Tees Valley Artists and Industry Professionals Receive PPL Momentum Accelerator Support

Three Tees Valley artists and five emerging music industry professionals have been awarded PPL Momentum Accelerator support, helping them take the next step in their careers through funding, mentoring and tailored industry development.

Delivered by PRS Foundation in partnership with Sonic Futures, Generator, Tees Valley Combined Authority and the UK Government, the programme provides targeted support for artists and music professionals who are reaching an important stage in their development.

Supporting the Next Wave of Tees Valley Talent

This latest round of funding will support three exciting Tees Valley artists as they develop new music and grow their careers:
• Celia Grace – Creating, recording, mixing, mastering and releasing her debut album, alongside PR support.
• Herberta – Recording, releasing and promoting a new EP.
• Jodie Nicholson – Working with a new producer on her forthcoming album.

Alongside artist funding, five emerging music industry professionals from the region have also been selected to receive tailored support designed to strengthen the wider music ecosystem across the Tees Valley.

The successful industry professionals are:
• Dennis Wachepa – Developing Pre Game Lobby into a sustainable platform supporting emerging rap and R&B artists across the Tees Valley.
• Madelaine Stonehouse-Hedley – A bespoke programme of mentoring and networking to develop her career as a producer and support progression into strategic, artist-centred producing.
• Paige Hughes – Capacity building and professional development as an artist manager.
• Reese Wake – Developing Jaded Radio, a digital artist platform for creatives across the North East.
• Shahin Hashemi – Creating a professional showreel alongside mentorship to develop their work as a presenter, host and curator.

Ste Allen, Project Manager at Sonic Futures, said:
"It's fantastic to see so many talented artists and music professionals from the Tees Valley receiving support through the PPL Momentum Accelerator, delivered by PRS Foundation. It's an exciting time for our region's music industry, and this investment will help raise the profile of both the recipients and the Tees Valley on a national stage. We hope this marks the first of many significant career milestones for this year's grantees, creating momentum that opens the door to even greater opportunities in the years ahead."

Investing in the Future of the Region

PPL Momentum Accelerator is designed to bridge the gap between emerging talent and long-term careers by providing financial support alongside industry expertise, helping artists and professionals build sustainable futures within music.

By supporting not only musicians but also producers, managers, presenters, platforms and creative leaders, the programme continues to strengthen the infrastructure that allows the Tees Valley music scene to thrive.

These latest recipients join a growing network of artists and professionals who have benefited from the programme, with several previous Accelerator grantees progressing to the national PPL Momentum Music Fund and going on to achieve major industry recognition.

Applications for the next round of PPL Momentum Accelerator for Tees Valley artists and music industry professionals open on 28 September, with the application deadline falling on 26 October 2026.

If you're an artist or music professional looking to take the next step in your career, keep an eye on our channels for more information on upcoming funding opportunities.