The Glasshouse

With representation from a broad spectrum of the music industry, the Board will bring their passion, expertise and lived experience from within the music industry to help shape the next chapter of the Music City.

Driven by the research behind the newly published Foundation Report, the Board will support the Music City Office, co-led by The Glasshouse International Centre for Music and Generator, to turn the findings into action.

Newcastle Gateshead Music City will accelerate the momentum already seen across the region’s music industry from major label partnerships, a strategic partnership with the BBC, world-class venues and increasing investment in skills and facilities. From emerging talent building confidence in local venues to artists reaching national and global stages, a strong cultural identity and DIY communities, the report and passionate Board demonstrates a city region that continues to punch above its weight and sets the stage for an even more ambitious future for music in Newcastle Gateshead.

Michelle Escoffery, Chair of Newcastle Gateshead Music City Board said:

“As Chair, I am proud to be shaping a Strategic Board that reflects the energy, ambition and diversity of the Newcastle Gateshead Music City vision. This is a dynamic and well-balanced group of leaders, bringing both depth of experience and fresh perspective. Through collaboration and a clear focus on solutions, growth and delivery, we are committed to unlocking opportunity for the region and extending our impact far beyond it.”

Jim Mawdsley, Vice Chair of Newcastle Gateshead Music City Board said:

“While music had always been a strong part of the cultural identity of Newcastle, Gateshead and the wider region, the impact it makes has not been recognised beyond acknowledgement and celebration. Music’s value as an economic and social driver has now made its case and is receiving the attention and backing that it deserves. By assembling a strong, experienced and multi disciplined music board for Newcastle Gateshead we will have even more effective leadership that will make a real difference to building an ecosystem with greater impact. I am honoured, excited and privileged to continue decades of commitment to the music sector in the region by accepting the role as Vice Chair of this new dynamic board and look forward to the achievements we will make together.”

• Adam Behr, Head of Music at Newcastle University.
• Ambrose Field, Head of Design, Arts and Creative Industries, Northumbria University.
• Caroline James, General Manager of Utilita Arena Newcastle.
• Gabriel Day, Director, World Headquarters
• Imogen Williams, Songwriter and Artist.
• Keith Armstrong, Founder and Director of Soul Kitchen Music.
• Maia Beth, BBC Radio 1 presenter and DJ.
• Matty Aston, Head of Operations at Super Cat PR.
• Mick Paterson, Artist Manager.
• Paul Reed, Regional Organiser for the North of England at Musicians’ Union.
• Ross Lewis, Production Manager at The Cluny.
• Stephanie Haughton-Campbell, Chief Operating Officer at UK Music.
• Sue Collier, Artistic Director, Programmer, Producer & Tour Manager.

The Board is chaired by Michelle Escoffery, an Ivor Novello and BRIT Award-winning songwriter and creative executive, alongside Vice-Chair Jim Mawdsley, one of the most influential figures in the North East’s music industry, who has driven major events, festivals and investment that has shaped the region’s cultural identity for the past few decades.

Developed with Counterculture and Newcastle University, and supported by the North East Combined Authority, the Foundation Report brings together a year of research and consultation with artists, venues, industry professionals, businesses and supporters from across the local music ecosystem.

Headlines:

• 83% of interviewees identified grassroots venues and organisations as key stakeholders in developing the local music sector, playing a central role in developing artists, building communities and supporting the wider sector.
• There are now more than 1,400 music businesses and artists operating across the North East, reflecting a region already rich in talent, activity and ambition.
• In 2023/24 alone, music contributed £364 million to the regional economy, supported over 3,000 jobs, and attracted 714,000 visitors – almost double the previous year.
• The region’s music sector is supported by growing infrastructure and influence, including major label partnerships, a strategic partnership with the BBC, and global platforms such as BBC Proms.
• Major national moments, including the MOBO Awards and Mercury Prize, have generated over £2 million in economic benefit while engaging thousands of young people.
• Investment in music skills and development delivers a strong return on investment, forecasting £5.80–£6.60 of economic value for every £1 invested.

The report sets out priority areas to strengthen Newcastle Gateshead’s position as a leading UK Music City including strengthening creative communities and collaboration through the grassroots, improving regional music funding, embedding music in regional strategies around economic growth, tourism, education and health, expanding spaces for music and local industry infrastructure; keeping talent in the region through clear pathways into music from early years to professional careers and making music a home for everyone.

The publication of the Foundation Report begins the journey towards an ambitious music strategy which will outline how music can drive growth and support the creative community.

Stephanie Haughton-Campbell, Chief Operating Officer at UK Music said:
“As highlighted in UK Music’s Hometown Glory report, the Government’s 2025 industrial strategy recognises the creative industries as one of eight key sectors driving economic growth, and the music industry is uniquely positioned to harness local and regional potential and lead this strategic growth area nationally.

The Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board is building the foundational platform for the North East to develop a joined-up music ecosystem that regenerates places, supports skilled employment, and drives economic growth, whilst utilising music’s power to underpin and promote local, national, and global cultural leadership. I am honoured to be serving on this exciting strategic board.”

Adam Behr, Head of Music at Newcastle University said:
“Research shows that the conditions for real, sustained growth in Newcastle Gateshead’s music sector are in place: in talent, venues and the breadth of the ecosystem. The Board, and the work ahead of it, represents a real chance to translate that into coordinated strategic action that builds effectively on that foundation – to harness the investment now behind it and create opportunities and foster connections for the grassroots and throughout the sector.”

Maia Beth, Presenter and BBC Radio 1 DJ said:

“I’m so proud to be joining the Newcastle Gateshead Music City Board. The North East is my home, it’s always been class and it feels like people are finally starting to notice. There’s so many talented people in this area and I can’t wait to help make sure they’re seen everywhere and to ensure opportunities are there for everyone, no matter who you are or where you’re from.”

Ross Lewis, Production Manager at The Cluny said:
“I’ve been fortunate to work all over the world as a tour manager and engineer so trust me when I say that Newcastle Gateshead is one of the most inspiring places to work in live music. We have a tightly knit sector, a strong history of collaborative working and a can-do attitude at all levels. I’m passionate about grassroots music venues being a place where people who struggled to fit in elsewhere can find community, identity and opportunity. I look forward to supporting Music City to increase funding to our thriving DIY scene and address the lack of small to mid-size independent music venues in our city.”

Adam Behr, Head of Music at Newcastle University.
Dr Adam Behr is a Reader in ‘Music, Politics and Society’, and current Head of Music, at Newcastle University (UK). His research covers the connections between music, politics, the music industries and cultural policy. This has included: music sector mapping, the relationships between music and political communications, and the cultural value of music. As well as academic publications on music’s policy, social and historical contexts, he has written extensively for public facing and web outlets, including The Conversation and The New European.

Ambrose Field, Head of The School of Design, Arts, and Creative Industries at the University of Northumbria.
Professor Ambrose Field is an experienced higher education leader and author. His work brings together leadership, creative practice and industry engagement, with a consistent focus on innovation and skills development across the design and creative industries.

Before joining Northumbria, Ambrose served as Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global Strategy at the University of York, where he led the development of international partnerships in Asia and the Middle East. Earlier in his career he established a reputation as an award-winning creative practitioner working at the intersection of digital media and human experience.

Alongside his academic roles, Professor Field has worked as a consultant to two multinational technology firms on product design, is a regular speaker at creative industries events, and has served on the advisory boards of arts and culture organisations in the UK.

Caroline James, General Manager of Utilita Arena Newcastle.
Caroline James is General Manager of Utilita Arena Newcastle, part of the ASM Global portfolio of over 450 venues worldwide. Originally from London, she began her career in hospitality before working across venues in the UK, New Zealand, and Doha, with experience in event management, operations, sales and marketing, and hospitality. Since relocating to Newcastle in 2018, she has risen to General Manager, leading a programme of high-profile events, including sell-out shows by Florence and the Machine and Girls Aloud. Under her leadership, the arena has undergone significant refurbishment and continues to strengthen its position as a leading live entertainment destination.

Gabriel Day: Director, World Headquarters
Gabriel Day is an events and music industry professional with over 17 years of experience across nightlife, venue programming, cultural projects, and community-led events across the North East. He is owner and programmer of World Headquarters, one of the UK’s most respected independent venues. Gabriel has delivered large-scale city-centre events and major venue programming, and leads projects connecting local regeneration with cultural programming, alongside mentoring and youth-focused community initiatives.

Imogen Williams, Songwriter and Artist.
Imogen is a songwriter and artist with over a decade of professional experience across the UK music industry. Originally from Newcastle, she is committed to supporting regional creative development and opportunities for artists across the North. Creating under the project Imogen and the Knife, and as a member of the band thredd, her work has received critical acclaim and national radio support. Alongside her artistic practice, she works as a Songwriting Lecturer and is a former Board Director of The Ivors Academy, where she founded and co-chaired the Youth Council and served as Deputy Chair of the Songwriting Council, continuing to support emerging and underrepresented artists.

Keith Armstrong, Founder and Director of Soul Kitchen Music.
Keith Armstrong is Founder and Director of Soul Kitchen Music, with over 40 years’ experience in the music industry, based in Newcastle. He founded The Soul Kitchen as a music venue in 1982, followed by the independent label Kitchenware Records. His experience spans promoter, record label owner, publisher, and manager, guiding artists including Prefab Sprout, Lighthouse Family, Editors and Jake Bugg to over 6 million record sales worldwide, with nominations for 8 Brit Awards, 2 MOBO Awards and 1 Mercury Music Prize. He currently manages a roster of emerging and established artists.

Maia Beth, BBC Radio 1 presenter and DJ.
Maia Beth is a BBC Radio 1 presenter and DJ from Washington, Tyne and Wear. She gave Chappell Roan her first UK radio play and has supported artists including Noah Kahan and Myles Smith early in their careers. She hosts album launches for Universal Music and has interviewed artists including Zayn Malik. She was the Mercury Prize 2025 socials host in Newcastle, interviewing shortlisted artists including Sam Fender. As a DJ she performs high-energy disco house sets at festivals including Glastonbury and works across BBC Introducing and live music events.

Matty Aston, Head of Operations at Super Cat PR.
Matty Aston has worked at music marketing and strategy company Super Cat PR for over ten years, splitting his time between the Newcastle and London offices while helping build the company in the North East. He was promoted to Head of Operations in late 2023. Super Cat PR’s roster includes emerging and established artists such as 2024 Mercury Prize winners English Teacher, Westside Cowboy, Fiona-Lee, Hippo Campus, and North East artists including Heidi Curtis, ERNIE and Melanie Baker. He began his career at Generator in 2015 and continues to support the North East music scene through mentoring, lectures, and industry networking initiatives.

Mick Paterson: Artist Manager
Mick Paterson has been involved in the music business for over 40 years, primarily in management but also working with labels and as a club and gig promoter, mainly within the independent sector. Born in Tynemouth and recently returned to the area, his first management client was A Certain Ratio, working closely within the Factory Records circle. He went on to work briefly in the promotions department at Rough Trade Records before joining Mute Records as Head of Promotion and Artist Development for eight years. At Mute Records, he worked on campaigns for artists including Depeche Mode, Nick Cave, Moby and Erasure, and also set up the NovaMute techno label. He later established his own management company, representing artists including Spiritualized, Band of Skulls and The Boo Radleys, and has extensive experience in international film and TV synchronisation. He currently manages North East acts A Safest Place and Emily Emily, and continues to mentor artists and managers through industry development programmes.

Paul Reed, Regional Organiser for the North of England at Musicians’ Union.
Paul Reed is a senior music industry leader with 21+ years’ experience, 16 of these at senior management level. As Regional Organiser for the North of England at Musicians’ Union (MU), Paul is responsible for leading on the Union’s affairs and operations in the region, managing the team and office and supporting 6,700+ MU members across a vast geographical area. Paul’s role also includes managing high level casework alongside partnerships and regional political activity. Starting as an independent gig promoter in Newcastle, Paul’s background prior to The MU was primarily in the live music industry including a nine-year stint leading the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), a leading national Trade Body for festival organisers. Paul is also currently a Non-Executive Director of Twickets, the largest ethical face-value ticket resale marketplace in the UK and in 2025, he was elected by colleagues to be a GMB Union workplace representative at The MU.

Ross Lewis: Production Manager at The Cluny
Ross Lewis is an experienced music professional working across live music, touring, education, and event delivery. He currently leads on production, booking and funding operations at The Cluny and The Cluny 2, overseeing a diverse programme of live events. Alongside this, he has worked as a self-employed practitioner through Immediate Audio since 2007, providing tour management, front-of-house engineering, recording services, and project management for artists and festivals. He has also worked in education at Newcastle College and on industry training initiatives, combining technical and creative expertise across the live music ecosystem, with a particular focus on grassroots music culture.

Stephanie Haughton-Campbell, Chief Operating Officer at UK Music.
Stephanie Haughton-Campbell is Chief Operating Officer at UK Music, the collective voice of the UK’s music industry. She works with the UK Music team and members including AIM, BPI, FAC, The Ivors Academy, MMF, MPA, MPG, MU, PPL and PRS for Music to collaborate, campaign and champion music. Since joining in 2022 as Director of Operations, she has led recruitment for senior roles and delivers UK Music’s annual Summer Party. She began her career at East West Records, supporting campaigns for artists including Simply Red, Jimmy Nail, Human League, Tom Jones and Snoop Dogg. Her career spans leadership support and research roles across the creative industries, including Burson Marsteller PR, 1 2 One (Artist) Management, BMG/RCA (now Sony Music), music broadcasters Music Choice and MTV, and work at Creative & Cultural Skills supporting skills and apprenticeship development across the UK music and advertising industries. She is also a trustee of Help Musicians.

Sue Collier: Artistic Director, Programmer, Producer & Tour Manager
Sue Collier is an Artistic Director, programmer, producer and tour manager with over 25 years’ experience across the UK live music, touring and cultural sector. She has toured worldwide as a tour manager for artists including The Specials, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Siouxsie Sioux, Brett Anderson, Bonnie Prince Billy and Super Furry Animals, working with promoters including SJM Concerts, DHP Family and Crosstown Concerts. She began her career as a promoter and programmer across venues including Tyne Theatre & Opera House, York Barbican, Northumbria University, Playhouse Whitley Bay and Newcastle Mayfair, and has curated festivals including Durham Brass Festival, Mouth of the Tyne and Evolution Festival. She is committed to mentoring emerging artists and tour professionals and supporting the development of the live music sector through regional and national initiatives.

Newcastle Gateshead Music City exists to champion the stories, legacy and impact of music in the region – from artists and venues to the people, communities and businesses that power the wider music ecosystem.

It advocates for the role of music in shaping the region’s cultural identity, economic growth, and global reputation, and to ensure that contribution is recognised, supported, and sustained. Working with artists, venues, businesses, and civic partners, Newcastle Gateshead Music City strengthens the infrastructure needed for music to thrive creatively, culturally, and economically. This work is rooted in collaboration with those who make and support music at every level.

The initiative is led by The Glasshouse International Centre for Music and Generator, building a connected and future-facing music ecosystem for the region.

Further information

Download the Newcastle Gateshead Music City Foundation Report: PDF (10MB)

Press contact

Orla Noble, Premier | orla.noble@premiercomms.com