North-East megastar Sam Fender has backed a new programme to ensure Northern musicians get the vital support and exposure they need to take their music worldwide.
A new Northern Music Export Office has been supported by three Mayors and Combined Authorities to supercharge international growth of the North’s thriving music scene.
The plan is for the office to provide vital national and international touring support, and crucial export opportunities for professionals and showcases.
Now North Shields’ own Sam Fender has thrown his weight behind the Export Office following the initiative’s unveiling at SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas, last month.
Sam said: “Giving artists from the North funding and support to tour nationally and internationally is key to ensuring opportunity is for everyone involved in the sector, not just for the few.
“Projects such as this will help musicians reach audiences beyond their own regions, which has always been massively important.”
The Tees Valley Combined Authority, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and the North East Combined Authority have all championed the Export Office.
Talks are underway to expand support to artists and professionals across other parts of the north with the strategic collaboration set to provide key support to local artists, music businesses, and talent, helping them reach global markets and establish a lasting international presence.
The Export Office will do this by offering both national and international touring grants, targeted resources, mentorship, and export-ready development programmes to ensure the North’s Music sector is well-equipped for success on the world stage.
It will also focus on increasing the global visibility of the region's music sector, driving exports, facilitating international opportunities, and supporting the growth of emerging music talent.
The push comes after artists from across the north, including North-east singer-songwriters Cortney Dixon, Amelia Coburn and Finn Forster, joined a delegation promoting the north’s vibrant creative industries at SXSW.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We have incredible talent across our region – and we want to have the very best support to allow these fantastic artists to achieve their potential.
“The new Export Office will provide vital backing to bring Teesside artists to a global audience and further demonstrate how we are leading the way in providing innovative support across a wide range of industries.”
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “I want to see a new generation of home-grown North East talent find its place on the world stage.
“We’re incredibly proud of Sam’s rise – he’s a shining light in putting another Tyneside voice on the global stage, and it’s great this initiative has his support.
“We have so many great young musicians here in our region, and this new Export Office builds on our success in bringing the MOBO awards to Newcastle and attracting a major label recording studio to the region, opening the door to real opportunities for the talent we know is out there.”
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram added: “The Liverpool City Region’s musical legacy is second to none. Our area has long been a global trailblazer in music, and we’re determined to build on that success by giving the next generation of Northern artists the backing they need to reach new audiences worldwide.
“The Northern Music Export Office is proving to be a game-changer for our region’s artists and music businesses, offering them the tools, support, and opportunities to take their talent global. Whether it’s through touring grants, mentorship, or showcase events, this initiative will ensure that musicians from our region can compete – and thrive – on the world stage.”
Generator North East, a leading Northern agency, and its partners are already working closely with global music export agencies and international industry partners to create valuable opportunities for regional artists and businesses.
Through this partnership, the Export Office will cement the North as a global magnet for music innovation and creativity – with the hope to bring in other Combined Authorities this year.
“Music is an essential part of the North’s cultural identity, and we are thrilled to see this initiative developed,” said Mick Ross, CEO of Generator NE.
“The Northern Music Export Office will provide invaluable support to our artists, helping them access international markets, grow their careers, and showcase their talent to the world, whilst recognising the need for national tour support for artists.”