Dean Thompson & Joe Atkinson: Mercury Prize Producers

Meet Deano & Joe - 2025 Mercury Prize winning producers behind Sam Fender’s UK No.1 album People Watching, the fastest-selling British vinyl release of the century.

Reflecting on where their journeys began, long before the accolades and international studio sessions, their journey began in the heart of the North East. From their first gigs in Gateshead to jam sessions at the Linskill Centre, the pair cut their teeth in the region’s vibrant grassroots music scene – one built on passion, community, and a shared love for sound. What started in community halls has taken them to studios across the world, producing alongside their heroes - but they’ve never lost sight of where it began.

Now as international musicians, they open up about how their music career has evolved and developed into production and how they are still learning as producers, through finding new ways of recording and collaborating with the artists to working with industry legends such as Markus Dravs, and Adam Granduciel

“Once you’ve made a connection with the artist it’s like magic” “it’s one of those jobs, where the hours don’t matter” - Joe Atkinson

Ahead of another career highlight - performing once again in their hometown for the Mercury Prize - the pair reflect on the unforgettable experience of playing St James’ Park and the pride of taking the stage with lifelong friends.

“Doing something like St James’s Park… you might be giving someone else inspiration to go further. That’s what music’s really about - passing it on and letting people put their spin on it.”

Despite their growing success, Joe and Dean remain committed to their roots and passionate about helping shape the future of the North East’s music culture. Newcastle still has some way to go with building its music history, and they are proud to be playing a part in making it stronger.

“If there’s an opportunity to play a part in making that better, then that’s amazing,”

“All of the ingredients are sat right in front of us – we just need to get on with making the cake.”

Credits:
Funded by: Destination North East England
Produced by: Generator
Directed by: Will Creswick
Edited by: Matty Ride-Smith
Music: Sam Fender