Conversations and Collisions in Gateshead
Guest artist Jasmine Myra in conversation with Thomas Rees
“I had a wonderful time and it reminded me of how much Jazz North helped me when I was at the start of my journey, so I was really glad to be involved and help to offer some guidance to those who attended. ”
Jazz North and The Glasshouse teamed up in November for a relaxed and informative artist development day at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music in Gateshead.
Sessions, delivered by industry experts, explored best creative practice, how to get radio play, touring beyond the north and building sustainable careers. The attendees also had opportunities to network with other artists and create music together.
Guest speakers included rising star saxophonist and composer Jasmine Myra - signed to Gondwana records and best known for her work in spiritual jazz - alongside the freelance writer and radio producer Thomas Rees, artist manager and co-founder of Soho Radio Dan Gray, Artistic Director and CEO of Manchester Jazz Festival Steve Mead and producer for the Glasshouse’s Artist Development programme Rianne Thompson.
The day begins…
Speaking about the event Helena Summerfield said:
“This was a great opportunity for the Jazz North team to visit the North East and meet musicians working in the region. I personally really enjoyed hearing Jasmine Myra in conversation with Thomas Rees and playing in the jam session that she facilitated at the end of the day.”
Here’s a selection of notes we took on the day while listening to the speakers.
Reality Checks
Sometimes it might be necessary to reframe your own creative ambitions e.g. cover band gigs pay the bills - Jasmine played sax and DJ gigs to fund own her project - a trio fits into one car (rather than taking a full band on tour )
Radio pluggers help with playlisting (but are not essential)
Perseverance is the key - you’ve got to hustle to get radio plays - be ready for the knock backs but keep on going
The majority of artists battle with imposter syndrome - figure out what you want to do in music and if you don’t want to play jazz standards, don't!
It is important to plan time off for your own wellbeing - music is still work even though you love it
Dan Gray, Thomas Rees and Rianne Thompson
Threads running through the afternoon
Community
Importance of maintaining and growing our regional scenes e.g. BBC Introducing has a remit to promote music coming from outside of London
Community radio is often run by volunteers with opportunities for plays or curating own show
Jasmine mentioned the welcoming community of the jazz scene in Leeds and the way it supports emerging artists
Importance of building community between artists and their audience - growing ‘real’ active fans
Radio is a companion to people’s lives and has the human touch as the people behind radio genuinely love music
Communication
You can’t beat the live show interaction between band members and a band and their audience - gigs are more important than social media for growing an engaged fan base
Importance of good communication e.g. with radio producers, venues and promoters - writing succinct emails to get radio plays.
Control
Take control of your destiny
Decide how you want to measure success - this will look different for everyone - what are your expectations of a career in music?
Creativity
Ask yourself - is creating music in itself the success?
Look for, and don’t lose, the ‘magic’ in your music making
Jasmine spoke of being encouraged to be creative from a young age
Importance of finding your instrument and your authentic musical voice - people will connect with an authentic voice
At the end of the day trust yourself and just do it - only you can make your music!
Artists attending the day had the opportunity to join in the conversation.
Meet the speakers
Jasmine Myra is a saxophonist, composer and band leader, based in London. Originally part of the bustling, creative, cross-genre music scene in Leeds (she attended Leeds Conservatoire) Jasmine has surrounded herself with some of the best young talent from the city. Her original instrumental music has a euphoric and uplifting sound, influenced by artists as diverse as Kenny Wheeler, Bonobo, Ólafur Arnalds and Moses Sumney.
Thomas Rees is a writer, radio producer, song collector and musician based in Newcastle. In 2019 he travelled across Haiti, meeting carnival bands and vodou drummers, and is working on a book about the music scene. Thomas was the lead producer on BBC Radio 3’s jazz show J to Z and now co-produces ‘Round Midnight with Soweto Kinch.
Rianne Thompson is the Producer for the Artist Development programme at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music. She works on live events including BBC Introducing from The Glasshouse, BBC Proms and earlier this year MOBO Fringe 2025. She also commissions and produces new projects with artists from across the UK.
Dan Gray is a dynamic music manager representing renowned artists like Norman Jay MBE, DJ Yoda, Eddie Chacon and Knats. With over 15 years of experience, Dan is known for his keen eye for talent and commitment to creative excellence. He is also the co-founder of Soho Radio, one of the UK's most respected online radio stations.
Steve Mead is the Artistic Director/CEO and co-founder of Manchester Jazz Festival, where he has programmed festivals and series, and led pioneering initiatives for artist and audience development. Steve is also the Head of Talent Development for Jazz North, the ACE-funded jazz development agency for the north of England, where he helps develop programmes to raise the profile and opportunities for artists, promoters and other stakeholders in the northern jazz ecology, such as the celebrated northern line touring support scheme, open bursaries, and 1-1 funding advice.
IN-PERSON NETWORKING DAYS!
Jazz North’s Artist Development Days are in-person networking events hosted in partnership with brilliant venues and festivals around the North of England once or twice a year. These events are relaxed and informative spaces for meeting like-minded musicians and getting practical advice from fantastic industry people.
*Photo credits - John Lyons photographer