Generator and Warner Music UK Unveil Tyneside Studios Project

The project has been the product of months of strategic planning between Warner Music UK and Generator, the North East-based organisation dedicated to nurturing and growing musical talent in the region. 

“We’re beyond excited to be in position to announce this partnership,” explained Mick Ross, CEO of Generator. “It’s the result of months and months of planning, a number of visits to the region from Warner Music’s top executives and the support of a host of partners to get us to the stage where we can proudly say we’re bringing a standard of music production to the North East that won’t just be the envy of the region, the north, or indeed the UK.

“We have a thriving North East recording scene, and the many independent studios creating that landscape will benefit from having Warner Music’s input. Our ambition has been to deliver something that is world-leading and we’re so thrilled our ambitions have been matched by Warner Music’s own with their commitment to this project.” 

Both Generator and Warner Music UK confirmed the initial investment would be ‘substantial’ and give the region world-leading recording and production facilities that sets them apart from the competition. Dubbed ‘Warner Music Newcastle’ as its working title, it would include recording studios, editing suites, podcasting studios and and other collaborative spaces for the development of creative content in line with Generator’s strategy to develop the music sector in partnership with Newcastle City Council and the North East Combined Authority. 

The knock-on recruitment effects, in helping scores of music makers, production assistants and engineers, photographers and film-makers with new work could result in many millions being generated in income for the North East annually. 

Exact locations for the new studios are being kept under wraps at this stage, but both Warner Music UK and Generator say they have a very exciting shortlist of venues. 

Warner Music UK CEO Tony Harlow said: “Since discussing the project with the Generator team and its supporters in the region, we knew we had the right delivery partners. We can’t wait to start work on site and get the studios into operation as soon as possible.

“Our vision at Warner Music is not only to represent the world’s greatest musical talent, but to provide facilities, opportunities and pathways into the music industry for tomorrow’s generations of talented musicians and producers. This will be a true, accessible focal point for the North East’s musical and creative communities that we know already exist in abundance.” 

The project has won the support of a number of bodies. Both Newcastle City Council and the North East Combined Authority have fully supported the plans and dedicated themselves to ensuring forward momentum on the project.  

North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness says: “A major new recording studio forms part of my vision to give the North East the place it deserves on the global music map. Alongside plans for a major new film studio in Sunderland, and the MOBO awards coming to the region in February, this shows how we are investing to create real opportunity for new generations of creative talent.

“I am excited to see who will follow in the footsteps of stars like Sting, Sam Fender, Nadine Shah and Jade Thirlwell in going from the North East to a worldwide stage as a result of the decisions we are making today.”

Cllr Karen Kilgour, Leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “We know there is so much talent in Newcastle and this announcement is huge for the culture sector for the entire city region. It provides an accessible route into the industry for budding artists here on Tyneside. The MOBOs is heading to Newcastle in the new year, a bid to make Newcastle Gateshead a Music City has just been launched and now we are set to welcome a major new music studio to the city. This will help create new jobs, skills and investment for the whole of the North East and make a lasting impact on Newcastle that will benefit every resident in our city.”

Cllr Amanda Hopgood, Leader of Durham County Council and North East Combined Authority Cabinet member for culture, creative, tourism and sport, said: “Our region is full of talented individuals and it’s important we create and seize as many opportunities as we can to support them to pursue their dreams.

“Together with Crown Works Studio’s £450 million film studio development in Sunderland, Warner Music Newcastle will help establish our region as a hub for creative industries. It will create skilled jobs, attract further investment and will demonstrate to young people that they don’t need to leave the North East to work in film, television and music. We welcome this investment and will do everything we can to help bring it to fruition.”

While the new production facilities will act as a huge draw for new and upcoming acts from the region, and be a focal point for North East showcases and creative events, the deal could even see well-established Warner Music signed acts coming to the region to record new music. 

The announcement comes amid an exciting time for Generator, who has just announced its part, alongside The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, in making NewcastleGateshead a dedicated Music City. 

The organisation has also been tasked with the production and delivery of the MOBO Awards’ fringe events programme when the world-renowned music awards are hosted in the city in February.