An online music project has led Gateshead based producer Half to unexpectedly record his first album, Here Lies Half. Originally from Berwick but now residing in Felling, Half, aka Jonny Gray, began experimenting with music as a hobby and never intended to become a producer. By collaborating with artists and co-writers around the world Half recorded his debut full length release in isolation swapping a series of ideas, emails and dropboxes then mixing the results to create the album.

Alternative indie rockers Social Room burst onto the local music scene last year and are hoping to build on their strong fan base. The Sunderland based six-piece have been performing together for the last 18 months after friends Matty Smith and Adam Potts decided to form a band once they returned to their native North East after university. Even though, Social Room, are a relatively new band they’re already making waves in the North East with their upbeat indie rock ‘n’ roll music and the band are enjoying their success so far.

Northumbrian ensemble Dansi can’t wait to release their long-awaited debut EP later this month. Drawing on a wealth of collective musical experience, Dansi’s members have enjoyed storming stages across the UK festival circuit in various forms.From Pikey Beatz to The Fiona Clayton Band the band’s core members have performed at various BBC stages and Live Radio sessions, countless headline festival slots and toured extensively.

North East based singer Samantha Lavery is celebrating the release of her new single, A Mile Apart. The track was written and produced alongside Christian Burrell at River Studios and is the first single to be released from Samantha’s forthcoming EP.

Teesside band Cattle & Cane are headlining this year’s Evolution Emerging and can’t wait to take centre stage. The pop-folk five-piece, from Thornaby, are going from strength to strength since releasing their debut album Home late last year.

The Shooting Of, aka Northumberland-based Paul Jeans, is one man intent on raising his music above the din. With a new album due to be released next month, the solo artist is hoping his brand of experimental pop noir will be well received. Analogue Heart, which is released on March 4 via League Against Rubbish Records, is an album of contrasts; from the dark, brooding apocalyptic tones of opener Bad Times Are On Horseback, the paranoid grandeur of Captain Of My Soul and recent single This Silence Is Killing Me to the quirky pop of The White Hart and the sinister storytelling of The Beast In Me, it showcases a broad musical landscape while remaining a cohesive body of work.

Newcastle-based singer-songwriter Ditte Elly is set to release her long-awaited contemporary folk-infused debut album. Ditte will launch Songs at a special gig at Trinity Church in Gosforth on March 12, with the album officially released at the beginning of April. The nine-track album will feature recordings, including Ditte’s two previously released singles, I Am Only (What You Make Me) and You Find It Easy, and is the follow-up to her 2012 EP, We’ll Meet Again. Music has always been an important part of Ditte’s life, as she grew up in Oxford listening to her parents’ musical influences and used to sing in a choir with her mum. But it wasn’t until she left school and took a year out that she began experimenting with music.

Cross-genre quartet Zu Zu Cats are hoping their unique sound will help them stand out on the local music scene. So much so they have taken inspiration from all corners of the musical spectrum to create a blend of ‘Anglocana’. The four-piece is made up of Paul Dent (vocals and acoustic guitar), guitarist Gavin Thompson, Paul Jewitt (bass) and drummer Ash ‘the cat’ Staff, who have all known each other for years.

County Durham rock band OFFPEAK will play a trio of UK shows to celebrate the release of their debut EP. Champagne Lifestyle, Lemonade Wages, is the follow-up to the four-piece’s debut single, Feelings Stay The Same, which gained local and national radio coverage last year. The band will release the EP, as well as the eponymous title track, on February 19, along with accompanying music video.

Talented singer-songwriter Warrilow is hoping to make a name for himself on the North East music scene with his unique style of acoustic music. The musician, who is originally from Retford, near Sheffield, is no stranger to performing as he has been playing in band since he was a teenager. His interest in music was piqued early mostly from listening to his parent’s musical influences while growing up and then to his stepdad, who played in a band, so it seems only natural that someone surrounded by music would be likely to catch the bug.