World renowned record label EMI has partnered with Tyneside talent development agency Generator to launch a new imprint in the North East.
The music major, which has boasted some of the biggest stars in history including The Beach Boys and The Beatles, has turned its attention to the region via its EMI North arm, which launched in Leeds earlier this year. The yet-to-be-named label will leverage Generator's grassroots work in the local scene and is said to mark a milestone in the development of the region's music industry.
The move has created two full time positions: a label manager and an A&R intern. It comes after what Generator has described as a bumper 18 months in which it has emerged from the pandemic, delivering a host of events and programmes for the North East's creative industries and preparing for the launch of its Technical Skills for the Live Sector Level 3 qualification, which welcomes its first intake of students this autumn.
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Generator CEO Mick Ross: "For over 30 years Generator has been working to raise up the North East’s music scene and get the region heard nationally and internationally. I am delighted that EMI North have decided to partner with us and most importantly that they’re working with us to establish this truly trailblazing label in the North East – at such an exciting time for the region’s music industry.
"This partnership not only creates jobs but unlocks a whole manner of opportunities for the region’s talent both in front of and behind the mic. I can’t wait to see how many careers we can help to launch over the coming years."
Clive Cawley, president of EMI North said: "Having seen the incredible reaction we had to the announcement of EMI North this year, this is a fantastic opportunity for us to extend our work in Newcastle with a like-minded partner. With Generator in place we can continue establishing our footing and help propel and cultivate the region’s artists, industry careers and form ever stronger ties outside of the capital."
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Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said: "From Sting to Sam Fender, the North East has produced some of the 海角视频’s most inspiring and best-selling musicians, backed by an industry which supports thousands of jobs and drives economic growth every year. This Government wants to help maximise the true potential of our Creative Industries which is why I'm delighted EMI North and Generator are joining forces to create more local opportunities for the next generation of British artists to make their mark.”
Coun Nick Kemp, leader of Newcastle City Council, added: "This is brilliant news highlighting what exciting times these are for the area's music industry. Its recognition by the industry of the potential for our region’s talent, represents a significant investment and is one that reinforces the amazing work of Mick and the team at Generator.
"We all know the proud history of storytelling and song writing in our region, this is a real commitment towards building and supporting an industry here for the future, meaning our talent, all the supporting jobs, technicians, engineers, producers etc know they can create careers here in the North East."
Generator is supported by the North of Tyne Combined Authority’s Skills For Growth programme, PRS Foundation, Arts Council England, Newcastle City Council and Newcastle Gateshead Initiative’s Invest Newcastle and Youth Music strand.