NewcastleGateshead Music City has named an Ivor Novello and BRIT Award-winning songwriter to lead its plans to grow the regional music industry.
Michelle Escoffery is the Chair of The Ivors Academy Trust and was President of Members Council PRS for Music. And some time before that she was a recording artist at Atlantic, and wrote songs for the likes of Liberty X, Beverley Knight, Tina Turner and All Saints.
Escoffery will be Chair of NewcastleGateshead Music City, supported by Vice Chair Jim Mawdsley – who over the last 4 decades has become one of the most influential figures in the North East music industry.
“Music is a global language, and the North East has a powerful voice that deserves to be heard on the world stage,” she said.
“The North East’s musical talent is undeniable. By investing in the right infrastructure and creating real opportunities for growth and development, we can build a music ecosystem that not only nurtures local talent, but positions this region as a leader in shaping the future of music.”
Music City is a collaborative operation between Generator, the North East headquartered music development agency, and The Glasshouse International Centre for Music in Gateshead.
Its goal is to develop the region’s music sector, open opportunities for emerging artists and music professionals, and position NewcastleGateshead as a nationally and internationally recognised hub for music.
READ MORE – From MOBOs to Mercury Prize: meet the relentless Generator boss putting the North East on the music map
“Newcastle Gateshead has been a hotbed for talent for a number of years with many artists either currently rising to or sitting at the top. We have proved that we can host world-class music moments – from the MOBO Awards in February to the Mercury Prize later this year, our ambition has never been stronger,” explained JMawdsley Principal Advisor for Events and Culture at Newcastle City Council and Vice-Chair of the Newcastle Gateshead Music City Board.
“We have been slowly building our reputation for the last two decades and now is the time to accelerate that momentum: attracting the biggest global events, building on our recent major label and global partnerships and building further infrastructure that will make sure every artist across every genre from our region has the chance to succeed and build a career. We’re determined to show that the North East is not just part of the UK music map, it’s leading it.”
The pair will oversee a board of 9 from across the music industry.
“Talent is everywhere, and opportunity must be too. Generator has spent over 30 years breaking barriers, building careers and connecting Northern talent to national and global opportunities,” stated Mick Ross, CEO of Generator.
“We’re incredibly proud to lead this initiative alongside The Glasshouse – a world-class venue and cultural leader – to ensure the North doesn’t follow, it leads. This board unites the very best of local insight and international experience to deliver real, lasting change for music in the North East.”
Wendy Smith, Creative Director at The Glasshouse, added:
“Newcastle Gateshead Music City is about turning ambition into action. The new board brings together people with the knowledge and influence to make change happen and to make sure music can thrive here from the grassroots up.
“We know there are challenges but we also know the huge potential. Music already means so much to people in the North East. With the right backing it can create more jobs, more skills and more chances for local musicians and music professionals to stay and succeed here. This is also about the future. We want every child and young person to have the chance to get involved in music as learners, creators and audiences. They are the artists and leaders of tomorrow and this work will help them see a future for themselves in music here in the North East.”
