Warner Music UK has partnered with Generator to open a major new studio facility in the centre of Newcastle.
While specifics have yet to be revealed, the initial investment has been described as “substantial” and would give the region world-leading recording and production facilities.
“We’re beyond excited to be in position to announce this partnership,” explained Mick Ross, CEO of Generator, the North East-based organisation dedicated to nurturing and growing musical talent in the region.
“It’s the result of months and months of planning, a number of visits to the region from Warner Music’s top executives and the support of a host of partners to get us to the stage where we can proudly say we’re bringing a standard of music production to the North East that won’t just be the envy of the region, the north, or indeed the UK.
“Warner Music Newcastle” will include recording studios, editing suites, podcasting studios and and other collaborative spaces for the development of creative content in line with Generator’s strategy to develop the music sector in partnership with Newcastle City Council and the North East Combined Authority.
“We have a thriving North East recording scene, and the many independent studios creating that landscape will benefit from having Warner Music’s input,” continued Ross.
“Our ambition has been to deliver something that is world-leading and we’re so thrilled our ambitions have been matched by Warner Music’s own with their commitment to this project.”
They believe it will also be used by photographers and film-makers.
“Since discussing the project with the Generator team and its supporters in the region, we knew we had the right delivery partners. We can’t wait to start work on site and get the studios into operation as soon as possible,” added Warner Music UK CEO Tony Harlow.
“Our vision at Warner Music is not only to represent the world’s greatest musical talent, but to provide facilities, opportunities and pathways into the music industry for tomorrow’s generations of talented musicians and producers. This will be a true, accessible focal point for the North East’s musical and creative communities that we know already exist in abundance.”
Both Newcastle City Council and the North East Combined Authority are supporting the plans.
“A major new recording studio forms part of my vision to give the North East the place it deserves on the global music map. Alongside plans for a major new film studio in Sunderland, and the MOBO awards coming to the region in February, this shows how we are investing to create real opportunity for new generations of creative talent,’ said North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness.
“I am excited to see who will follow in the footsteps of stars like Sting, Sam Fender, Nadine Shah and Jade Thirlwell in going from the North East to a worldwide stage as a result of the decisions we are making today.”
An exact location has yet to be confirmed, with Warner Music UK and Generator saying they have a “very exciting” shortlist of venues.
