Loren Heat: From Middlesbrough to Japan

Ahead of her trip to Japan, we caught up with Loren Heat to talk about her excitement for the upcoming export opportunity and reflect on her own journey with Generator so far.

G: As an artist from Middlesbrough, how has that environment shaped both your
sound and your identity?

LH: The stories! The stories and experiences I’ve got and had from talking to people and going out and just trying to fill my days with my friends has truly allowed my songwriting to flourish from when I did it as a teenager.

G: You’ve spoken about how London-centric the industry can feel. Why is it so important to you that Northern artists can access international opportunities without relocating?

LH: Because the north is beautiful, it gets a bad rep but it’s genuinely full of talent and beauty, we shouldn’t have to pack up and leave our families and the villages and friends just to get the same opportunities as those in bigger places like London.

G: From your first Generator-supported national showcases to now preparing for your first international showcase, your journey has moved quickly. What’s one lesson that’s really stayed with you so far?

LH: Apart from learning that Apple Maps eats your phone battery and porta loos are far from your friend… be yourself! It sounds so cliche I know but genuinely, it’s true. Be yourself, make friends, talk to people, learn from people, experience everything through an authentic lens. I have some incredible memories and incredible friends from these showcases because I just thought why not. Have your camp rock moment.

G: You’re about to take part in Generator’s international exchange in Japan. What does this opportunity mean for you personally, and how does it feel to now represent the North East on international stages through Generator?

LH: It means the world, not a single word of a lie I’m still in shock, I feel so honored and proud to get to represent the north east, there’s so much talent here, I genuinely cannot express how grateful I am, like what do you mean the little strange child that used to stand and sing lemonade mouth to her year 6 class now gets to represent the north east in somewhere as amazing as Japan?!

G: Musically, what are you most excited to explore or develop during your time in
Japan?

LH: My story telling! I’m so excited to work with Momoko and see how their process of making music goes and see how I can explain and describe my experiences better.

G: What would you say to other emerging Northern artists considering engaging with
Generator for the first time?

LH: Oh lord, girl I always, ALWAYS, suggest generator. Literally whenever someone asks… “generator, look into them” “message generator they’ll help you.” I’m like a walking advertisement. “Do it”, that’s what I’d say to someone debating it.

G: Beyond the music, what are you most excited to experience while you’re in Japan?

LH: I’d LOVE to find some Super Sentai merchandise as I’m a big fan of Power Rangers, along with going to the Pokemon Centre, I'm a massive geek. But also to maybe eat my own body weight in snacks and food.

G: And finally, is there a Japanese artist you’ve discovered recently that you’re excited
about going into 2026?

LH: I’m so excited to discover some while I’m there and I am currently enjoying “Wind” by Akeboshi, I found it on TikTok and it’s so pretty! I also can’t wait to spend time in the studio with Momoko Iwasaki.

Running from 6 - 16 February, the visit marks the beta phase of a three-year cultural and industry exchange programme, forming a core pillar of the UK’s first Northern Music Export Office, set to officially launch in Spring 2026.