Newcastle Gateshead Music City: A Transformative Initiative for the North East’s Music Industry

With a clear focus on empowering local talent, Newcastle Gateshead Music City aims to foster sustainable careers for musicians and creative professionals, ensuring they can thrive without needing to leave the region. By building on the North East’s rich musical heritage, the project promises to deliver economic growth and long-term opportunities for all involved in the music and creative sectors. 

(Finn Forster – Sam Wall) 

A Strategic Vision for Growth 

At the heart of Newcastle Gateshead Music City is a shared ambition to create a thriving, self-sustaining music economy. The initiative will bring together key players from the music industry, local government, and education to develop a coordinated strategy that leverages the region’s existing assets while identifying new opportunities for growth. 

Key objectives include: 

• Developing a music strategy in partnership with local creative organisations to unlock new opportunities for artists, businesses, and communities. 

• Mapping the region’s music ecosystem to make resources—like venues, studios, and support networks—more accessible to artists. 

• Establishing a Music Board, featuring representatives from grassroots venues, major labels, and the wider creative sector to help shape and support the region’s musical landscape. 

 For Generator, this is a continuation of its mission to champion the North East’s creative industries.  

 Mick Ross, CEO of Generator, sees this as a pivotal moment:
“We have a unique opportunity to place the North East at the centre of the UK’s music industry. Generator is committed to being at the heart of this transformation, working closely with partners across the sector to make Music City a reality.” 

Delivering Real Economic Impact 

The North East is already seeing the benefits of increased music tourism, with a 29% rise in 2023. Newcastle Gateshead Music City aims to accelerate this trend, with goals of creating 2,000 to 4,000 music-related jobs, and contributing an additional £750 million to the local economy. 

This growth will be supported by a network of industry professionals, local venues, and educational programmes, all designed to foster talent and keep the creative workforce within the region. 

 North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, believes the initiative will deliver lasting benefits:
“We’re making the creative economy a key part of our region’s future. Newcastle Gateshead Music City will create the infrastructure we need to support our local artists and turn the North East into a thriving hub for music.” 

(L Devine – Joe Haydon) 

Empowering Local Talent 

For Generator, one of the most exciting aspects of this project is its potential to empower emerging talent. By providing access to better facilities, industry connections, and educational pathways, Newcastle Gateshead Music City will ensure that local artists can launch and sustain their careers while staying rooted in the North East. 

 Award-winning artist Sam Fender—himself a product of the region’s music scene—welcomes the initiative:
“It’s about time we invested more in the North East’s musical talent. This region has a rich history, but we need to make sure that local talent has the resources and support to thrive in today’s industry.” 

(Sam Fender – The Glasshouse International Centre for Music) 

Generator has already taken major stepstowards this goal by building partnerships with industry giants such as EMI North and Warner Music UK, opening doors for local artists to gain visibility and industry support. This initiative is the next logical step in creating a fully integrated music economy in the region.

Building a Sustainable Music Ecosystem 

 The Music City project is designed to be a long-term investment in the region’s cultural infrastructure. By supporting the next generation of musicians, the initiative will help ensure that music remains a central part of the North East’s identity for years to come. 

 Wendy Smith, Creative Director of The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, emphasises the project’s inclusive approach:
“This isn’t just about today’s artists; it’s about creating a foundation for future generations. We want every young person in the region, regardless of background, to have the chance to learn, create, and participate in music.” 

 With its deep roots in the North East, Generator is uniquely positioned to lead this charge. The organisation’s history of supporting local artists and creating opportunities for growth makes it an ideal partner in delivering this ambitious vision. 

 A Collective Commitment to the Future 

The launch of Newcastle Gateshead Music City represents a collective commitment to making the North East a national and international music powerhouse. By bringing together local government, educational institutions, and the music industry, the project aims to create a more resilient and dynamic music ecosystem. 

(L to R: Eyeconic, Dan Swift, the97renn, Nicola Coaker, Pirata, NE-O, and Jenna Cole – Joe Haydon)

This initiative also aligns with other regional projects, such as Sunderland Music City and Sonic Futures in Tees Valley, creating a unified strategy for music across the North East. 

As Cllr Karen Kilgour, Leader ofNewcastle City Council, puts it:
“This project is about more than just music—it’s about creating real opportunities for the people of Newcastle. By investing in skills development and nurturing local talent, we can ensure that the region remains at the forefront of the creative industries.” 

This project launch is just the beginning. As the region continues to grow its reputation on the national stage, Generator will play a crucial role in shaping its future, helping artists, venues, and businesses thrive in a fast-changing industry. 

Featured image: Christopher Owens