Global Industry Names To Share Expertise At Music Showcase

Leading industry voices are set to offer expert insight at a major new event aimed at driving forward Tees Valley’s vibrant music scene.

Music Futures Hartlepool will bring together some of the most influential figures shaping the UK’s modern music landscape and will offer advice and networking opportunities for the region’s growing hotbed of creative talent.

The conference is free to attend and features an impressive list of speakers including CEO of LIVE and the LIVE Trust Jon Collins, venue owner and promoter Jimmy Beck of KU Stockton, music and culture consultant Yaw Owusu, Partisan Records’ Director of Audience Development Connie Rose, and Beggars Group’s Head of Promotions Rob Cannell.

They will be joined by Charlie Kemp, Head of Creative Place at Tees Valley Combined Authority, to highlight the region’s commitment to supporting its creative industries.

The event at Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre on Thursday, 21 May, is part of the Sonic Futures programme backed by Tees Valley Combined Authority and dedicated to nurturing the region’s music industry.

Organisers say Music Futures Hartlepool has been set up to help a wide range of industry professionals including early and mid-career artists, emerging music professionals, producers, promoters and creatives alongside students and those exploring careers in music and creative industries.

Following the day of panels and workshops, the PRS Foundation and Sonic Futures will present an evening of music showcasing local talent.

The gig will be headlined by home-town favourites Marketplace, fresh off the back of their biggest UK tour to date, as well as touring at SXSW in Texas, and New Colossus in New York.

Support will also come from Stockton trio Risco – a band gaining momentum thanks to their electrifying, high-energy performances.

Sonic Futures is powered by regional music development agency Generator as part of ongoing work to grow the region’s creative and cultural economy by helping local artists, entrepreneurs and businesses develop, connect and succeed.

The programme also looks to attract national and international attention to the region’s thriving music scene.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We’ve got incredible creative talent across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool and we want to make sure people have the chance to build their careers here and go far.

“By backing Sonic Futures, we’re giving our artists and industry professionals the opportunity to connect with some of the biggest names in music, develop their skills and show what we’ve got to the world.

“This is a good opportunity to link to those with those important music industry ties and decision-makers, so I’d encourage our talent to head along to Hartlepool.”

TVCA Head of Creative Place Charlie Kemp added: “Sonic Futures is all about opening doors for our local music community – through access to industry insight, new networks and practical opportunities to grow.

“Bringing this calibre of speakers to Hartlepool at the Music Futures conference shows the strength of what’s happening here and the appetite to connect Tees Valley with the wider music industry.

“These events help build lasting links which will benefit our creative sector for years to come.”

Thomas Bagnall, Head of Programmes at Generator, said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing Music Futures to Hartlepool alongside regional and national leaders from across the music sector.

“Over the last 18 months, Sonic Futures has been helping make sure the incredible talent and music professionals already here in Tees Valley can access the opportunities, connections and support they deserve in their own hometowns. By opening doors, connecting people and building stronger pathways into the industry, the programme is helping cement Tees Valley as a place where musical creativity and careers can genuinely grow and thrive.”

To find out more and register for Music Futures Hartlepool, visit: Events – Sonic Futures

Tickets for the evening music showcase are on sale now at £7.