Generator Joins Forces with BBC Introducing to Showcase North East Live Music Talent
Leading music development agency Generator has announced its latest upcoming showcase event in partnership with BBC Radio's dedicated platform to amplify unsigned and under-the-radar UK music talent.
With support from BBC Introducing, Generator Live will take place on Saturday 5th October 2024 at Newcastle’s music scene stronghold, Boiler Shop.
Focused on diversifying and opening doors to new music genres and audiences, Generator Live is a unique opportunity for local artists to showcase their talent and get in front of the right people in the music business.
Past performers at Generator Live have included the likes of international star Sam Fender, showing that the event showcases the very best of the future of the music industry.
As well as choosing some of the region’s top established talent, Generator Live also has several openings for undiscovered acts which will be picked by its selection panel of experts and industry tastemakers from BBC Introducing. The event will also collaborate with Newcastle-based music and culture agency Nrthrn Baby to provide slots to underrepresented artists with a specific focus on grime and rap.
Last year, the event hosted the likes of riotous alt-rock band Venus Grrrls, ethereal singer-songwriter Lizzie Esau and hometown favourites Little Comets. This year, Generator Live has several incredible artists ready to go who exemplify their message of driving forward inclusivity and creativity.
With over 176k monthly listeners and more than 54k Instagram followers, L Devine’s debut album, Digital Heartifacts, boasts a cohesive sound that continues to warp any preconceived notions of the pop genre, cementing her status as one to watch.
After trading London living for her hometown of Whitley Bay and switching record labels, the 26-year-old’s debut EP, Growing Pains (2019), initially propelled her to success. Many resonate with her lyrical prowess and almost diary-like relatability of the queer experience. Described by Charli XCX as “the motherfucking future”, and a GAY TIMES’ Elevate Emerging Star in Music honouree, her headline is not to be missed.
Self-described as ‘Small Town Man, Super Massive Journey’, Finn Forster is taking his music from Middlesbrough to all corners of the UK. His standout track, ‘On My Mind’, has been playlisted on Radio 2 New Music playlist for three weeks and has had over 300,000 Spotify streams. Combining introspective songwriting with a soulful indie sound, BBC Music Introducing in the North East has recently given ‘Stay Right Til The End’ its first-ever radio play, and he’s received numerous festival slots across the UK.
Generator Live is not only a one-day celebration of local talent, but also a symbol of Generator’s continued ambition of building the region’s musical landscape from the ground up, with support from Newcastle City Council, Arts Council England, PRS Foundation, North of Tyne Combined Authority’s Skills For Growth programme, Newcastle Gateshead Initiative’s Invest Newcastle, and Youth Music.
The organisation is embarking on a transformative new business plan and nurturing relationships with some of the UK’s major labels at a crucial and exciting time for the region’s creative industries, alongside projects such as the groundbreaking work of North East Screen at the Crown Works Studios in Sunderland.
Mick Ross, Generator’s CEO said: “Collaborating on Generator Live with BBC Introducing is both a celebration and a privilege as we focus on the incredible wealth of talent present in our region. Building a community between audiences and artists is at the core of our work at Generator. It’s a tradition we’re proud of and hope to continue within our work to build a sustainable music industry here in the North East that ensures access for all.”
DP Phillips, Venue Director at Boiler Shop said: “As Generator’s main mission is to create and maintain a sustainable music industry in the North East that is accessible to all, we could not be happier that they have once again chosen Boiler Shop to host their annual showcase here on Saturday 5th October. Generator and Boiler Shop, a marriage made in heaven.”
For more information on the event, visit https://www.generatorlive.org.uk/ and follow Generator Live socials on Instagram and Facebook.
