A Newcastle record label is celebrating its third birthday with a showcase gig highlighting the cream of local talent.
Musician Steve Cunningham who played bass with the iconic North East band, Lindisfarne from 1989 until 1994, started BoomChang Records in January 2012 to help kick start the careers of talented singer-songwriters from the region.
Now, the label boasts a number of artists including the fast-picking’, rootsy, twin-guitar finesse of Diesel Therapy, the acoustic harmonies of The Sand Boys, the melodic Lee McDade and accomplished singer-songwriter from Benwell, Simma.
The four acts will be playing at the Barca Artcafe in Tynemouth on March 6th giving the crowd the chance to hear some of the best of the label’s acoustic artists in one venue.
Simma – real name Anthony Simpson who took his influences from The Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Kinks and Lindisfarne’s Alan Hull has been a professional musician for nine years and has been playing for 22 years. He first met Steve at a Lindisfarne gig and has now played with every surviving member of the band.
“This gig is not only a great chance to showcase the talent we have in the North East, but it’s also a tribute to the hard work of Steve Cunningham who has helped to foster the talent of some great artists. It’ll be a tremendous night with some fantastic music and at the same time help other unsigned acts to develop.”
Indeed, Steve is encouraging un-signed bands to drop off their demo CD’s at the gig too.
“Any one can pre register their interest in joining the label at our website and drop the demo off at the gig. We are looking to help as many artists as possible as there is a wealth of talented, unsung musical heroes out there.”
Steve, who has an impressive pedigree himself in addition to his work with Lindisfarne started off his professional life as musician in a country and western club band when he was 14, he learned his craft as a sound engineer with Newcastle Prism at 17. He toured worldwide with Lindisfarne and with The Proud Ones, the band he joined afterwards, and has toured with and supported top acts from David Bowie to Midge Ure and Paul Young.