aaamusic | On 20, Apr 2011

GENERATOR & UMT BRING THE BEST EMERGING NORTH EAST TALENT TO EVOLUTION FESTIVAL

Generator is pleased to announce the latest addition to our Evolution Festival related programme this May. Alongside Evolution Emerging, The Know How and the Huw Stephens presents gig, Generator bring the best emerging urban artists, young bands and solo artists to the festival at our UMT:EMERGING STAGE.

26 artists and DJs will perform across the Bank Holiday Weekend (Saturday and Sunday 28th and 29th May), alongside the likes of Tinie Tempah, Plan B, Iggy & the Stooges and Two Door Cinema Club(See www.evolutionfestival.co.uk for the full festival lineup).

Performers this year include winner of the Head of Steam and Generator’sNorth East Unsigned competition The Lake Poets, Teessiders Toygerand XTN, recent Baby Girl Music signing Etta Smith, star of Sky 1’s ‘Must be the Music’ Silvar Laidlow, and Baron Von Alias, who was recently chosen by BBC Introducing to play Radio 1’s Big Weekend.

Joe Frankland, Musician Support Manager at Generator says:

“Last year’s UMT:EMERGING STAGE proved a great addition to a week of Evolution related events. This year we’re really happy to return with twice as many artists to offer festival goers the chance to discover their next favourite urban artists, bands and solo artists.”

“Generator’s UMT programme fast-tracks the careers of aspiring musicians and we strive to support the region’s most promising talent by giving them the platform to step up to the big stage. Evolution Festival is the biggest event in the region’s musical calendar and theUMT:EMERGING STAGE provides a massive opportunity for all the artists.”

Saturday 28th May

Chased by Wolves (9.00 – 9.30pm)

Chased By Wolves are a 5 piece hailing from in and around the north east who play a mix of blues and folk in their own unique way. After playing sell out shows in Newcastle, Sunderland and Durham and also gaining the recognition of BBC6’s Tom Robinson. CBW are now working towards writing and recording their debut album.

Toyger (7.40 – 8.10pm)

Toyger are a five piece math-pop band from Middlesbrough. Formed in March 2010 they have gained a reputation for their inexorable, energetic live shows, having played a showcase for BBC 6 Music’s Tom Robinson and shows with the likes of Tall Ships, Brontide and Tellison, regional promoter of the year Ten Feet Tall named them one of their favourite new acts of 2010.

XTN (GAMEFACEFAMILY) (6.25 – 6.55pm)

XTN has been a native of the Tees Valley since ’89, he is also a part of the Game Face Family Collective alongside Okan, Jay Zavari & Young Littlez. Having Recently Released his debut single “Do It Again” ft Jav Zavari , it is gathering excellent feedback from industry players, key radio dj’s and journalists alike. XTN has performed at a range festivals, huge arena’s and underground clubs throughout the UK even dipping his rhythmic toes into Europe alongside the cream of Urban talent from Tinie Tempah to Roll Deep, Professor Green to Lethal Bizzle and Example.

Supanice (5.10 – 5.40pm)

Supanice is a geordie rapper who loves nothing more than the City of Newcastle. After being signed to local record label ‘Castle On The Map Records’ in late 2010 Supanice has started 2011 by bringing out a free mixtape every month and plans to do so every month for the whole year, accumulating in the release of his 2nd album at the end of the year. His first album is currently in stock at HMV, entitled ‘Back Is The Way Forward’ . Supanice has performed alongside Tinie Tempah, Roll Deep,Professor Green, Skepta and many more.

UMT Performances (4.00 – 4.40pm)

Laurie Shepard / Franki / MC Mental / Jennifer Jones / Millie / Rob Heron

Etta Smith (3.00 – 3.20pm)

Singer/songwriter Etta Smith adds another dimension to her songs by accompanying them with her piano playing talents. With the help and support from Baby Girl Music Group she has truly blossomed and cannot wait to share her music with the world.

We Beat the System (2.05 – 2.30pm)

We Beat The System are a Sunderland based five-piece formed in October 2009, the band have supported the likes of; The Automatic, Frankie and the Heartstrings, Chapel Club, Flashguns, Dutch Uncles and Wilder as well as playing Sunderland’s 2010 Split Festival. Their sound has been described as Alternative/Post-Punk Revival, similar to bands such as Editors and White Lies.

Motion Tourist (1.15 – 1.40pm)

Formerly known as ‘The Great Escape’, their debut EP ‘Balance’ in May brought critical acclaim around the North East. As well as support slots with Starsailor, Frankie & The Heartstrings, Joe Carnell and Little Comets, 2011 will see the band’s sound move forward with the release of their second EP.

“Moving Stuff, Truly phenomenal, a real musical journey… I’ve got goose bumps.” Northern Line

Sunday 29th May

The Lake Poets (9.00 – 9.30pm)

Winner of the Head of Steam and Generator’s North East Unsignedproject, The Lake Poets (Pictured above – photo by Ian West Photography) is one man from Sunderland called Martin. Described as “stunningly affecting & haunting”, the music of The Lake Poets incorporates delicate finger-picked guitar, beautiful melodies & moving, intelligent & thought-provoking lyricism. “With a style harking of Fionn Regan and heart-on-sleeve honesty in the lyrics Martin Longstaff, aka The Lake Poets is a rising star worth going out of your way to see.

Mausi (7.40 – 8.10pm)

Part English, part Italian, Mausi is fronted by Milan born siblings, Daisy and Thomas Finetto. Mausi blend infectious melodies with stunning entwined harmonies to create their own unique slice of alternative-pop. Inspired by the likes of Phoenix and The Naked and Famous, Mausi mix danceable rhythms with modest guitar parts and catchy boy-girl choruses, all laced with colourful pop-synths.

Baron Von Alias (6.25 – 6.55pm)

Born in the early 1800’s Baron Von Alias began his journey in the North of England. Armed with a family heirloom Von Alias was granted a gift so rare; the powers required for time travel. Set upon making his mark in the music scene the Baron is constantly concocting new sounds and styles within his music, from commercial tracks to underground hip hop sounds the Baron certainly has a little something special for everyone.

Silvar Laidlow (5.10 – 5.40pm)

“North East #1 urban artist”. Star of hit Sky1 TV show ‘Must be the Music’, Silvar and has toured with JLS, Neyo, Tinie Tempah and Jay Sean.

UMT Performances (4.00 – 4.40pm)

Nick Celino / Louie Callow / Hayley Mckay / Jamilah / Zoe Hakin / Toni Marie

The Projekt (3.00 – 3.20pm)

The Projekt are a Hip Hop trio from Newcastle who cite the lack of money as their main influence.

Baskin’s Wish (2.05 – 2.30pm)

3 piece Powerpop band from Newcastle Upon Tyne. Inspired by the Beach Boys, Weezer and Deerhoof our aim is to play fun music that’s fun to play.

Hattie Murdoch (1.15 – 1.40pm)

A classically trained pianist and flautist, Hattie Murdoch is a familiar face on the Gateshead and Newcastle circuit; wielding a guitar as her weapon of choice to rapturous acclaim. With a deep love of hip hop and dance, Hattie has fused her musical credentials to create Ocean Floor, her infectious and genre- transcending, critically acclaimed debut EP.