Although maybe not as recognised as Manchester or Leeds, the North East’s thriving music scene has been a staple of the city for many years. Having produced The Animals, Sting, Mark Knopfler and more recently Sam Fender, it’s fair to say that the region has contributed more than it’s fair share to the British musical landscape – but it’s far from over, or even halfway through. With our gig scene going from strength to strength, the North East music scene is bringing some groundbreaking talent to the forefront of modern music. Here, Odd Girl Out has curated some of the best up and coming artists for you to jump on before they blow up.
1)
Porcelain
An alt rock four-piece hailing from
Newcastle, Porcelain are undoubtedly on the way up; described by CLASH as a
band that “shine with promise”, the band have headlined and supported at a
variety of independent Newcastle venues. From Zerox to the Cluny, they bring a
polished edge to an indie-shoegaze core that charms the crowds and garners the
band thousands of Spotify streams. Having recently been shortlisted as an
upcoming band to play at the 2026 YNOT festival, there seems to be no stopping
these lads.
2)
Prospect of Power
This three-piece all female band is a gem not
to be missed – despite not having any official music out, they are a tour de
force in their live performances, having recently graced The Lubber Fiend supporting
Ora Cogan in March. With PJ Harvey, Joy Division and Mazzy Star listed as
references, it’s no wonder they are the most gorgeous combo of fuzzy, almost
riot grrrl-esque guitar and haunting lyrics. While indie is a particularly
dominant genre within the North East, it’s refreshing to see a varied musical feast
on display.
3)
Pearly Gates
Never one to shy away from the great beyond,
Pearly Gates is fronted by young singer-songwriter Tom Hunt, a student at
Newcastle University hailing from Darlington. Having recently headlined the
first student gig night – NUSU Sessions – at the student’s union and performed
at The Grove’s birthday party, Pearly Gates are honing their indie-electro pop
sound with a level of dedication and craftsmanship that is admirably intense.
With their latest single ‘Hadley’ (named so after Hunt’s little white dog)
reaching over 8,000 streams on Spotify, I would recommend investing yourself in
these guys quickly.
4)
Nadine Hurley
Self-described as a “DIY hardcore witch house trio”, it would be faster to describe what qualities this band don’t possess rather than what they do. With the self-titled EP released on Friday the 13th of March, this band have a whimsical power over both their instruments and their audiences – the kind of divinity that only comes with total self-assurance. We’re not the only ones who recognise it; Celia Grace did a first play of their latest single ‘Dreamer’ on BBC Introducing North East, describing it as “a little bit different but for all the right reasons”, something Odd Girl Out can wholeheartedly agree with.
Written by Charlotte Atkinson
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