Teesside Talent Shines with New PPL Momentum Accelerator Grants

Three incredible Tees Valley artists are set to take their music careers to the next level after being awarded the very first PPL Momentum Accelerator Tees Valley grants.

The funding, delivered by PRS Foundation in partnership with PPL, Sonic Futures, Tees Valley Combined Authority and UK Government, will give these artists the backing they need to grow their fanbases, release new music, and step onto the national stage.

Meet the Artists

Boo (Stockton-on-Tees) – Producing, recording, and releasing an EP, including a high-profile remix, backed by a full visual and marketing campaign.

Loren Heat (Middlesbrough) – Launching a statement single campaign with national reach, working alongside press, radio and social media experts.

Marina Josephina (Stockton-on-Tees) – Creating and promoting her debut EP, a four-track project that will define her sound and showcase her artistic identity.

PPL Momentum Accelerator Tees Valley supported Marina Joesphina said:
“The PPL Momentum Accelerator fund is a game-changer for me. It’s giving me the chance to bring my debut EP to life at a level I couldn’t reach on my own. Thank you to all the partners for bringing this opportunity to Tees Valley music scene.”

Supporting industry professionals

The program isn’t just for artists, in addition two Tees Valley music professionals have also received up to £2,000 in support, helping them build the skills and networks to strengthen the local scene.

Nicola Coaker (Stockton-on-Tees) – Building brand partnerships to bring more opportunities and investment into emerging North East talent.

David Macnab (Darlington) – Developing management skills, setting up his own business and learning best practice in music administration.

PPL Momentum Accelerator Tees Valley supported Nicola Coaker said:
“This funding is enabling me to strengthen the commercial side of my work - developing a clear strategy for brand partnerships, investing in professional mentoring, and building the infrastructure needed to position North East talent competitively on a national level. It’s a crucial step towards making Nrthrn Baby a sustainable business that can generate new revenue streams and long-term opportunities for the region’s creative community.”

Why this matters for Teesside?

PPL Momentum Accelerator is a targeted scheme designed to support artists and music professionals outside London who face additional barriers to reaching the next stage in their careers. Grants of up to £5,000 are available for artists with a growing fanbase, alongside tailored support for emerging professionals.

Ste Allen, Sonic Futures Project Manager, said:
“As someone who has spent 20 years making music, promoting shows and DJing in Teesside, it is incredible to see this level of support for our artists and music professionals. Through PRS Foundation’s PPL Momentum Music Fund and the brand-new PPL Momentum Accelerator in Tees Valley, we’re seeing unprecedented investment and belief in local talent. This isn’t just funding, it’s a platform that’s giving artists from our area the tools, connections and confidence to compete on a national stage. Seeing artists like Marina, Loren and Boo benefit from ringfenced funding for Tees Valley along with professionals like David and Nic is a game-changer for our scene and a huge step towards putting this area on the map and gaining the recognition that the talent in the region deserves.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen added: “We are home to fantastically talented musicians and professionals - and this new funding will support their success and help drive their careers to the next level. This support plays a vital role in nurturing our talent, helping us hear more Teesside voices on the international stage, and it also ensures people can stay local and go far across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.”

Want to apply?

The next deadline to apply for PPL Momentum Accelerator Tees Valley support is 27 October 2025 at 6:00pm.
Think you’re ready to take your music to the next level? Visit the PRS Foundation website to find out more and apply.