Our latest phase of our music development programme, From Teesside with Love, saw representatives from 14 Tees based bands / solo artists working with us to promote their music using social media applications and related tools.
The project was made possible with assistance from Arts Council England, through their grants for the Arts programme - with additional support from Teesside University.
We videoed and edited footage to create usable content for bands to promote themselves with; we also carried out a full audit of their social media presence - and offered support to make it work in the best possible way as a promotional tool for them and their music...
A delegation selected from the artists we worked with visited a leading UK music industry convention as part of the project - to sample at first hand how the music industry works and what drives it. We also introduced key music industry contacts to local songwriters and musicians in order to inform and advise them on the best way forward for them and their work. We visited Liverpool in May and took representatives from Weird Shapes, Cattle & Cane and Young Rebel Set. You can see Dan, Helen and Mark from the bands speaking about Liverpool Sound City in a link HERE.
The bands taking part performed at selected events throughout 2011 / 12, including Stockton Calling and Stockton Weekender.
Want to know more about the bands that took part? Check them out below, click on the band name to find out more...
Sister Rose - One of Teesside's most promising new acts, this four-piece indie rock outfit have played alongside acts such as Viva Brother, Kitty, Daisy & Lewis, Maximo Park, Darwin Deez and a whole host more. You can view a video interview with the band HERE.
Randy & The Handstand Band - Not only one of the best band names we've heard in a long time, Randy & The Handstand Band also possess an uncanny knack for Grade A indie with clear inspiration from Arctic Monkeys and The Cribs. We interviewed Randy & The Handstand Band just after their gig at The Georgian Theatre - watch it HERE.
Sailors and Saints - Drawing on influences from Biffy Clyro and Kings of Leon, this alt rock foursome are a breath of fresh air on the Teesside music scene. Having release 2 E.P's the band are full of ambition and are definitely ones to watch. Watch an interview with them HERE.
Samantha Durnan - A prolific singer-songwriter, Samantha has been playing guitar since the tender age of 9 and has since released 2 albums. Influenced by the likes of Michelle Branch and KT Tunstall, she has played alongside acts such as Beverley Knight, Ed Sheeran and The Hoosiers. We interviewed Samantha, you can watch HERE.
The Weekend Retreat - Relative new comers to the Teesside music scene, The Weekend Retreat are already causing waves with their debut E.P. Bang Bang. An exciting prospect, watch this space! Watch them talk and perform HERE.
The Panoramic - A young act with talent beyond their years, The Panoramic play a mixture of reworked covers and original material. Having recently won a Battle of the Bands that resulted in them performing at The Riverside Stadium these young guns have a bright future ahead.
Leddie and Smoggy - Teesside's very own rapping, writing and producing hip hop duo who've played with the likes of Dan Le Sac Vs Scroobius Pip, Logical and Lowkey and Skinnyman. With the urban scene beginning to take shape in Teesside Leddie and Smoggy are at the very forefront.
The Rise - Indie rockers hailing from New Marske, Redcar. Having played relentlessly throughout the region the lads have built an impressive following - which shows with 1800 Facebook fans.
Other acts who have been involved are Human Traffic and Dean & The Monster.
