New site aiming to be on song

Gigs North East, set up by North Tyneside-born music producers Stephen and Paul Davis, will be a one-stop shop for all things music in the region.

It will allow bands to promote their talents and sell their merchandise in front of thousands of web-savvy fans and promoters.

The interactive new platform has taken almost nine years to come to fruition and will allow artists to upload their music and promote themselves to fans and promoters alike.

Whitley Bay alt-pop group Lisbon said: “Gigs North East is an instrument that has the potential to completely transform and reawaken the North East music scene.

“The site will bring the entire musical community closer together all in one place, creating an easy and accessible way for musicians to generate support and grow.”

“It will give local acts the chance to work in synergy with the area’s best venues and promoters, providing them with some fantastic gig opportunities, as well as creating an online platform for music fans to discover their music.”

The Gigs North East website – www.gigsnortheast.co.uk – will allow bands to scout for new additions to their groups, hire a tour bus, release a song and sell their merchandise for free.

Gigs North East managing director, Steve Davis, said: “With sales of CDs being diminished by the digital revolution and the streaming habits of the consumer constantly on the rise, we have become accustomed to it becoming increasingly difficult for bands to earn from their trade.

“The current streaming trend makes us wonder how long even record labels will be able to function. It has never been more important for artists to have a direct line to their followers.

“Gigs North East provides direct Artist to Fan communication where the customer is buying straight from the band. They retain all of their profits and don’t have to split it with any other party.

“The beauty is in the simplicity of it all. This new website is a statement of how we think the industry should be and we want to give power back to the fantastic array of talent we have in the region and give music fans the chance to see what’s out there.”