Four emerging North East bands are getting the run of ARC Stockton's stage next month as Soundcheck returns with a built around original alt-rock from the region.
Teesside grunge-punk band Dossers lead the line-up on Thursday 10 September, joined by Northern Hospitality, Stockton trio Risco and Rose Malus.
Soundcheck is ARC's regular showcase for artists who are still building their audience rather than arriving with an arena-sized profile already attached. That makes the September bill a useful snapshot of the music being made around Teesside and the wider North East now.
Dossers have already appeared on the BBC Introducing stage at Waves and played festivals including Twisterella and Stockton Calling. Northern Hospitality arrive with appearances at Kendal Calling and support slots alongside established acts including Kaiser Chiefs and Feeder behind them.
There is an even more local thread in Risco, a three-piece from Stockton who have recently performed at The Great Escape in Brighton. Rose Malus open the night, bringing an indie and alt-rock sound that has already taken them to venues across the North East.
The show starts at 7.30pm on Thursday 10 September at ARC, Dovecot Street, Stockton-on-Tees. Tickets are £12 including the booking fee, and the event is for ages 14 and over. Anyone under 16 must attend with an adult.
For a local music scene, nights like this do some of the unglamorous but essential work. They give bands a proper stage, an audience beyond their own followers and a chance for people to discover something before everyone else has decided it is worth discovering.
and tickets: Full event details are available from ARC Stockton Arts Centre.