Tees Valley talent secures career-boosting support

Three emerging musicians and five music industry professionals have secured funding and mentoring through a programme designed to help develop the Tees Valley’s next generation of talent.

Celia Grace, Herberta and Jodie Nicholson have been selected for the latest PPL Momentum Accelerator, receiving four-figure awards and professional development to help grow their careers and audiences.

Celia will use the funding to support the creation and release of her debut album, while Herberta is being backed to record, release and promote a new EP.

Meanwhile, Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jodie will use the award to collaborate with a new producer on her next album.

She said: “I’m very excited and grateful to have been awarded the PPL Momentum Accelerator to go towards the recording and mixing of my next album.

“Over the last couple of years I've made a real effort to become self-sufficient as an artist and eliminate financial restraints as much as possible, while still getting good quality music out there.

“I’ve been really trying to make an effort to self-produce my own music and when you're a solo artist and self-producing your own music, it kind of comes at a mental cost as much as a financial cost.

“With that in mind, for my next album, my dream was to work with another producer and co-produce the record together. 

“With this support, I’m able to do just that and I’ll be working with John Martindale at Blank Studios, in Newcastle, which will be a real game changer for me.”

The artists were chosen by an industry panel and will receive tailored support at a key stage in their development.

Alongside the artist funding, five Tees Valley-based music professionals will benefit from grants of up to £2000, mentoring and networking opportunities.

The recipients are Dennis Wachepa, who is developing the Pre Game Lobby platform for emerging rap and R&B artists; Madelaine Stonehouse-Hedley, who will receive support to develop her producing career; Paige Hughes, for artist management; Reese Wake, to expand Jaded Radio’s digital artist platform; and Shahin Hashemi, who will receive mentoring and support to develop as a presenter and curator.

The PPL Momentum Accelerator is delivered by PRS Foundation in partnership with Sonic Futures, Tees Valley Combined Authority and the UK Government.

The programme supports artists with growing audiences who are looking to establish sustainable careers in music.

Previous recipients have gone on to secure backing through the wider PPL Momentum Music Fund, with alumni including English Teacher, winners of the 2024 Mercury Prize, and Jacob Alon, recipient of the 2026 BRITs Critics’ Choice Award.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen added: “We are home to an incredible pool of talent and creative ambition. 

“Our artists and professionals are aiming high – and we want to back them.

“This will give them the opportunity to develop their skills, reach new audiences and take their careers to the next level. 

“Congratulations to everyone selected and I look forward to seeing what they achieve.”

Middlesbrough mayor Chris Cooke, Tees Valley Combined Authority cabinet member for finance, organisational improvement and business growth, added: “We have a rich music scene.

“Whether it’s recording new music, developing platforms or building skills behind the scenes, this investment will help our music talents thrive by giving them the tools, time and support they need.”

The next deadline for applications to the PPL Momentum Accelerator for artists and industry professionals based in Tees Valley is October 26, at 6pm. For more information and to apply, click here.

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