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 – and you’re invited.
Growing up in Eaglescliffe, a small village in Stockton-on-Tees, provided headliner, 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.
Tom’s debut ‘Undergrowth’ 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.
And 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.
Next up, and hailing from the small town of Eston in Middlesbrough, is Alistair James who 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.
And 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’.
Next up, young, local artist Sam Readman is just breaking into the Teesside music scene with the release of her debut single, ‘Dancing With the Devil’. 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.
And many of you will know our opener, Stu Blackburn, from his time with renowned Stockton band, The Purnells (they’re back by the way) 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 from nevolumebar.co.uk or seetickets.com.
