North East artists dominate with over 12 billion UK music streams

Following the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 2025 Mercury Prize, BPI analysis of Official Charts Company data has revealed that artists from the North East region have appeared on tracks that have been streamed in excess of 12 billion times, since the Official Charts Company started collating streaming data in 2014.

Artists flying the flag for the North East span genres and generations, including JADE, whose highly anticipated debut solo album That's Showbiz Baby is released later in September, and Sam Fender, who has three Number 1 UK Albums under his belt. The two artists both contributed to the figure, which was derived from the plays accrued by a list of over 25 of the region's most well-known artists and performers.

Music legend Sting also features, both as a solo artist with seven Top 5 UK Albums to his name and alongside The Police with four Number 1 UK Albums and five Number 1 UK Singles, as do Dire Straits thanks to the Blyth-raised Knopfler brothers and their six Top 5 UK Albums.

Also contributing are Maxïmo Park, who hail from Newcastle and were previously shortlisted for the Mercury Prize in 2005 for debut album A Certain Trigger; and Pet Shop Boys with a whopping 12 Top 5 UK Albums.

This analysis comes after the announcement of the 2025 Mercury Prize 12 Albums of the Year. In October, the Prize moves beyond London for the first time ever, with the Award Show taking place at the Utilita Arena, Newcastle, on Thursday 16th October. The Award Show will feature live performances from many of the 12 shortlisted artists and the evening will culminate in the announcement of the overall winner of the 2025 Mercury Prize in Newcastle.

The move to Newcastle, in partnership with Newcastle City Council and the North East Mayor, signals a new dawn for the prestigious Prize, with the Award Show always a fantastic night celebrating the best British and Irish music of the year. Alongside the event in October, Generator - a music development agency - is powering the Mercury Prize Newcastle Fringe: a bold, region-wide celebration to bring the North East’s music scene and iconic venues alive.

The North East is a significant contributor to the UK music economy. Data from UK Music’s Hometown Glory study showed that there were over 700,000 visitors to the region in 2024 for music, with over £360m in revenue created.

Dr Jo Twist OBE, BPI chief executive, said: “These impressive streaming figures demonstrate the North East of England's enormous impact on British music and on the global stage. From rock legends like Dire Straits and Sting to contemporary icons like Sam Fender and JADE, the region has nurtured generations of incredible talent. With the support of a vibrant local music ecosystem, local authorities and a dynamic music industry, we see that continuing for generations to come.

We're so excited to be bringing the 2025 Mercury Prize to Newcastle to celebrate the breadth of human artistry that exists across the UK, and to shine a spotlight on the North East's fantastic music scene and industry through the upcoming Mercury Prize Newcastle Fringe in partnership with Generator.”

Cllr Karen Kilgour, leader of Newcastle City Council said: “These figures cement our belief that Newcastle is fast becoming the cultural heartbeat of the North of England, a true pioneer in the music industry.

“We’re so proud to have such incredible talent here from across all genres and a fantastic support network that will ensure this talent succeeds. Along with our partners including music agency Generator, we share a commitment to further invest in the city and region’s music sector and become an industry leader. To be a place that provides opportunities not only for upcoming musicians but also for our future generations.

“We’re very excited and honoured to be hosting the Mercury Prize in Newcastle, and it is fitting our city is the first outside of London to do this.”

Image: Jackson Whitefield