“A Game Changer For Me”: Outstanding Musicians Selected For Package Of Career-Changing Support

Three talented musicians and a string of bright prospects in the music industry have been awarded career-changing backing to help their futures.

Celia Grace, Herberta and Jodie Nicholson have all received backing from the PPL Momentum Accelerator to develop their careers, grow audiences and strengthen our region’s burgeoning music sector.

The accelerator programme provides targeted four-figure support and professional development for artists and industry professionals in our region showing exceptional promise.

Celia Grace will receive backing on her debut album creation, recording, mixing, mastering, release and PR. Herberta is being supported on recording, releasing and promotion of a new EP, while Jodie Nicholson is being backed to work with a new producer on a forthcoming album.

Jodie said: “I’m very excited and grateful to have been awarded the PPL Momentum Accelerator to go towards the recording and mixing of my next album.

“Over the last couple of years I’ve made a real effort to become self-sufficient as an artist and eliminate financial restraints as much as possible, while still getting good quality music out there.

“I’ve been really trying to make an effort to self-produce my own music and when you’re a solo artist and self-producing your own music, it kind of comes at a mental cost as much as a financial cost.

“With that in mind, for my next album, my dream was to work with another producer and co-produce the record together. With this support, I’m able to do just that and I’ll be working with John Martindale at Blank Studios, in Newcastle, which will be a real game changer for me.”

The artists were selected by industry experts and will receive support designed to help them build momentum at a crucial stage in their careers.

In addition to artist funding, the programme will provide support of up to £2,000 through micro-grants, mentoring and tailored opportunities for five Tees Valley-based music industry professionals:

• Dennis Wachepa – developing Pre Game Lobby into a sustainable platform for emerging rap and R&B artists in Tees Valley.
• Madelaine Stonehouse-Hedley – help with mentorship, networking and professional development to strengthen her artist-centred producing practice.
• Paige Hughes – providing capacity building support as an artist manager.
• Reese Wake – help with development of Jaded Radio’s digital artist station for creatives across the North East.
• Shahin Hashemi – for creation of a professional showreel and mentorship to support work as a presenter, host and curator.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We are home to an incredible pool of talent and creative ambition. Our artists and professionals are aiming high – and we want to back them.

“This will give them the opportunity to develop their skills, reach new audiences and take their careers to the next level. Congratulations to everyone selected and I look forward to seeing what they achieve.”

The PPL Momentum Accelerator is delivered by PRS Foundation in partnership with Sonic Futures, Tees Valley Combined Authority and the UK Government.

It supports talented artists with a growing fanbase who are looking to establish industry teams and build sustainable careers in music.

Since launching, it has helped artists progress to a level where they have gone on to secure support through the wider PPL Momentum Music Fund, including successful acts such as English Teacher, the 2024 Mercury Prize winners, and Jacob Alon, winner of the BRITs Critics’ Choice Award 2026.

The programme has also helped a raft of our region’s musicians in the past including current Tees Valley Artist of the Year Boo.

Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke, TVCA Cabinet Member for Finance, Organisational Improvement and Business Growth, added: “We have a rich music scene.

“Whether it’s recording new music, developing platforms or building skills behind the scenes, this investment will help our music talents thrive by giving them the tools, time and support they need.”

The next deadline for applications to the PPL Momentum Accelerator for artists and industry professionals based in Tees Valley is 26 October, 2026, at 6pm.

For more information and to apply, visit PRS Foundation

Image credit: Ellen Dixon