Meet the new Northern Line roster
Jazz North announces the new roster of artists for its touring support scheme, Northern Line
The KTNA, Maruja, Amique & the Ecstasy, DAYZY and Nat Sharp
Jazz North, development agency for northern jazz, supports the most dynamic and energetic live artists in the region, under the banner of its live-touring support scheme, Northern Line.
Today, the organisation announces the latest roster of artists selected by a panel of esteemed industry experts: Aaron Casserly Stewart (Vice Chair of Leeds Conservatoire, GRAMMY award-winning artist, Jazz North Chair), Mariam Rezaei (TUSK, Award-winning turntablist), Glenn Boulter (Octopus, Full of Noises), Eva Davies (Come Play with Me), Geni Lamb (PARR Jazz, saxophonist) and Claire Umney (Jazz FM, Artist Manager, Jazz North board).
Hailing from their respective scenes in Manchester, Liverpool and Todmorden The KTNA, Maruja, Amique & the Ecstasy, Nat Sharp presents Marra! and DAYZY are the five bands awarded a place on the artist touring programme.
Sharing his thoughts on the new roster, Jazz North CEO, Chris Bye, commented:
“Jazz North is incredibly proud of this latest iteration of Northern Line. The roster reflects the innovation and diversity of what is out there right now and marks the most ambitious and bold line-up yet. These are artists pushing against the boundaries of the genre and genuinely forging their own path.
The North has a population of over 15 million but has always been united in a single attitude of resilience and rebellion. In the same vein, these artists are inherently different and yet share a radical independence of spirit.
There is so much out there across the region for people to discover, delve into and relish: artists exploring and evolving the music every single day. Jazz North will be right there to support, develop and celebrate all those fighting to plough their own furrow.”
The roster spans an eclectic but distinctly Northern sound, including jazz//hip-hop, neo soul, psychedelic jazz-punk, contemporary R&B, or improvised electronics.
On joining the roster, Northern Line artist, Amique, says:
“In these turbulent times, music as an art form, a means of expression and a source of comfort and joy is more important than ever. I’m thrilled to be a part of a development programme that puts artistry and often times under-represented artists at the forefront of its perspective. We can’t wait to start working with the family at Jazz North.”
Northern Line celebrates its 10th year with a return to Manchester Jazz Festival, the first home to the Northern Line Showcase. Artists from the roster will perform on Sunday 21st May at the First Street outdoor stage as part of the festival’s opening weekend.
Steve Mead, Head of Talent Development at Jazz North and Artistic Director at manchester jazz festival commented:
“I’m delighted to be welcoming the Northern Line showcase back to mjf. Partnering with Jazz North means both organisations can celebrate our shared passions for championing the very best in northern talent. The showcase day is always an exciting event and a great way for festival audiences to discover and enjoy a broad range of artists in a free and welcoming environment.”
Artists are available for booking requests by northern promoters.
For more information, visit: www.jazznorth.org/northernline
About the Artists
Maruja are growing their reputation as one of the most exciting live acts coming from the Manchester underground, gaining support from the likes of NME, Glastonbury and BBC 6 Radio music, Maruja’s shows dazzle fans across the UK and Europe. For a decade they’ve relentlessly honed their psychedelic jazz-punk craft, poring over every note with a precision that borders on the obsessive, resulting in an electrifying, unparalleled live experience.
DAYZY is an exciting new rapper and singer/songwriter from Liverpool with a raw and melodic sound. His vibe emanates throwback Hip-Hop mixed with new-skool style and jazz-influenced creativity, driven by a serious purpose. After a handful of warm up singles that garnered ardent praise and interest from key tastemakers, he recently released his new jazz/neo-soul/hip-hop fusion EP, ‘Expectations.’
Nat Sharp (presents Marra!) At the forefront of ’New Weird Britain’ (The Quietus) – a new wave of underground musicians creating immersive worlds for audiences to participate in – Nat Sharp is a disabled artist from Todmorden whose practice focuses on pushing the parameters of live music in non-conventional settings, exploring issues around gender, sexuality, pain and the body. Her recent work, Marra! is a personal reflection on growing up as a first generation immigrant in small town Cumbria; a lucid dream set against the arcane, esoteric rituals and traditions that bubble under the surface of everyday life.
Amique & The Ecstasy is an exciting, genre-bending band, drawing influences as rich and diverse as Prince, Free Nationals, John Coltrane & Jimi Hendrix. Fronted by Amique, the Ecstasy regularly tears the roof off at Fredericks in their hometown of Liverpool, and a recent impulsive session at the city’s Motor Museum will result in new music being released this summer.
RnB duo The KTNA wear their heart on their sleeve and channel an unapologetically strong, northern spirit into their craft. Twin sisters born in Kenya, raised and now residing in North Manchester, they weave their candid lyrics around upbeat and sultry productions to create music that demands to be noticed.
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