NARC. #212 December 24/January 25

DILETTANTE ALT. XMAS

MANI KAMBO

BYKER GRAVE

DINKY BOSSETTI

Degree-level, Hartlepool Campus Open Days 7th December 11th January

CREATIVE SPECIALIST COURSES

28 DILETTANTE

Dawn Storey talks to Francesca Pidgeon about how introversion, multi-tasking and megalomania have informed her latest album

Welcome to our last issue of the year (or the first of 2025, depending on when you’re reading this). The past 12 months have whizzed by – a sign of getting older, so I’m told – I hope your year has had more ups than downs. Due to our deadlines I’m pretty used to thinking two months ahead, but thanks to a self-imposed punishing work schedule it appears that I’ve got the next two years already filled with activity. As many other self-employed creatives will know, finding time to fit in all the projects your wild brain comes up with can be a challenge, particularly when everything happens at once. What can be difficult for me is asking for help; I pretty much made my job up out of thin air, having seen a gap that needed to be filled, and consequently my job description is made up of a mish-mash of skills and random knowledge, making it hard to recruit someone to fill my shoes. Not that I’m planning on going anywhere mind (well, only physically…), but as I contemplate taking some time to work on other projects (the Alt. Guide I mentioned last month being one) I’ve been starting to train up a couple of people on how to be me, and it makes for a slightly discombobulating experience. What I’m trying to tell you amongst all this waffle, is that I’m delighted that you’ll be seeing some new names crop up on our pages over the coming months, and I’m excited about the diversity of content, energy and fresh approach this may bring. For starters, next month David Saunders will be in the hot seat while I cook up some grand plans…more info soon!

Editor

Claire Dupree info@narcmedia.com

Website

David Saunders narcmagazineonline@gmail.com

Creative

El Roboto

Advertising

Claire Dupree info@narcmedia.com

Stay social, connect with us NARC.magazine @narc_magazine @narcmagazine NARCmagazineTV

Live Photography

Rhiannon Banks / Iam Burn / Carl Chambers

Contributors

Neil Ainger / Jade Mia Broadhead / Matthew Brown / Susie Burgess / Iam Burn / Jonathan Coll / Roz Cuthbert / Laura Doyle / Emily Elliott / Lee Fisher / Chloe Glover / Nat Greener / Michaela Hall / Lee Hammond / James Hattersley / Isabel Johnson / Ben Lowes-Smith / Simon Lunt / Amelia Neri / Robert Nichols / Michael O’Neill / Niamh Poppleton / Ben Robinson / Laura Rosierse / Elodie A Roy / David Saunders / Mack Sproates / Dominic Stephenson / Dawn Storey / Ali Welford / Cameron Wright / Matt Young

PREVIEWS

4 HIGHLIGHTS

Some of the best events in December and January, plus what’s online at narcmagazine.com

6 PREVIEWS

Live shows from Gaye Bykers On Acid, Martha, DIIV, Staithe, Hayden Thorpe, BC Camplight, The Chats, The Jesus & Mary Chain, HMRC, Ivan The Tolerable, Our Man In The Field, Everything Everything, Nightshift, Emily Barker, Cucamaras, Yoko Pwno, The Magic Numbers and many more; there’s comedy courtesy of Ben Elton and Sophie Duker at venues across the region, as well as Marcel Lucont, Tony Law and Gavin Webster at The Stand; enjoy musical theatrics at Cobalt Studios courtesy of The Young Edinburgh Storytellers, and a one-man performance of Animal Farm at Darlington Hippodrome; plus Newcastle Noir literary crime festival and The Caper takes over the Ouseburn Valley for music, comedy, food and more!

INTERVIEWS

Reports of live shows from Geordie Greep, Bob Vylan, Fucked Up, The Last Path, Amyl & The Sniffers, Ceitidh Mac, Weathership, Beabadoobee and more

Reviews of local singles and EPs from MC Halo, Sarah Johnsone, Lee J Toby, Metal Machine Music, TCHOTCHKE, End Credits, PRD, 90BRO, NTGB, The Early Purple, Charlotte Grayson and Caitie

Featuring new releases from Mogwai, Tunng, Frànçois & The Atlas Mountains, White Denim, Franz Ferdinand, Anna B Savage, Lauren Mayberry, Young Knives, Albertine Sarges, DITZ, Lambrini Girls and more

The Snowed In Sunlun team pick some of their favourite tunes ahead of their local music showcase event Next Issue Out 29th January

PREVIEWS

DIVERSIONS IN DECEMBER AND JANUARY INCLUDE FANTASTICAL ART, MYSTERIOUS SOUNDS, CHARITY EXTRAVAGANZAS AND QUEER JOY!

MUSIC SUN 8 DEC

MUSIC AGAINST CHILD POVERTY

This remarkable, charitable collaboration between musicians in the North East will feature the likes of Field Music, The Futureheads Liz Corney, Paul Smith, Frankie & The Heartstrings, Slug, Nadedja, Chat and more, with proceeds going to Love, Amelia which supports families living in poverty. The Fire Station, Sunderland www.thefirestation.org.uk

EVENTS

UNTIL 13 DEC CUTTINGS

A programme of workshops, performances and gatherings marking Transgender Day of Remembrance and World Aids Day, Cuttings uses art and performance to create a space for collective grieving. Included is a screening of agit-prop video Pedagogue, a two-day performance and media workshop mapping gender, queer and Aids activism and a drag show where both tears and laughter are welcomed.

The NewBridge Project, Newcastle www.thenewbridgeproject.com

EVENTS

WED 4 DEC

ONE PLAY AT A TIME

As the artistic director of Open Clasp Theatre, Catrina McHugh MBE’s award-winning productions have sought to bring about social justice, with a focus on women affected by the criminal justice system, asylum seekers and minoritised women. Inspired by the Franki Raffles exhibition, this event will discuss Open Clasp’s incredibly important work as well as themes of activism and sisterhood. Baltic, Gateshead www.baltic.art

ART & LIT

FRI 6 DEC

EAT FILAMENTS

FOR BREAKFAST AND SHINE ALL DAY

Artists Ella Burgess, Oisin Stanley-Stephenson and Benjamin Belinska present an exhibition which attempts to reveal a caretaker’s space through the items they have collected, exploring what we keep and dispose of, blurring fantastical fiction with mundane reality. Runs until Sunday 15th December. 36 Lime Street, Newcastle www.36limestreet.co.uk

MUSIC

SAT 7 DEC

THE CHASE

Notts-based, five-piece band The Chase fuse indie rock, reggae and ska to create a distinctive sound, and received critical acclaim for their 2022 alt. rock EP Not The Fucking Game Show. On Saturday 7th December, the band promise an enthralling, dance-filled night at KU for their final headline show of the year.

KU, Stockton www.officialthechase.com

MUSIC SAT 7 DEC

ONE LEG ONE EYE

Ian Lynch, the founder of Dublin-based experimental group Lankum, presents One Leg One Eye at The Lubber Fiend. The project sees the artist shift somewhat from his folk leanings, creating darkly mysterious sounds drawn from field recordings for his 2022 album And Take The Black Worm With Me. The Lubber Fiend, Newcastle www.instagram.com/one.leg.one.eye

COMEDY TUE 10 DEC

FELT NOWT FESTIVE FUNDRAISER

The world’s only comedy community co-op, the Felt Nowt crew take to the stage for their annual festive fundraiser. Comedians performing will include Lost Voice Guy, Ben Crompton, Lee Kyle, Elaine Robertson and Jack Fox amongst many others. Expect other fun activities including a live art auction and on-stage painting. The Stand, Newcastle www.feltnowt.co.uk

MUSIC

THUR 12 DEC

BEHIND THE CURTAIN

Hüs Jesmond hosts Behind The Curtain which celebrates local talents ZUDZ and Elle Longstaff. Expect carefully crafted lyrics in an alt. country fusion from ZUDZ, who perform as a full band trio, while Edinburgh-based singer-songwriter Elle Longstaff weaves emotion throughout their lyrics, entrancing listeners with heartfelt acoustics. Hüs, Jesmond www.instagram.com/husjesmond

Jack Fox by Nathan Glendinning

DEC/JAN HIGHLIGHTS

COMEDY

SAT 14 DEC

SILLY BILLIES

Hosted by Jack and Sam, the surreal comedy night Silly Billies will reach the closest it has ever been to the coast. Silly Billies By The Sea will contain acts from alternative comedians including Matteo Talarini, Eppie Brilliant and Hawk Chavra. The night will undoubtedly be exceptionally original and chaos personified.

Laurel’s, Whitley Bay www.facebook.com/sillybillyscomedy

STAGE TUE 31 DEC

HAPPY NEW QUEEYEAR: TWIN FREAKS

Special agents Mack and Mama Rhi have a New Year’s Eve mystery to solve and intend to blow the investiGAYtion wide open… You can expect a line-up of suspects including corrupt comedians, delinquent drag-sters and lawbreaking lip syncers in this cabaret plus NYE after-party for LGBTQIA+ Agatha Queersties and their allies. Alphabetti Theatre, Newcastle www.alphabettitheatre.co.uk

ART & LIT

THUR 16 JAN CULTR

The Northern Arts Gala present Cultr, featuring eight talented students from the Northern School of Art, who have created multimedia pieces ranging from sculpture to fashion under the theme of culture and identity. Expect work that stimulates topical conversations around class, sex and feminism. Runs until Saturday 18th.

Vane Gallery, Gateshead www.vane.org.uk

MUSIC SAT 25 JAN

DETROIT TOURIST BOARD

The North East alt. pop band bring their Americana-styled sound to The Cluny 2 in celebration of the release of new EP, Stay Afloat. Fronted by Detroit-born singer-songwriter Patrick Lawrence, expect a full-band sound featuring relatable coming-of-age tales and indie pop vibes. The Cluny 2, Newcastle www.detroittouristboard.bandcamp. com

COMEDY SUN 26 JAN RUSSELL HICKS

Russell Hicks brings his comic wit to The Stand during his UK tour Happy To Be Here. Successful in his unique comedic style, Hicks has starred in several television shows and has won an array of awards. In this debut stand-up show, he will showcase his proclivity towards improvisation whilst masterfully commenting on current issues.

The Stand, Newcastle www.russellhicks.co.uk

NARC. E-ZINE

Issue 14 of the NARC. E-ZINE is here!

The latest edition of our antidote to doom-scrolling is packed full of exclusive playlists, videos, mini-documentaries and much more, continually updated throughout its lifespan – check back regularly for new content!

NARC. TV

Check out live performances and chat from North East bands and musicians on our magazine-style programmes + ALSO THIS MONTH…

INTERVIEW: ANDY WOOD

David Saunders chats with TQ Zine creator and promoter Andy Wood about his dedication to DIY sounds and alternative underground scenes ahead of a show at The Globe on Thursday 19th December

BUNCH OF FIVES: NEWCASTLE NOIR

The international crime writing festival celebrate their 10th anniversary from Wednesday 4th-Saturday 7th December, they offer up a Bunch of Fives featuring some of their favourite crime writing authors

Jack & Sam

Image by TJ Mov

MUSIC

BC CAMPLIGHT @ THE GEORGIAN THEATRE

Words: Cameron Wright

BC Camplight is phenomenal. I think it is fair to say that when you deconstruct the scope, vision and lyricism, nobody is doing what BC Camplight has been doing. He is a special craftsman, a troubadour and a remarkable writer.

From personal introspection to surreal world building, each album grapples with a new avenue to piece together; each project is a painting, and each song is the brush strokes. Everything molds together, making something distinct, slowly revealing more of the man behind the art. From dimly lit back alleys, to flying through the mania of a bustling city, when you listen to BC Camplight, you picture every moment, living in the songs with him. Often theatrical and verbose, the band drive many of the Camplight projects, yet it’s always distinctly the vision of Brian Christinzio at the wheel. Now, for a rare solo outing, Christinzio

is stripping his show down to just his voice accompanied by piano for a show at Stockton’s Georgian Theatre on Tuesday 17th December.

The artist states: “I feel at home when it’s just me and my piano. There’s something about playing these songs in their purest form that thrills me.” Hear the hits as they haven’t been heard before -  raw, unfiltered and organic.  www.facebook.com/bccamplightmusic

MUSIC

LIFE IS CHEAP, DEATH IS FREE @ APOLLO PAVILION

Words: Matt Young

Founded by Steve Kirby, Industrial Coast is the promoter who brings you this multi-media event alongside other key arts and community stakeholders from the area including Durham County Council, Building Culture, No More Nowt & Apollo Pavilion Projects CIC. Their combined ethos prioritises authenticity and

community. Industrial Coast merges raw sound experimentation with a strong ethical compass too, aiming to elevate overlooked artists in the North East’s noise and experimental scene, and Life Is Cheap, Death Is Free is a joint effort to use Peterlee’s Apollo Pavilion’s stark brutalist aesthetic as the backdrop for a series of radical performances. Taking place on Saturday 7th December, the line-up features; brb>voicecoil with a powerful “deconstructed, re-processed and reconfigured” live noise set, conceptual visual and audio artist Richie Culver will be showcasing a short film, and there will be a live audio recording by Michele Allen. The event also includes Middlesbrough artist Rachel Deakin’s photo installation, creating an immersive, cross-medium experience intended to challenge and provoke. The event is ticket only but these are priced as low as 50p to make avant-garde music accessible despite rising costs, another initiative that Industrial Coast thrives on promoting; it’s emblematic of their stripped-back approach, which is about more than just music, but also concerned with cementing a cultural statement within the region’s industrial legacy. www.industrialcoast.bigcartel.com

BC Camplight

MUSIC GIGS IN A FORGOTTEN NORTHERN TOWN @ THE OWL

Words: Isabel Johnson

Mark your calendars for Friday 6th December, because Gigs In A Forgotten Northern Town (a new series of Hartlepool shows curated by James Leonard Hewitson) will be ensuring you

don’t forget about their first show. Faithful Johannes and Neocia’s The House At Night album tour will be coming to The Owl in Hartlepool, with excellent local support from James Leonard Hewitson himself, and Jasmine Weatherill.

The album was released in early October and has since been touring the country. Faithful Johannes is known for warm, respectfully interactive shows, where he passes out notes and talks through the meaning of his music. Combined with Neocia’s excellent electronic accompaniment this will make for a sweet evening of tunes which flirt between gentle

lyrical spoken word and jittering beats.. Kicking off the show will be Jasmine Weatherill’s classic, quality musicianship –she’s been gaining traction from her collaborations with Hartlepool favourites NEEB and The Woven Project, and will be playing a tasteful mix of classics. Following up before the headliners will be the evening’s host, James Leonard Hewitson, with an anti-folk indie acoustic set. If this night’s as good as it sounds, you should keep your eye out for what Gigs in a Forgotten Northern Town get up to next. www.faithfuljohannes.com

Live Music at The Glasshouse

Thursday

Wednesday

Friday

Friday

Saturday

Wednesday 23 April

Faithful Johannes & Neocia by Amelia Read

MUSIC DIIV @ NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ UNION

Words: James Hattersley

There’s an argument to be made that established bands don’t pass through Newcastle too often anymore – we are deprived of the quality outsiders and desperately screaming for someone to show up and whisk us away to somewhere special. Well, we can rejoice once again as legendary DIY rock band DIIV grace Newcastle University on Sunday 8th December in support of their new critically acclaimed album, Frogs In Boiling Water. Their first album in half a decade, it oozes a melancholic beauty and entices you in before enveloping and swallowing you whole. For its effortlessly cool demeanour, lurking below the surface is a dark and torturous undertone; echoes of the personal challenges each member faced while making this album, it is built on a foundation of frayed relationships and bruised egos.

A collection of snapshots of our modern condition, the message is that we’ve accepted a brutal and crushing reality. A crumbling, decaying society that we’ve normalised and warmed to. Yes Sir, thank you Sir, may I have another one Sir? A self-made world that will ultimately be the death of us all. Anyone who is lucky enough to get down to this show is in for a transformative experience. www.diiv.net

ART & LIT

NEWCASTLE NOIR @ NEWCASTLE CITY LIBRARY

Words: Matt Young

Newcastle Noir returns to the City Library from Wednesday 4th-Saturday 7h December, marking its 10th anniversary with an enticing line-up of over forty authors celebrating the finest voices in crime fiction. This year, the festival offers four days packed with panels, talks and workshops. Notably, festival regular Ann Cleeves, author of the Vera and Shetland series, will be joined by other stars of the genre including Mari Hannah, whose atmospheric novels have garnered a loyal following, and Trevor Wood, known for his gritty Tyneside thrillers

The program kicks off with free workshops on Wednesday afternoon, followed by New Voices panels spotlighting emerging talents like Suk Pannu and Marrisse Whittaker. Aspiring writers won’t want to miss the Real-Life Writer sessions on Thursday and Friday mornings, featuring insights from crime authors such as Kitty Murphy. Throughout the festival, visitors can expect sessions exploring the darker sides of the human psyche, from psychological thrillers to hard-hitting police procedurals

This milestone edition promises an enriching experience for both readers and writers, blending North East grit with global perspectives. Tickets are available as affordable panel passes or a weekend package, ensuring that Newcastle Noir’s high-quality programming

for crime fiction enthusiasts is more immersive than ever! www.newcastlenoir.co.uk

COMEDY

TONY LAW @ THE STAND

Words: Cameron Wright

Where to begin with Tony Law. Bizarre, surreal, absurd. All these words get thrown around when it comes to the Canadian comedian, and it’s easy to see why. The man is whimsy reincarnate, and he’s an enigma; cropping up on every comedy show you love, yet violently underexposed, Law lives in the fringes. He is the pinnacle of that forgotten era of alternative comedy, harking from another time, yet resonating all the clearer now. He is, in the simplest of terms – a hilarious comedian.

His new show The Law Also Rises will be full of all the incredibly funny things that have made him such a cult comic. Drawing from the mundane, Law leaps into the clouds with ease, showcasing how everything has the potential to be beautifully obscure and hysterically dumbfounding. Toeing the line between perfectly chiselled pieces and madcap carnage, Law is a bulldozer the moment he comes on stage, and his performance is highly unpredictable. With a childish imagination running rampant throughout his set, it’s an easy choice to sit back and let a true master take the reins. Tony Law comes to The Stand in Newcastle on Saturday 11th January, and no comedy fan should miss it.  www.mrtonylaw.com

DIIV by Coley Brown

MUSIC CUCAMARAS @ ZEROX

Words: Matt Young Nottingham-based Cucamaras are stamping their mark on the post-punk scene with a visceral blend of punk and indie, reminiscent of acts like Fontaines D.C. and Parquet Courts. Their music captures the essence of young, disillusioned energy, with biting lyrics that delve into modern anxieties and social critiques. Their

recent EP, Buck Rogers Time, shows a maturation in sound, evolving from their early indie origins into a more textured post-punk edge with darker, sharper guitar riffs and potent lyricism.

Live performances have only solidified their reputation. At packed-out venues and festival shows, they’ve demonstrated powerful stage presence, with frontman Olly Bowley commanding the crowd through intense vocals and urgent, angular movements. Tracks like Death Of The Social invite the moshing and embody Cucamaras’ knack for balancing raw

energy with thought-provoking themes, whereas a song like the electronics-infused, motorik-nodding Porcelain is a gradually building anthem, and Cotton Wool demonstrates the band is also capable of producing some very tender moments in their live repertoire. They are undoubtedly and rightly marked as rising stars in the UK post-punk scene, so expect big things as they continue to carve their path. The band play Zerox in Newcastle on Friday 24th January. www.linktr.ee/cucamaras

Image by Patricia Rosingana

MUSIC

MARTHA @ POP RECS LTD.

Words: James Hattersley

Oh the relentless march of December. That intense build-up of the festive season which ultimately gives way to the inevitable Christmas burnout, resulting in drinking far too much and fighting with your alt-right relatives – it destroys the best of us. After the dust settles you may ask yourself: what do I have to look forward to now?

Well, surprise! In the midst of the dark and dreary beginnings of 2025, Durham’s punk pop pioneers Martha will be headlining a stacked bill at Pop Recs in Sunderland on Saturday 18th January featuring Watford’s queer anarcho-popsters Nervus and London’s melodic punksters Tripsun. It’s a show guaranteed to wash off any leftover Xmas bullshit.

As the initiated will attest, a Martha show at Pop Recs is an incredibly wholesome experience. A safe space for any and all human beings, the band create a swirling frenzy of sing-alongs, deal biting social jabs and most importantly have just as much fun as you do. An increasingly epic back catalogue will be on full display for old and new fans alike; each catchy chorus and rousing guitar will warm your heart as well as your bones. Please play The Winter Fuel Allowance Ineligibility Blues. www.martha-punx.com

COMEDY

SOPHIE DUKER @ VARIOUS VENUES

Words: Laura Rosierse

Taskmaster champ and comedy favourite Sophie Duker returns to the North East for several dates in 2025, touring her brand new show But Daddy, I Love Her. Performed at Durham’s Gala Theatre on Thursday 16th January, The Stand in Newcastle on Thursday 6th February and Stockton’s ARC on Saturday 15th February, the show elaborates on dealing with her (sugar) daddy issues in her own unique and hilarious way.

Having drawn rave reviews for her stand-up, variously described as being wickedly, riotously and extremely funny, But Daddy, I Love Her sees Duker take to the stage with her trademark naughtiness, this time she argues that we should all choose silliness over common sense and hot wet fantasies over cold, bleak reality.

Chances are, she’ll be bringing the witty and unhinged behaviour that we’ve seen from her on Taskmaster, so this show is bound to be a hoot. Her new show is intentionally unhinged, and as we well know: “delulu is the solulu” (or for those of us that don’t speak TikTok; delusion is the solution).

www.sophieduker.com

MUSIC THE CHATS @ NX NEWCASTLE

Words: Cameron Wright

You don’t understand The Chats until you see them live. This isn’t hyperbole, nor is it an attack on their studio releases. Until you have experienced their songs blasted at you in rapid, euphoric succession, with guitars tearing through each number and the drums racing towards the finish line, you cannot begin to appreciate the powerhouse that The Chats provide live.

Every song is better; they are faster, angrier, sillier and they are much, much louder. In a live setting, from the moment the band get on stage to the moment they get off, you will be in the belly of the beast and you will be surrounded by chaos.

From supporting Queens of The Stone Age to developing their own legacy, the Australian vagabonds have cut their teeth the old fashioned ways, as relentless touring and a taste for carnage has armed them with all the tools to destroy the set, night after night. As one of the most authentic live acts on the circuit, The Chats truly feel like they want nothing more than a good time. For those interested in guitar rock or a damn good night out, brace yourself for their show at NX Newcastle on Thursday 5th December. You won’t regret it.

www.thechatslovebeer.com

Martha by Sonny Malhotra

MUSIC

NIGHTSHIFT @ THE CUMBERLAND ARMS

Words: Laura Doyle

Glaswegian indie pop quartet Nightshift re-emerged from their quiet stint with a new line-up and a new record, and they’re ready to take on a whistlestop UK and EU tour. On Saturday 7th December they’ve been kind

enough to include Newcastle’s Cumberland Arms on their spin around this little island following the birth of their third album, Homosapien. Anyone with the slightest inkling of a social conscience has been having a bit of a rough time lately, and what better way is there to work through the impossibilities of the human experience than with creativity? With this latest release, the four-piece have tried to encapsulate all this is humanity: love and loss; trials and tribulations; justices, injustices and their impacts on society. It’s a record that

explores the best and worst of us with a haunting melody and twinkling vocals. Helping them out in this mission are Newcastle trio Iris Brickfield, with their atmospheric synth pop that will warm hearts on the coldest of evenings; lo-fi experimental soundscaper and winner of my own personal Best Artist Name award Amateur Trepanning will scratch that brain-itch; and slowcore guitar rock triumvirate The Last Path, whose low energy stylings will raise the vibes.

www.nightshift.band

Image by Brian Carroll

MUSIC EVERYTHING EVERYTHING @ NX NEWCASTLE

Words: Cameron Wright

Mountainhead is the seventh studio album from Mancunian indie band Everything Everything, now fully established as one of the greatest components of the British indie institution.

Although each album sees a shift in sound, what remains constant are the jaunty lyrics which probe at existentialism and paranoia, the infectious earworms that meet at the intersection of mellow electronic and venue-filling crowd pleasers; what makes Mountainhead feel so important is how it ties up the exploration of their decade and a half so neatly.

In many ways, it feels like the bow that knots together their previous albums, closing out a chapter by harking right back to the origins of the band’s debut, while encompassing all the reimagining that led them to where they are now. The album feels like a complete synopsis; it is fun, uplifting and full of life.

Everything Everything are no strangers to fantastic stage shows, and now they make their return to Newcastle, performing at NX on Wednesday 11th December. Penning many of the club filling dance classics of the 2010s, this is an opportunity to bellow the obscure chorus of No Reptiles, throw yourself into the rhythms of Photoshop Handsome and of course, indulge in the explosion that is the synth classic, Distant Past.

www.everything-everything.co.uk

MUSIC

THE CHE MEN RELEASE NEW ALBUM

Words: Isabel Johnson

If you’re wondering what the first thing on your radar in December should be, take an immediate look towards Echoes Of The 30s, a new six-track ska album by The Che Men, released on 1st December via Red Star Recordings. The Che Men are a long-serving band primarily from the North East (namely Middlesbrough and Darlington) with one member from Scotland and a special guest appearance in this project from Martin Hewes of the 80s band The Redskins.

There are a vast and vivacious variety of influences running through this album, in particular a dynamic combo of punk, mod, indie, ska, and reggae, and it’s incredibly exciting to hear them cross over through this album. Each song is a real treat for the senses – thought-provoking, biting lyrics over a nest of incredibly unique and masterfully played instrumentation.

The vocals are soaring, and the instruments are delightfully unpredictable – my brain had a good few visceral reactions hearing new textures kick in throughout each tune. the album offers a variety of real classic-feeling sonics and newer, more contemporary styles and is a delightful piece of work. www.thechemen.bandcamp.com

STAGE GUY MASTERSON’S ANIMAL FARM @ DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

Words: Ben Robinson

We’ve all heard of Animal Farm; however, I’ve certainly never heard of it being performed as a one-man show – that was until now. Guy Masterson, one of Britain’s most talented and respected theatre producers, brings his breathtaking one-man production to Darlington Hippodrome on Friday 31st January.

Masterson’s rendition has earned worldwide acclaim, captivating audiences with its blend of humour, poignancy and craft. Through his dynamic portrayal of the farm’s infamous characters, Masterson expertly preserves Orwell’s themes, making them feel as relevant today as ever. This unique interpretation invites the audience into an imaginative retelling of a classic which remains both thought-provoking and deeply entertaining.

With a reputation for transforming iconic works into unforgettable solo performances, the Olivier-winning producer, director and actor promises an evening of theatre that will inspire and engage. This adaptation of Animal Farm is a must-see for theatre enthusiasts, showcasing Masterson’s exceptional talent and stage presence.  www.guymasterson.com

MUSIC OUR MAN IN THE FIELD @ THE CLUNY 2

Words: Matthew Brown

Promoters Jumpin’ Hot Club are celebrating their 39th anniversary with a special show at The Cluny 2 on Friday 6th December featuring Saltburn’s acclaimed alt. folk and Americana artist Our Man In The Field and Otley’s celebrated roots musician Serious Sam Barrett.

This milestone event promises a memorable evening of music, bringing together two standout acts who previously delighted audiences during 2024’s album launch performances at the venue.

Our Man In The Field, led by Alex Ellis, will perform with a full band featuring Henry Senior (pedal steel, dobro), Greg Bishop (drums, harmonies), Raul Biancardi (synth) and Luke Ydstie (bass). Fresh off a European tour opening for Chuck Prophet, the band will showcase songs from their 2024 album Gold On The Horizon, blending indie folk and Americana with

soulful country influences reminiscent of Ray LaMontagne, Damien Rice and Lambchop. Joining the night is Serious Sam Barrett, a stalwart of the Yorkshire folk scene. Barrett returns to Newcastle following the release of his eighth solo album A Drop Of The Morning Dew, recorded live at the Bacca Pipes Folk Club. His set will draw from two decades of songwriting and touring, promising authentic roots music steeped in tradition and storytelling. www.omitf.com

MUSIC

IVAN THE TOLERABLE @ MIDDLESBROUGH TOWN HALL

Words: Ben Lowes-Smith

Oli Heffernan, aka Ivan The Tolerable, has been releasing records at a nosebleed rate over the last few years, and his output has been somewhat difficult to keep on top of, if not consistently satisfying, surprising and challenging. His music is sometimes soft, sometimes loud, but always jam packed with ideas. Oli will be giving his increasingly enviable canon an airing at Industrial Coast’s final show of 2024 on Monday 9th December, in the beautiful confines of Middlesbrough’s Town Hall Courtrooms.

Support comes from Tongue Depressor, a seasoned noise outfit from New Haven, Connecticut, who combine aspects of music concrete, found sounds and original compositions which fluctuate between harshness and tenderness, with church music being a core tenant. Once again, the wonderful folks at Industrial Coast have provided a tiered ticket system, with tickets being priced between 50p and £10, no questions asked. Generously, ticket sales include Bandcamp downloads from anything from Industrial Coast’s page, their compilations having the ability to introduce the listener to worlds of new music. A very good thing for a very good reason, Industrial Coast’s international reputation for noise gigs continues to grow and grow, and their activities will certainly be worth keeping an eye on in 2025. www.ivanthetolerable.bandcamp.com

MUSIC UNITED IN MUSIC @ STATION EAST/ MICROBUS

Words: Michael O’Neill

Over the last few years Gateshead’s music scene has continued to be on the rise, offering more and more variety to add to the offerings available over the river in Newcastle. Even despite the recent closure of By The River, there still continues to be a brilliant variety of venues to visit, and United In Music is a wonderful testament to this.

Organised by Afterlight Management and the grafters at Off-Axis, United In Music is a grassroots, acoustic music festival taking place on Saturday 7th-Sunday 8th December, providing opportunities for emerging and established artists from the North East and further afield. Across the weekend, a brilliant line-up of artists will perform at the glorious Microbus and Station East micro-pubs (both a mere 10 minutes scoot from Central Station, via the High Level Bridge) including Inglenook, The Byker Hillbillies, Bicker Music, Central Arcade, Ned Ashcroft, Harry Miles-Watson, Mick Conroy, Hels Pattison, June Holland, Sam Thomas, Jonny Walker, J.W. Darwin and Tom Ieuan James. At £5 for a single day ticket or just £8 for a weekend ticket, it’s an incredible bit of value for money with a wonderful variety of artists in two incredible independent venues!

www.facebook.com/unitedinmusicfest

STAGE SEAGULLS AND SAD, SAD STORIES @ LAUREL’S

Words: Chloe Glover

Lynx, exam pressures and fortune tellers collide in new coming-of-age play Seagulls and Sad, Sad Stories, which hits the Laurel’s stage in Whitley Bay from Monday 9th-Monday 23rd December. County Durham writer Sarah Bond has got under the skin of what it is to be an angst-ridden 16-year-old in South Shields in her award-winning debut show. Facing down the pressure of exams, dating and future possibilities, three young lads on a quest for answers about their futures put their faith into a strangely perceptive Zoltar machine hidden at the back of a South Shields arcade.

Faced with harsh realities, cruel stereotypes and an unnaturally persistent seagull, the play questions if we should let the perceptions of others dictate our entire lives, or believe that we’re worth so much more than that. The play was named the winner of the inaugural Richard Jenkins Commission award, designed to support local talent to kickstart their careers in the North East. A percentage of all ticket sales will be donated to Cash For Kids to assist with their Mission Christmas project, in which they donate toys to children across the region.

www.laurelswhitley.co.uk

Ivan The Tolerable

MUSIC YOKO PWNO @ COBALT STUDIOS

Words: Nat Greener

Newcastle’s folk and electronic music fans are in for a treat as Yoko Pwno and Cosys Ex team up for an unforgettable atmosphere and night of boundary-breaking sounds at Cobalt on Friday 6th December.

Headlining the evening, Yoko Pwno bring their irreverent take on Scottish folk straight to the dancefloor. From the vibrant streets of Edinburgh and coastal Dunbar, this madcap ensemble fuses Celtic melodies with pulsating electronic beats, creating a fiddle-led folktronic rhythm. With showstopping vocals from Lissa Robertson, electrifying fiddles, banjo grooves and bold synth basslines, their genre-defying energy promises to get Newcastle moving. Over the past decade, Yoko Pwno have released two albums, several EPs and toured extensively across the UK.

Joining them, Cosys Ex weave tradition and innovation into a captivating blend of Celtic and electronic music. With Gaelic and English songs interspersed with modern sampling and synthesisers, their live performances are immersive soundscapes that honour folk’s past while reimagining its future.

Together, these two acts promise a night of high-energy grooves, rich melodies and spellbinding innovation, where ancient traditions meet contemporary creativity. www.yokopwno.co.uk

COMEDY MARCEL LUCONT’S WHINE LIST @ THE STAND

Words: Ben Robinson

On Monday 20th January, acclaimed alternative comedian Alexis Dubus brings his French alter ego Marcel Lucont’s interactive show to The Stand in Newcastle. Described as “a masterpiece of timing and improvisation,” it seems that Lucont is one of the most up and coming comedians to watch out for in 2025. In Whine List, Lucont invites audience members to share their woes and personal grievances, turning them into an unforgettable comedic experience. Playing off each ‘whine’, Lucont improvises witty responses and takes unexpected twists, making every performance unique. His ability to turn a humourless story from the audience into one which can have the room erupting with laughter through skilful rebounds is something that is quite incredible. This also means that with no two shows alike, the night promises endless curveballs and laughter, as Lucont navigates the audience’s input with impeccable timing and charm.  If that wasn’t enough to convince you of Lucont’s comedic prowess, he is backed by rave reviews from Edinburgh Fringe and has received numerous awards for his bawdy humour. Marcel Lucont’s Whine List is simply a masterclass in live comedy, so for anyone seeking a one-of-a-kind night of humour, this show is not to be missed. www.marcellucont.com

MUSIC TREVOR ‘BABAJACK’ STEGER @ CLAYPATH DELI/THE GEORGIAN THEATRE

Words: Nat Greener Promoters Down By The River offer two intimate opportunities to revel in the sounds of folk, blues and world music courtesy of Trevor ‘Babajack’ Steger. The UK Blues Federation’s 2023 UK Blues Acoustic Act of the Year performs at Durham’s Claypath Deli on Saturday 14th and Georgian Theatre Stockton’s Blues in the Bar afternoon on Sunday 15th December. With a sound steeped in early rural blues and infused with African rhythms, Trevor’s music is as distinctive as it is captivating. His gravelly vocals, wailing slide guitar and heartfelt lyricism create an immersive experience that leaves audiences spellbound. From the Royal Albert Hall to cafés across Europe, Trevor has honed his craft over decades, with standout releases like Not Far To Go (2022), an evocative album exploring themes of travel and nostalgia. A charismatic performer with a deep connection to his music, Trevor’s live shows are nothing short of transformative.

At the Durham show, opening the night will be local talent Oliver Hunt, who brings heartfelt storytelling through his banjo and guitar. A Durham native, Oliver’s deeply personal songs echo with honesty and reflection, setting the stage for an evening of musical authenticity. www.trevorbabajacksteger.com

Yoko Pwno by Kirstin McEwan

melting pot of culture in the North East and royalty, plus supports), Seven Stories (hosting

Paul Smith

MUSIC HAYDEN THORPE & PROPELLOR ENSEMBLE @ THE GLASSHOUSE

Words: Ali Welford

One of the greatest, most underrated British bands of the 21st century, the demise of Wild Beasts remains a source of regret among many admirers. Nonetheless, frontman Hayden Thorpe has made full use of the freedom it’s afforded in the years since –notably with excellent solo albums Diviner (2019) and Moondust for My Diamond (2021). Perhaps more than any previous year, 2024 has seen the Cumbrian songwriter’s creative instincts blossom. First came The Hide, an installation dedicated to finding peace and observing wildlife in urban spaces, created and exhibited during his stint as an Artist in Residence at The Glasshouse, with help from Royal Northern Sinfonia. This was followed by another celebration of nature in September’s studio album Ness, featuring repurposed words from best-selling poet and writer

Robert Macfarlane’s book of the same name. It’s with this latest project that Thorpe will be making a quickfire return, showcasing Ness at a special show at The Glasshouse’s Hall 2 on Thursday 30th January. Backed by members of the cross-genre Propellor Ensemble –whose director, Jack McNeill, contributed the record’s orchestral arrangements – the performance will see Thorpe transport audience members to Orford Ness, a 10-mile-long beach on the coast of Suffolk. Once a nuclear test site, it’s since been rewilded and repurposed as a nature reserve by the National Trust, providing inspiration for his most ambitious and immersive music to date!

www.haydenthorpe.com

MUSIC WOLFGANG FLÜR @ THE CLUNY

Words: Ben Lowes-Smith

A wonderful early Christmas present from the Cluny, Wolfgang Flür is best known for his work as electronic percussionist in Kraftwerk

during their imperial period between 1973 and 1987, contributing to all their most critically acclaimed work including Autobahn, Computer World and Trans-Europe Express. Since then, he has been working consistently on his own fascinating and forward-thinking music, and collaborating with the likes of other electronic pioneers Mouse On Mars.

In 2022, Cherry Red released his newest collection of work, Magazine 1, a kaleidoscopic techno pop album featuring the likes of Midge Ure and Peter Hook. His live sets incorporate the broadest aspects of his career, touching on his early analogue influences to his output of the current day. As a pioneer of the genre, this career and decade-spanning performance is a must for anyone with an interest in the genre, and his performance at The Cluny on Friday 20th December offers a truly rare opportunity to see a pioneer in such an intimate space. In what is becoming something of a welcome tradition for the venue, Wolfgang’s Christmas shows are guaranteed to sell out, so act quick to be part of an unmissable evening. www.thecluny.com

Hayden Thorpe by Eeva Rinne

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FIRST NOTES SHOWCASE @ THE CLUNY 2

Words: Claire Dupree

Generator’s First Notes programme seeks to empower young artists to take their first steps in the music industry. Funded by Youth Music and open to musicians aged 18-25, this year’s cohort are engaged in mentoring and recording

sessions designed to support their burgeoning careers, and audiences can get a flavour of their progress at a special showcase event at Newcastle’s Cluny 2 on Thursday 30th January. Performers taking part include Ashington musician Ben Harwood, whose articulate and passionate sound is informed by the likes of The War on Drugs, The 1975 and Phoebe Bridgers; Kurdish artist Akam’s sound blends contemporary pop, electronica and rap, with a fresh and alternative take on music rooted in internet culture; country/rock artist Katie Grace shows off her interesting sound; fast-rising

Sunderland-based songwriter Isabel Maria has already achieved significant acclaim thanks to her alternative pop sounds and mature songwriting; art pop band Swindled bring harmony-filled songs and intricate lyrics to the table; fruity Newcastle four-piece CITRUS offer up a fresh and melodic sound full of punchy guitars and energetic vibes; twin sister duo Twayn’s mature and sardonic pop songwriting has been met with acclaim far and wide; plus Sunderland songwriter Hannah Roeves offers piano-led storytelling and pretty vocals. www.generator.org.uk

MUSIC VIV & RILEY @ THE GLOBE

Words: Matthew Brown

Viv & Riley are set to bring their “future-leaning indie folk” sound to The Globe in Newcastle on Friday 17th January courtesy of Jumpin’ Hot Club. Their music elegantly blends old-soul roots with innovative indie folk melodies, creating a captivating combination of traditional influences and fresh, forward-looking songwriting. Expect tightly woven vocal harmonies reminiscent of old-time and classic country music, intertwined with melodies that turn from sweetly sad to gently sardonic, reflecting their versatility and emotional depth. The duo’s journey began when they met in 2018. Though they hail from opposite sides of the USA – Riley from Seattle, Washington, and Vivian from Lexington, Virginia – their instant musical connection has led to years of

collaboration and hundreds of performances. Their commitment to both preserving the roots of traditional music and exploring new musical territories has earned them recognition as key figures in the evolving indie folk and roots scene.

Viv & Riley’s sound has been likened to Gillian Welch and David Rawlings with a modern indie twist. This show promises a rich, immersive evening of original folk music infused with tradition and innovation. www.vivandriley.com

COMEDY

BEN ELTON @ VARIOUS VENUES

Words: Neil Ainger

Ben Elton is one of the country’s most prominent scriptwriters, with credits that include comedy series like The Young Ones,

Blackadder, Upstart Crow and The Thin Blue Line as well as the musicals We Will Rock You and Love Never Dies for the stage. He was also a figurehead of the alternative stand-up comedy movement of the 80s and 90s, honing his craft on the Channel 4 show Saturday Live. After a long hiatus of almost 15 years he returned to stand-up comedy in 2019, and will bring his Authentic Stupidity show to Durham’s Gala Theatre on Tuesday 21st January, Darlington Hippodrome on Wednesday 22nd January and Stockton Globe on Wednesday 29th January. Known for his style of left-wing political satirical humour, it is safe to say that during his time away the world offered up rather a lot of talking points for him to sink his teeth into, including the hysteria and fear generated by the developments in artificial intelligence. Ben, however, is here to suggest that it is not AI that truly poses a threat to human existence, but rather our very own idiocy! www.benelton.live

Viv & Riley

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DJANGO DJANGO @ KING STREET SOCIAL CLUB

Words: Laura Rosierse

Legendary left-field indie outfit Django Django will be returning to the North East for their only show of 2024 at North Shields’ King Street

Social Club on Saturday 7th December, with support from local rising star Lizzie Esau. Django Django rose to stardom over a decade ago, and found acclaim thanks to their bouncy, often surf-driven sound. The band’s latest album, 2023’s double release Off Planet, saw a playful experimental attitude come to the fore, with elements of bluesy pop and kaleidoscopic rhythms adding to their appeal.

The forthcoming event has led to new music from its headliners, with a collaboration between Django Django and DJ Man Power released exclusively on vinyl on the day of the show, and available to buy at the venue. Joining Django Django is local rising pop artist Lizzie Esau, who has been gathering attention with her elegant pop songs. www.djangodjango.co.uk

STAGE

YOUNG STORYTELLERS:EDINBURGHTÁIN

@ COBALT STUDIOS

Words: Ben Robinson

The Young Edinburgh Storytellers bring their skilled and captivating craft to Cobalt Studios on Friday 13th December with a performance of Táin. This talented duo, Mark Borthwick and David Hughes, offer a modern retelling of the famed Irish folklore tale, blending a traditional story with contemporary ideas.

Táin recounts the saga of two feuding provinces, Ulster and Connacht, which are caught in a turmoil of greed, corruption, and war – themes that the creators have noted are still relevant in modern society. The duo will re-enact the tale of the two central characters, Queen Medb and King Ailil, who attempt to steal the prized Brown Bull of Cooley from Ulster. Yet, their ambitions may falter when an unexpected hero arises. Through this modern retelling, Borthwick and Hughes explore issues

of inequality, gender, class struggle and the ravages of war, examining their impact on both people and land.

Using a mix of music, spoken word and performance, the duo brings fresh energy to this classic story, merging folklore with modern performance. This unique adaptation is the perfect outing for theatre enthusiasts and anyone interested in performance art - a perfect remedy for a cold winter evening. www.linktr.ee/youngedistorytellers

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GAYE BYKERS ON ACID @ THE CLUNY

Words: Mack Sproates

Self-described ’psychedelia, hip-hop, R&B, barbershop, jazz fusion, and a bit of reggae’ multi-genre punk pioneers the Gaye Bykers On Acid will bring their own groovy brand of chaos, mayhem and big noise to The Cluny on Saturday 7th December.

Known for some of the most unique, DIY grunge punk albums to come out of the 1980s,

like Stewed To The Gills and Drill Your Own Hole (which featured in an epic cult classic film of the same title), many of these blast from the past tunes are guaranteed to get you moving and grooving!

Singer Mary (Pop Will Eat Itself) unleashes raw vocals delivered with power and passion; there’s mighty bass from Robber (Boo Tikis); driving drums from Kev (Shed) and new guitarist Billy Boy Byker/Will Crewdson (Scant Regard, Adam & The Ants) provides ferocious solos and killer riffs.

The Bykers sound as fresh as ever; jam-packed with energy, heavy noise and armed with pop culture samples. Mary explains: “Music is like a time machine. It takes people back to that time where they first heard it, so it’s a very unique thing in that respect.” Whether you’re familiar with these grebo gods or fancy something different, a Bykers gig is always a cracking night filled with fun, dancing and a guarantee to have a good time, all the time!

Head over to our website for a full interview with the band!

www.gayebykersonacid.co.uk

Young Edinburgh Storytellers

MUSIC WUNDERLAND @ ARC

Words: Michael O’Neill

In the past few years, the almighty Teesside has firmly proven its worth as an equally powerful hub of cultural offerings, going toe-to-toe with Tyneside and Wearside with a wealth of wonderful venues, events and artists. The inaugural Wunderland is a phenomenal

testament to this, presented by local singer-songwriter and Tees Valley Artist of the Year Amelia Coburn. 2024 has been a victory lap for Amelia, who released her debut album Between The Moon And The Milkman (produced by Bill Ryder-Jones) in March and is preparing to embark on an extensive tour behind the album early next year. Wunderland, however, is far from your conventional album-cycle gig. Hosted in Stockton’s glorious ARC, Wunderland is part concert, surreal stand-up and TED talk, and a collaboration with

JOIN THE FUTURE OF MUSIC!

Are you aged 14-25? Love music? Want to learn, create, collaborate, and perform? Then this is for you...

Be part of Future Collaborations: Our award-winning Youth Music project that’s FREE for all musical abilities!

Inclusive for all: Open to neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals.

acclaimed theatre and TV actor turned acclaimed avant-garde performance artist Scott Turnbull (also a fellow Tees Valley Artist of the Year) and writer/presenter (familiar to BBC Radio Tees listeners) Bob Fischer. This multimedia event promises to be a tantalising inversion of the conventional gig format, whilst also being a marvellous testament to the talent that Teesside has to offer the region. www.arconline.co.uk

Amelia Coburn

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EMILY BARKER @ PLAYS THE CLUNY 2

Words: Laura Doyle

Absence makes the heart grow fonder, so Australian singer-songwriter Emily Barker must be as keen as mustard to get back over to the UK for a run of shows after a year of being back Down Under, as she pops up at The Cluny 2 on Tuesday 28th January. But what we lack in blistering heat, golden sands and gorgeous scenery, we more than make up for in a complete lack of massive bugs and venomous fauna. A fair trade in my opinion!

This hemisphere is also where she made a name for herself with her orchestral country folk stylings, bagging herself acclaim across two decades – from radio legend John Peel, to folk punk artist Frank Turner – and most recognisably to an RTS award for her work on the theme tune to the BBC serial Wallander.

This year saw the release of her first solo record in three years with Fragile As Humans, a deep-dive into the human condition with powerful and emotive effects. The album was written and recorded near the end of her living full-time in the UK, and so bringing it back to the country where it was birthed for a victory tour of sorts feels all too fitting before Barker heads back to her homeland to work on whatever comes next.  www.emilybarker.com

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TSR2 @ THE GLOBE

Words: Laura Doyle

There are two types of people: people who love electronic music, and people who haven’t heard a live performance of electronic music. If your experience of the genre begins and ends with smacking play on a CD player or *insert audio streaming service*, you won’t have

experienced all that an electronic artist has to offer! That’s why taking up the offer of seeing York-based electro-twiddlers TSR2 is a wide choice.

The trio got their start pre-pandemic by gracing venues across the Yorkshire county with nostalgic electronica that may well have been plucked fresh from the 80s for a modern audience. They’re now two albums deep into this project, with no signs of slowing down. Joining them at The Globe in Newcastle on Thursday 19th December are North East duo All The Heavens Were A Bell, who present even more inventive electronica, this time abstract, improvised and maybe a little bit bleak. And bringing up the rear will be Ammonites, whose audio visual treats bring to mind the likes of Popul Vuh and Merzbow.

Listening to this kind of music is one thing, but seeing the sounds being constructed by the artists in real time and watching as each song takes shape raises the experience to a whole other level. Try it out, you’ll see what I mean.  www.tsr2.bandcamp.com

Emily Barker by Luke Kellett

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MT. MISERY @ CAFE ETCH

Words: Matthew Brown

Hartlepool’s indie pop heroes Mt. Misery are set to celebrate their latest album release with a show at Cafe Etch in Middlesbrough on Saturday 14th December. The gig marks the culmination of their work on Love In Mind, released in November via Prefect Records. Known for their melodic and heartfelt sound, the band has earned acclaim for crafting sub-three-minute indie pop gems that blend timeless charm with fresh, contemporary sensibilities.

Recorded in a remote cottage on the banks of Loch Fyne and mixed by Ian Catt (St. Etienne, The Field Mice), Love In Mind showcases Mt. Misery’s evolved sound, tight and nuanced yet infused with warmth and heartfelt storytelling. Tracks like the summery opener Hey and the reflective ballad Driving Through A Dream demonstrate their blend of jangly optimism and introspective depth. The album’s themes of love, connection and change are reflected in more candid songwriting, with frontman Andrew Smith acknowledging a shift toward more straightforward expressions of love and vulnerability.

This performance will highlight their growth as songwriters and performers, expect a memorable night celebrating the evolution of a beloved local band. www.mtmisery.bandcamp.com

COMEDY GAVIN WEBSTER AND THE FATHAS OF CONVENTION @ THE STAND

Words: Michael O’Neill

Local comedian Gavin Webster has long been a mainstay of the North East’s comedy circuit, having carved out a solid reputation over years of performing and touring. It seems a good a time as any for a pivot away from conventional stand-up then, as Gavin returns to one of his first incarnations as a musical comedian. For an exclusive, one night only engagement, Gavin will be trading the microphone stand for a guitar and will be fronting The Fathas of Convention at The Stand on Sunday 22nd December. The show will provide something of a Greatest Hits showcase for Gavin’s musical comedic talents, featuring could’ve-should’vebeen-hits such as Sky Diddleyhifi Subscription, Greggs, Gills, Tab Hoose, Summoning Up The Devil, Shoes Shoes Socks, Two Charvers In A Car and Be Mine Blaydon On Tyne, all presented in a two-hour (!) extravaganza of side-splitting songcraft, with the added accompaniment of a full live band.

As anyone familiar with Gavin’s work will know, this is a very fitting detour for a very talented comedian, and it’s a fantastically apt event on the last weekend before Christmas. www.gavinwebster.co.uk

MUSIC HMRC @ THE LUBBER FIEND

Words: James Hattersley

You can never escape the tax man; he always comes to collect but fear not, he can be slowed down and baffled. If the Cayman Islands aren’t a viable safe haven, you can always seek sanctuary at Newcastle’s Lubber Fiend where post-post punk rapscallions HMRC are set to headline their Big Christmas Audit on Thursday 12th December (accountants will be asked to leave).

The four-piece will bring their musical concoction of calculated and poetry-driven punk, humorously staggering through our ever-growing bleak society. Where Christmas glosses over the ongoing flaws and cracks in our leaders, economy and culture, HMRC will allow you to take everything onboard, bitterly swallow and digest it through catchy tunes and an overall attitude of ‘if we don’t laugh at what’s going on, we’d lose our minds’. Essential listening before attending is their phenomenal run of recent singles, including Boots On The Ground and Hyperactive Child. With support from surrealist punks Marginal Gains (whose recent debut EP is a Christmas present all of its own), new wave warriors Charts & Graphs and the barking of Offscreen Dog, be sure to book tickets for this festive post-punk-a-thon. HMRC will be checking the list twice.

www.linktr.ee/_hmrc

Mt. Misery

MUSIC GABRIEL MORENO @ THE FISHERMAN’S ARMS

Words: Isabel Johnson

Following a previous sell-out show, Gibraltarian songsmith and poet Gabriel Moreno will be returning to the Fisherman’s Arms - or ‘The Fish’ for those of you who are loyal locals - in Hartlepool on Sunday 12th January.

Programmed by North East acoustic lo-fi lovers PinDrop Events, this will be the venue’s first show of the year and it’s set to be a lovely one. A regular maker of waves in the Americana and folk scenes, Gabriel will be back taking to the Hartlepool stage with the added delight of violin and double bass. Known for his passionate lyrics and unflappable live energy, he’s someone you should catch while you can, as his typically crazily packed gigging schedule takes him all over the place.

It’s always nice to see that the support for an

event comes locally, and this one’s no exception - joining Gabriel on the evening will be rising Hartlepool musicians Jasmine Weatherill and Kyle Cullen. If they’ve caught PinDrop’s attention, I can bet they’ll be catching yours in due course. Stripped back and relaxed, this show feels like the perfect occasion for you to ease back into your live music groove for 2025. www.gabrielmoreno.co.uk

MUSIC THE JESUS & MARY CHAIN @ NX NEWCASTLE

Words: Cameron Wright

What can be said about The Jesus & Mary Chain that’s not been said before? With big hair, big hooks and even bigger barrages of sound, the band have long been established as one of the loudest acts to see live. As someone who has experienced it, I can attest that the sheer

volume is staggering.

Debuting in 1985, Psychocandy was an album that flipped the ongoing movements on their head. Without Psychocandy, the likes of Pixies and Sonic Youth may not be with us today. The melding of the undeniably abrasive and the intoxicatingly melodic made for an experience that felt tangible, dense and mailable. Through the decades, their sound has shifted, with their latest album Glasgow Eyes being one of the most groove-oriented records in the band’s discography. As they’ve toured through the years, they’ve stayed true to their image, mantra and sound, while constantly expanding with a trail of phenomenal, conceptual releases. The band prepare to headline Newcastle’s NX on Sunday 8th December and this spectacle is set to blow you away. While the chaotic dynamic between brothers Jim and William Reid made their live shows legendary, now the magic is completely in the music. The electricity, the volume and most importantly, the phenomenal songwriting.  www.themarychain.com

Gabriel Moreno

MUSIC INDEPENDENT VENUE WEEK @ KU

Words: Emily Elliott

Independent Venue Week will take place from Monday 27th January-Sunday 2nd February, once more celebrating all the best things about independent music and venues.

One of our region’s finest independent venues, KU in Stockton, will host a trio of fantastic shows that will further cement their popularity among fans of guitar-centric indie rock. First up on Thursday 30th January is a headline show from Church Village Collective (CVC); the band have a long history of impressing Stockton crowds, with previous sets at the likes of Stockton Calling and The Gathering Sounds. They’ll play songs from their critically acclaimed album Get Real, which ably showcases their tremendous psych pop leanings.

On Friday 31st January, Glasgow indie punk band Gallus will take to the stage. They’ve supported the likes of Biffy Clyro and won Best Rock/Alternative Act at the Scottish Music Awards. Their cathartic sound will be perfect for fans of Sports Team, Yard Act and Fontaines DC. Supports are well-matched, with Teesside garage rock band Onlooker and indie blues band The Purnells also performing. Manchester-based indie rock quartet The Covasettes complete the trio of shows on Saturday 1st February, when you can expect signature rock vocals, melodic guitar and

catchy rhythms. Support will come from Newcastle-based alt. rockers The Avelons and Teesside rock ‘n’ roll band Risco. www.kustockton.co.uk

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THE MAGIC NUMBERS @ THE GLASSHOUSE

Words: Chloe Glover

One of the UK’s favourite sibling bands, The Magic Numbers, will arrive at The Glasshouse on Sunday 26th January for a much awaited full-band tour.

The Mercury prize nominated folk pop-comerock quartet is comprised of two sets of siblings, Romeo and Michele Stodart, and Sean and Angela Gannon. Their 18-date UK tour will mix nostalgic hits and fresh material. Known for their sunny, melodic hooks, blissful harmonies and giddy, cathartic crescendos, their timeless sound and impressive songwriting craftsmanship has quite rightly won them fans across the globe since they debuted on the scene with their eponymous album in 2005, which gave us the hit singles Forever Lost, Love Me Like You and Love Is A Game. Back as a band after three years away, the individual members have also been successful in their own right; Romeo has written and produced for artists like the late Jane Birkin, Natalie Imbruglia, Ren Harvieu and Chemical Brothers and Michele has released three acclaimed solo albums.

www.themagicnumbers.uk

MUSIC LOST MAP RECORDS TAKEOVER @ COBALT STUDIOS

Words: Laura Doyle Dinner and a show? You shouldn’t have, Cobalt Studios. But here we are, every Thursday during Cobalt’s open season with a regular evening treat of a musical performance and a veggie-based meal in a glorious union of culture and community.

Fresh Thursday on 12th December comes with an extra treat: a Lost Map Records takeover. The indie label is bringing three of the finest artists on their roster for a wholesome evening of entertainment. Performing are Blind Yeo, which started as a lockdown project and has since grown into a psychedelic experience lauded by everyone who has the pleasure of witnessing a live show. They’re a long way from their hometown of Falmouth, Cornwall, making this a treat which really oughtn’t be missed. Sweetening this already sweet deal is Scottish singer-songwriter (and rather conveniently, owner of Lost Maps Records himself) The Pictish Trail; his dazzling psych pop is of course welcome on this bill. Completing the line-up is Berlin-based trio Painting, who, in the best possible way, sound like the Kit Kat Klub band got fed through a fax machine. Grab a seat and a bowl, and let the show begin. www.cobaltstudios.co.uk

Pictish Trail by Nancy Jesse

INTERVIEWS

DILETTANTE

DAWN STOREY TALKS TO FRANCESCA PIDGEON ABOUT HOW INTROVERSION, MULTI-TASKING AND MEGALOMANIA HAVE INFORMED HER LATEST

ALBUM

As an anxious soul who needs time to recharge after social interactions, I feel something of an affinity with Dilettante’s Francesca Pidgeon. A fellow introvert, she has spoken openly about her mental health, struggling to connect with people and seeing the world differently due to her neurodivergence. She also proves to be a charming interviewee, despite admitting mid-conversation that she’s been awake for 36 hours having just travelled back from Canada and, despite the lack of sleep, is thankfully only too happy to talk to me about her band’s

forthcoming second album.

Life Of The Party will be their second full-length release since forming in 2019 and differs from their debut in that it’s self-produced by Francesca, who made it in a converted freight container in Manchester. “In the past I’ve usually had someone else guide it a little bit with me but this one was just me,” she says, reiterating her introversion when she laughs: “I like being alone! It’s really weird to me that I’m a performer. I never thought that was what I’d end up doing. I’m much more of a

MUSIC

songwriter. The performance stuff doesn’t really come very naturally to me. That’s been the struggle really – going out and actually doing the songs. I like the bit where I get to sit in a freight container by myself!”

Given the stresses and uncertainties of her career, it sounds like music was more of a calling than a choice – a fact she emphasises when she says she’s very much a believer that there’s no free will. “Plus I think it’s all I’m really good at. I don’t know what else I would’ve done really. I was working in bars and coffee shops but I was wasn’t very good at it because I just didn’t care enough. I’ve played with BC Camplight since 2018 – that’s my other project – and it’s a similar thing. Brian just couldn’t do anything except music. He had a job in America as a door-to-door vacuum cleaner salesman and he went into this woman’s house and was like ‘let me show you this vacuum cleaner’ and then he accidentally sprayed dirt all over her house. And that’s such a perfect analogy. He couldn’t do anything else, and I don’t think I’m quite to that extent, but realistically I just don’t know what else I’d be able to do.”

She also says that BC has taught her a lot musically, and about how to coordinate her own live performances. “Playing with Brian was my first professional experience of doing original music. It was my first time touring around Europe and really touring around the UK, just working on a show and doing it the

THE PERFORMANCE STUFF DOESN’T REALLY COME VERY NATURALLY TO ME. I LIKE THE BIT WHERE I GET TO SIT IN A FREIGHT CONTAINER BY MYSELF!

same every night. There’s lots of stuff I never considered, that I never really thought was important – the routine of it. If anyone’s seen a BC Camplight show maybe it doesn’t come across, but he does the same banter every night. It probably sounds a bit forced to do the same talking bit every night but Brian’s also a massive introvert and I don’t think you’d know that seeing him onstage. That really helps me, treating it more like you’re a stand-up and you’re doing your bit – ‘on this song I’m going to say this’ – and knowing how it’s gonna work takes out a little bit of the uncertainty. It’s not like you go on without rehearsing a song, do you know what I mean? Yeah just little things like that, just taking the show seriously.”

Francesca herself has taken a more introspective and raw approach to songwriting this time around. Alongside some of her most personal lyrics to date there are lavish musical arrangements, saxophones and synths, as befits her mastery with a loop pedal at her live shows. Catchy art pop tunes like the joyous Easy Does It accompany emotionally charged moments like lead album track Fun; and while there’s an eclectic mix of styles, everything is underpinned by her distinctive, sultry vocals. As if the songwriting, recording, producing and live performances don’t keep her busy enough, she admits that she also likes to be in control of everything that sits alongside that.

“I just can’t let anyone do anything. It’s a real problem. I’m a massive megalomaniac,” she laughs. “I do the merch, I hand screen print all the t-shirts, I make earrings and magnets and stuff, I do all the single and album artwork, the mailing lists, the social media. It’s a massive job.”

Brilliantly, though, she recently won a composer’s award – the Paul Hamlyn Foundation Award – which has not only provided some reassurance that she really can consider herself an artist, but potentially the chance to allow herself to take a day off once in a while too.

“It’s crazy – I’d barely even heard of it before I got it. They called me and I was like, ‘why are they calling me to reject me? That’s a weird thing to do.’ And then they told me I got it and I was like, ‘no way, I never get anything!’ It’s just taken such a weight off, because I’ve been able to treat this project like the full-time job it is. It’s so much work just to keep everything running because I can’t really afford to employ anyone so it’s just me doing everything. It’s an incredibly big job and just having that money means that I just get to take this seriously now and treat that like a wage. It’s good to just focus. It’s a really special thing.”

Dilettante releases Life Of The Party on 24th January via Launchpad+/EMI North. www.linktr.ee/dilettantesongs

LOTS OF HANDS

AMELIA NERI TALKS TO THE GENRE-BLURRING DUO ABOUT THE RELEASE OF THEIR ALBUM, WHICH DRAWS ON COLLABORATION AND FRIENDSHIP AT ITS HEART

Genre-defying musical innovators lots of hands are gearing up to release their highly anticipated debut album, into a pretty room (lower case intentional throughout!). Drawing inspiration from the likes of Alex G, Eliot Smith and The Microphones, into a pretty room is a touching and heartfelt rumination of grief, loss, growing up and letting go.

While the Newcastle-based duo now comprises of both Billy Woodhouse and Elliott Dryden, lots of hands began as Billy’s experimental ambient DIY rock solo project. “In the past couple of years, after meeting Elliott at Newcastle College, I got him involved and we’ve been writing songs together,” Billy remarks, “but this is our first official collaborative album.”

Their upcoming LP is a 14-track cross-hatch of ambient slacker rock and rock-peppered country that includes a mix of both collaborative and completely solo work from both members. While Billy draws inspiration from a variety of ambient sounds, DIY artists and slowcore bands, Elliott favours more “old-timey” country and folk influences. When combined on the album, a very unique and eclectic soundscape is formed, which Billy describes as an “ambient take on that folky, slacker rock sound from the 90s, blending slowcore sounds with folk and country sounds into some crazy weirdness.”

While conceived across painful moments of growth and grief, into a pretty room is a decidedly hopeful effort. “We’ve gone very retrospective on this album,” Billy admits, “so it’s about moving forward from one era to the next, reflecting a sense of grief.” Elliott adds: “It was writing about moving forward and trying to be hopeful about it.”

The pair are self-proclaimed music enthusiasts, which is clearly evident in their devotion and talent. Between them they have a genuine curiosity of their chosen art form, writing with a

IT’S ABOUT MOVING FORWARD FROM ONE ERA TO THE NEXT, REFLECTING A SENSE OF GRIEF

fine-tuned finesse. “The main thing we’re interested in is music,” Elliott states, “we’re interested in the process and the different ways you can write and the different sounds you can make.”  Billy also notes that the pair create music as a form of escapism. “At the end of the day, we’re just some lads from Newcastle, so it’s good to have a form of escapism and just an outlet where you can talk about the shit show that we’re in at the moment.”

Newly relocated from Leeds to their current Newcastle base, lots of hands is anchored by the duo’s friendship, which emanates across the album. Whether it be conceiving ideas over long distance, or establishing themselves in a different city, the duo have proven themselves to be an unstoppable force. “We’re at a point where it doesn’t really matter where we are, we just kind of get our heads down and release music,” Billy affirms. With a tour on the horizon, the duo also have some exciting solo projects in the mix. “I’ve got a solo project that I’ve just started called Uncle Red that’s a lot more ambient and acoustic,” Billy reveals, “and Elliott has got a kind of folky country album in the works. lots of hands is the centrepiece but hopefully we can branch out and do little things on the side and just experiment with music. It’s an exciting little time.”

lots of hands release into a pretty room on 17th January via Fire Talk Records.

www.linktr.ee/lotsofhands

BYKER GRAVE FESTIVAL

NEIL AINGER DISCOVERS THE REGION’S UNDERGROUND METAL SCENE IS BOOMING, LARGELY THANKS TO THOSE BEHIND BYKER GRAVE BOOKINGS AND THEIR ANNUAL FESTIVAL

Over the years there’s been many people responsible for keeping underground metal alive in Newcastle, arguably none more so than the collective of musicians and promoters at Byker Grave Bookings. Their annual centrepiece is Byker Grave Festival, which showcases the best heavy music the region has to offer as well as bringing some exciting bands to Newcastle. I spoke to James Watts about the festival’s origins and its upcoming edition, where it is embarking on its biggest year yet by any metric.

“It started by accident – an event called Northern Darkness had been booked at the Uni, headlined by At The Gates, Napalm Death and Decapitated.” James says about BGB’s beginnings. “About six weeks beforehand, it was cancelled due to ‘poor ticket sales’. At the time, I was working on a remix for one of the bands on the line-up, Primitive Graven Image, and looked into putting a replacement show on, mainly as I wanted to see them. A couple of other people had the same idea and I ended up organising the event with Stu from Tombs In The Valley/Brofest and Paul from ‘Kin Hell Fest based in Leeds. We put on 10 bands at The Globe and I think we did 100-150 tickets. Really there was no goal beyond catering for those who were stuck with travel and hotel bookings.”

Over a decade later, Byker Grave Bookings has continued to expand, bringing more promoters – such as Conviction, Inverted Grim-Mill, Tyne & Queer and Panurus – into the fold, and the festival continues to grow. This year sees an upswing in

WE ARE NOW A GROUP OF FORMERLY INDEPENDENT/SOLO PROMOTERS WORKING FROM THE SAME PAGE TO BRING GIGS HERE ALL YEAR ROUND

terms of capacity and the profile of the headlining bands. Byker Grave Festival takes place at Newcastle University Students’ Union on Saturday 7th December, and is headlined by misanthropic sludge icons Eyehategod and the blackened thrash dirge of Goatwhore – both from New Orleans – and by Venom Inc, the current incarnation of local speed/thrash pioneers Venom, in a rare hometown appearance. The changes apparent in this year’s festival seemingly reflect an extreme scene in Newcastle that is thriving.

“11 years on, the festival is five or six times the size capacity wise, the line-up is stronger, the team behind it is bigger. In all aspects it has grown. A lot of that has been relatively recent developments – we did more or less the same thing for a decade, with similar numbers each year. We are now a group of formerly independent/solo promoters working from the same page to bring gigs here all year round. My view is that since lockdown restrictions ended, turnouts improved and haven’t gone back down. We’ve had a bunch of well attended shows going back a couple of years. The days of six people turning up at the Northumberland Arms seem a distant past. More of the bigger tours are coming to Newcastle. Promoters who wouldn’t typically do heavier shows are interested now. It all points towards a positive outlook from my perspective.”

The line-up this year is completed by Druidess, Goblinsmoker, Ard, Margarita Witch Cult and Discharge. The growth of Byker Grave doesn’t end with the festival either, and James added some exciting news regarding their latest venture.

“We’ll be taking over the room above The Cluny 2 as the Byker Grave Bar. The goal is to turn it into a rock bar with a focus on community events and engagement. We will be starting with Fridays and Saturdays soon!”

www.bykergravebookings.uk

L-R Lee, James, Stu and Connor

CHRIS RILEY

BEN LOWES-SMITH TALKS TO THE DURHAM-BASED SONGWRITER ABOUT HIS NEW ALBUM OF MELODIC

FOLK ROCK

Chris Riley has been kicking around the North East music scene for twenty years or so, as a solo concern and in his garage rock band, The False Poets. Though by his own admission he has never been the most prolific writer, his canon has still made an impression on the local scene, and he’s been involved with Celtic folk trio The Dicey Rileys as well as experimental group The Support Band.

His new album, Echoes In The Gloaming is out on Nice Mind Records on 6th December; it’s a melodic and well-considered folk rock album which acknowledges classic and contemporary influences. Chris is self-deprecating about his creative processes: “My first releases back in the day were EPs as I didn’t feel I had enough good material for albums at that time. My first solo album in 2020, Cestrian, was put together with songs I’d written over a number of years. More recently, in the lead up to this one, if I had something that fell out of the guitar that sounded nice, I’d record it and set it to one side to come back to. For some reason, about this time last year, Cestrian started getting quite a lot of plays on Apple Music which encouraged me to see what I’ve got of the solo material and whether I had enough for a follow up. I just got the notepad out. I included a couple of singles I’ve put out in the last few years, Fine Day and In The Haze, which I felt would round it off well, and the latest single Making Waves, which is probably as good a song as I’ve come up with.”

Chris’ music speaks to classic British folk and pop influences like Billy Bragg, Paul Heaton and Lee Mavers. In The Haze is reminiscent of The La’s and early sixties pop, while Fine Day is pop flecked with the imagination of British folk music. On his songwriting process, Chris is fairly candid: “I’ll typically start with the tune first, find a couple of nice or interesting chords,

LIFE CAN BE HARD AT TIMES AND I THINK I SHOULD REFLECT THAT WHEN WRITING OCCASIONALLY

hum a vocal melody, figure out the rhythm and the meter and hope for the best, really! I may be less literal in lyric writing than I used to be, but can be quite simple and straightforward. I don’t think it gets any easier! I wouldn’t like to be too preachy and like to think that the listener could connect to my songs, but life can be hard at times and I think I should reflect that when writing occasionally. I’ve got a few where I could use writing a song to reconcile something that I’ve been mulling over in my mind. When The Roses Are In Bloom from Cestrian being an example.”

The themes of the new record seem to be about Chris coming to terms with the mores of the day, ageing and the beauty in the mundane. He’s a little more evasive in his explanation of his songs: “There’s quite a few of them which is me thinking about what would I say to this particular person in my life, and there’s also themes of rolling with the punches in the face of adversity, too, perhaps.”

His hopes for the life of the record are simple, sweet and succinct: “Hopefully it takes the listener somewhere pleasant. That’s all I’m after!”

Chris Riley releases Echoes In The Gloaming on 6th December. He plays Bullion Hall in Chester-le-Street on Saturday 7th December.

www.chrisriley1.bandcamp.com

KAI HUMPHRIES

CAMERON WRIGHT TALKS TO THE BLYTH COMEDIAN ABOUT HOW THE SOMETIMES SURREAL EXPERIENCE OF TRAVELLING INFORMED HIS LATEST SHOW, GALLIVANTING

If you can overcome the stage fright and heckling, there is no job that sounds more exciting, engaging and constantly thrilling than that of a stand-up comedian. Life on the road, laughing for a living and inevitably ending up in precious, spontaneous situations from one night to the next has become the life of Kai Humphries.

Off the back of a world tour supporting friend and podcast co-host Daniel Sloss, Kai had performed in over 55 countries across the globe. The Blyth comic has seen, smelt and heard it all, and clearly found inspiration on the road. Gallivanting is his new tour, which pitches up at Newcastle’s Stand for an incredible six night run in January and February, recalling some of the more ludicrous interactions, all interwoven with a poignant slice of introspection. “I was always kinda bollocked by my parents for gallivanting when I was out on the streets as a kid.” He explains. “But when I looked it up, it literally means ‘travelling around in the pursuit of happiness’. To me that’s not a bad thing, that’s the goal!”

This candour consumed most of our chat, as we swapped travel stories, compared cuisines and gushed over the giddiness of backpacking across the globe. Referring to life on the road as “micro-dosing dementia”, a jet-lagged Kai let slip of a recent mishap, as his road tired ears picked up on a Geordie accent, leading him very eagerly to run over and ask questions about where exactly they were from, only to remember that he was currently at Newcastle Central Station.

From stories of questionable train journeys through South Africa, to proposing to his fiancé in a villa in southern Thailand, the anecdotes flooded out with a warmth and a zest that left two

I’M CONSTANTLY DOING SOMETHING SURREAL OR TALKING TO SOMEONE INTERESTING. IT REMINDS YOU EVERY DAY HOW BIG THE WORLD IS

things exceptionally obvious. Firstly, that Kai is sincerely passionate about the joys and importance of travel, and secondly, Kai is a fantastic storyteller.

“I am lucky,” he concedes, “I get to see all these things for work, talk to all these people and make these connections across the world. I’m constantly doing something surreal or talking to someone interesting. It reminds you every day how big the world is and how much more important it is than yourself.”

Adapting routines across the continents, Kai chuckles about the trusty Geordie accent. “Overseas there’s a lot of changing ‘Divven’t’ to ‘doesn’t’ etc., but the real struggle is America. The routine hinges on certain words, I was bombing until I changed the words ‘dressing gown’ to ‘bath robe’, it pulled the routine together until I came back home, if I call it a bath robe in Blyth I’m getting bottled!”

Bringing the show home, Kai reflects on his early days of stand-up. “I remind myself there is that other life, if maybe I hadn’t had the right education or if I hadn’t had the right parents, or the right opportunities, maybe I’d be kicking around Newcastle protecting statues and hating the wrong people. It could have been me if things hadn’t gone differently, that’s kinda what the show touches on, in a silly way.”

Kai confesses that his six shows at The Stand was perhaps an admin error in not booking a larger venue, but with a wry smile admits that it has worked in his favour, as each new gig is either the day before or after a big game, so he has time to visit St. James’ when he returns. Another case of everything coming up rosy for Kai Humphries.

Kai Humphries performs at The Stand, Newcastle on Sunday 12th, 19th (2 shows) and 26th January, and Sunday 2nd February (2 shows), and at Darlington Hippodrome on Thursday 13th February. www.kaihumphries.com

Image by Troy Edige

MUSIC

INDEX

WE’RE NOT MAKING ASSUMPTIONS, WE’VE DONE THE RESEARCH AND BUILT SOMETHING BASED AROUND WHAT PEOPLE NEED

CLAIRE DUPREE TALKS TO THE TEAM BEHIND THE ONE-STOP MUSIC INDUSTRY RESOURCES HUB

“The concept is to disrupt barriers and encourage collaboration,” says Pippa Morgan, one of the quartet behind North East online music platform Index, alongside Sarah Barron, Helen Walkinshaw and ‘behind the scenes’ (but no less important) web guru David Haigh. “We are a no faff online platform for the North East music community providing contacts, resources and opportunities.”

This platform has been a long time coming, and many have tried to produce something similar in the past, but this dream team arguably have the best shot at success, not because they’ve got deep pockets (they don’t) or because they’re ‘in the know’ (even though they are), but because community and the desire to make connections is at the heart of what they’re doing. Index will take the form of a comprehensive online directory of contacts and information encompassing the region’s music community. In the spring, it’ll be joined by a community-led Opportunities Board for literally any kind of opportunity or role available, with a Resources Hub following in the summer that’s intended as a one-stop shop for skills sharing. “A lot of those resources already exist,” affirms Sarah, “we’re just centralising it all in one place.”

“We’re trying to put together something that’s more accessible and isn’t built on who you know, or any hierarchy. It’s just information.” Says Helen, on the concept behind Index. “The idea also came from us doing loads of research.” Sarah continues. “We wanted to understand where the gaps were for people, and that’s really helped us to shape what it is we’re building. We’re not making assumptions, we’ve done the research and built something based around what people need.” During their research, they identified three key challenges facing many in the industry, including a lack of time, difficulty in accessing information and maintaining visibility for

themselves. Index aims to break down traditional gate-keeping, making information and resources readily available, and encouraging collaboration and new partnerships. “We got tired of the same people getting the same opportunities,” Pippa says candidly. “It’s not that people don’t want to be more accessible in the way they work, it just can’t be at the top of their priority list, so if we’re making people’s lives easier by providing this resource hopefully we’ll see regions across the North East working together more closely, and new people getting more opportunities.”

The team are keen to provide a pathway for those looking to expand their networks, as well as open doors for those new to the industry. “The obvious users are early career people whose networks are small,” says Helen, “and even people at a more advanced level or who are operating in more senior roles could use it to discover people.”

The trio’s experiences range from leadership roles in the distribution and publishing sectors, community engagement, event management and artist development, and they’re all bound by an intrinsic DIY spirit. “We have this knowledge of the industry because we’re part of it, we work in it, we’re all artists, but also we bring an external consideration from working in other settings.” Helen explains.

Anyone who wishes to be listed free of charge can get in touch through a simple form on their website. Access to Index will be by subscription, with affordable and flexible models available. So, next time you need a female sound engineer, someone to run the door at your gig or a template for a tech spec, to quote their snappy tagline: check Index! www.indexmusic.co.uk

L-R Pippa Morgan, Sarah Barron, Helen Walkinshaw

DINKY BOSSETTI

MACK SPROATES CHATS INFLUENCES, NEW SOUNDS AND RAW EMOTION WITH RIOT GRRRL BAND DINKY BOSSETTI AHEAD OF THEIR SECOND EP LAUNCH

Blood, sweat and tears fuel Pink, White & Blue, the second instalment by the Newcastle-based riot grrrl band Dinky Bossetti. With the EP launch coming up on Friday 31st January at The Globe in Newcastle, I got the chance to chat with their singer-songwriter and guitarist Jade Mia Broadhead to find out more.

“We’re the outcasts of the outcasts…” Jade remarks. Alongside Aria Nash (bass) and Chris Howe (drums), Dinky Bossetti are proudly DIY and queer: “I guess we could be called punk but only in terms of our band ethics. I don’t subscribe to the idea of punk just being about three chords and safety pins.” The sound of the band is an amalgamation of influences like Babes In Toyland, Hole, Bikini Kill and Distillers. Dinky gives their all in a live show, playing with fierce energy and a guarantee of a different show every time you see them. Jade adores playing live: “It’s like no other feeling in the world. I’m trying to bring to the band all the things I love as a fan. I’m doing what I love doing the most and feeling more alive than ever.”

Pink, White & Blue is a vibrant, rocking collection of fun and catchy melodies with playful, honest and heartfelt lyrics. Featuring folk, punk, pop and metal influences as well as “big-assed rock riffs”, there’s a whole lot to love about this EP. “It captures the raw emotion and energy of our live shows. This is us.” Jade reflects. From bigotry and shitty men (especially politicians), identity and self-awareness, to tender reflections on love, hardships and Keanu Reeves; Pink, White & Blue offers a

DARE TO DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT TO WHAT EVERYBODY ELSE IS

vital insight not just into what it’s like to be trans, but how to stay hopeful and keep holding on in an increasingly bleak world.

Powerful opening track What About You? (aka my new favourite trans punk anthem) dares to hold a mirror up to the ever-prominent face of transphobia in the UK (and the world). Jade discussed what allies could be doing to help: “There’s a lot of virtue signalling from both the public and organisations who are happy to wave a rainbow flag but don’t go any further than that. Call out abuse when you see it. Educate yourselves. There is no ‘trans agenda’ or ‘trans mafia.’ What there is, is a very scared minority who are seeing their rights and safety eroded every day. It certainly didn’t stop with the Tory Party. When the right wing rhetoric is at its peak, I feel it in the street. It affects my very existence on a daily basis.”

With more and more vital voices like Dinky Bossetti emerging onto the DIY music scene, it’s an exciting time to hear refreshing new voices from the queer community take the mic. On advice for any trans and queer musicians who are starting out, Jade offered: “For every transphobic or sexist promoter, there’s a whole lot more who are willing to look beyond differences and hear the music. Dare to do something different to what everybody else is. I never felt like I fit in with a scene as a kid and I still don’t in a band. Far better to make your own scene!”

Dinky Bossetti launch Pink, White & Blue at The Globe, Newcastle on Friday 31st January. www.dinkybossetti.bandcamp.com

BEHIND THE MUSIC: DUNES

NEWCASTLE-BASED STONER/ALT. ROCK TRIO DUNES ARE KNOWN FOR THEIR HARD-HITTING, HOOK-LADEN, FUZZED-UP SOUNDS THAT NOD TO SOME OF THE EXCITING ARTISTS OF THE 90’S DESERT ROCK AND GRUNGE SCENE. THE BAND, WHO RECENTLY SIGNED TO US LABEL RIPPLE MUSIC, ARE SET TO RELEASE THEIR NEW ALBUM LAND OF THE BLIND ON 17TH JANUARY, AND PLAY AT ZEROX IN NEWCASTLE ON SATURDAY 8TH FEBRUARY. HERE, THEY GIVE US SOME INSIGHT INTO SOME OF THE TRACKS THAT WILL FEATURE ON THEIR EXCITING NEW RELEASE. WWW.DUNESNCL.BANDCAMP.COM

WORDS: ADE HUGGINS

CACTUS

Cactus opens the album and was primarily written by our drummer Nikky, (who also recorded and produced Land Of The Blind), it’s unapologetically stoner rock. It has a hypnotic riff that plays off the drums; there are nods to bands like Lowrider, Dozer and Kyuss. We wanted to open the album with something that sounds huge but it’s also a patient song. The title is a nod to the desert rock bands that have inspired us but also points towards an otherworldliness, escapism and the benefits of trying to take leave of reality every now and then, however you may choose to do that.

NORTHERN SCAR

Northern Scar is a sludgy bastard with an anthemic chorus and brutal ending, in some ways it’s the antithesis of Cactus. If Cactus points towards escapism, Northern Scar is intended to bring you back down to earth and embraces the frustration of people’s attitudes when it comes to doing something out of the norm or being held back because “people from round here don’t do that sort of thing”; that can relate to so many facets of life, and it’s often self-imposed. It features a spoken word piece that could easily be a stand-alone piece. We wanted someone else to write this part and there were a few different people that we had in mind to ask but none of them felt quite right. Then we saw

something Nick Carter had posted that really resonated with us. We told him what the song was about and let him do his thing and it’s perfect.

FIELDS OF GREY

Fields Of Grey was one of the last songs we completed on the album. In all honesty, we almost left it off and didn’t have lyrics when we recorded the demo. We liked the energy of it, and pace-wise it’s a really driving song and it really sits well with the other songs. We persevered and when John came down with the chorus it all fell into place.

Voodoo is about those times when you feel you can’t do right for doing wrong. The track features Ryan Garney from High Desert Queen; we played together when they first came over to the UK in 2022 and we’ve been great friends since then. When we toured together in 2023 he joined us on stage a bunch of times, so when it came to writing and recording the new album we figured it’d be fun to have him on a song. We gave him free rein to add some tasty backing vocals and were so pleased with what he sent back! It has a tasty middle-eight as well, where we flex our metal muscles just ever so slightly, it’s quickly becoming a highlight of the live set.

VOODOO

MANI KAMBO

MACK SPROATES LEARNS ABOUT SYMBOLISM, MAGIC AND AX-IS MUN-DI, THE FIRST MAJOR SOLO EXHIBITION BY NEWCASTLE ARTIST MANI KAMBO

Mani Kambo is a multidisciplinary artist based in Newcastle. Primarily working in textiles, print and moving image, Mani has recently embarked on an exciting journey working with new materials on a much larger scale for Ax-is Mun-di; her exhibition opening at Baltic on Saturday 7th December.

Mani explained some of her influences: “I was brought up with a lot of superstitions, and found them really interesting. I’ve been influenced by textiles because of my family lineage. In India there’s a class system dependent on who you are and where you’re from, or you might do a certain trade, and my family are tailors and fabric dyers. I wouldn’t say it’s prominent in my work, but I like that there’s this rooted history in my practice and the materials I’m using.”

Mani has a beautiful imagination partly formed by her love of arthouse cinema, which is prominent in her use of symbolism: “I enjoy using symbols because sometimes words are quite difficult. You can’t always express yourself in words, or convey a meaning, so I feel like a symbol is a pictorial language.” Mani elaborated: “The eyes or the hands are symbols that are quite common, for me they have one meaning, but to someone else they might have a different meaning. The dot to me is quite a powerful symbol, because it links to the idea of the starting point of everything. Everything expands outwards and shrinks back to it. The biggest and smallest part of everything.”

While in residence at Baltic, Mani was able to explore new art forms like laser cutting, etching into wood and using found objects like rocks. During her research she came across the idea of axis mundi, explaining: “It’s the idea of the threads that connect the underworld, the earth and the heavens above. The idea of portals and different worlds, the cosmos and space. There’s something really powerful about it, like when you stand

I LIKE THAT THERE’S THIS ROOTED HISTORY IN MY PRACTICE AND THE MATERIALS I’M USING

in your back garden on a clear night and you can see the stars, and you’re like ‘wow’, that’s up there. And thinking about how we exist in relation to that idea of the earth, the planet, space.” Mani detailed how this concept explores a liminal, in-between space and the transitions between them: “A simpler way is the idea of being awake and being asleep, and how you move between realms and spaces transcending.” In addition to her fascination with sleep and dreams, Mani expressed an interest in magic: “You kind of know it’s not real but there’s something about wanting to believe that it’s real. You’re wanting to manifest something, which can bring an element of hope and positivity that inspires, it’s such a happy thing.”

Mani’s work is powerful, striking, bold and unique, with an air of freedom around it, having less of a prescribed meaning but giving the viewer independence to make their own interpretations. “I’m always fascinated in what connections and stories people make up about the work themselves”. When discussing the opening of the exhibition Mani explained: “There’s almost a vulnerability in showing your work. Quite a big culmination of my practice over the last few years are coming together and different areas that I’ve explored. It’s really exciting but also petrifying!”

Ax-is Mun-di runs at Baltic, Gateshead from Saturday 7th December-Sunday 1st June. www.manikambo.co.uk

INTOVERT MUSIC

DAVID SAUNDERS TALKS TO SONGWRITER PAUL FLETCHER ABOUT HIS COLOURFUL TAKE ON MODERN AMERICANA

Newcastle songwriter Intovert, aka Paul Fletcher, is set to release his album of vintage pop, entitled Wildflowers. His artist name is not a typo, which Paul explained when I asked him about its origin. “It’s derived from introvert but I’m using vert as in the French word for green, so it’s about being into all things green. For example, I adopted a plant-based diet around the same time as starting this project.”

The project came to life during lockdown, with the idea being to write a batch of new songs, learn some new instruments and try to figure out the basics of music production. “It’s been a really enjoyable process helped by having no external pressures, deadlines or expectations. It’s given me the confidence that I can see a creative project through from start to finish and can be self-sufficient in making music. I’ve also learned that I can enjoy the more technical side of making music.”

The album was recorded throughout 2023/24 and has seen Paul take his time to develop his practice further, as he explains: “I spent time researching how to achieve the sounds I wanted, such as a 70’s muffled snare or a muted bass. Learning and recording each instrumental part took a while, and it was a case of trial and error, but I tended to go with the first or second take to keep it sounding fresh.”

He goes on to tell me more about the name and themes on the album: “I like the idea of wildflowers being fragile but resilient and able to grow in harsh urban environments. All the songs on the album are about losing and finding connections in some way… also about the benefits of living a more simple, uncomplicated life, a bit like the slow living and minimal movements that are gaining popularity.”

Wildflower, which was self-produced in a “box bedroom” has a tender, intimate feel and sonically, you can hear the influence of some of the modern American 70s style soft rock artists that

ALL THE SONGS ON THE ALBUM ARE ABOUT LOSING AND FINDING CONNECTIONS IN SOME WAY

inspired it (Andy Shauf, Whitney, Kate Bollinger, Weyes Blood, Sam Evian and Drugdeale), which Paul claims (and I very much agree) gives it a “warm, melodic and understated” sound. That’s not to say no British influences pop out, as there are notes of artists such as Badly Drawn Boy and The Bees in the mix too. Tracks such as Get Back Up Again and You Don’t Have To Say You’re Sorry, with their harmonious vocals, shuffling rhythms and expansive guitar sounds, evoke sun-filled scenes of drives down the Californian coast, whereas tracks like Avoid The Sharks and Beautiful Mystery, with its folkier acoustic sounds and rich organ accompaniment, whisk me off to some smoky music bar on the Sunset Strip. It’s a really accomplished body of work that would take pride of place in any record collection in the Laurel Canyon.

I ask what it is about West Coast pop, Americana and country (genres that are enjoying a bit of a revival at the moment) that is so endearing to British audiences. “There’s definitely a broad range of tastes and styles within those genres, with some very commercial-sounding music that appeals to lots of people. I think people like songs that tell a story and the best music from those genres has an enduring, timeless appeal with links to our own folk music traditions.”

Intovert releases Wildflower on 2nd December. www.linktr.ee/intovert

Image by Juan Fitzgerald

HELS PATTISON

ISABEL MARIA CHATS TO THE INDIE COUNTRY SINGER-SONGWRITER ABOUT AUTHENTICITY, HEARTACHE AND HER SOUL-BARING NEW EP

There is an absolute sea of musical talent in Newcastle right now, and Hels Pattison is making a hell of a lot of waves in it. Hels is releasing her EP Just What I Do on 17th January, and it’s an absolute masterclass in powerful, classic songwriting.

Recorded between two stellar Northern studios – Blank and Polestar – and produced by Sam Grant, the EP is a tale of love found and lost, with adventurously raw sonics which allow Hels’ delightful vocals to soar alongside her band (Alex Ferry on bass, Aneeka Johnson on drums and Zachary Savage on guitars).

“The EP is essentially every flavour of heartache, and weaves a linear narrative.” Hels explains. “The opening track On The Horizon is a hopeless longing to be saved from the mundaneness of life. Better Person is the attribution of internal happiness onto a saviour. Please Don’t Break My Heart describes the desperation of not wanting to lose that happiness. And Just What I Do is the final act of avoiding the heartbreak by ending the relationship first.”

You can really feel how much of herself Hels has put into the music, and not only lyrically, but sonically too; each track is gently intriguing in its own way. “We really set out to achieve a different sound on each track, which I like to think we were

WE REALLY SET OUT TO ACHIEVE A DIFFERENT SOUND ON EACH TRACK, WHICH I LIKE TO THINK WE WERE SUCCESSFUL AT!

MUSIC

Image by Victoria Wai

successful at! Please Don’t Break My Heart was recorded as a live take, with Zachary – my guitarist – and I together in the room to give it a more intimate and natural feeling, with minimal overdubs. Whereas Just What I Do was built by incrementally adding layers of subtle effects on the guitars, some synths and choice harmonies to give these little pops of intrigue to what is otherwise quite a simple song.

“Something that was refreshing (if unnerving!) was the decision to keep the vocal tracks relatively raw. I’m sure plenty of vocalists would agree that reverb and double tracking a vocal puts us much more at ease, but Sam Grant really encouraged me to keep the vocals relatively unprocessed to maintain that intimacy that the whole EP emanates.” It’s choices like these that make Just What I Do that extra little bit special, combined with Hels’ musical past, comprising some delightful influences.

“I was raised on old school country & western, and southern rock, like Mary Chapin Carpenter and Lynryd Skynyrd. But more recently I’ve been obsessed with that effortless emotional sound of artists like Phoebe Bridgers and Ethel Cain. I try and fuse these influences, taking a bit of traditional country storytelling and sprinkling in that deeply frank and honest lyricism from the sad girl indie side of things.”

If that sounds like your vibe, get your ears around this record. You can catch Hels and her band headlining The Grove on Friday 17th January, and it’s sure to be an absolute delight. www.facebook.com/helspattisonmusic

A Winter Union

ALT. XMAS

THE NORTH EAST’S CREATIVES HAVE PULLED SOME MARVELLOUS STUFF OUT OF THEIR STOCKINGS FOR THIS YEAR’S FESTIVE SEASON. CLAIRE DUPREE CHECKS OUT ALTERNATIVE THEATRE, COMEDY, MUSIC AND MORE OVER THE CHRISTMAS PERIOD.

MUSIC

Some musical events are more festive sounding than others (yes, we’re looking at you Shitsmas), but however they pitch themselves, we’re certain you’ll find plenty of good cheer at these shows.

Certain to be a wholesome affair, award-winning songwriter Jez Lowe brings his folk quartet The Bad Pennies to Bishop Auckland Town Hall (16 Dec); another North East favourite, Martin Stephenson, brings his aptly named Goodwill Trio to Cluny 2 (22-23 Dec); and Geordie troubadours The Baghdaddies host their annual festive shindig at Cobalt Studios (20 Dec). In Sunderland, BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winners The Young’uns bring harmony, heart and humour to The Fire Station (11 Dec); and at the same venue later in the month, Sunderland’s favourite spiky post-punk popsters The Futureheads present their vibrant mix of banging singalongs, acoustic arrangements and a capella treats (21 Dec). At Middlesbrough Town Hall, indie folk siblings Cattle & Cane share their soaring harmonies and self-reflective lyrics at a special Christmassy show (20 Dec).

There’s a soulful soiree at Gosforth Civic Theatre courtesy of Voices of Virtue Gospel Choir (6 Dec); and later in the month,

a big band shindig from Strictly Smokin’ Big Band (13-14 Dec), plus Awake Arise, an unmissable show from five of the folk scene’s most inventive artists, trio Lady Maisery, Jimmy Aldridge and Sid Goldsmith, featuring traditional songs, carols and spoken word (12 Dec). Monster Ceilidh Band head out on a Christmas Ceilidh tour, bringing electro-folk goodness to Star & Shadow Cinema (14 Dec) and Fire Station Sunderland (23 Dec); for something altogether different, The Skapones’ Xmas bash at Forum Music Centre Darlington promises ska and 2-tone vibes alongside ska/reggae band Zen Baseball Bat (21 Dec); at Hoochie Coochie, Northern Roots team up with Kema Kay and Kay Greyson for a hip-hop and soul party featuring Georgia May, Sisi, RobRez and many more (6 Dec); while there’s gypsy jazz and festive favourites at The Globe for Hot Club du Nord’s Christmas party (22 Dec).

The Glasshouse‘s Christmas season includes performances from The Unthanks (3 Dec), The Wandering Hearts (6 Dec), Martin Stephenson & The Daintees (7 Dec), Jess Gillam Ensemble (12 Dec), A Winter Union (17 Dec), Kate Rusby (18 Dec), Smoove & Turrell (20 Dec), Jez Lowe (22 Dec) and more; while Sunderland’s Fire Station hosts a Fire Side festive pop-up programme which will include indoor and outdoor bars, food trucks and live performances right up until 1st January.

The aforementioned Shitsmas at The Lubber Fiend will see

bludgeoning riffs and rock ‘n’ roll behaviour from The Shits, plus hardcore punk courtesy of Diall and jangly Britpop from Stannington (14 Dec); there’s more local celebration at The Bunker’s Christmas Celebration Gig, featuring performances from members of their weekly music workshops and band clubs (7 Dec); Gateshead’s harmonic rockers Spilt Milk present their Christmas bash at The Cluny, complete with special guests and an extended horn section (12 Dec); while at Middlesbrough’s Toft House there’s a We Shall Overcome charity special featuring George Boomsma, Old Muggins, Cheryl Baines, Beth Burrows, Alistair James and more, raising funds for the local foodbank (28 Dec).

For those with littl’uns in tow, The Grove’s Techno Tots includes family-friendly vibes from a seven-piece band, DJ sets, fire dancers, circus performances and much more (22 Dec); at Star & Shadow Cinema, the Mummers Winter Ceilidh includes storytelling, puppetry and dancing (18 Dec); and Arts Centre Washington’s Christmas Cabaret will be a fun-packed festive treat for all the family, with music, comedy, circus and magic (13 Dec).

STAGE

A heart-warming wintry tale can be a magical way to start the Christmas festivities, no matter your age. There’s a high-octane and energetic show courtesy of an award-winning creative team at Newcastle’s Live Theatre, as Alphabetti Theatre’s Ali Pritchard teams up with Dramaturg Tamsin Rees and musician Ceitidh Mac in Present, in which party-loving Dave takes on an epic quest to buy a gift for his grandson (3-21 Dec). Northern Stage’s big show this year takes on a festive classic, as A Christmas Carol sees Scrooge attempt to mend his miserly ways in time for Christmas; and for younger audiences, Northern Stage team up again with Kitchen Zoo for their production of Wolf!, featuring puppetry, original music and a cautionary tale of the

boy who cried wolf (both (until 4 Jan).

Young and not-so-young alike will get swept up in the magic of Live Theatre’s Blitzen on the Tyne in which the littlest reindeer becomes the star of the show (7-22 Dec); at Alphabetti, brush up on your sleuthing skills to uncover Who Stole The Christmas Pud? (19-21 Dec); there’s more puppetry and song at Arts Centre Washington’s production of Tinsel, in which the plucky hero overcomes the odds to reach the top of the Christmas tree (3-7 Dec); in County Durham, Wrongsemble present their show Breadcrumbs at Bishop Auckland Town Hall (28 Nov-1 Dec) and Gala Theatre (3-24 Dec), which follows siblings Hansel and Gretel on a wildly festive journey through the enchanted forest; later in January, Bishop Auckland Town Hall welcomes The Enormous Turnip, an alternative to the charming-Prince-meets-love-of-his-life drama (9-11 Jan); balletLORENT’s heart-warming show The Velveteen Rabbit sees toys come to life through the magic of storytelling, music and dance at Gosforth Civic Theatre (20-22 Dec), returning to the stage again in January at Bishop Auckland Town Hall (25 Jan); while Newcastle’s People’s Theatre head down the rabbit hole courtesy of Alice In Wonderland on a madcap adventure (7-15 Dec).

For the grown-ups, Little Miss Christmas at Alphabetti is a festive homage to queer pagentry, complete with lip syncs, live vocals and singalongs courtesy of Patti Boo Rae who, alongside special guests every night, will present a multimedia extravaganza (10-21 Dec); and there’s a typically stellar line-up of drag fun at Cobalt Studios as Latrine Lurka and friends invite you to Latrine’s Haus of Fun’s Xmas special (21 Dec). For those of you who like your Christmas giggles naughtier, there are two adult pantos in the region determined to start your new year with a bang: Wizard of Oz at Middlesbrough Town Hall will see acclaimed Drag Race stars Marina Summers and A’Whora join together for camp and filthy fun (29 Jan); while Tyne Theatre & Opera House’s production of Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs promises cheeky and outrageous performances (4-5 Jan).

L-R: Mixtape, The Velveteen Rabbit by Luke Waddington

COMEDY

Get your ribs tickled courtesy of the region’s funniest folk at a variety of festive shows, including comedy experts The Stand’s Christmas Specials featuring local favourites Lee Kyle, Mike Milligan, Lauren Pattison, Connor Read and Micky Bartlett (12-14 Dec). Female comedy troupe Your Aunt Fanny invite you to their Christmas soap opera special You’re Not Me Ma at The Stand, which promises betrayal, affairs, grudges, road traffic accidents, STIs and passive aggressive comments about Nanna’s dry turkey slices (14-15 & 19 Dec). The venue also offers up a couple of family-friendly shows, including the “fastest and stupidest” hour of alternative comedy, The Big Family Christmas Show, which stars Lee Kyle, Hannah Walker, Kelly Rickard and Elaine Robertson (14-15 & 21 Dec).

At Northern Stage, improv comedy specialists The Suggestibles’ Impro Pantso takes audiences on a wild ride of mischievous adventure and unscripted hilarity (19-20 Dec); there’s all-singing-all-dancing daftness from The Six Twenty’s Mixtape at Arts Centre Washington, who pair their cult comedy quiz show with some festive-themed sketches and loads of music (19 Dec); at ARC in Stockton, Catch 22 Comedy Club’s seasonal silliness comes courtesy of MC Matt Reed, Scottish comedian Connor Burns, BGT finalist Kevin Finn and award-winning comedian and musician Christian Riley (13 Dec); while over at Hartlepool Town Hall there’s another chance to catch Matt Reed and Connor Burns, alongside Christian Reilly and Eddy Midgley at Hot Potato’s Xmas Special (14 Dec).

OTHER EVENTS

Great North Museum: Hancock present a real mixed bag of alternative treats at their Winter Wonder(land), a cultural evening for adults with activities to try, music, lightning talks, drinks and pizza (6 Dec).

Stock up on goodies at a variety of Christmas markets across the region, including Sister Shack’s Yuletide Market at Gosforth Civic Theatre (30 Nov), Sunderland’s Seventeen Nineteen Christmas Fair (7 Dec), Made Up North Winter Market at Boiler Shop in Newcastle (8 Dec), Star & Shadow Christmas Market (8 Dec) and Barnard Castle’s Bowes Museum Winter Market (13-15 Dec).

If a movie is on the cards, the usual classics like Die Hard, Home Alone and The Snowman pop up at lots of venues across the region, plus there’s alternative treats including Star & Shadow Cinema’s spine-chilling tales from the BBC archive in Ghost Stories for Christmas (14 Dec) and the magical sounding Polar Express Family Event at Tyneside Cinema (7 & 14 Dec).

L-R, T-B: Present, Little Miss Christmas,Your Aunt Fanny’s You’re Not Me Ma by Jon Forster Photography

LISTINGS

THE BEST OF THE REST… EVEN MORE ALTERNATIVE MUSIC, THEATRE, COMEDY, ART AND FILM TAKING PLACE THROUGHOUT THE NORTH EAST THIS MONTH

SUNDAY 1ST DECEMBER

BENJAMIN FRANCIS LEFTWICH

York-based alt. singer-songwriter // Middlesbrough Town Hall Courtroom

TUESDAY 3RD DECEMBER

PDG X GRA

Artist Conal McStravick will host a two-day performance and media workshop mapping gender, queer and AIDS activism in the UK past and present. Also on Wednesday 4th December // NewBridge Project, Newcastle

WEDNESDAY 4TH DECEMBER

GRACE PETRIE

Folk rock cult hero and queer icon // The Georgian Theatre, Stockton

PIP BLOM

Dutch indie trio, supported by Tom Sharkett // The Grove, Newcastle

THURSDAY 5TH DECEMBER

BALLET CYMRU: ROMEO & JULIET

Intense fighting, passionate duets and universal themes echo through dramatic and lyrical choreography alongside Sergei Prokofiev’s classic score. Runs until 7th December // Dance City, Newcastle

ROBYN ERRICO

Pianist and singer-songwriter, supported by Midnight Library, Zarahruth and Jade Mia Broadhead // NE Volume Music Bar, Stockton

FRIDAY 6TH DECEMBER

SULPHIDE

Metal band, supported by Extrascene and Sock In It // NE Volume Music Bar, Stockton

WREST

Edinburgh based indie band // The Grove, Newcastle

SATURDAY 7TH DECEMBER

A NIGHT FOR PALESTINE

Featuring performance from Tam Dean Burn, Chandni Chopra, Omar Ismail and Johny Brown // Three Tanners Bank, North Shields

BIG MOUTH COMEDY CLUB

Featuring Matt Reed, Matt Richardson, Kevin Finn and Ignacio Lopez // Middlesbrough Town Hall

CULTURE CLUB

Music icon Boy George brings Culture Club to Newcastle, with support from Tony Hadley and Heaven 17 // Utilita Arena, Newcastle

HILARITY BITES COMEDY CLUB

Featuring George Zach, Pete Selwood, Josh Sedman and Lee Kyle // The Forum Music Centre, Darlington

LIAM FENDER

Alt. indie rocker // The Exchange 1856, North Shields

SHALLOW

North East grunge trio, supported by The Agency… and The Young Property Developers // The Grove, Newcastle

THE SILVER LINES

Flat-out rock ‘n’ rollers // Zerox, Newcastle

SUNDAY 8TH DECEMBER

ROBIN MORGAN

The comedian’s new show, The Spark, investigates how to keep the spark of life and love alive // The Stand, Newcastle

MONDAY 9TH DECEMBER

SPONTANEOUS POTTER

The unofficial improvised parody // The Stand, Newcastle

THURSDAY 12TH DECEMBER

BETTER WATCH OUT

On a quiet suburban street at Christmas, a babysitter must defend a twelve-year-old boy from intruders, only to discover it’s far from a normal invasion // Star & Shadow Cinema, Newcastle

IN THE FRAME

Step into a world where film, animation and innovative tech collide. In The Frame present a captivating blend of doco-style films and animated wonders. Explore the artistry of stop-motion animation in an exclusive workshop led by the talented Samuel Burt, plus a stunning showcase of screen dance that pushes the boundaries of movement and film // The Studio, Hartlepool

NEW ACT NEW MATERIAL NIGHT

Featuring stand-up comedy from Peter Brush, Ant Dewson, Catherine Young and more // Hops & Cheese, Hartlepool

FRIDAY 13TH DECEMBER

FEATURED // Blossom x Man Power

Local promoters Blossom welcome DJ, producer and performer Man Power for an evening of iconic dancefloor fillers // Sea Change, South Shields

HILARITY BITES COMEDY CLUB

Featuring Lost Voice Guy, Dean Coughlin and Sully O’Sullivan // Bishop Auckland Town Hall

MARTIN MCALOON

Performing hits from Prefab Sprout’s incredible career // The Cluny 2, Newcastle

PALMA LOUCA

Shoegazey five-piece, supported by Cavello and Ramellos @ The Bunker, Sunderland

SILENT MEN

Why do so many men struggle to show their feelings? Part therapy, part road trip, award-winning filmmaker Duncan Cowles asks men how they open up, includes Q&A // Star & Shadow Cinema, Newcastle

THE RIFLES

Indie band // The Grove, Newcastle

SATURDAY 14TH DECEMBER

BIG MOUTH COMEDY CLUB

Featuring Dave Twentyman, Connor Burns, Kevin Finn and Christian Reilly // Middlesbrough Town Hall

DEMOB HAPPY

The Newcastle-formed, Brighton-based alt. rockers return for a hometown show // The Grove, Newcastle

PLATFORM 22

Showcase night featuring performances from Ivies, Shannon Pearl and Primaveras // Independent, Sunderland

SUNDAY 15TH DECEMBER

DESI COMEDY CENTRAL

An uplifting night of kick-ass comedians, featuring Tommy Sandhu, Shalaka Kurup, Faizan Shah and Prince Abdi // The Stand, Newcastle

JAM TUB

Gnarly punk rockers with indie sensibilities, supported by Strays // The Grove, Newcastle

WEDNESDAY 18TH DECEMBER

DYLAN JOHN THOMAS Indie rock star // NX Newcastle

THURSDAY 19TH DECEMBER

FLINCH

Pop punk from Glasgow, supported by Spank Hair and Daniel Maple // Station East, Gateshead

LIVE & LOCAL

Showcase night, featuring performances from North East artists including Metal Machine Music, Stock Image and Spiritual Dawn // The Forum Music Centre, Darlington

SCOTTISH POLIS INSPECTORS

DIY post-punk pop // The Engine Room, North Shields

TRAVIS

Glasgow’s multiple Brit and Ivor Novellowinning songwriting giants // O2 City Hall, Newcastle

SATURDAY 21ST DECEMBER

S.K.X. FUNKANAUTS

Expect cosmic sounds from the out-there genre-blurring kilohertz explorers, support from DJ Peasant Mystic // Zerox, Newcastle

SUNDAY 22ND DECEMBER

ERNIE

The sad indie artist plays a stripped down set // Three Tanners Bank, North Shields

MONDAY 30TH DECEMBER

CLOTH EARED MULE

Old-time Americana from the Appalachian mountains and beyond, with support from Errant Moose // The Globe, Newcastle

SATURDAY 4TH JANUARY

HILARITY BITES COMEDY CLUB

A special guest comedian whose name has to be kept under wraps is promised as the headline act, plus support from Becky Umbers, Sam Serrano and Danny Deegan // The Forum Music Centre, Darlington

MONDAY 6TH JANUARY

NERDS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN

Science and comedy combine with Neil Harris, Kelly Edgar, Matthew Wheelwright and Luke Connell // The Stand, Newcastle

SATURDAY 11TH JANUARY

MCCORMICK & TOKYO ROSE

Revered Teesside songwriter // Toft House, Middlesbrough

THURSDAY 16TH JANUARY

BROKEN VOW

New England hardcore band, supported by Wise Up, Blood Feud and Prozpekt // The Lubber Fiend, Newcastle

FRIDAY 17TH JANUARY

BRENNAN REECE

Cheeky Northern comic // ARC, Stockton

NECRO NOISE

A night of synthwave, darkwave and cyberpunk courtesy of Necro Noise, Gaydar and Holy Braille // The Cluny, Newcastle

TUESDAY 21ST JANUARY

BIRDSONG

Sebastian Faulks’ epic story of love and loss returns to the stage. Runs until 25th January // Theatre Royal, Newcastle

WRISTMEETSRAZOR

Raw and emotional metal band, supported by Divine Hatred // Zerox, Newcastle

WEDNESDAY 22ND JANUARY

WARD THOMAS

Successful English country duo // Playhouse Whitley Bay

SATURDAY 25TH JANUARY

AURIE STYLA

The award-winning comedian, seen on the likes of Deep Fake Neighbour Wars, Comedy Central Live and Mo Gilligan’s Black, British & Funny, talks about this wild world and his journey to make sense of it // The Stand, Newcastle

SUNDAY 26TH JANUARY

BRANT BJORK

Californian desert rock // The Cluny, Newcastle HUTCH

Post-punk magic, supported by Trip Westerns // Zerox, Newcastle

TUESDAY 28TH JANUARY

DANCE EDITS

An informal platform for new work presented by regional and national dance artists including Jonny Curry, Sel Maclean, Jenny Chrisp, Orla Hardie and Daisy Dancer // Dance City, Newcastle

WEDNESDAY 29TH JANUARY

FEMI KUTI & THE POSITIVE FORCE BAND

Vibrant modern Afropop // Wylam Brewery, Newcastle

FRIDAY 31ST JANUARY

CATCH 22 COMEDY CLUB

Featuring Dave Twentyman, Andrew White, Alex Tighe and Matt Brigg // ARC, Stockton

KAY GREYSON

The celebrated Newcastle hip-hop artist brings her fusion of rap, jazz and rock // Newgate Social, Newcastle

MICHAEL GALLAGHER

Sharply observed lyricism and indie pop sounds // The Georgian Theatre, Stockton

REVIEWS

Beabadoobee by Carl Chambers

WEATHERSHIP, MIDDLE MANAGEMENT, BOY FOUND SOUND @ THE GEORGIAN THEATRE, STOCKTON (15.11.24)

Words: Robert Nichols

What an amazing night for Weathership and for Stockton; sell-out shows for Squeeze at The Globe, for local solo star Finn Forster at ARC and across the High Street The Georgian Theatre is rammed for the eagerly awaited debut album launch for Teesside’s latest emerging guitar band sensation.

Talking of emerging, Boy Found Sound and Middle Management were clearly both grateful to have been given this platform despite both being so new to the scene. The quirky, arty, alt. pop of Middle Management followed on from the moody, broody, melodic four-piece Boy Found Sound. Middle Management have actually yet to put out any music but both acts really struck a chord or two with the crowd. Prior to the launch Weathership had only allowed us glimpses of their album Splendid Beast. They announced themselves on stage with glorious album opener Golden Age, heralding a golden hour of entertainment. With three guitars and bass in a line they have a presence on stage. Jim Riggall, in aviator shades centre stage, sets the vibe with his impassioned, imploring lead vocals. Snowy’s lead chimes over the minor chord strumming and humming. Building atmosphere, stepping out and scaling up in depth, breadth and tempo. The audience is thrown into the white water with The Swimmer, Lost At Sea with the last plastic bag. Join Weathership for adventure.

FUCKED UP, FAST BLOOD @ THE GROVE, NEWCASTLE (29.10.24)

Words: Lee Fisher

Fast Blood were new to me (but clearly not to a lot of the crowd, there was a lot of singing along) and they’re pretty damn great. They’re very much a North East punk band: it’s a bit on the nose but I swear I could hear Leatherface, China Drum and Martha in their melodic hardcore, which is probably the holy trinity of such bands. And singer Abi –despite being knackered from the previous night’s shenanigans – has a voice full of character and energy, with a full-on hardcore roar held back till it’s needed.

Almost twenty-five years in (and fifteen years since I last saw them), Fucked Up are still keeping the fire of committed, inventive, political

punk burning. They’re known for fucking with the formula – throwing prog and metal and indie pop and FLUTES!! into the mix – but they’re still essentially a melodic hardcore band and they were raging tonight, frontman Damian (Pink Eyes to his mum) on compelling form and the band veering from sludgy psych to pummelling punk on a sixpence, always playing with the structure and form. Damian danced and gurned and goofed about but managed a moving, heartfelt speech about trans rights too, before crushing water bottles on his head to become Budget Hellboy. From the killer choruses to the anthemic, rousing bangers, Fucked Up were beautiful tonight.

BEABADOOBEE, MOMMA @ O2 CITY HALL, NEWCASTLE (13.11.24)

Words: Susie Burgess

American band Momma opened the evening, pairing strong guitar riffs with hook-heavy lyricism. Led by dual vocalists, the school friends from Boston offered authentic slacker rock production and soft vocals. An angsty 90s sound, Momma will appeal to fans of Mannequin Pussy, Soccer Mommy and chokecherry.

As the opening industrial notes of California rang through the City Hall, Filipino-British singer Beabadoobee appeared onstage with a crash of energy and charisma. Instantly curating a symbiotic relationship with the crowd, her fans mirrored the singer’s vibrant spirit. Simply staged, with ample flashing lights and projections on a white cloth backdrop, the curtain fell down partway through the show to reveal a backlit wall of ivy.

Presenting a modernised twist to old school indie rock, Beabadoobee artfully blended nostalgia and introspection. Toeing the line of pop rock, soft whispery vocals delivered these coming of age tracks alongside electric licks and compelling drums fitting for fans of Suki Waterhouse, Clairo and Mitski.

I lost count of the colourful guitar changes, and Beabadoobee sprinkled acoustic solos amidst the highly dynamic sound which included viral stripped-back hits Coffee and The Way Things Go. The setlist covered favourites from albums Fake It Flowers, Beatopia and latest release This is How Tomorrow Moves. The encore saw anecdotal moments with brief narrative introductions, finishing the Tuesday night set with all the energy of a Friday night crowd.

THE LAST PATH, EASTER, BOY LATEX, LEAFACHE @ LITTLE BUILDINGS, NEWCASTLE (01.11.24)

Words: Ali Welford

A stacked bill commences with the first public airing for local quartet Leafache, filling a hitherto untapped niche with choppy songs concerning midges, big scissors and The Tiger Who Came To Tea. There’s a lot to like in their pedantic, discordant nerd rock, though even their roughest edges are made to sound slick by the unbound battery of Boy Latex. Frequently morphing into fresh forms, this incendiary trio’s performances are connected by sheer raw ferocity – a volatility which makes them one of the most thrilling, unpredictable acts on our noisy punk circuit.

As the evening’s most conventional rockers, visiting Mancunians Easter shift the onus squarely to songcraft. A love letter to this region and its music scene, Great North East – receiving its first airing in its natural home – is an obvious standout, while chiming twin guitar solos throughout add welcome bursts of excitement and spontaneity. Finally, The Last Path’s instincts continue to lead them down ever lengthier, more repetitive roads. Tonight’s opener (working title: Wurmz) is an unashamed slowcore beast which grinds for a seemingly interminable 15 minutes. Being The Last Path, it’s also completely mesmerising. The standout, though – as at all their shows – is Rhona; proof that even bands who deal exclusively in outstanding songs can possess one which stands head and shoulders above the rest. What a band!

AMYL & THE SNIFFERS, UPCHUCK @ NX, NEWCASTLE (07.11.24)

Words: Dominic Stephenson Upchuck instantly seemed like an appropriate pit-warmer for Amyl & The Sniffers. A bluster of no-nonsense brawny punk followed from the Atlanta quintet, ushered along by snaking doomy riffs and gnawing, politically-charged vocals. The drummer took centre stage to bark a fiery Spanish sung number midway, and with a message pitched somewhere between hardcore, metal, garage and hip-hop, this was a case of watching the support band and immediately latching onto their material.

Amyl and co., made only their second appearance in Newcastle after performing to a crowd a fraction of this size sometime pre-Covid. This profanity-laden juggernaut needed no warming up, bulldozing into Doing In Me Head and Jerkin’, the latter a loutish thesis statement for the band to date. While the lathering bass that opens Guided By Angels

from the second LP always guarantees rapturous scenes, it was the introspective flourishes of the new tracks that really impressed; Chewing Gum and Big Dreams from new album Cartoon Darkness are the most candied tracks they’ve ever made, delivered through Amy Taylor’s newfound melodic range. With the record being an ode to the dystopian parallels in current geopolitics, disdain for the demagogueelect was predictably the running theme of the night, from both bands. The quartet delved into experimental and expansive sonics on Me And The Girls and U Should Not Be Doing That, as well as face-melting guitar on B-side Facts. They never quite hooked me with the same furore as listening digitally, but what makes Amyl & The Sniffers an essential force is their ability to capture the rage and joy in contemporary punk music.

CEITIDH MAC @ BLACK SWAN BAR & VENUE, NEWCASTLE

Words: Chloe Glover

A red hot name in the North East, Ceitidh Mac’s final gig of the year promised a smouldering finale to a season of performances that have seen the alt. folk star take in top festival spots, creative projects and glowing reviews from the BBC and beyond.

A lingeringly low misty day and the mellow ambience of Newcastle Art Centre’s Black Swan Bar & Venue heightened the anticipation of Mac’s full band headline slot at the second instalment of the venue’s new promising folk night, F-Word.

Following four excellent floor spot performances that traversed Appalachian strummed dulcimer, local folk traditions and lullabies for an uncertain world, Mac’s music has an instant, arresting quality. Dreamy and languid synth and vibraphone notes from Will Hammond, the soft percussive pops and backing vocals from Francesca Knowles meld with the brooding, warm pluck of cello strings on Jump In and Heliotrope. They bleed effortlessly into the ethereally beautiful Goldfinches, whose bass notes vibrate this writer’s soul, and the burr and captivating vocal harmonies of Seedlings.

Mac’s beautiful, shifting vocal tones are especially goosebump-inducing on a new unreleased track, feeling like cold water therapy. The whole set is an earthy, smoky and sumptuous soundscape, like vetiver in musical form that absorbs and brings to light distinct musical sounds. 2024 has ended on a high for Mac, who plans to use the winter to conjure up more sensorial delights, promising a lot to look forward to in 2025.

Amyl & The Sniffers by Rhiannon Banks

GEORDIE GREEP, KNATS @ THE CLUNY, NEWCASTLE (28.10.24)

Words: Dominic Stephenson

Geordie natives Knats had been on a six-date run supporting Geordie Greep, concluding with a prolonged homecoming slot. They sound as if DMA’s turned out smooth jazz, as sparkling keys swirled over thick bass grooves, smoky saxophone and shuffling drums, with enough coaxing horn to make the most ardent noise head start bobbing like Howard Moon.

Soon after he unceremoniously announced the dissolution of black midi on Instagram, ringleader Geordie Greep unveiled The New Sound. A sold-out show (and on a Monday nonetheless) emphasised his cultish status, with his new band well-drilled in sculpting the desired overflowing mosaic. A mammoth running time was required to cram in the many stylings and Greep’s established croon now channels his inner Scott Walker, cascading over tales of pathetic, horny men. Incels are the theme of his debut full-length, and while these tunes are coloured with delirious salsa, beefed-up samba, melodic prog rock and instrumental jazz, Latin rock is the nucleus of this new excursion. Cellist Felix Stephens led a wonderful choppy new number and it was fascinating to watch this immaculate presentation bring these deprived characters to life.

Only at a Geordie Greep show could a mosh pit break out in the middle of the room to a rendition of Happy Birthday, and when a patron appeared to nearly faint down at the front, our narrator quipped: “I didn’t know it was that good man, fair play”, which just about sums up the zany eccentric. A Hendrix-esque riff spilled into walloping lead single Holy, Holy, before fluently melding back into heartfelt tenderness on the closing tracks. I enjoyed this solo foray more than any black midi gig and while just how palatable his satirical absurdism is subjective, there’s no question that Greep is a remarkable musician.

BOB VYLAN, HYPHEN @ NX, NEWCASTLE (29.10.24)

Words: Ben Lowes-Smith

Bob Vylan’s star has been in the ascendancy since their breakthrough album The Price Of Life in 2022, and this success has only been compounded by this year’s chirpier Humble As The Sun, which takes their usual punk rock sound and expands it with shades of reggae, pop and hip-hop.

Hyphen provide a rousing, gleeful thirty minutes beforehand, with music that covers similar issues to the headliners, from late state capitalism to institutionalised racism in their crosshairs, served with more classic

rock colours by a genuinely endearing and charismatic front person. Bob Vylan kick off semi-seriously, with some guided stretching and meditation, before a laser-focused set of political punk. Bob Vylan thunder through their set of favourites old and new, the anger of the songs offset by Bobby’s charming and gentle between song patter. It is when 2020’s EP We Live Here is revisited that that the place erupts; England’s Ending and Northern Line are rapturously received vignettes of righteous fury. Bobby’s rapport with the audience is complimented by his tendency to bounce around like a rubber ball, providing a suitable foil for his bandmate. Everything here is political, from the group’s cheery positivity to the red, green and black light show, but not at the expense of being riotously entertaining: Katrina and The Waves’ Walking On Sunshine is blasted after austerity-bashing The Hunger Games – the pill sugared, the personal political.

ISABEL MARIA, ICE ROAD TRUCKER, MELANIE BAKER @ THE CUMBERLAND ARMS, NEWCASTLE (26.10.24)

Words: Chloe Glover

There’s not much escaping Hallowe’en at this time of year, particularly at a gig celebrating the release of a single named Ghost, but there were no fearsome ghouls, just very welcome spirits at Isabel Maria’s DIY headline set at The Cumberland Arms.

Sunderland’s pop punk Ice Road Trucker, AKA Eddie Scott of Picnic and Mt. Misery, was first to the stage with a stripped-back, anti-folk-esque sound that brought his sharp-witted lyricism into focus. His dry humour skilfully segued through songs about complex relationships to “a more upbeat song” about death, echoing Jeffrey Lewis’ vibrancy.

“If you want to talk about mental health, have slugs in your cupboard or like the bus, I could be for you.” So, Penrith-born, Newcastle-based Melanie Baker jokily set the tone for her set, awash with direct and honest songs spanning the confusing and frustrating realities of modern life with a nostalgic, light quality to her sound.

It’s hard to comprehend the talent of young Sunderland headliner Isabel Maria, joined tonight with full band for a jam-packed 13 song performance to a sold out crowd. Gifted with an ability beyond her years to pen lyrics that meld emotional intelligence, vulnerability and sometimes caustic wit, the pop folk singer-songwriter delivered her music in a delicate yet striking manner, particularly on Addicted, about the toxicity of a one-sided relationship and new song Ghost, which closed the show. A hauntingly beautiful performance from a musician set to go far.

Bob Vylan by Iam Burn

TRACKS

REVIEWS

(PLEASE TRY TO GET IN TOUCH 8-6 WEEKS AHEAD OF THE MONTH OF RELEASE)

CHARLOTTE GRAYSON & THE SHAME AREAS GET OUTTA MY YARD

Words: Isabel Johnson

Have you ever had a boy throw stones at your window at 3am in order to profess his undying love for you? Probably not, but Charlotte Grayson will tell you all about it in this undeniable power-pop banger of a tune. Recorded primarily at The Studio in Hartlepool with her now defunct band The Shame Areas, Get Outta My Yard is the singer-songwriter’s first release in two years – and I’m convinced the phrase ‘worth the wait’ was coined specifically for this song.

There are flavours of all sorts of genres sparkling in here – country, pop, rock – and Charlotte pulls it off seamlessly with playful melodies, clever rhymes and lyrics ranging from sassy to downright savage. One for fans of all things fun and feisty!

Released: 24.01.25

www.facebook.com/charlottegraysonmusic

END CREDITS

TWISTED FORM OF ROMANCE

Words: Roz Cuthbert

Billingham natives End Credits have shifted sound slightly with their new single Twisted Form Of Romance, and as a recent divorcee I can relate to the lyrical sentiment a great deal, let me tell you! The band’s underlying Muse influences are on show here, not least in the work End Credits’ bassist Blaise Pickering. This track doesn’t catch my imagination as much as their earlier stuff but it’s still well worth a listen, and there’s no doubt it’ll be an enjoyable watch live when they celebrate its launch on Friday 13th December with a headline show at Ku Bar in Stockton, supported by Dossers, Provenance and Sugar Roulette, so go along and see ‘em!

Released: 13.12.24

www.linktr.ee/endcreditsband

90BRO APOLLO 90

Words: Iam Burn

If you like raw social commentary in the vein of Bob Vylan, this could be for you. With lyrics that at times are hard to hear, 90BRO tells a tale of racism from his childhood, overcoming his fears and questioning his existence in relation to his lineage.

With trap music stylings, there is a brooding, nagging beat which pulsates throughout like a heart pumping with great strength and purpose. The hypnotic sound created by this Sunderland raised rapper, activist and spoken word poet acts as a counterpoint to the punch of the words he delivers. This is not a turn on, tune in, drop out kind of track. 90BRO wants you to viscerally feel his personal story.

Released: 13.01.25 www.facebook.com/90bro

SARAH JOHNSONE STRANGE CONCOCTION

Words: Michaela Hall

Taken from her very own poetry written on a night walking home, Sarah Johnsone’s new single Strange Concoction lives up to its title – it’s strange, eerie and haunting, but wonderful. The combination of soft yet strong vocals with the dramatic instrumental in the track make it a real show, something you could imagine being used as the soundtrack to a million movie moments.

The song confronts emotions that deal with disappointment, fading excitement and the in-between, and they’re seductively theatrical. The track gives a nod to indie sounds whilst forming its own niche identity, reaffirming that there is a powerful artist at the hands of the piece with their own musical language.

Released: 06.12.24 www.linktr.ee/sarahjohnsone

Image by Rueghaa

TRACKS

LEE J TOBY ROLL WITH THE WEEDS

Words: Chloe Glover

If winter is a time for reflection, North Shields’ Lee J Toby’s fresh track Roll With The Weeds is a strong contender for a place on the soundtrack. The first release from his upcoming early 2025 eponymous EP and following from previous release The Wild Can Wait, the track captures Toby’s thoughtful lyrical expression of reflections on past relationship regrets. Tender yet passionate vocals build gradually throughout, giving weight to lyrics that capture wistful wonderings interlaced with intricate, at times poignant and other times hopefully airy guitars. It is atmospheric and cleansing, soulful music. I look forward to what the whole EP brings.

Released: 06.12.24

www.linktr.ee/leejtoby

METAL MACHINE MUSIC LOVE BOMBING

Words: Chloe Glover

The creative outpourings of Darlington’s favourite cinematic electronic music-maker, Roz Cuthbert, are back in the guise of a funk-laden earworm. Released under the moniker of Metal Machine Music with son Davey, Love Bombing offers two minutes of groovy playfulness that riffs on the genre and challenges listeners not to smile – it’s clear why Roz had fun making it. Featuring Roz on rhythmic guitars, synths and vocals and accompanied by Davey on punchy bass, it brings an infectious syncopation throughout as well as tongue-in-cheek mystique – will we ever know who it was that bombed him with love, as Roz sings? Check it out live at the Forum in Darlington on Thursday 19th December.

Released: 07.12.24 www.metalmachinemusic.bandcamp.com

MC HALO DAMAGE DONE

Words: Michaela Hall

Once a rave MC, now a master of smooth and soulful R&B sounds – MC Halo’s new single Damage Done is powerfully emotional, exploring how complicated and challenging relationships can be. The lyrics confront past traumas and issues as well as promoting the idea that it is good to be vulnerable and open yourself to growth and using your resilience within. It’s one of those tracks that will resonate with everyone for their own different reasons and the sentiment and care behind it is obvious throughout. Despite raw lyrics that are filled with meaning, the rhythm in the track manages at the same time to be tranquil and hypnotic – sounds that you can imagine playing on repeat to feel the full brunt of.

Released: 14.12.24

www.linktr.ee/mchalo88

THE EARLY PURPLE THE GREEK KEY

Words: Isabel Johnson

Opening on the steady heartbeat that is this song’s drums, The Greek Key is an uplifting indie folk tune covering themes of enlightenment through Greek mythology. Set to come out on Wednesday 4th December, it’s perfect for the colder months, warming you up like a really good cup of tea.

Sonically it’s incredible, while remaining gorgeously down to earth; the track was produced by Will Thorneycroft and features a guest appearance on the backing vocals, acoustic guitar, mandolin and even bouzouki from another of the North East’s beloved musicians, Sam Fender. The song is a lush garden of beautiful sounds and even more beautiful ideas. And if I haven’t sold it to you enough, you can go and catch it live at The Glasshouse in Gateshead on Wednesday 11th December at the band’s headline show.

Released: 04.12.24

www.theearlypurple.com

TCHOTCHKE SUM OF YOU EP

Words: Roz Cuthbert

Newcastle’s TCHOTCHKE (don’t ask me to pronounce that or in fact spell it correctly while drunk) have been around for a few years now, and they’ve decided to resurface with a brand new EP. Leon, the singer and songwriter for the band explains: “Now felt like the right time to release these songs as their mood suits the time of year, which can sometimes be quite reflective and evoke feelings of sadness and nostalgia as you look back over the year.”

I couldn’t have put it better myself! Leon knows how to construct a song, that’s for sure, with nods to R.E.M, Arcade Fire and Low. My favourite track on the EP is the opener Age of Anxiety. ‘Tis very good indeed.

Released: 06.12.24

www.linktr.ee/tchotchke

NTGB BURN DOWN THE NOW

Words: Iam Burn

From the land of the rising Mackem emerges NTGB – a band following the DIY musical path. I have a lot of respect and support for bands who choose this difficult route. Burn Down The Now has a retro, yet modern feel to it. A song focused on optimism and resilience, vocalist Gaz Brown sounds not too dissimilar to The Coral’s frontman, James Skelly, and this is no bad thing.

The track has a late 60s vibe, enhanced by Andy Trainor’s understated Doors-esque Hammond organ burbling away behind rock ‘n’ roll guitars and drums. In fact, Mark Cliff’s drums would have been at home on a Buddy Holly and The Crickets track. Give this three and a half minutes of your time.

Released: 20.12.24

www.nt-gb.co.uk

PRD

HATE FOR THE HATEFUL IS HEALTHY

Words: Mack Sproates

Hate For The Hateful Is Healthy is the fierce and raw new EP by Durham-based genre-blending alt. rockers PRD. This monstrous EP devours you whole, engulfing you in heavy, scuzzy guitars, unyielding bass and pounding drums. The driving force through the noise are the awesome vocals which cut through with clarity; aggressive, politically-charged and full of protest, yet poetic at times. Booming opening track Strength In Tension is a stand-out; with echoes of Rage Against The Machine, this song demonstrates PRD’s unique fusion of metal, hardcore punk and rap raging at a world on fire.

It’ll be worth catching these tunes live at their upcoming shows at Little Buildings on Saturday 28th December and The Bunker in Sunderland on Saturday 25th January.

Released: 01.12.24

www.linktr.ee/prdofficial

CAITIE ELECTRIC BLUE EP

Words: Amelia Neri

Caitie’s debut EP Electric Blue is a rich blend of energetic retro pop that dances alongside delicate, introspective musings on girlhood. The four-track release is a thoughtful and deeply personal memoir inspired by the singer-songwriter’s experiences navigating life as a young woman, peppered with witty lyricism and candid songwriting.

From the feisty Tragic, to the vulnerable Running Wild, Electric Blue is a raw and relatable emotional rollercoaster that outlines the many forces and pressures on female friendships, love and self-exploration. Caitie’s poignant lyricism dissects her own experiences and delivers them through song. Although a tad unvarying instrumentally, Electric Blue is a bright and brilliant offering from a promising up and comer.

Released: 06.12.24

www.linktr.ee/caitiexmusic

ALBUMS

3.5 / 5

MOGWAI THE BAD FIRE (ROCK ACTION RECORDS)

Words:

Ali Welford

The Bad Fire arrives at a curious juncture in Mogwai’s career. Very much veterans, the Glaswegians’ most influential work lies firmly in the rearview mirror – arguably at least a quarter-century back. And yet, far from going through the motions, the post-rock titans approach their fourth decade having never experienced such commercial nor critical success. Powered by early pandemic community mobilisation, their previous record As The Love Continues even became an unlikely UK chart-topper. The fact it was thoroughly excellent doubtless helped –though during a period of such upheaval, so perhaps did the comforting embrace of familiarity. Truthfully, it’s been over a decade – namely 2014’s synth-heavy curveball Rave Tapes – since a Mogwai record last felt truly exploratory.

This pattern is one The Bad Fire can’t quite arrest, albeit not through lack of trying. In fact, the group’s 11th studio effort might just be their most sonically generous to date, animated by levels of pedal worship that’d warm even Kevin Shields’ cockles. God Gets You Back, for instance, is an absorbing, beautifully textural opener, and the kind of densely honed swash less emboldened acts would slip into an album’s mid-section; while the lurching, climatic squall of Lion Rumpus sees similar maximalist principles ignite in a maelstrom of vocoded rancour. It’s a satiating – if not entirely radical – direction of travel, in which the most audacious moments also tend to be those which feel most quintessentially Mogwai. Bearing a static swell so intense it could pass as a musical anxiety attack, Hi Chaos has the air of an instant fan favourite, ticking every box for a future staple that’ll sound monstrous on the live stage. The same could equally be said of If You Find This World Bad, You Should See Some Of The Others, whose vintage quiet-loud formula is employed to an extreme arguably not heard since the days of Come On Die Young. Whether this is testament to remarkable longevity or symptomatic of creative stasis will likely depend on who you ask. If one thing’s certain, however, it’s that few others could make a mid-life, mid-ranking consolidation record sound quiet so monumental.

Released: 24.01.25 www.mogwai.scot

ALSO OUT THIS MONTH

Bridget Hayden and The Apparitions - Cold Blows the Rain (Basin Rock, 10.01) // Ghais Guevara - Goyard Ibn Said (Fat Possum, 17.01) // Larkin Poe – Bloom (Tricki-Woo Records, 24.01) // Beans on Toast - Wild Goose Chasers (BOT Music, 01.12) // Sam Amidon - Salt River (River Lea Records, 24.01) // The Altons - Heartache in Room 14 (Daptone, 31.01) // Manic Street Preachers - Critical Thinking (Columbia Records, 31.01) // FKA Twigs – Eusexua (Young Recordings, 24.01) // Bilk - Essex, Drugs and Rock and Roll (Scruff of the Neck, 24.01) // Edvard Graham Lewis – ALREET? (Upp Records, 24.01) // Kele - The Singing Winds Pt. 3 (KOLA Records/!K7, 17.01) // Circa Waves - Death & Love Pt. 1 (PIAS, 31.01) // Brooke Combe - Dancing at the Edge of the World (Modern Sky Records, 31.01) // Henge - Journey to Voltus B (Cosmic Dross Records, 31.01) // jasmine.4.t - You Are The Morning (Saddest Factory Records, 17.01) // Delights - If Heaven Looks A Little Like This (Modern Sky, 17.01) // B O D I E S – S/T (Grönland Records, 06.12) // Rose Gray - Louder, Please (Play it Again Sam, 17.01) // Babymorocco – Amour (True Panther Records, 06.12)

3.5 / 5

FRANZ FERDINAND THE HUMAN FEAR (DOMINO)

Words: Ali Welford

It’s been a while – eight years in fact – since Franz Ferdinand’s last studio album. Truthfully, for much of 2018’s Always Ascending, the Scots resembled a group who could use that length of break. This sixth effort, however, is not only a return to form, but a refreshing counter to the sexless successors who’ve populated the post-punk sphere in their absence.

To label The Human Fear a simple ‘back-to-basics’ would be uncharitable, yet its brisk 35 minutes undoubtedly recover much of the hunger which fuelled those electrifying early years. It’s there in Hooked’s filthy synth strut and Everydaydreamer’s sultry hip-bobbing bassline, not to mention the likes of Tell Me I Should Stay and Black Eyelashes – songs littered with peppy, delectable hooks dispensed like casual afterthoughts. It’s great to have them back!

Released: 10.01.25 www.franzferdinand.com

4 / 5

ANNA B SAVAGE

YOU & I ARE EARTH (CITY SLANG)

Words: Ali Welford

On sensational 2021 debut A Common Turn and 2023’s equally dazzling in|Flux, Anna B Savage showcased a rare capacity to capture intimacies with spellbinding – even excruciating – clarity. Zoning in further still, this third LP plays like a private love letter – to a man, yes; but equally to the new life she’s built on the North West coast of Ireland.

Unabashedly smitten, this ode is by no means immune from fragility nor doubt. “Is there a home, out here, for me, forever?” poses instructive standout Donegal – both to land and partner –before bidding “please look after me” to her adopted hometown. Indeed, it’s the nuance behind the infatuation which render its finest moments – such as resplendent centrepiece Mo Cheol Thú – some of ABS’s most tender and stirring to date. Released: 24.01.25

www.annabsavage.bandcamp.com

Image by Steve Gullick

TUNNG

LOVE YOU ALL OVER AGAIN (FULL TIME HOBBY)

Words: Lee Fisher

Around 30 seconds into opener Everything Else, those vocals come in and I’m immediately transported to a melancholy, magical place that only Tunng can take me. Tunng records are like a warm hug from a good friend; full of death and sadness and wonder, but also crisps and anoraks and snails.

Twenty years and eight albums in, the band have revisited the glitchy, twitchy ‘pagan folktronica’ of their earlier releases and obviously it’s delicious – folktronica is a horrible term but it’s given me a lot of joy. Tunng records are where the Richard D James LP meets Willow’s Song and Love You All Over Again marries the two sounds perfectly on an album that finds the mystical in the prosaic and vice versa.

Released: 24.01.25 www.tunng.co.uk

MARIBOU STATE HALLUCINATING LOVE (NINJA TUNE)

Words: Jonathan Coll

Hallucinating Love marks Maribou State’s first full length LP since 2018’s Kingdoms In Colour. It was an album which preceded a sold out tour and critical acclaim; and which pulled together many of the strands which make the UK’s electronic music scene so vital.

Thankfully, their latest builds on this winning formula, featuring collaborations with the likes of Holly Walker, who has been blessing Maribou State tunes with her vocals since 2013, and incorporating samples from bandmate Chris’ father’s old Eko guitar. The record hits its stride with the wonderful bluesy electronic masterpiece All I Need, and from there melts into a lovely blend of piano breaks, wonky synths and driving basslines. For all its familiarity, it remains an exciting listen.

Released: 31.01.25

www.mariboustate.com

LAUREN MAYBERRY VICIOUS CREATURE (EMI)

Words: Matt Young

A lot will probably be discussed about Vicious Creature being Mayberry’s ‘empowering’ solo debut and how she’s repositioning herself from the frontperson of CHVRCHES, and the album seems as much about her following her intuition and embracing a more reflective pop sound. She’s no stranger to writing bangers, which means having the freedom to experiment with the 90s tunes that likely soundtracked her youth. Singles Crocodile Tears and Change Shapes are bubbly and buoyant, while Oh, Mother is a slow ode to her younger seemingly strong-willed self. The focus though, is on somewhat saccharine pop as the older Mayberry looks back at the younger version. It’s nostalgic but lacks a much-needed bite to feel truly satisfying, and it’s like an album full of fresh conviction.

Released: 06.12.24

www.laurenmayberry.co.uk

VICTORIA CANAL SLOWLY, IT DAWNS (PARLOPHONE RECORDS)

Words: Matt Young

Written over a three-year period, Canal’s wryly titled debut album is one of hard-earned if slow-paced construction. She revels in a sort of golden hour or hazy twilight as far as her pop-flavoured sound is concerned, and the melodies are all soft cushioned vehicles for her endlessly relatable lyrics. She’s also selfdeprecating and funny – perhaps an inveterate oversharer.

It’s these qualities that make for an escapist outlook but one rooted in unapologetic honesty. Canal never shies away from pushing her heart out there, even into an impending darkness. Everything is washed out, hazy and maybe even a little bewildered, but it’s also capable of sounding sexy and loud not just tweely wholesome, which can feel a little too much sometimes.

Released: 07.01.25

www.victoriacanal.com

FRÀNÇOIS & THE ATLAS MOUNTAINS ÂGE FLEUVE (INFINÉ)

Words: Elodie A. Roy

These days Frànçois writes slow, demure synth pop songs, close in spirit to his early DIY recordings and to the mournful minimalism of bands such as The Field Mice. On the surface, F&AM’s songs are smooth, polished like sea pebbles. They shimmer. Fràncois talk-sings in French, sometimes in duet with old friends (Rozi Plain, Malik Djoudi). His voice is becoming lighter and lighter – elusive as a dream – nothing will stop it. He is the singer of vanished seasons and ages.

Frànçois, who grew up by the French Atlantic coast, always had a special kinship with water. Beneath the smooth surface, there is a defiant, rugged undercurrent. Visions of space and distance. Âge Fleuve is a very tenderly haunted record – full of farewells and memories.

Released: 31.01.25

www.francoisandtheatlastmountains.com

LAMBRINI GIRLS WHO LET THE DOGS OUT (CITY SLANG)

Words: Jade Mia Broadhead

Brighton’s Lambrini Girls’ debut falls somewhere in between the venomous rage of Petrol Girls –like the frenetic opener Bad Apple about police sexual assaults – and the more punky power-pop of Dream Nails in the lustful No Homo. They’re at their best when the breaks are taken off, such as on the furious fast-paced guitar riffing of Big Dick Energy and on Company Culture’s tales of misogyny in the work place. It’s a blink and miss it riotous thrill ride from start to finish and serious topics are covered, from eating disorders to gentrification, on an album that has ignited the spark for 2025, particularly at a time when the political landscape has never appeared scarier for women.

Released: 10.01.25

www.lambrinigirlsband.co.uk

4 / 5

DITZ

NEVER EXHALE (ROM/DOMINO)

Words: Jade Mia Broadhead

Never Exhale is a perfectly apt title for a band who spend as much time on the road as DITZ, writing this record in borrowed rehearsal spaces and on taxi journeys. It’s the logical next step from debut The Great Regression, but there’s little logical about DITZ’s sound, from stomping metallic riffs on the ageing Senor Siniestro to the fierce blips of God On Speed Dial and the calm after-the-storm urban decay smell of Smells Like Something Died In Here. Ironically, the most structured track is the personal politics of The Body As A Structure. It’s hard to capture a band like DITZ, whose appeal lies in their chaotic live shows, on tape, but Never Exhale succeeds regardless.

Released: 24.01.25 www.ditzband.com

ALBERTINE SARGES

GIRL MISSING (MOSHI MOSHI RECORDS)

Words: Ben Lowes-Smith

2021’s The Sticky Fingers was an overlooked favourite of this writer; born of the fertile Berlin DIY pop scene emerging from Neukolln, and in particular the Mansions And Millions record label. Now at home on Moshi Moshi, Sarges’ ambitious and melodic writing has a greater sense of focus than the pleasing chaos of previous releases. Here, too, it’s the ballads which allow Sarges’ vision to soar, in particular Rose Of Jericho which is as melodically kaleidoscopic as anything from Kate Bush’s The Red Shoes. Blue Lagoon is a jittering, vibrating journey through a world of sonic textures, with Sarges’ beautiful, soaring voice being the guiding light through this wonderful collection of songs. A remarkable talent.

Released: 31.01.25 www.albertinesarges.com

3.5 / 5

YOUNG KNIVES LANDFILL (GADZOOK)

Words: Ben Lowes-Smith

After 2020’s intoxicating Barbarians, which totally reconfigured Young Knives as an artistic prospect, they find themselves at an interesting crossroads. Having cheekily re-appropriated a pejorative term for the kind of music they made, Young Knives have made a record largely hanging on the anxiety of the impermanence of everything. There are occasional regressions back to the sound that brought them to wider attention, ego-death anthem Dissolution in particular, but elsewhere The Memory Of Venom is playful Robert Wyatt pastiche, and for a band whose playbox is weird pop, the cornerstones of psychedelia, punk and kosmische are touched and embraced. Considerably less coherent than Barbarians, but still bulging with ideas, they sound like they had an absolute gas making it. And that’s good enough for me.

Released: 24.01.25

www.young-knives.com

WHITE DENIM 12 (BELLA UNION)

Words: Lee Hammond

Returning with their twelfth album, aptly named 12, White Denim opt for a more experimental stance. Tracks like Flash Bare Ass and Your Future As God have a lot going on, and their eclecticism rises to the top. There are gentler moments sprinkled throughout too; closing tracks Hand Out Giving and Precious Child are by far the highlights, with their blend of folk and Americana coming to the fore. Second Dimension is particularly reminiscent of some of Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s more exciting work.

A melting pot of ideas and contributors come together on 12, but at times this could be seen as its undoing. It’s a real mixed bag, at times exceptional and sometimes a bit too much.

Released: 12.12.24

www.whitedenimmusic.com

3 / 5

ROSE CITY BAND SOL Y SOMBRA (THRILL JOCKEY)

3.5/5

Words: Simon Lunt

If cowboys wore slippers then album opener Lights In The Way would be the comfiest and most familiar of pairs to don after a hard day of wranglin’. You’ll find more ‘sombra’ than on previous LPs, but reassuringly for fans of Ripley Johnson and Barry Walker’s god level, signature pedal steel there is plenty of ‘sol’ too. After all, you can’t have shadow without the sun.

The whole album is littered with weather references which makes for a visceral dose of Americana from Stetson to spur. I can’t imagine many could resist toe-tappin’ to the effortlessly crafted Wheels or Radio Song. And for fans of the more psychedelic melodies from Johnson, look out for the final bars of Seeds of Light and the floaty delight that is Sunlight Daze.

Released: 24.01.25

www.rosecityband.org

C DUNCAN IT’S ONLY A LOVE SONG (BELLA UNION)

3/5

Words: Simon Lunt

Consistently delivering a timeless yet modern and unique sound must really annoy C Duncan’s contemporaries – a rare gift he shares with the likes of Father John Misty and BC Camplight. Lucky Day has a whimsical feel that some might feel scores too high on the saccharin-ometer, whilst tracks such as Worry and Delirium are more layered than a 1995 Jennifer Anniston hairdo, and really showcase a very talented musician and lyricist.

This LP is unashamedly feel-good and romantic – even the darker tracks such as Sadness and The Space Between Us contain a delightful dash of melancholy and beautiful piano work. This is an album that has clearly been cleverly considered in its order and reaches a satisfying crescendo in Time And Again.

Released: 24.01.25 www.cspaceduncan.com

MIXTAPE

WORDS: SNOWED IN SUNLUN TEAM

We’re first year students of the NAME Modern Music Industries course at Sunderland University, and we’re programming Snowed In Sunlun, a multi-genre music showcase at Pop Recs Ltd. on Wednesday 11th December. We’re lucky enough to be working with Sunderland Music City on this event to help raise money for the incredible children’s poverty charity Love, Amelia. On the line-up are metalheads Divine Image, rock ’n’ roll starlets Pretty Velvet, alternative pop rockers Celadore and indie rock power trio Camel Island. You can check out those with released music in our Mixtape, and then, when you inevitably fall in love with them, grab your Snowed In Sunlun tickets! fatso.ma/0GFv

DIVINE IMAGE

LESSER MORALITY

First up is a banger by our headliners, two of whom attend the NAME course. For lovers of all things metal, this one’s a Divine Image favourite – and if you like it, there’s a whole EP for you to feast your ears on, called Reckless Martyrdom.

PRETTY VELVET

A LOVE LIKE YOU (EVERYBODY TALKS)

Another of the incredible bands on our show line-up. Dual-fronted rockers Pretty Velvet have had an astronomical rise in the local scene and this is a song that sounds huge, and classic. Plus vocalist Daniel Maple from the band attends NAME!

CELADORE

DAWNING

Celadore is dynamic pop rock artist Rachael Small, an incredible vocalist with intriguing compositions. Dawning is her debut single, but if you love it you’ll have to head over to our show to hear what else Celadore has to offer!

CAMEL ISLAND

SHE’S THE ONE

If you’re after high energy, dynamic indie rock tracks infused with punk and all things cool, Camel Island are your guys. On first at Snowed In, get down early to start your Wednesday night in style.

THE LAKE POETS SHIPYARDS

When you think of Sunderland and its incredible musical scene, it’s likely that this tune is one of the first in your head. Haunting, tender and thoughtful, Shipyards is a Sunderland classic. And of course The Lake Poets is Marty Longstaff, a Sunderland Music City officer alongside Frankie Francis.

THE FUTUREHEADS THE BEGINNING OF THE TWIST

Sunderland favourites The Futureheads have so many incredible, euphoric tunes that we were spoilt for choice, but we’ve gone for this classic. Being musicians from Sunderland it’s amazing to know of so many successful bands from our city, never mind to rock up to Uni and have them teaching your lecture!

FIELD MUSIC

SIX WEEKS, NINE WELLS

This one’s the first track on the new Field Music record, which is great. Peter from the band teaches us music production at NAME and if we can make something half as good as this I think we’ll have definitely got our money’s worth.

RUBY KELLY

ST. ELMO

Welsh folk songwriting superstar – and third year NAME student – Ruby Kelly is

releasing banger after banger at the moment, and St. Elmo is from her latest EP. Jaunty and fun, this tune tells the story of an old ghost town in Colorado.

CALVOAS GIRL IN COSTUME

The now disbanded Calvoas had an impressive run in the local music scene, conquering tons of local festivals, radios and magazines. Surfy garage rock track Girl in Costume was their final tune together but Scarlett and Will from the band now attend NAME, and are still cooking up bangers.

DANIEL MAPLE WAITING IN THE CATAPULT

Tender lyrics and raw sonics are on show in this incredibly crafted track by Daniel Maple, a classmate of ours who will be playing with Pretty Velvet (but is helping program Snowed In, too). If you like this tune, stream his latest EP Four Walls for more.

LEVELLERS

THE DEVIL WENT DOWN TO GEORGIA

Riotously fun and with a delightful storytelling aspect, this is an awesome tune from Levellers. Course leader Dan Donnelly became involved with this band in recent years, and they’re incredible at crafting punk folk rock bangers like this one.

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!