The memories of going to your first live show are something you will never forget, and living in Newcastle for the past 12 years I can definitely say those awesome moments have kept on flowing.
While our region has its fair share of passionate people and a loving and respectful music community, if there is one team in particular I have a lot of appreciation for it would without a doubt have to be Generator. Not only does the North East matter to them, but they are active pioneers in keeping the spark of this region burning bright.
Following the success of their first festivals in 2022 and 2023, the Generator team returned this October with Generator Live 2024. Starting on 4th October at Assembly Rooms in Newcastle City Centre, this was much more than an event but an opportunity to be part of those important conversations that are happening in our very own city.
With the news of the MOBO Awards coming to Newcastle in 2025, Mick Ross (CEO of Generator) opened the conference by acknowledging the brilliant things that are occurring in our region right now, where the North East is no longer in the shadows and finally starting to get the recognition it deserves. Never has there been a better time to be living in our region than there is right now, with commitments to continue investing in the music economy that exists on our very own doorstep.
Having been inspired by Mick’s welcoming speech, it was time to really get stuck in as I explored the conference panel talks and workshops in greater depth. I won't go into too much detail, but what I will say was this was quite a lucrative day for gaining some valuable insight into various topics such as key things that record labels are looking for, the lived experiences of musicians and journalists. A chance to really unlock that true potential that awaits you.
After a successful Conference, Generator Live was the gift that kept on giving with a day of live music, taking place on 5th October at the Boilershop in Newcastle, a destination which has become one of the most iconic music venues in the city. Showcasing some of the incredible emerging talent from across our region in conjunction with the local BBC Introducing team, I was already feeling the vibe that today was definitely going to be one awesome day!
Rivkala
Kicking off Generator Live in style, with plenty of style, class and soulful sophistication was Rivkala, an emerging Newcastle-based neo-soul artist.
Taking to the stage with confidence, Rivkala and her live band gave us all a flavor of her pure talent with tracks such as Vultures.
What impresses me about Rivkala is her ability to push boundaries within her song writing, whereby through her words she also has that empowering boldness to call out the players of society, with her track Chess being a prime example.
Look Terrified
Formed this year, Heaton duo Look Terrified featuring frontman Austin Tweddle and drummer Conor McBride, have wasted no time in livening up the local music scene. After a string of releases including Say So and Friendly Fires the duo made their appearance at Generator Live - a set filled with energy, charisma, sass and unadulterated carnage - the Look Terrified way.
Frontman Austin dressed to impress, in an outfit which oozes sexual confidence took to the stage, as he and Conor and the rest of the band really helped to ignite this Generator Live crowd - the boost of adrenaline which is absolutely difficult to not become addicted to.
While Look Terrified may be a new name to the local music scene, don’t let that fool you before their experience and speaks volumes and are without a doubt a name to pay very close attention to in the weeks and months to come.
Sarah Johnsone
Inspired by the likes of Amy Winehouse, emerging artist Sarah Johnsone from Newcastle was the next to take to the stage.
Our first time seeing Sarah, she provided such a beautiful set which really had the audience engaged as they looked on to witness such a stunning selection of songs.
Stepping out as a singer-songwriter can be such a special moment for any artist, and in the case of Sarah Johnsone it is one she pursues with confidence and a humble attitude, I may not have been familiar with her music before today, but thanks to Generator Live it has certainly made me curious to pay much more attention to the next steps of this emerging artist.
Cortney Dixon
No stranger to the local music scene, our next guest for this brilliant day of live music was none other than Cortney Dixon. As an artist whose journey we have observed over the years, it has felt like a wholesome encounter being able to witness Cortney’s continued growth within the north east music scene.
The best way to really submerge yourself into the world of Cortney Dixon is to see her perform live, because once she steps on to the stage with her stylish aesthetic signature baby blue guitar, she makes that stage her own.
She is not just a artist but a performer who knows how to draw in a crowd and get them dancing. Part of the DNA of the North East, Generator Live just wouldn’t be the same without the one and only Cortney Dixon.
NE-O, Eyeconic, Dan Swift (Nrthrn Baby Takeover)
Of Course the North East is not just about guitar based alt indie rock and pop, it is also a region which has a growing alt underground scene.
With that in mind it was good to see how this next segment of today’s festivities was a chance to highlight some grime, hip hop and rap with a melody of sets from the likes of NE-O, Eyeconic and Dan Swift.
As you look out in the crowd here at the Boiler Shop you could really feel that the audience was feeling the vibe, with even BBC Introducing’s very own Shak getting on stage to join in on the action.
So far Generator Live has has given a day that has been jam packed with variety, with BBC Introducing and the Generator excelling at showcasing the rich and vibrant talent that exists in our region. However the fun is not over yet as there is still plenty more incredible live music to come - as the saying goes the night is young!
The Peevie Wonders
Notoriously one of the hottest, wildest and high-octane live bands around, alt rock band The Peevie Wonders really dialed up the energy levels of Generator Live with their phenomenal performance.
A band I have heard so much about across social media, it was great to finally see them perform live, and as a newbie to The Peevie Wonders camp I can hand on heart say I have become an instant convert.
Despite their set being 30 minutes long, they nevertheless delivered on all fronts, with a live set which certainly packed a punch and then some.
Treating us to tracks inspired by their love of Irn Bru and Morrisons, their ability to take things from everyday life and give it a touch of flair and spice is what sets them apart.
As much as I enjoyed all of their tracks, one of my favorite moments of their set was when they really ramped things up with their addictive track I’m An Influencer - a song which in my opinion is pure dynamite!
If I were to compare The Peevy Wonders to other bands out there, they conjure up this image of what it would look like if the likes of Soft Play, Fat White Family, Palma Violets had a love child.
Deffo a band not to be underestimated as they imprint their name within the North East music scene.
FINN FORSTER
Notably one of the most passionate emerging singer-songwriters to rise up out of the North East music scene, Teesside artist Finn Forster brought his fresh sound, and as someone whose music I have followed so much over these past 12 months was one of the artists I was most looking forward to seeing today.
2024 has been a pretty lucrative year for Finn, consisting of countless appearances at Festivals up and down the country, along with signing to Interval Records. Always pushing himself and investing so much passion and heart, through the power and his natural talent let his music do the talking to highlight just what makes him such a formidable artist.
With this being such an exciting chapter in Finn’s evolution, tonight’s set at Generator Live was an opportunity to delve into the Finn Forster archives with classic tracks such as Grey Skies as a chance to get a flavor of his upcoming material.
Supported on stage with his 8 member live band including newest a few familiar faces from the band Moon Wax, Finn took ownership of that stage which was received with sheer admiration from the audience.
With a spring in his step, and having truly found his ‘fins’, the party is only beginning as Finn Forster takes his music to new heights!
L Devine
After what has been an sensational day of live music, it was time for the day to end in style with our headline act, North Shield’s very own L Devine. It is mad to think that I have had the pleasure of knowing Liv she was 18 years old, and since then she has blossomed into one of the most epic national and international emerging names in music right now.
If you are familiar with her music, you will know that what makes L Devine that extra bit special is that she is not afraid to wear her heart on her sleeve and just use her music as a vessel to express herself in a way which resonates with the listener.
With a live set like the one we saw here tonight at Generator Live its an extra opportunity to bring that magic even more to life.
Performing tracks such as Girls Like Sex, Laundry Day as well as a number of other fan favourite L Devine got the crowd dancing, embracing those feel good vibes and finishing off Generator Live 2024 in style.
As a native in the North East, it feels me with excitement knowing that Mick Ross and his team at Generator Live are leading the way in showcasing to the rest of the country as well as those further afield of all the incredible talent that makes the heart beat of this beautiful region that we live in that extra bit special.
On behalf of all music fans, thank you, roll on Generator Live 2025.
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Article By Thushara Chandrasiri, Photography By Sam Wall
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