L DEVINE
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With over 176k monthly listeners and more than 54k Instagram followers, L Devine’s debut album, Digital Heartifacts, boasts a cohesive sound that continues to warp any preconceived notions of the pop genre, cementing her status as one to watch.
After trading London living for her hometown of Whitley Bay and switching record labels, the 26-year-old’s debut EP, Growing Pains (2019), initially propelled her to success. Many resonate with her lyrical prowess and almost diary-like relatability of the queer experience. Described by Charli XCX as “the motherfucking future”, and a GAY TIMES’ Elevate Emerging Star in Music honouree, her headline slot is not to be missed.
ALANNAH LAMB
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Returning to Generator Live this year, we have rising DJ star, Alannah Lamb, who’ll be providing her signature all-encompassing sound throughout the day - dance, electronica, disco, hip hop and funk, it’s all combined into an exhilarating mix.
After always having an interest in music and learning to DJ before lockdown at Zerox Newcastle, she’s been an unstoppable force with residencies at the likes of Dragnet, Jukebox and Hard Candy (Slacks Radio).
Previously putting on a queer alternative all-day event and Christmas special under her brand, Anti-Pleasure at Zerox, she’s vocal on representation and mental health in the industry - strongly aligning with our values, we’re thrilled to have her at Generator Live this year.
CORTNEY DIXON
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If you’re looking for an artist with a penchant for crafting music to escape, dream and dance to – look no further. An artist, producer and guitarist from South Shields, Cortney Dixon, is a true force to be reckoned with.
Her debut track ‘Bang Bang, Honey Honey’, caught the attention of critics and fans alike due to its fresh take on the indie-pop genre.
Already a well-spun name when it comes to Spotify New Music Friday, BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 6, she’s also part of the latest cohort of Women Make Music PRS Foundation.
Drawing influences from the likes of David Bowie, Blondie, and Stevie Nicks, her stage presence is a culmination of the greats and an indication of where her sights are rightly set.
Powered by a love of indie-rock and a strong sense of heart, her execution of gutsy pop melodies and distinctive vocals are both relatable yet personal to her artistry. Her track ‘Summer Love’ is a scorcher of an indie-pop anthem and a reminder of the glittering atmosphere she creates.
Overall, she’s a self-proclaimed ‘Noise maker // Daydreamer // Hip shaker’, who’s guaranteed to bring her enigmatic energy to every stage she sets foot on.
DAN SWIFT
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Balancing the fine line between gritty authenticity and smooth-sounding rhymes, Dan Swift isn’t an emerging artist to be slept on. Performing as part of NRTRHN Baby's takeover, you should stop by his set if you’re after delving deeper into the region’s thriving underground rap scene.
Born and raised in Newcastle, he channels this Northern attitude into his music with ease. From his track ‘No Snoozing’, which hears him talk work ethic to success-highlighting hit, ‘Wanna Know’ - the latter received a spin on BBC 1 XTRA and marked his debut on the station.
Selling out shows and supporting big movers, such as Grim Sickers and Niko B, has enabled him to hone his craft, creating a high-energy set that incites the crowd to match his flow.
Overall, he prides himself on his impressive vocal delivery and emotive expression, which extends well beyond his years. If you wanna know what Dan Swift is like live, get your ticket now for Generator Live.
EYECONIC
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Part of the line-up for NRTHRN Baby's takeover at Generator Live, we have the aptly-named Eyeconic.
Crafting music that deftly reflects the world as he sees it with refreshing honesty, this is perhaps best demonstrated by his latest track, ‘Bands Make You Dance’. Questioning politics and society, it’s nicely summed up in his own words, “What’s the point of saying anything if you don’t say it with chest”.
The Poland-born and Middlesbrough-raised artist has received a wealth of support from the likes of BBC Music Introducing Tees, BBC Introducing Music North East, and Radio 1Xtra, and he’s only just getting started. Capitalising on every success, he’s become a straight-talking voice to be reckoned with.
If you’re after discovering an artist with the lyrical precision of a surgeon and perfectly executed rhymes to match, make sure to stop by.
FINN FORSTER
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Self-described as ‘Small Town Man, Super Massive Journey’, Finn Forster is taking his music from Middlesbrough to all corners of the UK. His standout track, ‘On My Mind’, has been playlisted on Radio 2 New Music playlist for three weeks and has had over 300,000 Spotify streams. Combining introspective songwriting with a soulful indie sound, BBC Music Introducing in the North East has recently given ‘Stay Right Til The End’ its first-ever radio play, and he’s received numerous festival slots across the UK.
LOOK TERRIFIED
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After their explosive inception in February, rising genre-bending duo, Look Terrified are here to remind you that any notion of pigeonholing will not serve you well when trying to place their inimitable sound. Imagine a large melting pot of alt-indie elements with a heavy dose of pop and you might touch on their wide-ranging inspirations.
Despite only having two singles released and a third on the way tomorrow, they’ve already had debut single ‘FRIENDLY FIRE’, named track of the week on BBC Introducing North East and Yorkshire and received BBC 6 Music playlisting for ‘KEEP YOU RIGHT’. Exploring themes through their music, such as fake friends, they expertly craft lyrics about situations everyone can relate to.
Aside from their relatability, this DIY band thrives on creating their stylistic visions with ease and even filmed the music video for ‘FRIENDLY FIRE’ in their garage. If you’re a fan of artists, such as Arctic Monkeys, Charli XCX, or LCD Soundsystem, you need to come down to their set at Generator Live.
NE-O
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Whitley Bay rapper NE-O will be treating fans to a live set packed full of expertly curated tracks at Generator Live this year, as part of NRTHRN BABY's takeover, matching forceful lyrical energy with his inimitable stage presence.
Supported by industry heavyweights such as the likes of BBC 1 XTRA, he’s excitingly at the tipping point of his career. A sought-after talent, he’s already been announced for Reading & Leeds Festival where he will be performing on the BBC Music Introducing stage.
From performing at The Glasshouse with Nrthrn Baby to supporting some of the UK’s finest rappers, such as D Double E, P Money, Big Zuu, and Kamakaze – be sure to catch his set Boiler Shop to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to rising talent.
RIVKALA
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If your idea of the perfect evening is sipping a cold beverage and listening to an undiscovered neo-soul artist, you must stop by Rivkala's set at Generator Live in October.
With a name meaning ‘to connect’, it’s no surprise that she excels at crafting connections with her listeners. The singer-songwriter and pianist combines catchy melodic hooks with socially conscious lyrics, as shown in her debut single, ‘Zip Lock Teeth’. An alumna of our First Notes programme funded by Youth Music UK, her single received airtime on BBC Introducing North East and Yorkshire and other national and regional radio stations.
Raised on a mix of jazz, funk, disco, psych-rock, and soul, Rivkala’s eclectic influences enable her to create a sound that is both fresh and boundary-crossing. Having headlined at local venues like The Cluny and The Jazz Cafe as well as festivals such as Northern Pride UK, her performance at Generator Live is not to be missed. Make sure to attend her set to hear why she’s already so booked and busy.
SARAH JOHNSONE
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From debuting as a solo artist to partnering with a full band, Sarah Johnsone boasts an indie-rock sound borne out of a wealth of inspirations, including jazz, punk and RnB. Featured all over the airwaves, BBC 6 Music have shared their love for debut EP “Same Reflection But I’m Changed”. They’ve also received the cover star treatment by NARC Magazine.
Centring lyrics around a range of themes, such as the feeling of being in love on ‘No Serenade’ to the pressure of trying to make something of yourself in ‘Pennies’ - their music’s relatability partly takes inspiration from being a young woman in the North East.
After supporting high-profile artists, from Swim School to She Drew the Gun, as well as festival appearances at the likes of Victorious Festival, they’re more than ready to take to the stage at Generator Live. It’s certainly a performance you’ll want to witness front row.
THE PEEVIE WONDERS
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Chaotically high-energy alt-rock band The Peevie Wonders has a day-glo aura and brash outspokenness that’s garnered fans both local and far-flung from the Tyne.
Big advocates of Morrisons and Irn Bru, the band has confessed that they’re “full of peeve and lovers of wonderful things”.
A mainstay on BBC Introducing North East and Yorkshire - appearing at Generator Live in October, it’s your chance to sing along to their fan-favourite classics from ‘Big Eczema Energy’ to ‘Food Shop’. They’ve crafted a quirky world all of their own and we’re inviting you to join them.