The session combines a 30-minute illustrated talk with a hands-on collage workshop. Jimmy shares the creative process behind record sleeves, single artwork, music videos and visual identities before guiding participants through his Dice & Disruption methodology. Using found imagery, typography and chance-based prompts, participants will create an original album or single sleeve while exploring how visual ideas respond to sound, mood and storytelling. Suitable for designers, illustrators, musicians, students and anyone developing a playful, experimental creative practice.
Join us in the control room at Polestar Studios for a deep dive into what it takes to make an album. Hector Gannet frontman and songwriter Aaron Duff, producer and engineer Alex Blamire and Grammy Award-winning mix engineer Eduardo De La Paz explore the making of 'The Great Shakedown', from songwriting and tracking through to production, mixing, mastering and commercial release.
F54 celebrates the North’s deep bond with industrial sound. Transforming post-industrial collapse into a creative sanctuary, these three acclaimed artists bridge regional heritage with a futuristic sonic pulse. Expect euphoric and cathartic electronica in its rawest form, defined by mechanical, repetitive rhythms that echo the psyche of the North. Once forged in iron and steel, the region remains a haven for synthesised innovation. Lineup: Nadine Hurley – Crimewave – Sin Clair
The music video is one of the most influential art forms in contemporary culture, bringing together music, film, design and visual storytelling. Hosted by Music Video Preservation Society founder David Knight, this special event combines a panel discussion and big-screen showcase exploring the creative process behind some of the UK’s most celebrated music videos. This instalment of MVPS – “The Art Behind the Song” – celebrates the 2026 Mercury Prize with some very special guests, including Lulu Vicedomini, rising director of Newcastle’s very own exciting young jazz prodigies Knats’ Bowling Ball music video, and Chris Turner – moniker Favourite Colour: Black – who directed two great videos last year for Suede’s stunning return to form with their album ‘Antidepressants’, so don’t miss out!'
The Globe’s showcase celebrates musical diversity in Newcastle, spotlighting the kind of emerging artists the venue exists to support. Headlined by Sophie Gordon Band’s disco, funk and pop, the lineup also features RYE’s electronic influences, the art student sounds of The Combovers and the folk- punk songwriting of Jade Mia Broadhead. The event closes with a DJ set from Visra. Lineup: Sophie Gordon Band – RYE – The Combovers – Jade Mia Broadhead – DJ Visra
