From initially setting up an online music blog, to releasing our first music and culture magazine in print some six years ago – it’s been one hell of a journey.
To celebrate in style, we’re bringing six renowned artists to Stockton this June including Tom Joshua, Dressed Like Wolves, Alistair James, Sophia, Sam Readman and Stu Blackburn.
Tom Joshua:
Growing up Eaglescliffe, a small village in Stockton-on-Tees, provided Tom Joshua with a wealth of inspiration. The North East as a whole has always been a fertile ground for artistic growth: a mix of leftover industries and the long-felt effects of disproportionate government policy, Middlesbrough and the towns and cities nearby are stoic in their self-sufficiency, their history, and their respect for the often overlooked beauty on the doorstep.
“I’ve always considered the skyline you can see from the flyovers between Stockton and Middlesbrough pretty epic and unique – you have miles of industry, stretching out to the coast, met further along the way by some massive hills. The contrast of the landscape feels thoroughly Teesside, both bonny and rough in equal parts,” explained Tom.
Each track on Tom’s debut ‘Undergrowth’ EP is rooted in a location for Tom, a specific space or feeling associated with somewhere never very far from home. Whether it’s lyric writing while walking the dog to the same local shops he’s visited since he was a boy or heading to the infamous Showcase Cinemas complex (the inspiration behind lead track ‘Cinema’), the overriding feeling is one of nostalgia, growing up and learning to appreciate all you have.
The EP is itself a joyous expression – sometimes dreamlike, at others more lucid, but always providing comfort in familiarity. There’s a sensitivity to the production style that provides the perfect lift for Tom’s songwriting.
Dressed Like Wolves:
Dressed Like Wolves is Rick Dobbing, and sometimes his pals, making honest, frantic and heartfelt music about all the things and people that surround them (mostly coca-cola, the sea and social clubs).
Dressed Like Wolves has been making music in attics and small bedrooms since 2009, playing shows in barbershops, vintage shops, laundrettes, tea rooms, replica ships and even some regular venues too. They’ve played with bands such as Wolf Alice, Trust Fund, J.P Cooper, Jeffrey Lewis, Sam Fender, The Burning Hell, Darren Hayman and Withered Hand.
“Dobbing’s part-whispered delivery always feels like he’s holding back on spilling a terrible secret, sick of carrying the burden. It’s this presence that adds so much weight to his usually folky, emotive songs about the stresses of human relationships.” – GoldFlakePaint
Alistair James:
Hailing from the small town of Eston in Middlesbrough, Alistair James writes and performs songs of everyday life. If you’ve been to one of his live gigs, you’ll be familiar with some of the backstories around these songs, some of which can be tongue in cheek but carry an important message and introduce us to ourselves through the songs’ characters.
After November’s release of ‘Run For Their Money’ and lockdown still in full force in the UK, Alistair got his hands on some basic home recording gear and was able to create demos with the idea of returning to ‘proper recording’ when Covid restrictions were lifted. Fortunately, after plenty of playing around, ‘Just Wanna’ Be Free’ was born – and Alistair felt it had to be released. With the exception of drums, performed by Paddy Jordan (who also mixed the track), what you hear is essentially the demo.
Just Wanna Be Free’ is a track that speaks about being stuck in one place but wanting to be somewhere else and questions a return to normality through the opening line ‘do you think you’ll get the chance to love again?’. Covid aside, the song also ties in this thought around relationships, work and general life through more lyrics like ‘What does your heart desire? What does your mind really need?’
Sophia:
Tipped as one to watch for 2021 by BBC Introducing in the North East, Sophia’s humble and emotional brand of pop music is starting to reach ears up and down the country. This artist’s captivating style has sparked the imagination of her growing fanbase and cemented her firmly on the radar of many regional tastemakers. Honing her talent through a series of releases over the past two years, Sophia is ready to take her sound to the next level, gaining considerable momentum from singles ‘Skin’ and ‘Stay’.
Drifting into 2021, Sophia received multiple repeat plays across three BBC Introducing stations as well as airplay from Shell Zenner on Amazing Radio, proving her ability to tap into the hearts and minds of listeners who are desperate for a reprieve from their day to day frustrations.
As she continues to find herself as an artist, Sophia’s style is constantly evolving, following melodic pop influences along with current and fresh production.
Sam Readman:
Young, local artist Sam Readman is just breaking into the Teesside music scene with the release of her debut single, ‘Dancing With the Devil’. After studying in Leeds for three years, she has come back to her roots. Her music is best described as alt-pop, taking influence from the likes of Florence and the Machine, London Grammar and a splash of Adel.
Stu Blackburn:
Many of you will know Stu from his time with renowned Stockton band, The Purnells, and he is also the frontman of skewed blues outfit, Grim Lizard. Stu will be performing a rare solo originals gig for you lovely music lovers.
NE Volume Magazine’s 6th Birthday Bash takes place at NE Volume Music Bar in Stockton-on-Tees on Friday 25th June. Tickets, priced at £6.00 in advance, are available at seetickets.com.
