Sunderland has produced its fair share of musicians who’ve made their mark well beyond the city. But for those hoping to follow in their footsteps, knowing where to begin isn’t always straightforward.
On Friday (November 6), The Fire Station will be full of people who might be able to help.
BBC Introducing LIVE is taking over the venue for an afternoon of conversations, practical advice and opportunities to meet people working across the music industry. There’ll be established artists sharing their experiences, professionals offering feedback on new music and even a chance for some of those attending to take the microphone themselves.
It’s one of 10 events taking place around the UK during November, and The Fire Station’s venue director, Tamsin Austin, is particularly pleased that Sunderland musicians will be among those sharing their experiences.
“I’m most excited that people can get real life insights into building a career in music and have the opportunity to get real life feedback from music industry professionals through one to one mentoring sessions as well as by attending panels to hear from artists who have already established themselves.
“I am of course delighted that Sunderland artists like Tom A Smith will be speaking and sharing their experience, which will make the event feel more relevant and tangible to a new generation of emerging artists.”
There are two programmes running throughout the afternoon, one in the main auditorium and another in FireSide, covering everything from songwriting and performing to the less visible jobs that keep the music business running.
Singer Katy B will be in conversation with broadcaster Abbie McCarthy, while musician and content creator James Marriott will discuss his career with BBC Introducing presenter Shakk.
BBC Radio 6 Music presenter Emily Pilbeam will host an artist round table with North East musicians Heidi Curtis and Esau.
Over in FireSide, Generator will lead a session on creative careers, with speakers working in marketing, digital strategy and other areas of the industry.
The Glasshouse’s Rianne Thompson joins the aforementioned Tom A Smith and hip-hop artist SENGI for a discussion about building a community, hosted by Jasmine Takhar.
And songwriter Jin Jin, whose work has helped produce hits for major pop artists, will join Radio 1 presenter Jess Iszatt to explore what goes into writing a successful song.
Those who’d rather have someone listen to their own music than hear about somebody else’s can head for the Feedback Centre.
Industry professionals from major and independent labels, alongside BBC presenters and producers, will be on hand to listen to tracks and offer advice. There are also limited open mic places for performers wanting some stage time.
And while much of the programme will appeal to musicians, Tamsin hopes people considering other careers in the industry will come along too.
“Conferences, panels and showcases are important for building your network and connecting with other people in the industry who can support, advise and help you on your journey.”
BBC Introducing has helped launch some notable careers over the years. Ed Sheeran, Raye, Olivia Dean, Loyle Carner and North Shields’ Sam Fender are among the artists who received support through its network of radio programmes.
In Sunderland, the relationship with The Fire Station has already produced opportunities for emerging performers.
The venue is part of a regional BBC Introducing partnership alongside The Glasshouse, Generator and Tees Music Alliance, with the organisations sharing information about new artists and upcoming opportunities.
This summer, 10 BBC Introducing artists appeared at The Fire Station’s Summer Parties, supporting headliners including Maxïmo Park and Pale Waves.
For a venue of The Fire Station’s size, Tamsin sees these kinds of performances as an important part of its role.
“We are a mid-scale rather than small grass roots size venue, so we are best placed for hosting showcase events, multi-artist bills or offering great support opportunities to emerging artists to perform alongside more established artists.”
The building is also home to the Northern Academy of Music Education and Arts North Music Theatre School, where young performers are developing their skills throughout the week.
And there’s no shortage of musical heritage to draw on locally.
From Dave Stewart and Emeli Sandé to The Futureheads and Field Music, Sunderland has produced artists who’ve found audiences far beyond Wearside. More recently, musicians including Tom A Smith (last mention!) and Isabel Maria have been making their own names.
“Sunderland has always had a strong music scene and a great history of artists from the city who have helped build its reputation,” says Tamsin.
“It is a wonderful city full of creative people who work both as performers but also in the creative industries. I very much enjoy the energy here!”
The BBC Introducing partnership is also active on Tyneside. On November 11, The Glasshouse in Gateshead will host another of its pay-what-you-decide From The Glasshouse gigs, with Cortney Dixon, Champ and Patrick Gosling on the bill.
Back in Sunderland, Friday’s event won’t be the last collaboration between The Fire Station and BBC Introducing. Tamsin says a new series of events is already being planned for 2027.
Her longer-term ambition is to make The Fire Station somewhere musicians return to as their careers develop, rather than somewhere they play just once.
“I’d love North East musicians to feel that The Fire Station is their venue - a place where they’re welcome, where they can make connections and where they can see themselves on stage,” she says.
“For me, there’s something really special about giving an emerging artist the chance to play to a new audience, then seeing them come back further along in their career.”
And if the prospect of walking into a room full of music industry professionals sounds intimidating, Tamsin hopes that won’t put anyone off.
“It will be a supportive day of interesting panels and conversations which people can get as involved in as they choose.”
BBC Introducing LIVE takes place at The Fire Station, Sunderland, on Friday, November 6, from 1pm. Attendees must be 16 or over.