The podcast ‘3tynespodcast’ is launching this May and it will cover grassroots music culture in the three Tyne valleys in rural west Northumberland. Rural west Northumberland?

Think, roughly, Carter Bar, Haltwhistle, Alston, Allenheads, Wylam, etc. The idea of the podcast is to cover not just young and unsigned bands, but all the music that’s played in local venues like pubs, community halls and schools, as well as at local festivals and ceilidhs. Local and visiting musicians will be given a platform as will the people who put music on, from pub owners to festival organisers. Episodes will include interviews with people like pop ‘n’ politics singer Paul Frear from Alston, and sound engineer and producer Julie Bartley (who produced Beccy Owen’s ‘Chaotica’ album). Of course, the podcast is not just aimed at people in the aforementioned areas. It’s for anyone who enjoys the thrill of live, grassroots music.

3tynespodcast launches mid May. Episodes will then be released every two weeks on the usual platforms. You can also find 3tynespodcast on Facebook and Instagram.