NExSW

North East by South West creates a financially risk-free environment for artists to connect with the industry  outside of their own region, to grow their networks, build an audience and professionalise their craft. 

We are giving artists the opportunity to develop their live performance skills, get a taste for touring and showcase their music in front of likeminded audiences in Newcastle and Bristol, and now additionally Leeds: the new home of EMI North

Spearheaded by Generator’s patron, renowned songwriter and BBC Radio 6 Music broadcaster Tom Robinson, North East by South West is a touring programme for emerging artists. The first of its kind in the UK, this programme will offer artists at an early career stage the opportunity to showcase their music to audiences across the country, providing invaluable experiences and opportunities to perform live, by relieving the financial burden of touring.  

Applications are now closed

The second instalment of NExSW has grown to add a new city renowned for nurturing underground talent, now taking place in Bristol, Newcastle, and additionally Leeds.

• Thursday 23rd November, The Louisiana, Bristol.
• Friday 24th of November, Headrow House, Leeds.
• Saturday 25th of November, The Cluny, Newcastle.

Newcastle rapper Kay Greyson and Bristol rock band Haal will headline this instalment of NExSW.

Bristol’s HAAL is a project where triphop, industrial and electronica music of the same era culminates into one honed vision. Feeding this into home crafted DIY pedals, synthesisers and sampling, HAAL utilises motorik rhythm and uneasy atmospheres, counterbalancing this with destructive tendencies and glorious builds. 

Kay Greyson has been performing for over ten years cementing her reputation in the UK as a hardworking, multi-talented artist. Her US influenced style calls back to the mid 2000’s hip hop she loved as a teen. She focuses on clever songwriting with a groove to keep any crowd moving! Having supported legends like The Game, KRS One, Akala etc she is now focused on creating her own legend. Her lastest single ‘Vain’ was featured on Radio 1 as part of ‘Jack Saunders Future Artists’.

The Headliners will also be joined by supporting artists Rubber Oh, Immi Dash and Hang Linton.

Rubber Oh is the psych-pop experimentations of North East musician and producer Sam Grant [Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs]. Created in his studio in Newcastle [Blank Studios], Rubber Oh is a vessel for warped sounds, heavy rhythms and dense melodies.

Immi Dash is an Alt R&B artist from Stroud. With liquified melodies, smoky harmony stacks and atmospheric beats, her sound glides into the R&B world like a homecoming. Immi has found her stride on the UK scene, performing at the Cavern Club in Liverpool, supporting Slum Village at Future Yard on their UK tour, and showcasing internationally at Rotterdam’s ‘New Skool Rules Festival’.

Splicing avant-funk, dance punk & breakbeats, Hang Linton is an interdisciplinary artist based in Leeds. After cutting their teeth in Berlin across multiple projects & collectives, Hang has landed on home soil & is ready to make his mark. Their art is a rebellion against clean aesthetics, inspired by past experiences, changing global events & the ugliness in the world. It’s not pretty – but it’s important & Hang will make sure you enjoy the ride. 

On the North East by South West programme you will… 

• Receive a bursary to cover travel costs and other necessary expenses 
• Access mentoring and development opportunities from the Generator Team 
• Grow your network of likeminded artists and industry professionals 
• Showcase your music to audiences beyond your region 

This programme is a partnership between Generator North East, The Cluny in Newcastle, The Louisiana in Bristol, Headrow House in Leeds and funded by Arts Council and PRSF.

North East by South West will continue to grow over the coming years, with the aim to build a UK tour route that connects our emerging talent and strengthens both regions as hotspots of upcoming music outside of London.