Hartlepool set for music showcase

Leading figures from across the music industry are heading to Hartlepool for a new event designed to support emerging creative talent in the Tees Valley.

Music Futures Hartlepool will welcome artists, promoters, producers and music professionals to Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre on May 21 for a day of expert panels, workshops and networking opportunities.

The free conference will feature speakers from across the UK music industry, including LIVE and LIVE Trust chief executive Jon Collins, venue owner Jimmy Beck, music consultant Yaw Owusu and representatives from Partisan Records and Beggars Group.

The event forms part of the Sonic Futures programme, backed by Tees Valley Combined Authority and delivered by regional music development agency Generator.

Organisers say the initiative aims to support emerging artists and creative professionals while helping grow the Tees Valley’s cultural economy.

Thomas Bagnall, head of programmes at Generator, said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing Music Futures to Hartlepool alongside regional and national leaders from across the music sector.

“Over the last 18 months, Sonic Futures has been helping make sure the incredible talent and music professionals already here in Tees Valley can access the opportunities, connections and support they deserve in their own hometowns. 

“By opening doors, connecting people and building stronger pathways into the industry, the programme is helping cement Tees Valley as a place where musical creativity and careers can genuinely grow and thrive.”

The programme will conclude with a live music showcase presented by PRS Foundation and Sonic Futures, headlined by Hartlepool indie band Marketplace, pictured below, following recent touring success in the UK and at SXSW in Texas and New Colossus in New York.

Stockton trio Risco will also perform as part of the evening event celebrating local talent.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen added: “We’ve got incredible creative talent across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool and we want to make sure people have the chance to build their careers here and go far.

“By backing Sonic Futures, we’re giving our artists and industry professionals the opportunity to connect with some of the biggest names in music, develop their skills and show what we’ve got to the world.

“This is a good opportunity to link to those with those important music industry ties and decision-makers, so I’d encourage our talent to head along to Hartlepool.”

Charlie Kemp, Tees Valley Combined Authority head of creative place, added: “Sonic Futures is all about opening doors for our local music community – through access to industry insight, new networks and practical opportunities to grow.

“Bringing this calibre of speakers to Hartlepool at the Music Futures conference shows the strength of what’s happening here and the appetite to connect Tees Valley with the wider music industry.

“These events help build lasting links which will benefit our creative sector for years to come.”

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