Industry icons to lead city music board

The North East is set to turn up the volume on its music scene after NewcastleGateshead Music City appointed two of the UK’s most influential music figures to lead its board. 

Michelle Escoffery, an Ivor Novello and BRIT Award-winning songwriter and creative executive, has been named chair, while long-standing regional music champion Jim Mawdsley, principal advisor for events and culture at Newcastle City Council, will serve as vice chair. 

Michelle, whose career spans chart hits, collaborations with Tina Turner, All Saints and Rod Stewart, as well as performances with Stevie Wonder and George Michael, said: “Music is a global language, and the North East has a powerful voice that deserves to be heard on the world stage. 

“The North East’s musical talent is undeniable. 

“By investing in the right infrastructure and creating real opportunities for growth and development, we can build a music ecosystem that not only nurtures local talent, but positions this region as a leader in shaping the future of music.” 

Jim, who has shaped the region’s festival scene, including Evolution Festival and the iconic Shindig club nights in a career that stretches more than 40 years, added: “Newcastle Gateshead has been a hotbed for talent for a number of years with many artists either currently rising to or sitting at the top.  

“We have proved that we can host world-class music moments – from the MOBO Awards in February to the Mercury Prize later this year – and our ambition has never been stronger. 

“We have been slowly building our reputation for the last two decades and now is the time to accelerate that momentum: attracting the biggest global events, building on our recent major label and global partnerships and building further infrastructure that will make sure every artist across every genre from our region has the chance to succeed and build a career. 

“We’re determined to show that the North East is not just part of the UK music map, it’s leading it.” 

They join a nine-strong board representing grassroots talent, local industry professionals and internationally renowned leaders, all committed to building a thriving and inclusive music economy.

The initiative, a collaboration between Generator and The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, in Gateshead, aims to position NewcastleGateshead as a national and international hub for music. 

Backed by North Shields’ BRIT Award-winning artist Sam Fender, who said “it’s about time we put more resources into nurturing our local talent to ensure it is taken seriously as a priority sector,” the board’s first priority is delivering a landmark research project mapping the North East’s music sector. 

Early findings have revealed both significant opportunities and pressing challenges for the North East’s music sector. 

While the region boasts a vibrant grassroots scene, gaps in infrastructure and limited local opportunities are driving talent away, yet expanding music tourism has the potential generate over £360 million annually and support more than 3000 jobs.

A full research report and strategy will be published later in 2025, offering a roadmap to enhance infrastructure, talent pathways and audience growth.

Board members will then translate these findings into action, helping the North East compete with the UK’s leading music cities while setting a benchmark for others to follow.

Mick Ross, chief executive of Generator, pictured below with Michelle, said “Talent is everywhere, and opportunity must be too. 

“Generator has spent over 30 years breaking barriers, building careers and connecting Northern talent to national and global opportunities. 

“We’re incredibly proud to lead this initiative alongside The Glasshouse – a world-class venue and cultural leader – to ensure the North doesn’t follow, it leads. 

“This board unites the very best of local insight and international experience to deliver real, lasting change for music in the North East.”  

Wendy Smith, creative director at The Glasshouse, added: “Newcastle Gateshead Music City is about turning ambition into action. 

“The new board brings together people with the knowledge and influence to make change happen and to make sure music can thrive here from the grassroots up. 

“We know there are challenges, but we also know the huge potential. 

“Music already means so much to people in the North East. 

“With the right backing it can create more jobs, more skills and more chances for local musicians and music professionals to stay and succeed here. 

“This is also about the future. 

“We want every child and young person to have the chance to get involved in music as learners, creators and audiences. 

“They are the artists and leaders of tomorrow and this work will help them see a future for themselves in music here in the North East.” 

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