INTRODUCING
THE SOUND OF NEWCASTLE
Newcastle is known for its vibrant nightlife, lovable accent, and its black and white football team [up the mags], but what’s often overlooked is the toon’s bustling music scene. Sure, you’ve heard of Sam Fender and Sting, but it’s time to shine a light on some other hype worthy artists – from alt-pop to post-punk, the North East has it all:
IMOGEN AND THE KNIFE
Forged in Newcastle, honed in South-East London, Imogen and the Knife is carving an incandescent path through alternative pop. With vocal performances of depth, vulnerability and control, Imogen articulates an intimate yet social experience, often exploring themes drawn from her upbringing and her complex relationship with the body.
Joining the dots along a jagged line of influences from Kate Bush, Nick Cave, Fiona Apple, Rufus Wainwright and more, Imogen and the Knife crafts a unique world that glints with intrigue in each new track - from rhythmic swells and brooding orchestral arrangements to the grounded haunting trademark of her piano and vocal performance. Poignant song writing is brought to life with moments of quiet reflection and fresh, full-bodied instrumentals.
ERNIE
Part-time chef, full-time singer-songwriter, ERNIE serves up his own brand of heartfelt indie rock, merging a hazy, nostalgic feeling with layers of brooding vocals, fuzzy guitars and warbly synths; whilst touching on themes of adolescence, family, relationships and the trappings of being the “odd one out” in a small northern town.
An absolute must-listen for fans of soft-spoken indie rock.
NO TEETH
The antithesis to soft spoken - Enigmatic and elusive, No Teeth charge onto the scene and into your ears with a raw mix of brass, chaotic energy, and snarky delivery. They offer a unique sound reminiscent of bands like The Cardiacs, Country Teasers, and The Birthday Party.
Defined by chugging bass-lines, frantic drumming, and feral synth lines, their signature sound explores themes of debauchery, hedonism, and depravity.
The most fun you will ever have at a live show.
SARAH JOHNSONE
Rising North East artist Sarah Johnsone’s alluring vocals may conjure the likes of Amy Winehouse with its loaded provocation and spacey vibe, but the Newcastle-based artist’s punchy sound has more in common with music makers Wet Leg, Siouxie and the Banshees and The Black Keys thanks to a defiantly angular alt. rock edge.
From timeless influences to modern inspirations and lyrics which are indicative of life for a young woman in the North East, the juxtaposition of soulful yet urgent sounds comes from an upbringing of eclectic listening habits which span jazz and soul to R&B and blues, merging with later influences which come from a distinctly punk aesthetic.
CORTNEY DIXON
Somewhat of a local legend, Cortney Dixon, consistently swoons audiences with addictive indie-pop bops.
Cortney's distinctive sound draws influences from the likes of PJ Harvey, HAIM, Blondie, David Bowie, Kate Bush and Stevie Nicks. It’s alt-pop powered by her love of indie-rock. Her fuzzed up guitar tone paired with big-organic beats creates the perfect back drop for Cortney's unique vocals and catchy pop melodies.
Her music is a place to escape, dream, dance, be playful and outrageous. She's able to cryptically address serious subject matters in her lyrics without bringing down the mood of her indie-pop bangers!
