A to B - Sunderland's Music Conference
About this Event
A to B brings together world-class music professionals, practical workshops, live music and honest conversations about building a creative career today. Whether you’re an emerging artist, producer, DJ, student, freelancer or simply passionate about music, there’ll be something for you.
Across the day, you’ll be able to:
- Hear from 2x Grammy Award-winning producer and mixing engineer Eduardo De La Paz, whose credits include Florence + The Machine, Self Esteem, Noel Gallagher and New Order
- Take part in hands-on workshops, including DJ sessions and practical music industry skills
- Explore careers in performance, production, live events, touring, sync and more
- Join discussions on topics like social media, collaboration and building a sustainable creative career
- Connect with local organisations, artists and opportunities through networking sessions and pop-up stalls
- Enjoy live performances throughout the day
- Full programme coming soon.
A to B is open to anyone aged 16+, with no upper age limit. Free refreshments and lunch will be provided, with plenty of opportunities to meet other musicians, creatives and music lovers throughout the day.
Part of Sunderland Summit Week and Sunderland’s Year of Music, A to B is delivered by We Make Culture, Sunderland Music City, Music Connects Sunderland and The Bunker, with support from the North East Combined Authority.
Agenda
🕑: 09:00 AM
Registration & Arrival
Info: Grab a coffee meet other attendees and get settled in for the day.
🕑: 09:45 AM
What Makes a Music City?
Host: Lena Ingwersen
Info: What actually makes a city thrive musically? Lena Ingwersen, Managing Director of the global Music Cities Network, opens the day with insight into how music can shape cities, communities and opportunities for artists.
🕑: 10:00 AM
Local Music Scene Docu-film by Second Draft (feat. Claudia)
Info: Through the eyes of local riot-grrrl band, Claudia, Second Draft and We Make Culture take a look at the connections and journeys local musicians can take through the music scene in Sunderland. Featuring appearances from the Young Musicians Project, The Bunker, Serial Bowl Records, Pop Recs and The Futureheads.
🕑: 10:20 AM
Performance by Orton
Host: Orton
Info: Fresh off the release of his debut EP, Durham based hip-hop artist Orton shares tracks about growing up in a pit village and the stresses of being an independent artist in 2026.
🕑: 10:30 AM
Do I Really Need Social Media? Building Community as an Artist.
Host: Grace Stubbings
Info: Social media can feel overwhelming - but is there a “right” way to do it? Artists and music professionals share honest perspectives on building audiences, finding your people and creating community online (and offline).
🕑: 11:30 AM
"How Do I Get My Music on TV?" - Careers in Music Sync
Host: Alex Grey
Info: The music industry needs far more than performers. Hear from professionals working in production, sync, recording and creative industries about the many different careers that keep music moving.
🕑: 12:15 PM
Lunch + Marketplace
Info: Take a break, grab some food, browse stalls and chat to local organisations, creatives, venues and music industry professionals. Featuring a pop-up record store from Roker Records and a special gallery showcasing the history of Sunderland’s iconic venue and practice space, The Bunker!
Meet:
•Musicians Union
•PRS Foundation
•The Bunker
•Independent
•Sunderland Music City
•We Make Culture
•Music Connects Sunderland
•Serial Bowl Records
•Index
•Band Van Man/Merch Bitch
•The Glasshouse
•Generator
•Space North East
•Roker Records
🕑: 02:15 PM
Session Musicians: Life on the Road
Host: Hattie Steel
Info: From touring internationally to stepping into rehearsals at short notice, session musicians are the people who keep live music happening. This panel explores the realities of touring, building a career and making a living in music.
🕑: 03:15 PM
Inside the Mix with Grammy Award-Winning Producer Eduardo De La Paz
Host: Eduardo De La Paz
Info: A rare chance to hear directly from a Grammy Award-winning producer and mixing engineer as Eduardo breaks down some of his biggest tracks live, sharing insight into music production, mixing and the creative process behind professional recordings. Expect to hear about artists such as New Order, Florence + The Machine, The National, Self Esteem and many more! Hosted by Frankie Francis, there will also be a chance to have your questions answered.
🕑: 04:15 PM
Performance by Patrick Gosling
Host: Patrick Gosling
Info: Having sold out hometown shows in Pop Recs and Independent, local songwriter Patrick Gosling, aka “The Mackem Bob Dylan”, closes the day with an acoustic performance of some unreleased material...
🕑: 04:30 PM
Networking and Marketplace
Info: Stick around to meet people, make connections, ask questions and continue conversations from throughout the day.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
