Hailing from London (and from a musical family – her dad was in UK prog outfit IQ) but growing up in Ryton, Lizzie Esau is still only 25 but has achieved a great deal since bursting onto the Newcastle scene in 2020. She’s now signed to LAB Records – also home to The Ks and Dead Pony – and has a remarkable string of supports and festivals to her name: bands like Beabadoobee, The Amazons, and stages like Glastonbury Festival, BBC’s Big Weekend, and Stockton Calling, which fans will be thrilled to hear she’ll be returning to in a well deserved headline slot this year. Esau’s music isn’t easy to pigeonhole – she has one foot in an indie pop style but her other is stomping its way into a rockier category, with admitted influences from the likes of Royal Blood, Kings Of Leon and Wolf Alice, and she’s even spoken of an R&B influence, citing artists like Little Simz. And don’t forget that Yardbirds/Bo Diddley cover of I’m A Man. Lyrically she veers into a confessional, singer-songwriter vein, and isn’t afraid to get up close and personal with frank songs covering topics like imposter syndrome, gaslighting, drinking, abuse and even environmental issues. Last year’s five-track Spilling Out The Truth EP got her best reviews yet – Esau herself thinks it’s the fiery little sister to her previous EP and is even more soul-baring. And of course it contains She’s A Scorpio, probably the highlight of any Esau set and one that’s set to take the roof off in Stockton in April. (Lee Fisher)
Initially formed as a four-piece in 2018 by current members Matt Bowen and Michael McCluskey, Nice Guy have evolved and grown, taking in new bandmates and larger horizons. Adding guitarist Josh Atkinson, bassist Chris Pittam and Patrick Oliver on keys, the indie rock band were committed to playing local gigs in Teesside, initially resistant to the exhaustion and drama of life on the road. From their debut single Fake Leather released through Middlesbrough label Goosed Records, to playing Twisterella in 2024, no matter how far they go, the band have kept their feet firmly in the North East.
Line-ups are subject to change.
A welcome addition to the musical map in Stockton-on-Tees, NE Volume Music Bar, situated on Yarm Lane hosts live music to suit all tastes. Ranging from original ska bands to metal and more, we have all bases covered.
Visit NE Volume Music Bar’s website.
Access information
Ground floor building. Level access throughout. Wheelchair ramp available if required.
