Warner Music deal a game changer for music in city and region
NewcastleGateshead’s ‘Music City’ ambitions have been boosted with news of proposed major investment by Warner Music UK in new recording studios.
It follows months of planning between the music and entertainment giant and Generator, the North East music development agency.
The location for the new facility - to include recording and podcasting studios, editing suites and other collaborative spaces – hasn’t been revealed although there is a shortlist and the project has the working title Warner Music Newcastle.
Generator chief executive Mick Ross said it would bring an enviable standard of music production to the North East.
“We have a thriving North East recording scene and the many independent studios creating that landscape will benefit from having Warner Music’s input,” he said.
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“Our ambition has been to deliver something that is world-leading and we’re so thrilled our ambitions have been matched by Warner Music’s own with their commitment to this project.”
The initial investment has been described as “substantial” with knock-on effects, including job creation, possibly generating millions for the regional economy.
Tony Harlow, chief executive of Warner Music UK, said: “Since discussing the project with the Generator team and its supporters in the region, we knew we had the right delivery partners.
“We can’t wait to start work on site and get the studios into operation as soon as possible.
“Our vision at Warner Music is not only to represent the world’s greatest musical talent, but to provide facilities, opportunities and pathways into the music industry for tomorrow’s generations of talented musicians and producers.
“This will be a true, accessible focal point for the North East’s musical and creative communities that we know already exist in abundance.”
Newcastle City Council and the North East Combined Authority (NECA) both support the plans.
Kim McGuinness, North East Mayor, said: “Alongside plans for a major new film studio in Sunderland and the MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards coming to the region in February, this shows how we are investing to create real opportunity for new generations of creative talent.
“I am excited to see who will follow in the footsteps of stars like Sting, Sam Fender, Nadine Shah and Jade Thirlwell in going from the North East to a worldwide stage as a result of the decisions we are making today.”
Councillor Karen Kilgour, leader of Newcastle City Council, said the plan was “huge” for the culture sector in both city and region.
“It provides an accessible route into the industry for budding artists here on Tyneside.
“The MOBOs is heading to Newcastle in the new year, a bid to make NewcastleGateshead a Music City has just been launched and now we are set to welcome a major new music studio to the city.
“This will help create new jobs, skills and investment for the whole of the North East and make a lasting impact on Newcastle that will benefit every resident.”
Coun. Amanda Hopgood, leader of Durham County Council and NECA cabinet member for culture, creative, tourism and sport, said: “Our region is full of talented individuals and it’s important we create and seize as many opportunities as we can to support them to pursue their dreams.
“Together with Crown Works Studio’s £450 million film studio development in Sunderland, Warner Music Newcastle will help establish our region as a hub for creative industries.
“It will create skilled jobs, attract further investment and demonstrate to young people that they don’t need to leave the North East to work in film, television and music.
“We welcome this investment and will do everything we can to help bring it to fruition.”
Those close to the deal anticipate that it could also see established Warner Music acts coming to the region to record.
It’s certainly a busy time for Generator. As well as working with The Glasshouse to have NewcastleGateshead recognised as a dedicated Music City, it is also tasked with delivering a MOBO Awards fringe programme.