Northern Music Export Office sets to Drive International Growth for Local Talent

Northern musicians are poised to expand their reach internationally through a new initiative aimed at showcasing their talents worldwide. The Tees Valley Combined Authority, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, and the North East Combined Authority have collaborated to establish the Northern Music Export Office.

Sam Fender, has backed the initiative, saying, “Giving artists from the North funding and support to tour nationally and internationally is key to ensuring opportunity is for everyone involved in the sector, not just for the few. Projects such as this will help musicians reach audiences beyond their own regions, which has always been massively important.”

Announced at the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas, this programme seeks to accelerate the international growth of the North’s vibrant music scene by offering support for national and international tours, export opportunities for professionals, and showcase events.

Discussions are underway to extend this support to artists and professionals across other northern regions. This strategic collaboration aims to assist local artists, music businesses, and talent in accessing global markets and establishing a lasting international presence. The Northern Music Export Office will provide touring grants, targeted resources, mentorship, and export-ready development programmes to equip the North’s music sector for success on the world stage.

The initiative focuses on increasing the global visibility of the region’s music sector, driving exports, facilitating international opportunities, and supporting the growth of emerging music talent. By fostering connections with key international music networks, the office aims to position the North as a significant player in the global music industry.

Mick Ross, CEO of Generator NE, welcomed the initiative, saying, “Music is an essential part of the North’s cultural identity, and we are thrilled to see this initiative developed. The Northern Music Export Office will provide invaluable support to our artists, helping them access international markets, grow their careers, and showcase their talent to the world, whilst recognising the need for national tour support for artists.”

The Northern Music Export Office will offer services including export training, global showcase opportunities, advice on international touring, and access to funding and grants. By connecting local talent to both national and global audiences, the office will facilitate international networking and partnerships with music industry professionals worldwide.

Recently, artists from across the North, including Teesside singer-songwriters Amelia Coburn and Finn Forster, participated in a delegation promoting northern creative industries at SXSW.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen commented, “We have incredible talent across our region, and we want to provide the best support to allow these fantastic artists to achieve their potential. The new Export Office will bring Teesside artists to a global audience and further demonstrate how we are leading the way in providing innovative support across a wide range of industries.”

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness added, “I want to see a new generation of home-grown North East talent find its place on the world stage. We have many great young musicians in our region, and this new Export Office builds on our success in bringing the MOBO awards to Newcastle and attracting a major label recording studio to the area, opening the door to real opportunities for them.”

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram highlighted the area’s rich musical heritage, stating, “From the Beatles to the Real Thing and many more, music has always been part of the fabric of the Liverpool City Region, it’s woven into our identity. We’re renowned, not just in the UK, but globally, for the talent that we produce. The new Northern Music Export Office is set to provide fantastic opportunities for artists in our region and help put them in the spotlight where they belong.”

Generator North East and its partners are collaborating with global music export agencies and international industry partners to create valuable opportunities for regional artists and businesses. Through this partnership, the Northern Music Export Office aims to position the North as a global hub for music innovation and creativity, with plans to include other Combined Authorities in 2025.