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12:00 AM 25th August 2025
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Bright new voices and bold creative musicians have been primed to shine with the help of a music funding programme rolled out in the Tees Valley for the first time.
Loren Heat
Exceptional artists from across the region will receive PPL Momentum Accelerator support – including three outstanding local musicians and two industry professionals.
The Fund, launched earlier this year, backs artists who have reached a crucial career tipping point with grants of up to £5,000 to help them step up to the next stage of their careers with touring, recording and promotion.
The selected artists are:
Boo
Boo – Producing, recording and releasing an EP with a high-profile remix, full visuals and a marketing campaign – who is also a Tees Valley Artist of the Year 2025.
Loren Heat – launching a statement single with national reach, backed by press, radio and social media promotion to secure long-term label support.
Marina Josephina – Creating and promoting a debut EP to define her sound, showcase her artistry and reach new audiences.
Marina said the fund has been a game-changer.
Marina Josephina
“It’s giving me the chance to bring my debut EP to life at a level I couldn’t reach on my own,” she added.
“Thank you to all the partners for bringing this opportunity to Tees Valley music scene.”
The initiative is led by the PRS Foundation – a top UK funder of music talent – with support from PPL and delivered in partnership with Sonic Futures, the Combined Authority and the UK Government, offering targeted grants and mentoring for music creators and professionals.
Support of up to £2,000, which can include micro-grants, mentoring or other support, is also being offered for future music industry professionals to develop their skills and careers.
The two Tees Valley-based professionals receiving support are:
Nicola Coaker – founder of the Nrthrn Baby music agency, who is building strong brand partnerships to create visibility and investment in emerging North East talent.
David Macnab
David Macnab – who is developing artist management skills, setting up a new business and establishing best-practice systems.
Nicola said: “This funding is enabling me to strengthen the commercial side of my work – developing a clear strategy for brand partnerships, investing in professional mentoring, and building the infrastructure needed to position North East talent competitively on a national level.
“It’s a crucial step towards making Nrthrn Baby a sustainable business that can generate new revenue streams and long-term opportunities for the region’s creative community.”
The programme is part of a wider push with Sonic Futures looking to ring-fence funding for our region’s bands and artists to boost their careers alongside support for music education and plans to grow the region’s festival scene.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We are home to fantastically talented musicians and professionals – and this new funding will support their success and help drive their careers to the next level. This support plays a vital role in nurturing our talent, helping us hear more voices on the international stage, and also ensures people can stay local and go far.”
Cllr Brenda Harrison, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council and TVCA Cabinet Member for Culture and Creative Place, added: “Through programmes like PPL Momentum Accelerator and our Artists of the Year initiative, launched for a second year in March, we are giving our creative talent the platform and confidence to compete on a national stage.
“These musicians are proof of the passion, creativity and ambition running through our region’s veins.”
Ste Allen, Sonic Futures Project Manager, said: “As someone who has spent 20 years making music, promoting shows and DJing in Teesside, it is incredible to see this level of support for our artists and music professionals.
“Through PRS Foundation’s PPL Momentum Music Fund and the brand-new PPL Momentum Accelerator in Tees Valley, we’re seeing unprecedented investment and belief in local talent. This isn’t just funding, it’s a platform that’s giving artists from our area the tools, connections and confidence to compete on a national stage.
“Seeing artists like Marina, Loren and Boo benefit from ringfenced funding for Tees Valley along with professionals like David and Nic is a game-changer for our scene and a huge step towards putting this area on the map and gaining the recognition that the talent in the region deserves.”
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