Emerging from the mean streets of Staines in 2005, Hard-Fi’s self-produced debut album ‘Stars Of CCTV’ blasted into the charts thanks to its ska-tinged tales of suburban grit, frustration and Friday night defiance. The figures alone were staggering: they quickly sold over 1 million copies worldwide; top 15 hits for all five singles including the glitterball dancefloor smash ‘Hard To Beat’; hitting No. 1 after six full months in the album chart, and narrowly missing out on the Mercury Prize.
The band stormed on into 2007 with second album ‘Once Upon A Time In The West’ which also hit No. 1, spawned the Top 10 hit ‘Suburban Knights’ and prompted a rapturously received Glastonbury headline set on the Leftfield stage.
When Hard-Fi reconvened in 2008 to work on new tracks such as ‘Fire In The House’ and ‘Love Song’, their sound drew on a rock ‘n’ roll rootsiness combined with a lingering fascination with the dance NRG that’d driven ‘Hard To Beat’.So emerged the deceptively upbeat, clap-along ‘Killer Sounds’ – a dance-rock record with depth.
Now three top ten albums later, the band have released ‘The Best of Hard-Fi 2004 – 2014’, an album containing not only the hits, but also fan and band favourites from across their three studio albums.
Having ended 2024 with a riotous sold-out headline tour – without releasing a note of music – Villanelle are Gene Gallagher (vocals/guitar), Ben Taylor (guitar) and Jack Schiavo (bass).
Amid a rising wave of grunge revivalism, VILLANELLE are at the forefront — keeping it visceral and real, connecting with audiences through their distinct blend of raw authenticity and pure rock and roll.
South Yorkshire’s Sam Scherdel is breaking through. His anthemic single “Somewhere in the Middle” exploded to over 1M TikTok views in just four days, sparking worldwide attention.
Blending heartland grit with widescreen indie ambition, Scherdel delivers raw honesty, huge choruses, and cinematic energy — channelling Springsteen with the soul of Paolo Nutini and Ray LaMontagne. A relentless live performer, he’s built a loyal fanbase through sold-out shows and festival stages across the UK.
Amelia Coburn has a knack for making the unusual sound timeless. Her honest, occasionally hilarious and quintessentially north-eastern persona disarms and beguiles in equal measure.
Drawing inspiration from gothic literature and the shadowy allure of film noir, there is a darkness at the heart of many of her songs, populated by vivid characters and nocturnal creatures that inhabit the liminal space ‘between the moon and the milkman’.
Hartlepool’s MARKETPLACE have become renowned for their own brand of indie pop masterpieces and have earned their devoted fanbase along the way. Off the back of engaging headline shows, the band have recently been invited to support big names including Alfie Templeman, Swim Deep, The Lottery Winners and Abbie Ozard, as well as earning slots at various festivals across the country.
Leazes are a rapidly rising 5-piece British indie/alternative band from Newcastle upon Tyne, known for high-energy live shows, sold-out headline gigs, and anthemic, relatable lyrics. Comprised of Joe King (vocals), Sam Dellow, Brandon Campbell, Ben Sanyamg, and James Wake, the band has earned radio airplay on BBC Introducing and Amazing Radio.
End Credits consists of Frontman Cameron Young, bassist Blaise Pickering and Drummer/Producer Eddy Mason Pooley who through their diverse musical upbringing come together to create a genre bending blend of songs.
Live, End Credits have become a staple of the North East scene, performing at festivals like Last Train Home, The Gathering Sounds, Redcar Beach Live and Soundwave, and sharing stages with Kaiser Chiefs, Ocean Colour Scene, The K’s, The Coral, Feeder, Circa Waves, and The View.
ARC is a charity that uses arts and cultural activity to support our local community.
We have events and activities going on all year round for everyone. These include live performances, film screenings, workshops and classes. We are particularly keen that people who might feel that the arts isn’t for them are able to take part.
Our work brings people together so we can all better understand and enjoy the world and experience new ideas.
Access information
ARC’s building is fully wheelchair accessible. There is level flooring throughout the building. A lift is available. There are accessible toilets on every floor. ARC 1 is located on the first floor of the building.
