North East picked for BBC Introducing partnership
BBCBBC Introducing has launched its first region-wide partnership with the north-east of England in the hope of creating more opportunities for musicians.
Venues and organisations will help new and unsigned artists play local gigs and access artist development support.
The Glasshouse Centre for International Music in Gateshead, The Fire Station in Sunderland and Middlesbrough Town Hall will host musicians to play live, record and develop ideas directly to the BBC Introducing platform.
Shakk, presenter of BBC Introducing North East, said the region "may have lacked opportunities in the past", but the partnership marked a change.
BBC Introducing has offered new artists a way to gain radio play and new fans since 2007 and has supported the likes of Sam Fender, Little Simz and The 1975.
Kelly Betts, BBC Introducing editor, said the "music scene in the North East is hugely exciting" and the partnership shows their "commitment to the artists".
PA Media"I understand how vital opportunities are in a region where we many have lacked opportunities in the past," Shakk said.
"So to be able to create opportunities for artists to come and play live and develop is, for me, what it's all about."
The partnership will see the launch of BBC Introducing From The Glasshouse, showcasing three regional artists at a "Pay What You Decide" gig, which will be recorded and shared across the network.
The first gig on 16 April will be fronted by Lizzie Esau, who has already gained support from BBC Radio 1's Greg James as well as performing on the BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury.
Tamsin Austin, venue director at The Fire Station, said the venue "love[s] nothing more that seeing artists grow, from playing small support slots to playing main stages and their own headline shows".
Music charity Tees Music Alliance and music development agency Generator are also involved to support musicians and help them evolve.
Alice Fuller, deputy CEO at Generator, said: "Uniting the collective forces of North East music behind BBC Introducing gives artists in this region even more confidence to follow their dreams.
"Getting them on to the BBC's radar, and everything that could mean, is a hugely exciting development."