While Pearly Gates are taking the headline slot on the night, their involvement in NUSU Sessions runs deeper than performance alone. The band played a key role in shaping the event, working alongside The Courier to help bring the concept to life.
The idea first took shape last summer at Ouseburn Festival, where frontman Tom Hunt performed at The Grove. In the audience was Libby Griffiths, NUSU’s Student Media Officer, who was impressed by the set. When the feedback made its way back to Tom through a friend, he decided to take the initiative and reach out himself. "It felt like a fun idea," he explained, particularly the chance to put on a student-focused gig and perform in the Students’ Union venue. Tom, in collaboration with Libby, and Music sub editors Milly Thompson and Emma Monaghan, has managed to create a night no one will forget.
Rather than viewing NUSU Sessions as a one-off event, Tom hopes it can become a recurring fixture within the university. He points to the number of student bands on campus who rarely have the opportunity to perform in a professional environment. Creating that space, he says, not only helps emerging artists gain experience but also encourages networking and collaboration within the local scene.
Guitarist Sam echoes this sentiment, drawing on his own time studying at Newcastle. He recalls that opportunities like this were largely absent during his time at university, despite there being plenty of capable musicians. For him, the longevity of NUSU Sessions is what matters most, and he believes it could become an important platform if allowed to grow year on year.
That sense of ambition is reflected in Pearly Gates’ live performances. Known for maintaining momentum throughout their sets, the band avoid predictability by blending live instrumentation with electronic elements. Drummer Max jokingly attributes their energy to simply "hitting the drums really hard," while Tom explains that the band run samples throughout the set, giving it the structure and flow of a DJ performance.
Although Pearly Gates fall broadly under the umbrella of dance music, their sound moves through a wide range of subgenres, from psychedelic disco to more transient experimental moments and house-driven rhythms. This variety ensures that no two tracks feel the same, keeping the set dynamic and engaging rather than repetitive.
Taking on the role of headliner for an event they helped create does bring a level of pressure. Tom admits it is nerve-wracking knowing that people he recognises from university, some who would not usually attend a gig like this, will be in the audience. However, he adds that having a strong band around him helps ease that pressure, crediting the musicianship of the group as a whole.
When asked what they hope first-time audiences will leave saying, the band’s responses are simple but telling. Tom and keyboardist Dan hope people leave wanting to see Pearly Gates again. Max sums it up more instinctively with the expression "Phwoar," while Sam hopes the night feels polished and professional, "like a proper gig." Tom quickly agrees with this statement, and it is one that aligns closely with the aims of NUSU Sessions itself.