theatre, and is packed full of local heroes using both digital and analogue tech to serve up a plethora of musical genres and subgenres, including IDM, hip-hop, drone, dream pop, synth punk and so on, to intrigue and inspire in equal measures. www.facebook.com/northernelectricfestival
AMBIENCE
We all know that electronic music can dish out the bouncing beats, but it’s also equally adept at creating an evocative soundscape that can change the mood or whisk us away to somewhere else entirely. If you’re looking to be chilled to the bone and filled with hope in equal measures then look no further than dread pop purveyor Infinite Arcade performing at Lubber Fiend, or if your mood suits more unsettling, glitchy samples then check out brb>voicecoil. That said, it is August so maybe you’ll find solace in the warm, melodic and blissed-out dream pop of Summer Night Air at Alphabetti; but, then again, if you like keeping up with global affairs, maybe being whisked away to the post-apocalyptic setting painted by experimental music makers Yes Plant at Lubber Fiend will be more your bag.
AFTERPARTY
After a night of soaking up a load of stimulating sounds, you need an afterparty. Somewhere you can share your thoughts about the festival with friends and of course, give it rock all with loads and loads of dancing. Northern Electric have teamed up with promoters Old Habits to allow you to do just that at Ernest on Friday 9th from 9pm until late. DADs and T8 will be on the decks dishing out their usual wonky basslines, breaks and feels as well as plenty of unreleased sounds. It’s also free, so even those without a festival wristband can join in the fun.
Badger by Nostalgia Kid
DADs
Jack Fordham
SHANNON PEARL
JOHN KNOX CHATS WITH SUNDERLAND’S WITCH-POP PIONEER AHEAD OF HER NEW SINGLE RELEASE
I joined Sunderland’s own witch-pop pioneer Shannon Pearl at Seventeen Nineteen in Old Sunderland to discuss her creative practice.
“It has taken me a long time to embrace the term witch,” she says, reflecting: “I was bullied at school for being different.” She describes a childhood where “witch” was the insult used to undermine her for her beliefs. “My mother is spiritual, and so was her mum, and on and on back several generations,” she says matter-of-factly. “What even is a witch? If you look into the history of the word, it seems it has always been used as a way to denigrate women who have sought ways of healing from nature. Women who were sometimes really desperate for help.”
These days Shannon wears the epithet proudly, re-claiming ownership of the slur in her approach to branding herself, and if you’ve yet to delve into a bit of witch-pop you’ll discover that it draws heavily on English heritage, the natural world and folk tales – there’s not a single cauldron, black cat or pointy hat in sight, and shame on you for assuming otherwise. There’s a hard-won authenticity to her words; she isn’t just playing a character for the sake of our entertainment, but rather she’s an artist living her truth and allowing us along for the ride. Upcoming single Portal is ethereal and dramatic; close your eyes and allow yourself to be drawn off course. Shannon’s siren
THE MODERN WORLD DOESN’T ALLOW FOR EXPLORATION INTO DEEPER CONNECTIONS, AND MY AIM WITH MY MUSIC IS TO PROVIDE A DOORWAY, OR PORTAL, FOR PEOPLE TO USE HOW THEY NEED AT THAT TIME
song is perfectly complimented by the excellent production work of her partner John. Shannon says of the track: “The modern world doesn’t allow for exploration into deeper connections, and my aim with my music is to provide a doorway, or portal, for people to use how they need at that time. My music draws on personal experiences and this song is about being magnetically pulled into the spiritual realm, which has opened up a lot of possibilities for me.”
When she isn’t making music, or walking her dog in the hills, Shannon puts on events for the community to come together in nature. “I decided recently to go to Glastonbury and train as a pagan celebrant. I’ve worked to be able to hold space for people, to bring ritual back into our lives and help people heal.” She conceptualises her live performances as ceremonies, dressing her seven piece band in ritual attire and building a stage fit for the occasion.
We close our chat with a walk around the building, a three hundred year old monument to the birth of Sunderland – a place of community, devotion and faith. Shannon moves like a sprite, touching ancient hand-hewn beams gleefully and playfully experimenting with her voice in the building’s reverberant, acoustic textures. She arrives at the stained glass window depicting Christ’s ascension and begins to sing O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, a Christian hymn from the 8th Century. It’s like a switch has been flicked; her talent is on tap, instantly transforming the space into a vessel of deep connection – as was its intended use. I’m told the last time she sang here the audience were brought to tears and after hearing her myself I can well believe it.
Shannon Pearl releases Portal on 4th August. She plays Sunderland’s Carnival House on Saturday 28th September. www.linktr.ee/shannonpearl
Image by Adam Kennedy
LISTINGS
THE BEST OF THE REST… EVEN MORE ALTERNATIVE MUSIC, THEATRE, COMEDY, ART AND FILM TAKING PLACE THROUGHOUT THE NORTH EAST THIS MONTH
THURSDAY 1ST AUGUST
IN THE FRAME
Showcasing and celebrating films made as part of renowned filmmaker Paul Suggitt’s Screen Craft Lab, amongst others // Hops & Cheese, Hartlepool
FRIDAY 2ND AUGUST
THE PRAETORS
A top night of youthful angst, melody and attitude, supported by Sub Violet and The Hollows // The Globe, Newcastle
SATURDAY 3RD AUGUST
HILARITY BITES COMEDY CLUB
Featuring David Longley, Alex Hylton, Kevin Precious and Pete Otway // The Forum Music Centre, Darlington
PAUL SMITH (DJ SET)
The Maximo Park frontman spins some of his favourite tunes, with live band support from Teesside favourites Shrug and Horse // NE Volume Music Bar, Stockton
SUNDERLAND TEENAGE ART MARKET
Sunderland Teenage Market is a celebration of young local talent and a supportive network to be a part of. It’s an innovative community market where local creative young people offer affordable, good quality produce // Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
SUNDAY 4TH AUGUST
BLUES IN THE BAR
Folk exotica, polka bandits, Bubamara, are a four piece based in Darlington with songs and tunes that conjure the essence of the Mediterranean and beyond // The Georgian Theatre, Stockton
MONDAY 5TH AUGUST
NERDS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN
Get ready to chuckle your way through the science scene as Neil Harris, Kelly Edgar, Matthew Wheelright, and Luke Connell hit the stage, dissecting the quirky side of the scientific world // The Stand, Newcastle
TUESDAY 6TH AUGUST
SAM WAY
Songwriter and poet Sam Way brings his stunning words and sounds to The Lost Wanderer in an interactive and inclusive workshop for those interested in writing and or sharing some of their own work // The Lost Wanderer, Newcastle
THURSDAY 8TH AUGUST
TRINITY FOLK CLUB
A staple event on the North East Folk scene, run by Bill Elliott and Ken Tonge. All singers, musicians and spectators welcome // Seventeen Nineteen, Sunderland
FRIDAY 9TH AUGUST
CAMEL ISLAND
Four-piece indie alt. rock band // Sea Change, South Shields
FEATURED //
Candy & Andy’s Haus Party
A charity fundraiser in aid of the Charlie & Carter Foundation and Pride Action North, featuring sets from jazz singer Imogen Banks, songwriting duo Brick, burlesque artist Rhianne Bowles, stand-up comedian Nicola Mantalios, an excerpt of The Monocle by Rendez-vous Dance and drag queen Bipty P // The Globe, Newcastle
SUMMER MUSIC NIGHTS SHOWCASE
Award-winning ensemble Northern String Quartet, alongside folk artists Axum, singer and guitarist Maya Torres, Sacred Sounds Gong Bathing and world-class sax player Lady V perform what promises to be a memorable show amongst the beautiful surroundings of Alnwick Garden. Also taking place on Friday 23rd // Alnwick Garden
SATURDAY 10TH AUGUST
PRETTY CRIME
Punk/grunge adjacent – tough and cuddly with a sprinkle of synths from Edinburgh, plus support from Solstice and Swindled // The Globe, Newcastle
WEDNESDAY 14TH AUGUST
THE FLOWER SHOP ART COLLECTIVE
Open exhibition hosted by The Flower Shop Art Collective, expect paintings, photography, sculpture, films, performance, music, chicanery and more // Newcastle Arts Centre
THURSDAY 15TH AUGUST
CHARLOTTE FORMAN
Stunning vocalist and songwriter, supported by Sophie Gordon and Chris Davison // The Cluny 2, Newcastle
JULIUS CAESAR, MONKWEARMOUTH COLLIERY, 1984
Led by Caesar, the striking miners have held out and gained a victory against their oppressors. But all is not well, some are desperate – their livelihoods at stake – and Caesar is in the line of fire // Seventeen Nineteen, Sunderland
FRIDAY 16TH AUGUST
DINKY BOSSETTI
Trans DIY riot grrrl punk, plus radgewave from Snakes With Tits, bonkers Londoners Amasing and lush harmonies and twee arrangements courtesy of Raging Gaze // The Globe, Newcastle
GLITTERER
Loud melodic post-hardcore rock, supported by Fast Blood and Trunk // The Grove, Newcastle
HILARITY BITES COMEDY CLUB
Featuring Roger Monkhouse, Howard Walker, Nick Cranston and Lee Kyle // Bishop Auckland Town Hall
TOM HINGLEY
The Inspiral Carpets frontman plays an intimate gig, with support from Frazer Lambert, Jacob Diaz-Wright and JP Riggall // NE Volume Music Bar, Stockton
MONDAY 19TH AUGUST
KNEECAP
Rich Peppiatt’s raucous and infectious debut feature is a heightened tale of proudly Irish rap trio Kneecap’s origin story // Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle
WEDNESDAY 21ST AUGUST
THE VVITCH
Folk horror film screening, featuring Anya Taylor-Joy in her film debut; set in 1630s New England, its plot follows a Puritan family who encounter forces of evil in the woods beyond their farm // Newcastle Castle
THURSDAY 22ND AUGUST
HILARITY BITESIZE NEW ACT & NEW MATERIAL NIGHT
Featuring Tom Toal, Jacob Nussey and host Kieran Lawless, plus support // Hops & Cheese, Hartlepool
SUNDERLAND FILM CLUB: SUMMER OF SOUL
In 1969, New York was host to The Harlem Cultural Festival – an epic celebration of Black history, culture and fashion. Footage from the festival was forgotten – until now // Arts Centre Washington
THE ULTRA JAM
Hip-hop jam night, featuring performance from MK Ultra, Average Joe, Too Common, Tommy23, Kavanah, Massey, Just-B and H-Man // The Globe, Newcastle
WILLY ‘TEA’ TAYLOR
Folk songwriter with homespun charm // The Cluny 2, Newcastle
YOUR AUNT FANNY
New material from the region’s favourite girl gang, plus support from talented stand-ups // The Stand, Newcastle
FRIDAY 23RD AUGUST
BETH NIELSEN CHAPMAN
American songwriter, supported by Ruth Trimble // The Fire Station, Sunderland
UB40
The iconic reggae band play an open-air show // Leazes Park, Newcastle
SATURDAY 24TH AUGUST
NEWCASTLE WITCHES MEMORIAL TALK
Join Dr. Katie Liddane as she explores the Newcastle witch trials of 1649-50 and the trial of Jane Martin who was taken from Northumberland to be held at the castle while she awaited her fate // Newcastle Castle
POINTY FEATURES
Expect psychedelic bluesy rock from the Durham artist // Caps Off Tap Room, Bishop Auckland
SUNDAY 25TH AUGUST
JUDE BROTHERS
Versatile folk artists, taking the heart and tradition of folk music and singing with an urgent contemporary wit // The Cumberland Arms, Newcastle
TUESDAY 27TH AUGUST
LEWIS SPEARS
After two major jaw surgeries Lewis Spears is back with this dark, hilarious, and silly show, delivered with a silver tongue and a skull full of medical grade steel // The Stand, Newcastle
THURSDAY 29TH AUGUST
OMID DJALILI
The Persian comedy powerhouse performs his critically acclaimed new show Namaste, where Omid peacefully bows to his inner anger and unleashes a torrent of comedic vitriol upon the current state of this dangerously messed up planet // Northern Stage, Newcastle
FRIDAY 30TH AUGUST
FERAL NORTH
Punk rock ‘n’ roll, plus The Almighty Zero and Hospital Food // Little Buildings, Newcastle
FEATURED // Frankie Dobson
Sincere songwriting and captivating melodies from the Durham-born songstress // Three Tanners Bank, North Shields
SATURDAY 31ST AUGUST
HANNAH ROBINSON
Evocative indie rock and shoegaze // Three Tanners Bank, North Shields
REVIEWS
NO WORRIES IF NOT @ ALPHABETTI THEATRE, NEWCASTLE
(17.07.24)
Words: Ben Robinson
Kelly Edgar, Kerris Gibson and Kelly Rickard brought their vibrant comedy to Alphabetti’s stage as part of Newcastle Fringe Festival. The trio’s fifteen-minute sets were woven together by the overarching title of No Worries If Not, creating a seamless comedic experience about being unapologetic.
Kelly Edgar’s raw and unpolished charm was infectious, drawing the audience in with her likeable personality. Her relatable jokes about everyday struggles, including her own fear of learning to drive (one I relate to all too much), were standout moments. The unflinching honesty of Kerris Gibson kept the audience on the edge of their seats and pushed them out of their comfort zones. Her authentic storytelling about navigating life’s challenges left me wanting more from her. Last to take to the stage was Kelly Rickard who is a true professional, effortlessly commanding the audience’s attention with her expert crowd work and bringing them directly into her comedy, which sent ripples of laughter round the room. With her impressive stage presence and talent, I’m hopeful that Rickard will soon be a rising star in the British comedy world.
There is something so special about seeing comedy in an intimate venue with three of the North East’s standout comics, and I’m excited to see what these three have in their futures.
BITCHFINDER GENERAL, ZILCH PATROL @ LIVE THEATRE, NEWCASTLE (20.06.24)
Words: Lee Fisher
There was a palpable buzz for this gig as Bitchfinder General launched their debut EP in the always quite unusual surroundings of Live Theatre’s big room. Before BG took the stage, there was a set from Byker’s Zilch Patrol, who have clearly won a lot of fans and love in their year of existence, although I have to admit I don’t quite understand why. They’re clearly Good People aiming at the kind of thing I like – serrated guitars, pummelling rhythms, all that post-punk tautness – but the songs seemed to lack any killer elements and I’m afraid the vocals grated on me. But judging by the enthusiasm of the crowd, I’m on my own with that.
Born from Jayne Dent’s desire to be a ‘shouty bitch’ away from her Me Lost Me guise, Bitchfinder General are a fucking delight. Their music is a cleverer-than-it-looks blend of terrace chants, B52s riffs, sardonic lyrics and a rare sense of unbridled fun. It being a celebratory hometown show, it felt as much like a house party as a gig, and there was a lot of back-and-forth with the crowd, from dad jokes to football chat. They worked through myriad varieties of punk, from radgy assaults to funny-but-poignant numbers like Be My Dad, from the opening Bitch Trial (Dent channelling Vincent Price like a boss) to the closing Violent Femmes cover. Remember kids – no thoughts, just vibes.
EATER, JOJO & THE TEETH, ZEXNITH @ THE CLUNY, NEWCASTLE
(06.07.24)
Words: Mack Sproates
I headed down to The Cluny to shake off the grey skies with an odd night of classic punk.
Singer and guitarist Zexnith starts the night with a mix of lo-fi indie tunes which are honest, raw and gentle, and full of punk spirit – direct from a bedroom studio to the stage. It’d be great to see him improve after a couple more gigs, perhaps with a full band.
Jojo & The Teeth then emerged from the grave to the stage, bringing with them a Rocky Horror coded set of glam rock which bounced with joyful energy. They were loud and theatrical, dripping with guitar solos and bolstered by a particularly talented drummer. Singer Jojo, like a fire-breathing dragon, belted out some incredibly impressive notes with ferocity and power.
“It was worth the wait to see us as we were shit back then,” exclaims frontman Andy Blade, the only original member of Eater, who slinks onto the stage. The band blasts through a string of classic tunes like Point of View and Thinking of the USA, assisted by Blade’s signature gravelly voice. The band add a sprightly edge to these songs, and support artist Jojo returns to add some beautiful contrasting harmonies which elevates Blade’s barking voice. I did sense the energy in the room was quite low, and the songs were over in an instant. It’s lovely to see older fans enjoying themselves after a long wait to hear their fave tunes live, but for me there was a little bit of punk magic missing.
Bitchfinder General by Victoria Wai
MOUSES, NO TEETH, THE YOUNG PROPERTY DEVELOPERS @ THE CUMBERLAND ARMS, NEWCASTLE (20.07.24)
Words: Damian Robinson
As it can be when it’s warm, it was particularly lacking in oxygen upstairs at The Cumberland Arms for this gig; which, given that there were some lively bands on the bill, proved interesting as the night progressed. The show’s opener, The Young Property Developers, (one man, who’s neither young or a property developer – his joke) starts us off gently with a unique blend of lo-fi electric guitar, American slacker-style, and tales about real life. Taking a Ben Kweller/Evan Dando approach, highlights Heavy Metal Tanning Salon, Damon And Debbie and 5ive Versus Westlife are well-written and showcase TYPD’s deliberate clever and humorous songwriting.
A quick change brings energetic art rockers No Teeth up next, complete with their current ragingly good form. On fire for their whole set, No Teeth carry on making serious post-punk and chaotic, performance statements with I’m Not An Officer, Stealing For My Own Gain and Everything’s Better Than Meat Night standing out in a set that balances the stage-craft chaos of Fat White Family with the musical chops of The Fall. We’re hot by now.
Closing the show, and debuting material from their new album, the one-off duo of Mouses live up to their own standards as a blistering live act. Highlights Nostalgia (last year’s single) and an acoustic version of Indigo are high points in a set that is brave and musical, intense and humorous, and angry and empathetic all at the same time. We all go home drenched with sweat. Excellent.
WE’RE NOT GOING BACK @ LIVE THEATRE, NEWCASTLE (13.07.24)
Words: Jacob Easton
Arriving into Newcastle against the backdrop of a 40th anniversary, and neatly coinciding with this year’s Durham Miners’ Gala, We’re Not Going Back joyously brings to life real stories of women during the ‘84-’85 miners’ strike.
With a positive and defiant tone throughout, the piece explores the hard-hitting themes of police brutality, media misinformation and class warfare through the lives of three very different sisters. Churchgoing
Olive (Victoria Brazier) and livewire Mary (Stacey Sampson) are both miners’ wives attached to their pit village. Olive “tried to leave once”, whilst 18-year-old Isabel (Claire O’Connor) is dating a police cadet and dreams of the big city.
Over the months that follow, each of the sisters go on a life changing journey, starting when it’s agreed by the men that they can join them on the picket line. Mary joins the workforce and finds her public speaking voice, Olive organises the Women Against Pit Closures and develops a more malleable philosophy to what’s right and wrong given the brutality of the times, and the previously non-fussed Isabel takes a stand (with a little bit of encouragement from The Smiths).
Heartfelt and funny, the play bursts with well-pitched musical numbers brilliantly harmonised by the sisters and musical director Beccy Owen. Its overarching exploration of hope, resilience and solidarity in the face of injustice makes this well worth a watch.
NILS FRAHM @ THE GLASSHOUSE, GATESHEAD (04.07.24)
Words: Jonathan Coll
Nils Frahm is a German producer and composer who sits atop that beautiful line between electronic and classical music. Such artists often make themselves at home on the legendary Late Night Tales mix series, with Bonobo and Jon Hopkins being two other notable examples, and they often find themselves performing at the equally astonishing Glasshouse venue in Gateshead.
This latest solo set from Nils was as life affirming as anything else I’ve ever seen; a captivating performance combined drum machines, pianos and synths of both the Roland and water varieties. The latter being a new instrument to me, having only noticing the running water when Nils’ playfully flicked some at the front row. It was one of the only interactions he had with the crowd all evening; save for some courteous words about the venue and the surrounding area.
As for the music itself, the show was absolutely extraordinary; the detail and intricacy being far beyond this writer’s comprehension. I absolutely did not understand everything I saw, but I understand how it made me feel. Considering the complexity and meticulous attention to detail of Nils’ live shows, this was two hours of the most delicate, human and innovative music that you’re ever going to hear.
Mouses by Victoria Wai
KEVIN MORBY, UWADE @ BOILER SHOP, NEWCASTLE (03.07.24)
Words: Lee Hammond
Tonight is the long-awaited first appearance of Kevin Morby in Newcastle, and his brand of highly infectious Americana-infused indie rock is one that immediately piques audiences’ interest. However, first up is Nigerian-born Uwade, an artist rapidly on the rise. Her delicate voice coupled with heartfelt stories start the evening in a chilled-out manner. Uwade is without doubt someone to keep an eye on, her soulful tones are certain to take her far.
The laidback atmosphere is quickly shattered as Kevin Morby and his band take to the stage. A rousing introduction kicks into the funky This Is A Photograph, and the party atmosphere is sustained throughout the evening, with the set focusing in on his latest album. The tracks are upbeat, and Morby’s exuberant onstage manner sets the Boiler Shop alight.
Tonight’s show displays Morby at his best, with crowd-pleasing tracks like the Americana-infused Piss River and the laidback groove of City Music all featuring in the latter part of this brilliant set. Even in the more subdued moments, Morby’s lively onstage persona brings an extra dimension to these songs. The band return to the stage for a sing-along encore of Beautiful Strangers followed by a rousing rendition of Dorothy to bring the night to an exquisite crescendo. Kevin Morby brought the party to Newcastle tonight in wonderful style!
THE QUEEN OF THE NORTH @ ARC, STOCKTON (05.07.24)
Words: Damian Robinson
With a growing reputation as a unique spoken word poet and storyteller, it’s great to see writer and performer Tommy ‘The Queer Historian’ catching critical and commercial ears and minds with the commissioning of their first-ever stage show. Championed and supported by both Stockton ARC and Arts Council England, The Queen Of The North finds Tommy working with local residents in a piece which weaves together memories of Stockton’s heritage with deft references to past and present social and political challenges. Centred around a fiercely humorous performance, in a story which searches for optimism, the joy of The Queen Of The North is the design choices it makes when exploring modern living, cultural norms and minority communities; this
is not a tale about being confined to the past – it’s about ripping things up and starting again.
It’s not just strong storylines that make a successful play, and it’s the performance from Tommy which brings this show to life; lifting it from an emotive script to a play wrapped up in the personal and communal, focusing on emotions of independence, joy and search for meaning. Filled with energy, Tommy’s tongue-in-cheek performance –occasionally breaking the fourth wall, but always demanding to be heard – is the perfect vehicle to make strong points about North/South divides and generational class struggles. A great story with perhaps an even better performance.
It’s a great opening set from Manchester-based shoegazers TTSSFU as they blast across their feedback-heavy New York 2000’s-inspired indie songs in the style of The Strokes/Interpol. Kitted out in skinny ties, and plied with electronic guitar effects, they offer a great blend of poppy melodies and complex sonic compositions; all of which builds a suitable atmosphere for Sophia Regina Allison and tonight’s incarnation of six-piece Soccer Mommy.
Opening with Bones, the first track on recent album Sometimes, Forever, Soccer Mommy play the loud/quiet card well, mixing intimate whispers from Allison over well-drilled sonic effects and focused guitar work from the band. Highlights Circle The Drain, Shotgun, Henry and Yellow Is The Color Of Her Eyes showcase a band on great form. Three intricate guitar lines meld together with the funkiest indie pop bass lines of the past decade; they’re spectacular to hear live and jaw-dropping to watch in places, as they show off the dexterity of their musicianship, particularly the unique style of drumming. Allison’s performance shines bright; her dreamy vocals tell tales of regrets, optimism and the longing for connection. Appreciative, yet cool, their show is one of technical precision, but perhaps lacking in-the-moment uniqueness or warmth. Maybe we ask too much of performers.
Soccer Mommy by Adam Kennedy
TRACKS
HAYLEY MCKAY SAVIOUR ON A HILL
Words: Phoenix Atkinson
Durham-born Hayley McKay returns from a tour of the United States with the anthemic single Saviour On A Hill. Her vocals are backed up by a gospel choir to produce an otherworldly performance, which never seems to become overwrought. Powerful vocals keep the classic country instrumental from seeming clichéd, and the story of a woman meeting a cowboy and their decision to leave their “sleepy town” is beautifully told. On the evidence of this single it’s apparent why Hayley has received such accolades as UK Entertainer of the Year and International Single of the Year for her track Wild West. The song is perfectly mastered by Pete Maher, who has previously worked with U2 and The Killers, lending a powerful and experienced hand to this expressive single.
Released: 02.08.24
www.hayleymckay.co.uk
LAUREN AMOUR BROKEN HEARTED GIRLS CLUB
Words: Isabel Maria
Coming in hot as Lauren Amour’s first of the year, shiny, sparkly new single Broken Hearted Girls Club struts into your ears and settles in for the foreseeable. It’s one of those sad bangers that makes you want to dance and sob at the same time, delivered with soulful yet energetic vocals and sugarcoated in synthy goodness.
Fit for your house parties as well as your pity parties, this one is a quintessential break-up song which serves both a sympathetic and uplifting purpose, describing a “heartbreak rehab” of “boyfriend IVs” and “chocolate covered strawberries”. It’s dreamy, healing, and cathartic –and whether you’re heartbroken or not, Lauren Amour’s club is one you should really consider joining.
Released: 26.07.24
www.linktr.ee/laurenamourmusic
(PLEASE TRY TO GET IN TOUCH 8-6 WEEKS AHEAD OF THE MONTH OF RELEASE)
KITES WAKE UP
Words: James Hattersley
Like a nostalgic alarm clock going off from the early 00s, Wake Up is the new single from Newcastle’s alternative indie rock band Kites that demands you don your knackered Converse, pop on your fake Ray Ban sunnies and step out into the world.
While staying true to their previous work, Wake Up sees the band push their boundaries sonically and develop into a warm musical hug. Dandering drums mixed with drowning guitars speaks to a wistful desire to return to a childhood dreamlike state; where everything was simpler and easier, and how sometimes, it’s where we would rather be, wrapped up in our memories and naive experiences – instead of having to forge ahead and brave the harshness of modern life.
Released: 02.08.24
www.kitesband.co.uk
CHERRY BLUR COOL ABOUT IT
Words: James Hattersley
We should all be cool about Cool About It. The debut single from Newcastle’s Cherry Blur, the alter-ego of Isabel Rommen, is the alt. pop summer anthem that makes you want to drive down the motorway with the top down and a cooling breeze running through your hair. Cool About It explores trying to seem ‘cool’ and unbothered while simultaneously trying to stifle an unwavering love and desire for someone. Each section builds with catchy guitar riffs, solid rhythm and feel-good vibes before reaching fever pitch and unleashing a flurry of soaring vocals that seem so cathartic; echoing that release once you are done hiding your feelings and decide to erupt and change everything. Let’s all show Cherry Blur how we really feel.
Released: 09.08.24
www.instagram.com/cherryblurmusic
SWANNEK BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY
Words: Roz Cuthbert
What was that Stevie Winwood lyric from his hit 80’s song Valerie? “So cool, like jazz on a summer’s day”. And this is certainly that. It’s very cool. SwanNek are a jazz collective from Newcastle led by keyboardist Findlay Hewitson. Findlay kicks off this laidback, soulful number with Rhodes piano chords, soon to be joined by a myriad of jazz staples including flute, saxophone, guitar and a tight rhythm section.
I think there is a distinct dryness to the overall sound of the mix, especially on the Rhodes and drums, but the song has a vibe (and even a Dancehall-style rap segment!) I could envision Beautiful Sunday getting played by Huey on BBC 6Music. Check it out!
Released: 30.08.24
www.linktr.ee/swannek
ROMM HOME
Words: Phoenix Atkinson
ROMM shows a new dimension to her sound with her new single Home, shining with a piano arrangement and light harmonies to create a touching track about finding peace with loved ones. She’s an up-and-coming star, having already received praise outside of her native North East, including plays on Amazing Radio UK and USA, and acclaimed performances at The Glasshouse.
She melds her inspiration from contemporary R&B with unique and modern ideas, as shown through the sparkling production work on this track, grounded by powerhouse vocals. The song builds to a crescendo near the end, underpinned by a magnificent use of percussion and harmony before quieting down at the very last few lines. Easily a future classic.
Released: 16.08.24
www.linktr.ee/romaanamusic
CHARTS & GRAPHS
SAID IT, MEAN IT
Words: Michaela Hall
Formed in 2021 in Newcastle, Charts & Graphs are a burst of unique energy. Although their many influences, from Talking Heads to punk, are clear, they’re also hard to place in one genre, which is exciting and makes them irresistible to a wide audience.
Their new single Said It, Mean It has a special ability to get you involved; the lyrics are an ode to forgiving yourself and embracing your feelings and impulses. For doing things simply because you ‘wanted to’, we can all place ourselves in these lyrics and make it personal. This is an anthem to take pure joy in playing on repeat, when you need a release, a pick-up or a bit of punchiness.
If you don’t know Hartlepool’s Marketplace already, new track Edroom is certain to add you to their fan list. The track is bouncy, upbeat and feelgood; sweeping you right up and taking you in, leaving the listener wanting more.
Dreamy and harmonious smooth vocals throughout the track fuse with the attitude and confidence of alternative pop punk, resulting in a song that’s perfectly made for live performances, encouraging audiences to get lost in the many talents that Marketplace quite obviously have. Their sound is contemporary, addictive and compelling, and it’s clear from the track that the band’s penchant for giving audiences a good time has resulted in this classic banger.
Released: 30.08.24
www.linktr.ee/marketplaceband
DIAGO SEE YOU GO
Words: John Knox
Four likely lads from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Diago have been tearing up stages across the UK since 2023 with their energetic pop anthems. New single See You Go takes them another step along on their trajectory towards stadium superstar status.
This track takes a dash of Caleb Followill’s vocal grit, a spritz of Jonny Marr jangle and a shouty chorus dusted with St. James’ Park electricity to deliver a catchy, modern sounding bop with a retro edge which brings to mind the likes of Harry Styles or The 1975. There is a maturity to the sound that lets you know each member can really play, but they’re all laying back together and letting the song speak for itself, which is masterful.
Released: 02.08.24
www.linktr.ee/officialdiagoband
CANE ROUGE PURPLE
Words: Roz Cuthbert
Grunge and angst is the order of the day, brought to you by Cane Rouge. The group are from Gateshead, a town that looks to be forging a bit of a music scene for itself recently. In the production department Purple is of a gritty, lo-fi nature, which tones with the band’s overall aesthetic. It’s probably overly long for me, clocking in at 4.58, but for a fledgling band still finding their sound they’ve done a more than competent job on this track. Purple is set for a 2nd August release, and if you’d like to see what Cane Rouge are like live, head down to HMV in Newcastle’s Eldon Square on Saturday 10th August at 3pm to see them in action.
Released: 02.08.24
www.linktr.ee/canerouge
MR BIGFOOT MADMAN’S WINDOW
Words: Maria Winter
Mr Bigfoot are making waves with their newest single Madman’s Window. Imagine the alt. rock vibe of The Smashing Pumpkins crossed with the compelling vocals of Layne Staley from Alice In Chains, and you’ve got the epitome of Mr Bigfoot. Depicting the poignant Irish legend of the rock formation by the same name, Madman’s Window grapples with the complexities of taking action while the world continues to demand more, despite sometimes wanting to remain still.
Opening the song with an aggressive fuzz guitar melody immediately sets the tone for what’s to come – a powerful and perhaps unexpected combination of expansive sonic atmospherics and harmonious rock riffs. It’s a cunning blend of intricate instrumentation and intense vocals by Kie Davies which embody the band’s iconic jagged aesthetic, whilst addressing a theme that will resonate with many.
Released: 16.08.24
www.mrbigfoot.co.uk
INDIA ARKIN SENSELESS
Words: Mack Sproates
India Arkin’s new single Senseless is an alt. rock twisted fairytale delight, drenched in heavy distortion with a soft core. Arkin’s vocals are ethereal, gently guiding us by the hand into a dreamlike, rocking lullaby. An alluring, unafraid, hypnotic guitar keeps things interesting, with an irresistible waltzy beat.
Unfolding tales of love, Arkin’s lyrics are beautiful and compelling, taking you through an emotive storybook of her mind. The song has some gorgeous Queens Of The Stone Age-like twists and turns melodically, and I love the Wolf Alice influences. There’s something really special about Arkin’s voice which beckons you in to listen close, then pushes you away with a blooming heavy chorus, building up to an incredible guitar solo.
Released: 08.08.24
www.indiaarkin.com
ALBUMS
4.5 / 5
SPIDER NOISES SUMMERY ILLS (TURLOUGH)
Words: Isabel Maria
Summery Ills by Spider Noises is simply, uncomplicatedly, just so very good. It captures you from the beginning in a net of nostalgia and easily sparkles through its twenty minute length. Vintage sounding and lyrically explorative, it begins with the title track and ends with its reprise, all in all creating a beautifully bookended collection by the project’s Durham-based Jack Calvesbert.
Brian Wilson is one named inspiration behind the album; and you can almost taste those deeply classic vibes that only the greats can pull off – think The Beatles, but if you were considered cool and underground for knowing who they were. Each of the seven songs on Summery Ills seem like they’ve been injected with serotonin, truly dynamic and entertaining for your ears to behold.
Jack explains more about the recording process: “I made it all on GarageBand on my phone. Hopefully in 40 years’ time, that sound will be cool and retro, the way people now look at cheap cassette recordings from the 80s. People wiring up old iPhones to get that authentic voice memo sound.” It’s this rawness perhaps that makes the record so special – it’s not an album that’s trying too hard. It’s not pretending to be anything else, it’s just what it is, as it comes.
The music flows continuously, like almost one big soundtrack. It’s woven with spoken words, little samples, glowing harmonies and buzzing, contagious energy. I can’t imagine this ever being a hardship to create – it certainly isn’t to listen to. I’d love to have been a fly on the wall during the creation of this record. It’s equal parts whimsical and human, travelling through your ears in a zig-zagged, erratic pulse of pure enjoyment.
There are amusing thinkpieces like Are You A Bus? and Sillies At The Daft, which sit alongside softer offerings such as Walk To Dream and result in a fantastically dynamic conclusion. It’s the first Spider Noises release since 2021, and after hearing this I think listeners will be fine with the three-year wait. An absolutely larger than life LP, sure to be talked about for years to come.
Released: 09.08.24
www.instagram.com/spidernoisez
ALSO OUT THIS MONTH
Why? - The Well I Fell Into (Waterlines, 02.08) // Osees - Sorcs 80 (Castle Face, 09.08) // BeabadoobeeThis is How Tomorrow Moves (Dirty Hit, 16.08) // Illuminati Hotties - Power (Hopeless Records, 23.08) // Kishi Bashi - Kantos (Joyful Noise Recordings, 23.08) // Fucked Up - Another Day (Fucked Up Records, 09.08) // Sabrina Carpenter - Short n’ Sweet (Polydor Records, 23.08) // Orville Peck - Stampede (Warner Records, 02.08) // White Hills - Beyond This Fiction (Hof Industries, 23.08) // Cassyette - This World Fucking Sucks (23 Recordings, 23.08) // Ty Segall - Love Rudiments (Drag City, 30.08) // Louis ColeNothing (Brainfeeder, 09.08) // Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Wild God (Bad Seed, 30.08) // SusannaMeditations on Love (SusannaSonata, 23.08) // Geneva Jacuzzi - Triple Fire (Dais Records, 23.08) // Krononaut - Krononaut II (Palomino, 09.08) // Belong - Realistic IX (Kranky, 09.08) // Mal Not Bad - This Is Your New Life (Same Same, 09.08) // Luna Li - When A Thought Grows Wings (Real Life, 23.08)
3.5 / 5
TK SYNE SIMULATION! (SELF-RELEASE)
Words: Jake Anderson
Geordie producer TK SYNE prepares to release his second full album, Simulation!. Clocking in at a brisk 30 minutes, the album is a quickly paced descent into a non-stop dance paradise, lined with back-to-back club bangers and ghostly vocals. It’s easy to put Simulation! on and find yourself grooving to the tracks. For an independent artist, there’s a lot of polish, producing a very rich sounding electronic dance project.
Despite how layered some of the tracks became, I found the more minimal tracks like Taste offered some of best ear-candy and are the ones I gravitated towards. However, my personal favourite few moments was when TK SYNE’s personality bled into the music, like on the drop on Ahh!.
Released: 02.08.24
www.tksyneofficial.com
3.5 / 5
LITTLE HAG NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL LITTLE HAG (BAR/ NONE RECORDS)
Words: Isabel Maria
Thirteen tracks – unlucky for some, but not for Asbury Park punk rockers Little Hag. They’ve got a triumph of a third album on their hands, chock full of exciting and diverse tunes. Audacious is the only way to describe it, really: in Now That’s What I Call Little Hag they’re thriving on the uncomfortable things and making them sound incredibly, undeniably cool.
The LP makes drastic leaps between sweetness and pure unstoppable grit – with everything from sapphic love songs to anti-capitalist ragefests, a variety of palates will be fed. It’s a celebration of songwriter Avery Mandeville’s delightful range, and features a whopping eight different producers and studios. Fans of opinionated, unflinchingly explicit, female-led punk rock, should jump straight into this one.
Released: 23.08.24
www.littlehag.com
4 / 5
LOS BITCHOS TALKIE TALKIE (CITY SLANG)
Words: Ali Welford
Los bitchos están de vuelta! Vividly evoking a late-night/early-morning paradise where revellers dance the hours away to an intoxicating feast of Latin and Turkish-infused surf guitar, Talkie Talkie flaunts a main event energy which casts predecessor Let The Festivities Begin! as mere pre-drinks.
The rhythms are crisper; their adornments gleam brighter – and while the overriding formula remains unchanged, it’s executed with each of the multinational quartet upping their groove game to the max. The quality never dips and the pace scarcely lets up, from the playful introductory strut of Hi! to galloping headrush finale Let Me Cook You. Unless you’ve a serious bout of funphobia, this is one open-invite party you’ll not want to pass up on!
Released: 30.08.24 www.losbitchos.com
DESTROY BOYS
FUNERAL SOUNDTRACK #4 (HOPELESS RECORDS)
Words: Niamh Poppleton
Punk rock band Destroy Boys return with a new release, Funeral Soundtrack #4. Full of anger and melancholy, the album fuses The Raincoats, girl in red and Hole, creating distinctive tracks and a collection that doesn’t fit into a single category. Though association with riot grrrl has been denied, its anatomical elements lie at the heart of You Hear Yes, which furiously calls out the patriarchal world in which we live. Contrastingly, leaning into the deeper and sorrowful aspects of Roditis’ vocal range, Plucked and You Don’t Know sensitively explore themes of identity, a people-pleasing nature and feelings of isolation.
Creative, cathartic and brimming with wrath for the world all at once, Funeral Soundtrack #4 is an album to die for.
Released: 09.08.24
www.funeralsoundtrack4.com
CHRYSTABELL & DAVID LYNCH CELLOPHANE MEMORIES (SACRED BONES)
Words: Lee Fisher
Cellophane Memories grew out of a dream of dark forests, and it reminds us that all Lynch’s work is of a piece, the same moods and motifs and obsessions. This is his second album with Chrystabell (of “Fuck you, Tammy!” fame) and how much you fall for it probably depends on how much you feel affinity for Lynch’s world. I’m fully invested and I think it’s great.
You can probably guess what it sounds like – dreamy Americana/rock ’n’ roll put through the Lynch process where things dissolve and vanish, the vocals overlap and whisper and sound by turns alarming, narcotic and erotic. Sublime Eternal Love could be a lost Julee Cruise single, The Answers To The Questions is a mirrorball delight and the whole thing is just dreamy. Released: 02.08.24 www.sacredbonesrecords.com
CHARLY BLISS FOREVER (LUCKY NUMBER)
Words: Stephen Oliver
The third album from this New York quintet may have had a five-year gestation period since their previous release but it has been worth waiting for. Once described as ‘bubblegrunge’, Forever sits somewhere between Talking Heads and No Doubt. This is a breezy, fun record that has singer Eva Hendricks delivering some pretty emotional lyrics over the indie power-pop guitar-led backing. Thanks to the energy in each song this is an uplifting listen. Even the track Here Comes The Darkness feels positively affirming. There has clearly been some thought to writing songs with choruses that crowds can sing along to at a live show, but they also work at home on your headphones, making for an enjoyable and entertaining release.
Released: 16.08.24 www.charlybliss.os.fan
FONTAINES D.C. ROMANCE (XL RECORDINGS)
Words: Michael O’Neill
After reeling off Dogrel, A Hero’s Death and Skinty Fia in rapid succession, you could forgive Fontaines D.C. for taking a brief breather. After evolving from glorious garage rock into a more ethereal, spectral beast, Romance feels like the final manifestation of the quintet’s shape-shifting sound.
It’s also their greatest album (no small feat!), introducing a new broader palette of sound, with riffage and woodshedding taking a backseat to deeper introspection and electronic elements and songwriting that is more raw, honest, and at points unrecognisable. It’s a bold and fantastic reinvention from one of the finest bands in modern rock.
Released: 23.08.24
www.fontainesdc.com
PERSONAL TRAINER STILL WILLING (BELLA UNION)
Words: Laura Rosierse
Not many emerging indie alternative outfits can afford to introduce their album through a nearly eight minute track, but Personal Trainer hooks and captivates on their brand new album Still Willing. They combine funky keys with fast-paced bluesy guitar lines, fuse spoken word with soft harmonies, and bring electro rock as well as thumping contemplative indie pop to the table. The Amsterdam band keep regular fans on their toes, releasing a new fast-paced favourite in the form of You Better Start Scrubbing. Playful lyrics and self-reflection are at the core of what they do. Personal Trainer are a multi-faceted, multitalented outfit who know how to create and hold onto intrigue, ensuring there’s never a dull moment on this new collection of songs!
Released: 02.08.24 www.personaltrainertheband.com
ALBUMS
4.5 / 5
HAMISH HAWK A FIRMER HAND (SO RECORDINGS)
Words: Dawn Storey
As opening sentences go, “He said, ‘Death-wise, I wanna be cremated’” is quite a jump from the “Haven’t the foggiest” uncertainty of previous album Angel Numbers. Hawk’s punchline reiterates that his work demands repeated listens to uncover all its pleasing subtleties – not just the elegance of his eloquence, but the contrast of deliberate pauses and sparse instrumentation (the beautiful Juliet as Epithet) against vibrant guitars (Men Like Wire, You Can Film Me) and some cocky conversational asides delivered in a delicious deadpan drawl. Questionable Hit’s sweet pop melody masks dark undertones; Machiavelli’s Room is extraordinary.
The unsettling yet triumphant sound of a band taking risks, their intriguing couplets and unnerving chords echo in the consciousness long after the music ends.
Released: 16.08.24
www.hamishhawk.com
3 / 5
AND SO I WATCH YOU FROM AFAR MEGAFAUNA (PELAGIC RECORDS)
Words: Matt Young
Megafauna is an album forged out of communal bond, tempered over the intimacy of time, and pays tribute to the two places ASIWYFA proudly calls home: Portrush on the North Irish coast and Belfast.
The songs are characteristically anthemic, opening with North Coast Megafauna there’s a sense of a band reinvigorated and recapturing the essence of their earliest sounds. For a band approaching their 20th year together, that’s quite an accomplishment. Elsewhere on the album, we get introspection and tenderness on Years Ago, the playful and light Do Mor, and both calm and stormy on Button Days.
Overall it’s a mix of deafening and subtle syncopation, showcasing the band’s togetherness, connected in sentiment. At home with their Irish roots whilst looking forward, beyond the shore. Released: 09.08.24 www.asiwyfa.com
4 / 5
THE SOFTIES THE BED I MADE (FATHER/DAUGHTER RECORDS)
Words: Elodie A. Roy
This is The Softies’ fourth studio album, and their first one in over twenty years. Rose Melberg and Jen Sbragia start where they left off in 2000, as if time had stood still. The Bed I Made was written over a period of nine months and recorded in Anacortes, Washington, not too far from Olympia – the town that became their creative home in the mid-1990s (when they signed to K Records). These 14 new songs are light and simple – what holds them together is the two women’s effortless singing, their perfectly harmonised voices, and the space they create – between dreaming and waking. This is indie pop at its sweetest and most elemental. Miniature songs of love and loss. The Softies are back and it feels right.
Released: 23.08.24
www.thesofties.bandcamp.com
/ 5 4.5 / 5
POM POKO CHAMPION (BELLA UNION)
Words: Ben Lowes-Smith
Champion is the follow-up to 2021’s excellent Cheater, a power-pop tour de force from the Oslo based group which drew comparisons with Deerhoof thanks to energetic, imaginative guitar-playing, and hyperactive vocals. Champion expands their sonic palette with some of their most anthemic and gorgeous songs to date. Single My Family is a power-pop delight, and the title track glides past with a glimmering melancholy. It’s the emotional weight at the centre of the record, centrepiece songs Pile Of Wood and Bell, that embody the album’s strengths; Fangel’s vocal performance as pure as ever, backed by her immaculately imaginative band. It’s a record that harks back to the halcyon college rock days of Dirty Projectors and Cryptcise, and easily equals either of those group’s releases. Released: 16.08.24 www.pompoko.no
UNIFORM AMERICAN STANDARD (SACRED BONES)
Words: Matt Young
TW: This review mentions eating disorders and mental health.
Each new line of American Standard showcases an industrialised mill of savage guitars, percussion, melody and demonic vocals. There is an unpeeling, a new story, a fresh horror. Vocalist Michael Berdan confronts himself and a lifetime spent “vomiting” as he battles his body dysmorphia and bulimia. “There’s meat on my face, that hangs off my face, sweats like I sweat, cries like I cry.” He painfully searches for what’s underneath. He’s supported by co-founder, guitarist and producer Ben Greenberg, drummers Mike Sharp and Michael Blume and Interpol bassist Brad Truax, who literally build trusted foundations over which Berdan can emit his private trauma. The four epic, bludgeoning tracks here relate a tragically human experience at its repellent, beautiful, imperatively discussed centre. Released: 23.08.24
www.fakefruitmusic.bandcamp.com 3.5 / 5
www.unifuckingform.bandcamp.com
FAKE FRUIT MUCHO MISTRUST (CARPARK RECORDS)
Words: Robin Webb
Agitated with buzzing energy, this is an obtuse indie outing blended with sharp modern angst and vitriolic humour. A collection of tight delinquent tunes with highlights such as Màs O Menos, a true Buzzcockian ditty, led by fuzzed-out bass and laced with cool deadpan cynicism over chopped guitars. The following track Long Island Ice Tea in contrast is constrained, with a contemplative ending in wild crescendo as a raucous letting go; I imagine it makes for a wonderfully cathartic live experience, as would the epic theatre of Cause of Death.
It feels like this album is not far from being a bridge between the VU’s and good ol’ punk balladry with a thoroughly contemporary vibe. That ain’t bad though, no, it’s bloomin’ good. Released: 23.08.24
4
/ 5
JON HOPKINS RITUAL (DOMINO)
Words: Jonathan Coll
Ordinarily, saying that you’re never sure what you’re going to get when an artist releases an album would sound like a criticism. Not so for Jon Hopkins; the multi-faceted, obscenely talented electronic composer who returns with new album, Ritual.
Hopkins is equally adept at shelling techno bangers as he is performing beautiful classic pieces in solo live shows. Ritual leans into the latter; a tight, eight-track album of sonic artistry. It’s difficult to pick out one particular track as a highlight, or to see this through the prism of anything other than one singular listen. As always with Hopkins, it’s a delicate yet muscular soundscape that is well worth your time, and which features an astonishing piano set-piece as it reaches its conclusion.
Released: 30.08.24
www.jonhopkins.co.uk
4 / 5
86TVS S/T (PARLOPHONE)
Words: Lee Hammond
Formed by three brothers, two of whom are former members of the Maccabees, and a Stereophonics drummer, 86TVs certainly have some indie pedigree. Their self-titled debut album is an eclectic mix of indie rock with something here for everyone, which is both its strength and its weakness.
We’re in familiar territory with anthemic tracks such as Higher Love or Worn Out Buildings, and the more subdued Modern Life and Spinning World. The album swerves in a completely different direction though during Someone Else’s Dream and A Million Things, which are much more exciting and in your face, passionately bringing it to life. This is a real mixed bag of a record, showcasing a spectrum of classic indie influences in accomplished fashion.
Released: 02.08.24
www.86tvsband.com
4.5 / 5
MELT-BANANA 3 + 5 (A-ZAP RECORDS)
Words: Lee Fisher
Melt-Banana are the synapse-frying cartoon splattercore explosion of your dreams and their first album in more than a decade is as gloriously bonkers as we’ve come to expect from the Tokyo outfit, now working as a duo.
As someone pointed out, it sounds like everything is playing is at the wrong speed and that’s why we love them. From the almost Dan Deacon synths of opener Code, via blastbeat eruptions like Stopgap and Flipside, to the absolutely glorious roar of Seeds, 3 + 5 is just a thrill from start to finish, nine breathless rushes of candy pop mayhem to fling yourself around to. And since Melt-Banana always work better live, the imminent UK tour is going to be nuts.
Released: 23.08.24
www.melt-banana.net
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I’ve been cutting stencils for about 15 years now and performing in drag for six years. I host Latrine’s Haus of Fun and Bin Juice at Cobalt Studios as well as monthly karaoke at The Grove. This summer I am a finalist at the Mx Drag GB Pageant held at Alnwick Gardens on Monday 26th August and as part of that I am fundraising for the Charlie and Carter Foundation and Pride Action North East. I am holding a charity auction to raise funds and the artwork will be on display at Vane Gallery, with a preview night on Wednesday 7th August and the exhibition running until Monday 12th, with an artist talk and demonstration on Saturday afternoon. It’s a group exhibition which includes amazing artists, local and national, all donating their work for the cause. They’ll be available to bid for online and I’m really excited by the work that’s going to be on display. I’ve got some brand new artwork of my own going on display and some treats planned for the preview show.
Getting into drag and cutting stencils are very time-consuming and requires a lot of behind-the-scenes preparation, and a lot of time goes into the final image. The recent mural that I painted on Charlotte Square took two and a half days to complete, but has been years in the making, and countless hours with a scalpel in hand cutting holes in bits of card. I’m generally alone in my studio so music is my company and helps keep me going. This Mixtape features some of the songs that get me motivated in my studio. www.instagram.com/latrine.lurka www.instagram.com/ida4_ncl
ROBERT MILES CHILDREN
I was 17 in a nightclub in Swindon, and this was the last track they played. I remember the smoke and the lasers –that moment probably changed me forever. It was amazing. I really loved dancing after that.
KELIS ACAPELLA
So many memories of this tune and I cannot be still when this is on. This track will always lift my mood.
WHITNEY HOUSTON
LOVE WILL SAVE THE DAY
I love a strong female vocalist. Beyonce, Tina, Aretha, I love them all, but Whitney will always hold a special place in my heart. Tony Daly played this as the
‘one last tune’ at the last Bin Juice and I honestly think it’s the happiest I’ve ever been on a dancefloor.
SHIRLEY BASSEY
I AM WHAT I AM
I performed this track at the 2018 Drag Idol final and it remains one of my favourite lip-syncs to pull out. This is one of those songs that makes me feel like I can do anything and makes the hairs on my neck stand up. The live version at the BBC Electric Proms is my favourite.
BJÖRK WANDERLUST
Björk is probably the artist that I have listened to most in my life. I’ve loved her since I was a kid, and I still find her back catalogue exciting and fresh. Seeing her live is my favourite musical experience ever. I can’t imagine anything will ever
WANT MORE?
top it. I think she’s one of the greatest artists of all time and I can’t imagine I’d ever get bored of her music.
ORVILLE PECK FANCY
I love a good story in a song and there’s nothing like a country song to tell a tale. I love all the versions of Fancy but the Orville Peck version hits hardest for me.
PRINCE LET’S GO CRAZY
I could make a playlist of just Prince and I’d love it. Purple Rain is one of my favourite albums and this is my favourite song. I want it at my funeral. I have a Prince stencil which is one of my favourites, the cuttings are pretty simple but the final image always makes me happy. He’s a legend.
College
Courses include:
❱ Fd Audio & Music Production
❱ BA (Hons) Audio and Music Production (Top-up)
Our courses are delivered in state-of-the-art recording studios and control rooms, editing suites and venues.
We are an Avid Pro Tools Authorised Learning Partner, delivering industry standard qualifications alongside our higher education programme designed with industry in mind. Our teaching rooms are equipped with industry-standard software and hardware.
Our course team is built up of active industry professionals. Our course has been designed in collaboration with industry, with Tees Music Alliance, Middlesbrough Town Hall, The Middlesbrough Empire, ARC, KU Bar, Butterfly Effect Records and more on board to offer real work-related learning opportunities for our students!
What will I study?
Areas of study include:
❱ Music Production
❱ Live Events Production
❱ Recording and Mixing
❱ Audio for Film, TV and Games
❱ Composition and Songwriting
❱ Sound Design and Synthesis
❱ Popular and Experimental Music
❱ Career Development
❱ Pro Tools and Ableton Live
Rob Penrose (FosterSounds.co.uk)
Rob is running his own company, freelancing and working on exciting projects as a voice actor, musician and technical audio mixer. He’s already enjoyed success working on projects for CBeebies on a variety of shows including Postman Pat, The Baby Club and more recently Tinpo where he worked as the Sound Designer and Voice Director.
“The degree programme is practical and sets you up for the world of work. The tutors have industry experience and support you to fulfil your career ambitions. I had job interviews lined up before I had even handed in my final assignments!” Rob
Find out more course information and apply online today!
