North East outfit Pigsx7 head to Sage, Gateshead this month so Nathan Douthwaite caught up with them to speak about hometown gigs, their latest record, and to discuss how they decided on their name. First of all, the Sage is a homecoming gig for you as a band. What makes this venue so great? There are loads of great venues in the North East; some of our favourites are Star and Shadow and The Cluny and we’ve played both of those the past couple of years. We’re looking forward to seeing how our

Pale Waves are returning to Newcastle to showcase their newly recorded material so Nathan Douthwaite caught up with lead singer, Heather, to discuss the show, new music and what people can expect from this tour. You’ve played Newcastle before, so what do you like about the city? It’s really nice. I’ve always said Newcastle is one of my favourite places to go. I’m quite sad because we were meant to play Think Tank? and I love that venue but the promoter double booked it, so we have to play some

PLAZA RETURN WITH THEIR FIERCE NEW SINGLE ‘SPEAK IT’. READ OUR REVIEW BELOW. AFTER a summer of shows and an infamous Reading & Leeds BBC Introducing set, Hartlepool’s PLAZA return with ‘Speak It’. Stepping away from the EP that was released in April, ‘Speak It’ channels melodic guitars, spacious vocals and pulsing undertones, the track somewhat strays from the usual dreamy, math rock that PLAZA are renowned for. The track concludes with a stunning guitar solo which channels emotion into the f

Australian garage pop band DMA’s head to Riverside, Newcastle this month so Nathan Douthwaite caught up with frontman Tommy O’Dell to chat about the city, new music, and what to expect from their sold-out North East date. This is your second time in Newcastle this year. What do you think of the city and what’s drawn you back? We love Newcastle; some of the guys in the band lived here for a bit so they like coming back. We always sell tickets quickly up there so, yeah, that’s an attraction as w

GENGAHR made their first visit to Middlesbrough last Friday to put on a very intimate show for adoring fans. Support came from Hartlepool bands PLAZA and Para Alta, who are both very popular in the local music scene. PLAZA opened the set and they reiterated the fact that they are most likely the North East’s most exciting new band. Every track was performed to a high standard, opening with the older track “Origami” the quartet exploded into their half an hour set. Playing newer released track

CLEAN Cut Kid have had a whirlwind of a summer already, making appearances at approximately 27 festivals this summer and an EP waiting to be released in August, it’s all go for the band who are gaining more and more popularity by the day. Plugged In caught up with Evelyn as the band headed back from their Latitude gig the night before: You have 27 festival appearances booked in this summer, which has been your favourite so far and which are you looking forward next? Well we’re on our way back

is back and the of a tour and new album has got every fan excited. Nathan Douthwaite caught up with Benjamin to discuss the tour and what lies ahead for this talented artist. Nathan: Ye I’m good thanks, how are you? Not bad at all mate, not bad at all! Sorry let me just take my jacket off Nathan: No problem, what have you been up to this morning? Benjamin: Just sat in the garden the weather is gorgeous : Oh really? It’s pretty dull here Benjamin: Where are you like? Benjamin: No way? I

Middlesbrough's oldest town centre church - built when the town was still emerging - is marking its 150th anniversary this weekend. St John The Evangelist Church, on the corner of Marton Road and North Ormesby Road, was built in 1865 but is still going strong despite many changes over the years. The Grade II*-listed church remains a vibrant place of worship - with a sunday school for children of all ages while also acting as base for Girl Guides, Rainbows and Brownies. Vicar Father Stephen Co

Sister Sledge have arrived in Teesside to perform at this weekends 70’s festival. The concert, which takes place in Middlesbrough’s Stewart Park, will see headliners Sister Sledge get the crowd grooving. The American trio, said in a previous phone interview with the Gazette that “It’ll be like a big party.” Today group members Debbie and Joni were taking in the Teesside atmosphere ahead of the show. Debbie said: “Seeing Middlesbrough up close is amazing, it’s a town with order.” She added:

Culture lovers had the chance to get an opera experience last night. The opera, Puccini’s La Boheme, was shown on the big screen in Centre Square Middlesbrough. The show was free to view and there were plenty of deck chairs set up for people to sit back and relax on. All varieties of people showed up to watch the performance and even though it was a sunny evening many came bearing blankets and jumpers to keep warm. La Boheme was also screened at the Cineworld cinema.