February’s announcement marks a new milestone for the development music in the North-East, and will see the service which has already supported the likes of Sam Fender and The 1975 become more accessible to local talent.
The Glasshouse, on the Tyne’s south bank, is at the forefront of both collaboration with BBC Introducing and Newcastle Gateshead Music City, announced last year. The scheme aims to see its namesakes gain UNESCO City of Music status, a status enjoyed by Liverpool and Glasgow.
Wendy Smith, the venue’s creative director hopes that the BBC’s support will “build on” Music City, stating that “we're delighted that BBC Introducing are with us to platform artists on stage and through their broadcast channels”.
Deputy CEO of local talent agency Generator, Alice Fuller, shares similar sentiment, calling the new service a “hugely exciting development”.
Introducing is already a well established force in British music, the Tyne-Tees included. “It’s been an incredible platform for us”, says Porcelain drummer Adam Tibke, praising the service’s ability to "get our music out there”, both on regional and national radio. The new partnership aims to extend further such assistance to developing talent.
Lizzie Essau, from Ryton in Gateshead, will be the first artist to take to the ‘BBC From The Glasshouse’ stage with a gig in April. The show, and those following it, will see one song recorded and uploaded on social media, while tickets will be sold on a 'pay what you decide' basis.
Alongside successful stages at Glastonbury, Leeds and Latitude, BBC Introducing will now operate at Stockton Calling as a part of the project. The Teesside festival saw record attendances in 2022, and will now showcase upcoming musicians as a part of the proposal.