‘We’re not waiting for permission anymore’

A North East music agency is pushing for more power and funding outside London.

Generator, a music development group based in the North East that equips artists, producers and industry professionals with skills and opportunities to grow, used an event at Abbey Road Institute studios, in Islington, to call for greater regional devolution to boost creative industries beyond the capital.

Joined by North East mayor Kim McGuinness and supported by a coalition of regional leaders and music organisations, Generator chief executive Mick Ross highlighted the rapid growth of the region’s music sector, which has seen visitor numbers rise from 500,000 to 714,000 and industry jobs nearly double in just one year, while estimated Gross Value Added (GVA) revenues have grown from £186 million to £364 million over the same period.

In a passionate speech, Mick urged the industry to shift the “centre of gravity” to the North and called for a national £1 ticket levy to support grassroots venues. 

He also stressed the need for more inclusive creative skills development, highlighting ongoing barriers faced by working-class talent – a point supported by top-selling North East artist Sam Fender, who recently said in a Sunday Times interview that the industry feels “rigged” against people from working class backgrounds.

Mick said: “We need to address regional imbalances in music funding and empower the regions, through a commitment to devolved funding and regional cultural decision-making.

“This isn’t just about the North East. 

“For too long, the music industry was built on the belief that success starts and stays in London. 

“However, what’s now changed is the North is no longer waiting to be noticed, or waiting for help or permission. 

“We’re now leading the way.” 

Mick’s call was echoed by Mayor McGuinness, who has played a central role in backing Generator’s work and attracting high-profile music events to the region.

She added: “I want to see a new generation of home grown North East talent follow in the footsteps of people like Sam Fender, Sting and Jade Thirlwell and take their place on the global stage. 

“That’s why we’re supporting new musicians and building the region’s first major label recording studio to help local artists thrive.

“We have worked closely with Generator to support the whole sector to train up young people so they can excel in careers in the music industry while identifying how we can better support local arts.

“Our region is absolutely bursting with talent and we’re encouraging that by creating opportunities for people who want to succeed in the creative industry. 

“We’re telling young people making music, you can do it here.”

Generator is part of the Northern Music Network, a coalition of more than a dozen groups aiming to strengthen the region’s music industry voice. 

The agency has helped bring major music events such as the MOBO Awards and the Mercury Prize to Newcastle, while playing an instrumental role in supporting Warner Music UK’s plans to open a new studio facility in Newcastle, due for completion by the end of the year.

Councillor Karen Kilgour, leader of Newcastle City Council, added: “Newcastle is the epicentre of a Northern revival when it comes to the creative industries. 

“There is a real magic in the city, a pride in calling the North East home and we have a wealth of untapped talent ready to cement Newcastle on the global stage.

“The MOBO Awards and Mercury Prize aren’t just one-off events. 

“They are already creating a legacy that will produce more heavyweights in the music industry and we stand side-by-side with Generator and Mayor McGuinness in ensuring our creative industries are at the heart of our ambition for economic growth as a region.”

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