Mercury Prize events to show off 'phenomenal' scene

North-east England feels like the centre of the music scene ahead of the Mercury Prize, a musician has said.

The first event of the Mercury Prize Fringe is to begin later, kickstarting a week-long programme of performances, workshops and talks across Tyneside.

It is the prestigious music award's second year in Newcastle, with Geordie Sam Fender taking home the prize in 2025 for his album People Watching.

Tom A. Smith, from Sunderland, will headline BBC Introducing Live at the Glasshouse on Monday and said Fender's success had "inspired a generation of bands" in the region.

Smith said he hoped the festival would give people a chance to see Newcastle's music scene for what it is.

"The North East is just so phenomenal, it feels like the cultural hub in the country in terms of music right now.

"I'm lucky and I'm fortunate that I can travel around the country and different places and experience the music scene in so many different areas and it doesn't feel as exciting as the North East does right now."

Smith puts a lot of the buzz down to Sam Fender's recent success.

"He feels like he is the sort of figurehead of guitar music in a sense at the moment and I think it's carrying through the whole of the North East," he said.

"It's just totally inspired a generation of bands that are almost like the New Wave across the country."

Led by music development agency Generator, the fringe events aim to showcase Newcastle's music scene and create opportunities for emerging talent.

Events include a Mini Mercury for musicians aged 12-18 on Sunday, giving the younger generation a chance to take over a professional music venue.

On Tuesday, local nominated band Knats will return to the West End for a listening party and conversation discussing the stories behind their shortlisted album.

But Knats' A Great Day in Newcastle is not the only local nomination.

South Shields' Jade is shortlisted for her album That's Showbiz Baby!, and so will take on the likes of Olivia Dean, Raye and Paul McCartney.

The winner will be announced at a ceremony at the Utilita Arena on 22 October.

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