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)
Geographically transient alt. folk singer Frazer Lambert honed his not insubstantial storytelling credentials throughout Teesside before continuing to craft his songwriting in the cafes of Amsterdam then taking his music around the world and back again in the back of an old VW Transporter, no doubt. Latest single, Renaissance, sees Frazer’s Paul Heaton-inspired vocal style and lyrical nuance reflecting on relationships, while a gentle horn section compliments the track as it gently lilts and quietly soothes even the most painful heartbreak. For fans of mid-afternoon hum-alongs and pale ale. (Steve Spithray)
Starting out as lead singer of The Thieves in 2019, County Durham singer-songwriter Frankie Dobson has spent several years working to breathe life back into the local music scene in his hometown.
Known for biting honesty and powerful melodies, Dobson is no stranger to the stage, supporting the likes of The Spitfires and The View, and playing a debut solo performance to a 2000 strong crowd at the Isle of Wight Festival in 2023. Cramming a plethra of experiences into a short number of years on the scene, his confidence shines through in his live performances. (Kate Relton)
Sunderland’s punk scamps Dead Wet Things claim to be paradoxically chaotic, analytical and completely in touch with the modern world all at the same time. Latest EP, Make Bad Decisions, Ruin Your Life, Live The Dream, is four tracks of scratchy proto-political angst for fans of early Libertines and the latest in a long lineage of notable punk bands from the city. Lead track Shake Ya Bones sets out their musical stall before collapsing under the weight of its own non-expectations while live the four-piece are known for their even more chaotic raw and emotional interpretations of their songs. (Steve Spithray)
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.
Riding the wave of their hotly anticipated EP The Manatee released last year, Liverpool four-piece Honey Motel bring their infectious riot of sound to the festival. Building a reputation for their visceral energy on stage, their psychedelic pop is shot through with Scouse wit and storytelling. With a line up of Matt Walker on vocals, Sam Meredith on guitar, bassist Jack Hughes and Lew Fogg on drums, their set is a guaranteed crowd pleaser for any indie-pop and alt-rock fans, echoing influences like Declan McKenna, and The Backseat Lovers. (Kate Relton)
Also known as A (OK), this Liverpool band throw some fine US underground influences (Parquet Courts, Pavement and Modest Mouse, for example) in amongst the more obvious nods to Idles and Shame. The guitars lurch and clash and clang, the rhythms always sound pleasingly close to coming off the rails and frontman Alex’s vocals have a very distinctive rawness. Live favourites at home, they’re starting to build a head of steam further afield and plan on releasing their debut EP soon. In the meantime, you can catch them at Stockton Calling and say you preferred their earlier stuff! (Lee Fisher)
If you’re on the hunt for an anthem for millennial life, Teesside alt. rock band Mr Bigfoot have got you covered. After kicking off the year with their latest single How Do You Do?, Mr Bigfoot are hitting the Stockton Calling stage with their warm and approachable sound. Bringing together technical effects reminiscent of Sonic Youth, upbeat classic rock and punk rock edge, the band are known for favouring DIY home studio production, ensuring an utterly unique sound. Brimming with humour, raw energy and melodic earworms, their energy is impossible to resist. (Kate Relton)
Local ones-to-watch The Wednesday Flowers look like a proper band and are already building a loyal following so the Stockton Calling call-up is not totally unexpected. Luckily for us they also have the songs to back up the hype, sharing some of the same kitschy moves as the likes of Maeve & The Trains but with a rich performative vein for fans of The Last Dinner Party. While the young five-piece have kept a relatively low profile, debut single Love Me will be out by the time Stockton Calling comes around and promises to be a suitably dramatic indie affair. (Steve Spithray) ne vol
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.
