Elevate 22: A Sneak Peak

Our initiative to create opportunities for the best of the North East’s new music scene began with the gig series Platform 22. Now, we’re back for more – lifting artists to new heights with: Elevate 22. 

Welcoming back the winners of Platform 22 and most promising acts of the Road to Hardwick series, the bands will compete for headlining gigs at The Newgate Social – Newcastle’s hottest new live music venue!

An opportunity to support new artists and uplift the North East’s creative scene, Elevate 22 is the place to see the region’s next hitmakers. Come along and have your say, voting via QR code, on who you want to see again as a headliner.

Featuring three new acts each month starting in September, we introduce:

September 6th:

• Last Orders: A previous Marisam artist of the month, Last Orders continues to create addictively smooth indie-pop. A mixture of funk inspired beats and synth creates a melodic sound that we just can’t get enough of.

• Northern Hospitality: Having supported Pete Doherty and the Kaiser Chiefs this band is one to watch. Punk influenced Northern Hospitality brings chaotic drums and heavy guitar riffs to anthemic music.

• Pretty Velvet: Northern Rock band Pretty Velvet are confidence itself on the stage. Dual fronting Leah Maeve Young and Daniel Maple create gravelly raw vocals and bluesy powerhouse tunes.

October 4th:

• Central Arcade: Four-piece band from Newcastle, Central Arcade have been honing their sound by gigging across the North East’s music scene after forming only last year. Experimenting with acoustic, rock and a Brit pop sound Central Arcade are ones to watch.

• Sophie Gordon: With disco and funk flare, Sophie Gordon is sure to get everyone dancing. Catchy lyrics and sublime vocals, combined with new band collaborators, will keep us singing along with this 20 year old Newcastle local.

• Camel Island: Fresh off winning The Road to Hardwick competition Camel Island is not one to miss. Indie rock that brings heartfelt lyrics and endless energy this South Shields band were winners for a reason.

November 1st:

• Lottie Willis: Hailing from Sunderland, Willis is no stranger to the stage, having performed since age 14. Bringing soulful pop to The Newgate Social, Willis mixes heartfelt lyrics with catchy beats.

• Phantom Bagman: Combining jazz and indie rock to meld classics into a new sound. With a live trumpet player and powerful vocals, Phantom Bagman is not to be missed.

• Marina Josephina: Fresh off the release of her new single ‘I Will Be There’— a jazzy ballad inspired by the likes of Amy Winehouse and Mahalia — Stockton-on-Tees local is ready to take the stage.

December 6th:

• New Fang: with the recently released single ‘Five Little Days’ New Fang are coming in hot with a classic rock sound. Three piece band originating from Newcastle know what they’re doing when they take the stage.

• Swindled: Winning Road to Hardwick along with Camel Island, Swindled’s catchy tunes and charismatic frontman’s vocal performances keep audiences dancing throughout their sets. With a solid repertoire of thoughtful indie-rock music we can’t wait to see them take the stage.

• Ocean Floor: From further afield this Leeds four piece are an alt-rock band not to be missed. Taking inspiration from Deftones and Babes in Toyland to create an electrifying mix of hardcore rock and smooth vocals.

With a headlining slot at The Newgate Social to play for, come support the acts and use QR codes to have your say each month on who you’d like to see again. 

Are you a new and upcoming act? More opportunities will follow to take part in E22, so keep your eyes peeled.

Find tickets to Elevate 22 at The Newgate Social here

Written by Eve Hitchens