South Shields' Lulu James to headline Evolution Emerging

Soul sensation Lulu James from South Shields, Coquin Migale and Eat Fast will top the bill at Evolution Emerging when it takes over Newcastle's Ouseburn Valley on Saturday, May 27 for a day and night of live music.Having earned national acclaim and radio time for her evocative and distinctive sound, Tanzanian-born singer Lulu moved to the North East when she was six-years-old and says she's delighted to be back at an old stomping ground.More than 40 acts, a mixture of emerging artists and more established names, will perform at the event which is run by music development agency, Generator.Along with the likes of Cape Cub, Bryde and the hotly tipped, Keiandra, Radio 1's psych pop favourites The Old Pink House, the Bon Iver inspired singer-songwriter Mat Hunsley, progressive rockers Mongeese and alt-pop outfit Shamu will join the headliners.The Evolution Emerging line-up will also see a performance from Teesside's Figmennt and Newcastle three piece instrumental noise-rock band Apologies as well as an array of new artists, including the London-based British-Grenadian rapper, Sagaboi and the four piece indie pop band, Llovers.Speaking ahead of the event, Lulu James, who will headline the Cluny stage, said: 'I'm so happy to be coming back and playing on home turf again! 'I'm starting this year's run of shows at Evolution emerging after two years on the road with the amazing electronic music duo, Gorgon City. I had an amazing experience with the Gorgon City crew playing world-renowned stages and I've developed and grown as an artist and a performer. 'I'm delighted to bring you my new project. The album that everyone has been waiting for. Come along and check it out, I'll be sharing the stage with amazing new talent from the North East, it's a hot ticket.'Speaking about having Lulu James headlining the event, Bob Allan, Generator's talent development manager, said: 'The best part of Evolution Emerging is when artists who have played the event as undiscovered acts emerge as headliners in later years.
Lulu JamesLulu James
Lulu James

Katy Wheeler finds out who else is on the line up at the North East festival.