Powering
the
north
to
lead
in
music,
culture
&
creativity

Driven by people. Defined by purpose

Generator is powered by people - bold thinkers, doers and changemakers who believe in the North and back its creative future. 

On this page, you’ll meet our core team, our board of trustees, and our youth-led Ambassadors Network. Together, we bring vision, lived experience and energy to everything we do.

Generator is powered by people - bold thinkers, doers and changemakers who believe in the North and back its creative future. 

On this page, you’ll meet our core team, our board of trustees, and our youth-led Ambassadors Network. Together, we bring vision, lived experience and energy to everything we do.

Driven by people. Defined by purpose

A long-standing partnership built on belief. We’re proud to be a key partner of Youth Music. Like them, we believe every young person deserves the chance to transform their life through the power of music.

From studio time and mentoring to live showcases and national platforms, our work together creates real opportunities for emerging talent across the North.

First Notes

Designed for early-career artists aged 18–25, First Notes helps musicians take their first step towards professionalising their sound - from recording in the studio to launching a release and performing live.

Next-Up

A new programme for Rap, RnB and Afrobeats artists aged 18–25, focused on collaboration, creativity and visibility. Artists work together on a track and video, while building connections and confidence along the way.

Generator Young Ambassadors

A board of 18–25-year-olds helping shape the future of Generator. Our Ambassadors work with us to challenge, inform and improve our programmes - making sure we stay relevant and rooted in the communities we serve.

Are you an artist or music professional from Tees Valley?


Our Sonic Futures programme offers tailored support, development opportunities and funding for people living or working in the Tees Valley.

From hands-on skills programmes to artist funding and local showcases, we’re building a stronger, more sustainable music scene in the region.




Media Enquires:

press@generator.org.uk

Partnerships:
partnerships@generator.org.uk

Talent Programmes / Industry Support:
mail@generator.org.uk

General Enquiries:

mail@generator.org.uk

Proudly Based in the North East:
Generator, Floor 1, Live Theatre.
27-29 Broad Chare,
Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3DQ

Join us on socials

Want to see what we’re up to? Follow Generator for the latest opportunities, updates, behind-the-scenes and more.

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We put
 people first

People are at the heart of everything we do. We invest in talent, nurture teams, and create real opportunities.

By bringing the right people together, we build something bigger than ourselves - stronger businesses, stronger communities, and a stronger industry.

We collaborate with
the best to deliver
real results. 


From global brands to grassroots changemakers, our work is powered by partnerships. Together, we amplify Northern voices and make big things happen.

Our work

Our programmes, partnerships and community projects champion innovation, strengthen the creative economy, and ensure the North leads the way in music, culture and creativity.


We develop talent, grow networks, and create space for new voices - helping Northern artists, entrepreneurs and communities thrive in a rapidly changing creative landscape.


Because the creative North shouldn’t just be part of the conversation - it should be leading it.

Our work

Our programmes, partnerships and community projects champion innovation, strengthen the creative economy, and ensure the North leads the way in music, culture and creativity.


We develop talent, grow networks, and create space for new voices - helping Northern artists, entrepreneurs and communities thrive in a rapidly changing creative landscape.


Because the creative North shouldn’t just be part of the conversation - it should be leading it.

We’re always open to new partnerships and collaborative projects.

From music and culture to education, tech, and creative business - if you're serious about making real change in the North, we want to hear from you.

Let’s build something bold.

Before Generator, the industry felt out of reach. Now I’m in it — with world-class opportunities and the chance to build a real career doing what I love.

- Lucy Bridge, Generator x Warner Music UK Intern

Before Generator, the industry felt out of reach. Now I’m in it — with world-class opportunities and the chance to build a real career doing what I love.

- Lucy Bridge, Generator x Warner Music UK Intern

Before Generator, the industry felt out of reach. Now I’m in it — with world-class opportunities and the chance to build a real career doing what I love.

- Lucy Bridge, Generator x Warner Music UK Intern
>

We’re here to put the North of England on the global map. Empowering talent, communities and businesses to shape the future of music, culture and creativity.

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From Grassroots scenes to global stages, Generator is driving cultural and creative change across the North

Generator is the North’s leading music development agency. Since 1991, we’ve been breaking barriers, building careers, and pushing boundaries.

We don’t just talk about the future - we create it.

We give talent, creative entrepreneurs and industry professionals the tools, connections and platforms they need to grow and thrive. Whether it’s developing artists, backing startups or opening doors to global opportunities, Generator turns ambition into action.

We don’t just support the industry - we build it.

From launching labels to leading multi-million-pound regional strategies, Generator powers bold new infrastructure across the North.

Interval Records

A joint venture label between Generator and Universal Music UK's EMI North, based in Newcastle. Providing first-rate regional artists with major-label development - led by artists, managers and creatives from the North.

Interval Records

A joint venture label between Generator and Universal Music UK's EMI North, based in Newcastle. Providing first-rate regional artists with major-label development - led by artists, managers and creatives from the North.

Interval Records

A joint venture label between Generator and Universal Music UK's EMI North, based in Newcastle. Providing first-rate regional artists with major-label development - led by artists, managers and creatives from the North.

Interval Records

A joint venture label between Generator and Universal Music UK's EMI North, based in Newcastle. Providing first-rate regional artists with major-label development - led by artists, managers and creatives from the North.

Interval Records

A joint venture label between Generator and Universal Music UK's EMI North, based in Newcastle. Providing first-rate regional artists with major-label development - led by artists, managers and creatives from the North.

Interval Records

A joint venture label between Generator and Universal Music UK's EMI North, based in Newcastle. Providing first-rate regional artists with major-label development - led by artists, managers and creatives from the North.

Interval Records

A joint venture label between Generator and Universal Music UK's EMI North, based in Newcastle. Providing first-rate regional artists with major-label development - led by artists, managers and creatives from the North.

We don’t just support the industry - we build it.

From launching labels to leading multi-million-pound regional strategies, Generator powers bold new infrastructure across the North.

Talent & Skills

We provide practical skills, training, and
 mentorship for emerging artists and industry
 professionals at
 all career stages.

Industry development

We create strategic
 opportunities and
 projects that amplify Northern music
 regionally, nationally,
 and internationally. We create strategic
 opportunities and


projects that amplify Northern music
 regionally, nationally,
 and internationally. We create strategic
 opportunities and


projects that amplify Northern music
 regionally, nationally,
 and internationally. We create strategic
 opportunities and
 projects that amplify Northern music
 regionally, nationally,
 and internationally.

Partnerships

We build influential
 partnerships, attract investment, and
 advocate for
 Northern music and creative industries.

Community

We deliver inclusive,
 accessible projects and events that engage local communities and celebrate diverse
 Northern talent.

Park View | Little Buildings

15th October 2025 - 7:30 pm
Little Buildings, Newcastle

A Stone’s Throw & Notion Live Events Showcase

15th October 2025 - 7:00 pm
The Grove, Newcastle

Art of the Album Day

15th October 2025 - 10:00 am
The Common Room, Newcastle

BBC Introducing from The Glasshouse: Generator x Mercury Prize Fringe Special

14th October 2025 - 8:00 pm
The Glasshouse, Gateshead

Generator Conference

14th October 2025 - 10:00 am
Civic Centre, Newcastle

Tim’s Listening Party with Lanterns on the Lake

13th October 2025 - 7:30 pm
The Glasshouse, Gateshead

World HQ Cultivates presents: Album Production Masterclass with Nectax

13th October 2025 - 7:00 pm
World Headquarters, Newcastle

MPG Listen and Link

13th October 2025 - 3:00 pm
Blast Recording, Newcastle

Wandering Oak Showcase

12th October 2025 - 7:30 pm
Cumberland Arms, Newcastle

The Coastal Smile

12th October 2025 - 7:00 pm
Customs House, South Shields

f54 Showcase

11th October 2025 - 7:00 pm
Three Tanners Bank, North Shields

Hapless Museum Worker Showcase

11th October 2025 - 6:00 pm
Claypath Delicatessen, Durham

Feature

Featured

Park View | Little Buildings

15th October 2025 - 7:30 pm
First Notes Indie Rockers Park View are releasing a new tune! If that's not cause for celebration, we don't know what is. Join them at Little Buildings on 15 October for a night of Rock & Roll With support 18+ | £10 Adv | Doors 19:30

This is a slightly long-ish events title

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Park View | Little Buildings

15th October 2025 - 7:30 pm
Little Buildings, Newcastle

A Stone’s Throw & Notion Live Events Showcase

15th October 2025 - 7:00 pm
The Grove, Newcastle

Art of the Album Day

15th October 2025 - 10:00 am
The Common Room, Newcastle
Featured

L3 Tech Skills - From Classroom to Kendal Calling

When we say you gain hands-on experience through our L3 Tech Skills programme, we mean it. This summer, a group of our recent students had the incredible opportunity to put their training into practice backstage at one of the UK’s biggest...

L3 Tech Skills - From Classroom to Kendal Calling

When we say you gain hands-on experience through our L3 Tech Skills programme, we mean it. This summer, a group of...

Mercury Prize Fringe Newcastle has arrived

Get ready to be immersed in the Mercury Prize Fringe Newcastle – a week-long festival igniting the North East with...

Music Icons named to lead NewcastleGateshead Music City board

Two of the most influential and well-respected figures in the UK music scene have been confirmed as chair and vice...

Teesside Talent Shines with New PPL Momentum Accelerator Grants

Teesside Talent Shines with New PPL Momentum Accelerator Grants Three incredible Tees Valley artists are set to take...

Generator Is Backing MVT's Grassroots Levy - Here's Why

Before the sold-out stadiums, world tours, and chart-topping albums, Ed Sheeran, Sam Fender, and Arctic Monkeys were...

Breaking Beyond Borders: How Live Showcases Are Powering the Northern Music Scene

In a world more digitally connected than ever, nothing compares to the power of performing live - especially when...

We’re Not Waiting For Permission Anymore

A music development agency in the North has used an event in the heart of London to call for more devolved powers to...

Community First: How We’re Powering the North’s Creative Culture

At Generator, community is not just something we serve. It’s something we build with. For over 30 years, we’ve worked...

Generator x Warner Music UK Internship

When we say we are building real pathways into the music industry, we mean it. In early 2024, Lucy Bridge became the...

The Mercury prize moves to Newcastle

To mark the Mercury Prize’s move to Newcastle, Generator – the North’s leading music development agency and Lead...

Next up X Nrthrn Baby

We’ve teamed up with Newcastle-based music and culture agency Nrthrn Baby to launch a new two-year programme,...

Northern music export

Northern musicians are poised to expand their reach internationally through a new initiative aimed at showcasing...

News & Views

The latest from across the Generator network - projects, people, partnerships and perspectives. 

Stay up to date with what we’re doing, who we’re working with, and how we’re shaping the future of music, culture and creativity in the North.

L3 Tech Skills - From Classroom to Kendal Calling

When we say you gain hands-on experience through our L3 Tech Skills programme, we mean it. This summer, a group of...

Mercury Prize Fringe Newcastle has arrived

Get ready to be immersed in the Mercury Prize Fringe Newcastle – a week-long festival igniting the North East with...

Music Icons named to lead NewcastleGateshead Music City board

Two of the most influential and well-respected figures in the UK music scene have been confirmed as chair and vice...

Music industry advisory group

Free advice. Tailored support. Trusted experts.

Our Music Industry Advisory Group (MIAG) connects artists and professionals in the North with leading experts from across the UK music industry.

Whether you're looking for guidance on funding, music law, A&R, touring or release campaigns, MIAG offers one-to-one advice sessions to help you move forward.

Adam Cutting

A&R / Label Operations (Interval Records)

Adam MacDonald

Senior Programme co-ordinator

Alice Fuller

Deputy CEO

Amelia Derrick

Marketing and Communications Manager

Chyaro Hylton

Programme co-ordinator

Emily Bowdon

Programme co-ordinator

Josh Daniel

Chief Commercial Officer (Generator) // Head of Label (Interval Records)

Kay Canning

Finance Manger and Executive Assistant

Lauren Butler

Brand and Production Lead

Laura Freyaldenhoven

Music Industry Intern

Mick Ross

CEO

Paul Barrow

Finance Director

Ste Allen

Sonic Futures Project Manager

Thea Van Der Velde

Head of Brand and Marketing

Thomas Bagnall

Head of Programmes

Michelle Escoffery

Songwriter / PRS Foundation Trustee (National)

Ryan Lofthouse

Manager, Closer Artists (National)

Joel Thompson

Music Promoter (Local)

Chelsea Wood

CEO, Wood Management / Got Music (Local)

Bernard Butler

Musician / Producer / Lecturer, BIMM London (National)

Hazel Wilde

Musician, Lanterns On The Lake (Local)

Paul Lennon

Music Lawyer, Statham Gill Davies Solicitors (National)

Sue Collier

Festival Director & Live Events Producer (National)

Our Board

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Adam Cutting

A&R / Label Operations (Interval Records)

Adam MacDonald

Senior Programme co-ordinator

Alice Fuller

Deputy CEO

Amelia Derrick

Marketing and Communications Manager

Chyaro Hylton

Programme co-ordinator

Emily Bowdon

Programme co-ordinator

Josh Daniel

Chief Commercial Officer (Generator) // Head of Label (Interval Records)

Kay Canning

Finance Manger and Executive Assistant

Lauren Butler

Brand and Production Lead

Laura Freyaldenhoven

Music Industry Intern

Mick Ross

CEO

Paul Barrow

Finance Director

Ste Allen

Sonic Futures Project Manager

Thea Van Der Velde

Head of Brand and Marketing

Thomas Bagnall

Head of Programmes

Careers

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Role:

Sonic Futures Programme Co-ordinator

Contract: Fixed Term
Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne / Tees Valley
Salary: £25,000 per annum
Job Description:

Sonic Futures is a major multi-million-pound initiative funded by Tees Valley Combined Authority and Arts Council England, designed to build a thriving, sustainable music scene across Tees Valley. Delivered by Generator, the project includes dedicated funding for Tees Valley-based bands and artists to develop their careers, alongside support for music education and plans to grow the region’s festival landscape.

Working across Generator’s project strands, the ideal candidate will bring coordination and/or project management experience, excellent organisational and multitasking skills, and a genuine passion for both the music industry and the Tees Valley region.

We’re looking for someone flexible, ambitious, and well-connected locally, who will thrive in a fast-paced creative environment as part of a small but mighty team. In return, we offer a supportive, flexible, and creative workplace, where you’ll join a passionate team dedicated to making a real difference.

Download the recruitment pack here.

Opportunities for Artists & Industry

From breakthrough artists to rising producers, creative entrepreneurs to future industry leaders - Generator creates real opportunities to get in, level up, and go further.

We run a year-round programme of events, open calls, talent development and hands-on experience that connects you with the people, platforms and pathways that matter.

Ready to get involved? Head to our What’s On page to see what’s happening now.

Talent is everywhere. Opportunity isn’t.

Generator exists because we believe anyone with vision and drive should have the opportunity to succeed - no matter where they come from.

We’re here to level the playing field, build a sustainable industry, and create a lasting legacy for music, culture, and creative business in the North.

What we stand for

01

We make change

We don’t wait for change - we make it. Bold ideas. Bold action. Bold results. We take risks, challenge the status quo, and push the industry forward - making sure the North leads, not follows.

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02

We put people first

People are at the heart of everything we do. We invest in talent, nurture teams, and create real opportunities. By bringing the right people together, we build something bigger - stronger businesses, stronger communities, and a stronger industry.

>
03

We create the future

The future belongs to those who think differently. We champion new ideas, embrace diverse voices, and push boundaries to shape what’s next for music, culture, and creative business in the North.

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04

We stand for whats right

Integrity is non-negotiable. We’re straight-talking, transparent, and committed to building a fairer, more accessible industry. We stand for inclusion, respect, and backing talent based on vision and drive - not background or connections.

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Proudly based in the North of England

Newcastle Office: Generator, The Live Theatre, 27 – 29 Broad Chare, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 3DQ

Tees Valley Office: Generator, Unit 12, The BIS, 13-17 Whitby St, Hartlepool TS24 7AD

© Generator 2025 - All rights reserved.