How long have you been active in the north east music scene and what do you do?
This is a tough one to answer really as I can’t really say when I got involved as it feels like forever but it’s mainly been in the last year and a half properly I’d say.
For those that won’t know me, I’m a producer at Spark Sunderland, a radio station based at the University of Sunderland, so I look for bands and artists to interview and feature on our music playlists. I have a section on our Friday Drive Show with presenter Emma – had to name drop, sorry 😂 – where we do the interviews with the bands and we normally have an acoustic set to accompany this. The show, as the pairing, has been going for a year-and-a-half so I kind of pin point it there (but I do still remember Street Party in Soho before Club Paradise made their mark; sorry Ryan, but 17 is a banger).
How did you become involved in music and what have you done to get where you are today?
Having moved to Sunderland for university, and making friends and being involved with Spark, I began to meet those involved in the scene – whether they’re in a band or were/are doing similar to what I do, etc – got me into it, so I started going along to gigs and then wanted to incorporate promoting bands on my shows as it’s always something that I’ve been a big supporter of, because every chart topping artist has had to start locally and gain that support somehow and if you don’t support the “small bands” they ain’t ever going to get “big”!!
A lot of what I’ve done has been a part of Spark; just loads of graft and going to gigs and chatting with the bands after sets and making yourself known really. Biggest pro on the scene is how friendly and approachable the scene is in every aspect. Bands are always happy to chat and we’re always happy to feature so it’s a win-win!!
What advice would you offer to others looking to be more involved in music?
My advice for anyone who wants to start blogging, interviewing, starting a band, gigging, gig photography, PR, whatever it is: just go and do it! We’re all our own stopping block, so I always say, if it’s something you really want to do, go and it give a good bash!! You will definitely come across so many supportive people who will give you advice, support and anything else so we never need to worry about those who don’t want to support (and stuff those who ain’t there to be supportive, they’re not important!).
Before you start: if you’re hesitant, speak to people already doing similar work to what you want to do and speak to others in the scene too because everyone will always support you and fill you with confidence! I’ll always be happy to offer advice in any way!
What are your favourite things about the north east music scene? Are there any particular highlights from your experiences?
Oh jeez! I guess I’ll take this time to say a massive thank you to every single band or artist that has done an interview, most have become regulars! Sent music without me having to slide in your inboxes. So I’m grateful for every single one you!
Highlights from the scene, I honestly couldn’t pick cause there’s so many! I’ve had so much fun going to gigs and seeing live music, and the thing I love the most is seeing all those other people who are involved in some way and chatting to them at the gigs because it’s such a friendly scene – it’s amazing!
I’ve made mates from doing what I do which is always a bonus! Also being able to attend gigs with mates who are also involved in the scene makes it a little big greater too! (Becca from The Alternative fix, here’s looking at you, and George from Ghost//Signals, swear I’m your personal roadie when gigs happen).
I can truly say that the NE scene is one of the most vibrant, varied and friendly scene to ever be a part off! From the venues, bands, managers and everyone in any role it really is the best!! And the variety in genres and sound is so unique!
But mostly out of everything, meeting and knowing so many amazing people in the scene is the biggest and best highlight of it all! I’m fortunate to meet those who have made it big but also to those who just make the scene what it is and that’s everyone, big or small!
Ps. Dan Robinsons speech from Avoid S**t Parties is the best thing ever, if you don’t know then I feel sorry for you! (Rick saved Christmas!). We won’t give you buckfast next time Dan, we promise. If you know, you know!
Where can others find out more about your work and how can they get in touch?
So if you want to know, at the time of writing it’s every Friday 3-6pm on Spark Sunderland is where you can hear the show. Our local guarantee is between 5-6pm!
If you want to get in touch with myself directly for anything via: David.shaw@sparksunderland.com or Daveonair12@gmail.com
Or, if you’re on Instagram, it’s @daveleurbost and you can drop a line in my inbox there! I share a lot of the scene on my stories BTW so all the more reason to follow.
Northern Music Collective 