NE Volume

This summer, visitors to Newcastle will have the opportunity to step inside the world of one of history’s most celebrated artists as Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience arrives at the Utilita Arena for a limited run from Sunday 12th July to Sunday 9th August. Far removed from the traditional gallery experience, this acclaimed exhibition transforms Vincent van Gogh’s iconic paintings into a vast digital spectacle.

Taking place at The Studio in Hartlepool on Saturday 12th July, Vulgarfest promises an all-day onslaught of “extreme metal monstrosities”. With the lineup they’ve assembled, that promise will not be broken, though your eardrums may well be tested. Curated by local death metal outfit Vulgar Dissection, who also perform on the day, the event is headlined by Glaswegian band Scordatura.

For 25 years, Life Science Centre has been bringing science to life for visitors from Newcastle and beyond. Located at the heart of the International Centre for Life, the centre has become a place where families, schools, researchers and communities can come together to explore the wonders of science. Opening in 2000, Life was created as part of an ambitious project to establish a world-class science hub in the city.

Durham Brass Festival returns this summer with a packed programme of performances, collaborations and celebrations as it marks its 20th anniversary. Running from Sunday 12th to Sunday 19th July, the festival will bring seven days of music and entertainment to venues and communities across County Durham. First held in 2006, the festival was inspired by the county’s rich brass band heritage.

With their explosive live reputation continuing to grow and their latest single ‘Fading Out’ already doing the rounds, Northern Hospitality are quickly becoming one of the most exciting rising bands on the UK alternative scene. Blending raw punk energy with massive hooks and emotionally charged songwriting, the band are building serious momentum heading into a huge 2026.

Following the success of their acclaimed 2022 debut album, ‘Black Tide’, Newcastle rock outfit White Skies are preparing to launch their eagerly anticipated sophomore release, ‘Shouting at the Hurricane’. With a growing fanbase, strong support from Planet Rock Radio and an ambitious touring schedule ahead, the band are looking to build on the momentum of their impressive debut. Lee Allcock caught up with the band to find out more.

NE Volume began twelve years ago as a simple idea. I’ll be honest, I was bored in my day job as a content writer, and I started a DIY music blog almost on a whim. At first, it was just a side project, but it quickly became something else entirely.

If you were alive in 1992, you will surely remember hearing Jimmy Nail’s biggest hit ‘Ain’t No Doubt’ on the radio every ten minutes. Also known for his portrayal of Oz in the TV comedy ‘Auf Wiedersehen, Pet’, Nail is a genuine Geordie icon. Following the success of ‘Ain’t No Doubt’, he released ‘Growing Up in Public’, which featured George Harrison and Pink Floyd guitarist, David Gilmour.

Emerging from Tyneside with a sound forged in grit and raw emotion, The Way of the Wolf have released their debut single, ‘No Rest for the Wicked’, available now. Written, recorded and mixed in North Shields, the track introduces their “outlaw poetry” style. Mastering was completed at Star Delta Mastering, adding a world-class finish to a local record. The song follows G, a young man navigating adulthood, exploring conflict, temptation, love and survival through vivid Tyneside storytelling.

We’re 11! It’s incredible to look back on the journey so far. From the very beginning, our focus has been on championing grassroots musicians and creatives, and that will always remain at the heart of what we do. Anyhow, here’s what to look out for this month. In this edition, we look at the history of NE Volume, we preview Durham Brass, we interview Northern Hospitality, we review the new release from Fletcher Band, and so much more.