Music City initiative set to ‘supercharge’ North East music scene

A ‘groundbreaking’ new initiative is set to ‘supercharge’ investment, jobs and education in the North East music scene, positioning the region as “a national music powerhouse”.

Newcastle Gateshead Music City, launched by The Glasshouse International Centre for Music and leading creative talent development agency Generator, aims to create a robust music ecosystem that “rivals anywhere in the UK”, linking education to music careers and empowering local talent to succeed without having to leave the region.

North East mayor Kim McGuinness said: “For generations, North East music has shaped our region’s identity and powered our dreams. But for too long it has been treated as an optional add-on to our economic success.

“As North East mayor I’m working with people from across our region to put the creative economy at the centre of our plans for economic growth.

“The music city project will help make these plans a reality not just in Newcastle and Gateshead but across our North East.”

A new Music City office will oversee a strategy to foster growth, with a dedicated Music Board representing industry leaders. This effort will map the region’s music assets, making it easier for artists to access vital resources such as venues and studios.

The initiative also seeks to drive music tourism, which saw a 29 per cent rise in 2023, while generating between 2000 and 4000 jobs and contributing £750 million to the local economy.

Wendy Smith, creative director of The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, added: “Newcastle Gateshead Music City will build an even stronger music community, helping us to understand the assets and the gaps so that together we can build an even better and more resilient music ecosystem in the city and wider region.

“This Music City will be for everyone, impacting people of all ages and from all walks of life in our region.

Her comments were echoed by Generator CEO Mick Ross, who added: “We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to put the region on the global map for music and the creative industries.

“At Generator, we feel an enormous sense of duty, pride and determination to be the beating heart of what will be a collective commitment of so many to make this happen and see the region thrive creatively and economically through these plans.”

Partnerships with major labels such as EMI North and Warner UK are already paving the way for further success, capitalising on the momentum of homegrown stars like Sam Fender and Nadine Shah, as well as supporting emerging talent such as Kay Greyson, Frankie Archer and Finn Forster.

Award-winning North Shields singer-songwriter Sam Fender gave his full endorsement to the initiative.

“I fully support the launch of Newcastle Gateshead Music City. I couldn’t be prouder of my region for its vast wealth of musical heritage. 

“Music is an integral part of our culture that has been neglected historically in the North East.

“It’s about time we put more resource into nurturing our local talent to ensure it is taken seriously as a priority sector.”

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