Generator’s December Playlist: Curated by Our Team

We’re not ready to say goodbye to 2024 just yet. After asking the team what their favourite tracks of the year by North East artists were, we’ve put together a bumper playlist filled with a variety of both emerging talent and heritage favourites – from treasured indie-folk band Lindisfarne to genre-bending wizard Akam, and rising folk-pop singer-songwriter, Georgina Gale, these are the artists to take you into the New Year and beyond. 

(Image Credit: Cortney Dixon – Joe Haydon)

1.‘Die N Cry’ – Akam ft julian. and Emrld 

“Currently on our First Notes programme, Akam has impressed me so much with his music. This track is yet another solid example of Akam’s ability to bridge the gap between Hyperpop, Rap, and electronic music production.” – Adam MacDonald, Senior Programme Coordinator 

2. ‘New Day’ – Dylan Cartlidge 

“Discovered Dylan a couple of weeks ago and he’s just released this beautiful track, such a captivating voice and feel-good vibes.” – Adam Cutting, A&R and Label Operations Intern, Interval Records. 

3.  ‘5+5’ – HUNNI 

“An undeniable banger from a North East duo on the rise. (Written with a 2x grammy-nominated writer). HUNNI are setting the bar in the pop space right now!” – Josh Daniel, Label Lead, Interval Records 

4. ‘Manchild’ – Georgina Gale 

“There’s no option but to listen multiple times. The first time you find yourself simply vibing because it’s so catchy and then realise there’s so much cool stuff going on in the track be it Georgina’s voice, the harmonies, production, lyrics… the list goes on.” – Chyaro Hylton, Programme Coordinator. 

5. ‘Streetlights’ – Jamie Beth 

“Since its release, I’ve had this song on repeat! The stacked harmonies are to die for. Such a delicately beautiful song. At times it gives me slight Chappell Roan vibes which I love – I can’t wait to see what Jamie does next.” – Emily Bowdon, Programme Coordinator 

6. ‘Issues’ – Malik Abdul ft Baya 

“An exciting and versatile Afrobeat artist/producer who is on our Create Careers programme. Malik’s album drops this December and I can’t wait to see the response it gets.” – Alice Fuller, Deputy CEO 

7.  ‘Drunk Girls’- Charlotte Grayson 

“I think it’s really cute and wholesome. Such a catchy chorus and gorgeous riffs to belt along to in the car.” – Kaitlin Robson, Music Industry Intern 

8. ‘The Greek Key’ – The Early Purple 

“The Early Purple’s newest single is reminding me of happier, warmer times. I’m really looking forward to seeing them perform it live on the 11th December at the Glasshouse.” – Lucy Bridge, Programme Coordinator

9. ‘Inseparable’ – Dextro 

“The standout track from Dextro’s (a.k.a Ewan from Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs) latest album, Respire. It slowly builds from scratchy lo-fi beginnings, to a moody, majestic crescendo, and I love it.” – Thomas Bagnall, Head of Programmes 

10. ‘Bathroom Window’ –  Liz Corney 

“My current favourite from Liz’s recent – and somehow solo debut – LP We Need New Eyes. Just lovely.” – Nick Sheffield, Head of Education & Strategic Collaborations 

11. ‘Run for Home’ – Lindisfarne 

“Love the words.” – Kay Canning, Operations Manager & Assistant to the CEO 

12. ‘Cool About It’ – Cherry Blur 

“This has been on REPEAT since I first heard it. If it’s not on my Spotify Wrapped it’s a crime.” – Jessie Mallinson, Freelance Content Creator 

13. ‘The Saboteur’ – Lanterns on the Lake 

“A record I return to again and again, always uncovering new bits of gorgeousness. An album that’s been a lighthouse in some tricky times.” – Lauren Butler, Head of Brand & Marketing. 

14. ‘Summer Love’ – Cortney Dixon 

“Incredible vocals and it’s such an uplifting track. Cortney Dixon is smashing it, and this track just reminds me of summer at Kendal Calling and seeing her draw a massive crowd at Generator Live. She’s definitely ‘one to watch’ in 2025.” – Camilla Whitfield, Marketing Coordinator 

 

(Image Credit: Generator)

You can listen to the full playlist here. 

Featured image: Christopher Owens