Northern House Showcases the Best of Northern Emerging Talent at The Great Escape

Northern music’s leading partners are teaming up this May to present Northern House at The Great Escape. A powerhouse showcase celebrating the very best of emerging artists from across the North of England.

Led by Launchpad, Generator and the Northern Music Network, and delivered in partnership with EMI North, Hull City Council, Kycker, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the Northern Music Export Office; incorporating Liverpool City Region, the North East, Tees Valley and West Yorkshire Combined Authority - the initiative brings together artists from across multiple Northern regions onto one stage.

The two-day showcase will take place at WaterBear on 14–15 May, spotlighting an exciting lineup of emerging artists from across the North. Tees Valley is represented by Champ and Marina Josephina, while Liverpool City Region brings Tian Qiyi and Miles Temp. From West Yorkshire, Kenzo Jae and The 113 join the bill, alongside Greater Manchester’s Prido. Hull’s Breeze and The Froot also feature, while the North East is represented by Labyrinthine Oceans and Lizzie Esau. Additional partners EMI North present LIFE and Walt Disco, with South Yorkshire’s Kycker showcasing Lois and Floodhounds, with more artists to be announced.

The Northern House showcase is part of a wider strategic collective effort to decentralise the UK music industry, championing the creativity, diversity and originality of talent emerging from across the North. The showcase provides a vital platform on a national stage, enabling artists to connect with new audiences, industry professionals and international peers during one of the UK’s most influential music industry festivals.

Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Northern House aims to bridge that gap by supporting artists across the North to build their careers and gain visibility alongside their peers from across the UK and afar.

Mick Ross, Generator CEO said: “Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not - and that’s exactly what Northern House is here to change.

By bringing partners together from across the North, we’re not just showcasing artists, we’re building a connected system that gives them access to real opportunities. Through initiatives like the Northern Music Export Office, we’re creating clear pathways from grassroots scenes to national and global stages.

The Great Escape is a key moment in the industry calendar, and it’s vital Northern artists are part of that conversation - not on the sidelines, but leading it.”

Whiskas, Launchpad founder said: “The quality and diversity of music coming out of the North is incredible, and it’s important it has a platform at major international music events like The Great Escape. The partnerships at the heart of Northern House demonstrates that collaboration is key, and shows how organisations across the North can work together to provide industry-ready opportunities for a range of artists across the whole region.”

Scott Lewis Label Manager EMI North said - “Northern House shows the power of collaboration and we’re incredibly excited to be working alongside brilliant partners to showcase Northern talent at The Great Escape. EMI North’s continued efforts across the whole region is essential to providing opportunities and showing our shared commitment to increased access and platforms for Northern creatives. The Great Escape is a crucial cultural moment in music and art, and our Northern House will be the place to witness the next wave of talent emerging in the North, and help them to find new audiences and build their careers.”

Frank Wilkes, Founder and COO of Kycker said - “At Kycker, being based in the North isn’t just geography - it’s identity. It’s grit, creativity, and a community that consistently shapes the future of music on its own terms. We are proud to be part of the Northern House at TGE to showcase that the North doesn’t follow trends - it sets them.”

James Meadows, Chrysalis Records & Hull Music Board said - “Hull and the North of England has always been home to bold, original voices, where creativity thrives through resilience, communities and a strong sense of local pride & identity. The talent emerging from this region is not only diverse and distinctive, but deeply connected to the stories and spirit of the North.

We're pleased to support initiatives like Northern House, to platform the North's creativity & talent on a wider stage, ensuring artists from Hull and beyond have the visibility, networks and opportunities they deserve. The Great Escape offers a powerful platform to spotlight this talent, to ensure that the North continues to play a defining role in shaping the future of UK music and culture.”

Holly Jones, Principal, Music at Greater Manchester Combined Authority said - “We’re proud to be part of Northern House at The Great Escape, collaborating with partners from across the North to give artists a vital platform to showcase their work, build meaningful connections and take the next steps in their careers.”