I had the pleasure of seeing 100s of local, and not-so-local, solo artists and bands play live in 2023 at NE Volume Music Bar and at venues across the region. But having seen all 10 of these artists live last year, I’m expecting big things from them this year.
Provenance: A brand new indie-pop outfit from Teesside, Provenance are another band that played their first-ever gig at our own NE Volume Music Bar. They’re gone from strength to strength since their debut gig, now playing shows right across the region.
Mascara’s Lies: Comprised of Oscar McCall-Smith (vocals, bass, synth) and Joseph Richardson (drums, piano, percussion, vocals), Mascara’s Lies are an alternative pop/rock band from Middlesbrough. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Muse, Foals and Biffy Clyro, the band fearlessly experiments with a variety of genres in their music to create a sound truly unique to them.
Wingz of the Monkey: North East alt-rockers Wingz of the Monkey were founded this year but are already making a mark on the Teesside music scene, regularly playing gigs at our own NE Volume Music Bar as well as The Georgian Theatre.
Maeve & The Trains: This North East three-piece punk, leftist, riot grrrl outfit are really making waves with their adrenaline-fuelled set, filled with angst. Expect intense lyrics about feminism, gay rights and more.
Seventh Heaven: A brand new alt-rock outfit from Teesside, Seventh Heaven are another band that were founded this year but have really gone from strength to strength. Regularly selling out our own NE Volume Music Bar, their fan base is also continuing to grow.
The Larches: One of the youngest bands to have ever played at NE Volume Music Bar, indie outfit The Larches draw influences from QOTSA, Black Flag, IDLES, The Libertines and The Strokes.
End Credits (formerly White Noise.): The winner of our first-ever Battle of the Bands competition at NE Volume Music Bar in Stockton, this Teesside psychedelic indie-pop outfit are ones to look out for. Their debut album, ‘The Traveller’, features a fantastic mixture of psychedelia, indie-rock melancholy and joy.
Dossers: Another winner of our Battle of the Bands competition at NE Volume Music Bar in Stockton, Teesside’s Dossers feature a whole heap of inspirations within their music, with their unique sound a complex mix of post-punk, rock, metal and indie.
Pretty Velvet: North East outfit Pretty Velvet feature a fantastic array of lively, catchy melodies, powerful vocals, and a captivating stage presence. This male/female-fronted outfit, who create perfect music for rock ‘n’ roll fans with dirty souls, are certainly a band worth keeping an eye on.
Ash Amari: Ash Amari, a singer-songwriter/indie artist from the North East, has grown in confidence substantially since her first gig in Stockton in June. Often now performing as a duo, it would be great to see her perform alongside a full band in 2024.
