North East music clocks up 12 billion streams
The North East’s influence on British music has been underlined by new figures showing music makers from the region have amassed more than 12 billion UK streams since 2014.
The artists who hails from right across the region - and the generations - include the current chart toppers Sam Fender, whose three number one albums have cemented his reputation as one of the UK’s leading songwriters and former Little Mixer JADE, whose debut solo album That’s Showbiz Baby arrives later this month and is likely to bag the top pop spot.
Music icons also feature heavily: Sting, both solo and with The Police; Dire Straits, founded by Blyth-bred brothers Mark and David Knopfler; and Pet Shop Boys - lead singer Neil Tennant was born in North Shields, who boast 12 Top five UK albums.1
Mercury Prize alumni Maxïmo Park, led by Billingham-born Paul Smith and first shortlisted for the honour in 2005, are also part of the tally.
The data, compiled by the BPI from Official Charts Company figures, comes just ahead of this year’s Mercury Prize ‘Albums of the Year’ announcement on Wednesday (September 10), which will culminate in the prestigious award being presented at a ceremony in Newcastle on October 16.
It will be the first time the event has been held outside London.
Dr Jo Twist OBE, BPI chief executive, said: "These impressive streaming figures demonstrate the North East of England's enormous impact on British music and on the global stage.
“From rock legends like Dire Straits and Sting to contemporary icons like Sam Fender and JADE, the region has nurtured generations of incredible talent… we’re so excited to be bringing the 2025 Mercury Prize to Newcastle to celebrate the breadth of human artistry that exists across the UK."
The move is backed by Newcastle City Council and North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness alongside music development agency, Generator, which has unveiled the Mercury Prize Newcastle Fringe – a region-wide programme celebrating venues and grassroots talent - to widen the footprint and impact of the awards coming to Tyneside.
Mick Ross, CEO of Generator, said: “The North East is a place like no other - our venues, our talent, our fans and our crowds live and breathe music. That spirit has carried generations of artists onto global stages, and it’s alive and louder than ever today.
“To have the Mercury Prize in Newcastle for the very first time is a moment of huge pride for our region. For Generator to power the Mercury Fringe across the North East - bringing that energy into our communities and shining a light on the next wave of talent - makes it all the more special. The world is watching, and the North East is ready to show what we’re made of.”
Cllr Karen Kilgour, Leader of Newcastle City Council, said: "These figures cement our belief that Newcastle is fast becoming the cultural heartbeat of the North of England, a true pioneer in the music industry.
“We’re very excited and honoured to be hosting the Mercury Prize in Newcastle, and it is fitting our city is the first outside of London to do this."
Kim McGuinness added: "If you want to know what North East pride means just listen to our voices… These figures are great, but there is so much more to come."
The Mercury Music Prize 2025 takes place at Utilita Arena Newcastle on October 16. For tickets, visit the website.
The shortlist for 2025 will be revealed on September 10. Keep your eye on the Prize’s Instagram account for details of the 12 albums in the frame.
For details of the Fringe programme, visit the dedicated section of the Generator website.
Although the 12 billion streams underline the global reach of North East artists, the figure also raises questions about the economics of streaming. With royalties from platforms typically measured in fractions of a penny per play, such huge numbers often translate into relatively modest earnings for artists themselves - a reminder that behind the headline-grabbing stats, the financial realities of making a living from music remain challenging.