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Right Track Music Project
Right Track is a vibrant, youth-led music project based at Arts Centre Washington, offering free, inclusive opportunities for young people aged 12 and above to explore their creativity through music. Established over six years ago, the project has supported more than 60 participants, with some attending since its inception—proof of its lasting impact and sense of community.
Why are they important?
Designed for young people facing significant barriers, Right Track provides a safe, welcoming space to learn, collaborate, and grow. In Washington, where child poverty rates are among the highest in the UK and access to music education has sharply declined, this project is a lifeline. Many participants lack instruments or tuition, and transport challenges make city-centre provision inaccessible. Right Track removes these obstacles, offering weekly sessions, masterclasses with local musicians, and flexible studio access.
More than just music-making, Right Track empowers young people to shape the project’s future through co-creation. From forming ensembles to leading branding and events, participants develop confidence, leadership skills, and creative ambition. With a growing waiting list and plans for holiday taster sessions, the project continues to expand its reach—helping young people use music as a tool for wellbeing, self-expression, and progression.
Current acts
These are some of the current acts who are participating in Right Track.
Callum O’Neil
Callum O’Neil has performed in multiple venues across the north east including, Independent and Roker Watchhouse. He has also won the Sunderland Music City and We Are Name UK Christmas song contest and recently released a new single ‘Built in Blyth’.
Apricity
Apricity are a 4-piece alt-rock girl band based in Sunderland, with a unique contemporary sound reflecting their diverse musical influences.
The band have played some great shows including Washington 60 and Summer Streets for 3 years in a row.
They have been making music together for around 2 years, having released their debut single Lover-Zone in April 2025.
Olly and The Olives
Exciting new band Olly and the Olives showcase a range of genres inspired by their love of music.
Forming in February 2025, the band wasted no time making their mark, debuting at the Right Track Showcase at Arts Centre Washington.
The 4 piece from Sunderland are influenced by bands such as Sam Fender, Green Day and System of a Down and are looking forward to performing at more events in the future, with their first EP in the pipeline.
Aiko
Up-and-coming post hardcore 3-piece Aiko showcase high energy performances with raw and emotional lyrics.
The Sunderland band is formed of vocalist/guitarist Joe, drummer Charlie, and bassist/backing vocalist, Johnny. Taking influences from bands such as Basement, Title Fight and Hum, Aiko have become an asset to the North East music scene, having performed at venues such as The Bunker and Arts Centre Washington.
Recently, the band supported ‘Critch’ on their headline tour at the Independent in Sunderland and continue to perform locally.
Aiko are currently in the process of recording their first 3 track EP, which is self-produced by Joe, while drummer Charlie documents the bands journey as a skilled photographer and videographer.
Chloe McGuigan
Chloe McGuigan is an acoustic artist based in the North East.
She plays a mixture of genres and experiments with her unique style, performing a variety of songs from the 50s to modern pop.
Chloe performs at venues across the North East including Stack and Arts Centre Washington.
Influenced by Ella Langley and Olivia Rodrigo, Chloe has been writing original music for a year and is working towards recording her first single and EP.
Lewis Hill
Lewis Hill performs an array of Britpop and Punk classics influenced by bands such as Oasis, Green Day and Sam Fender.
He often sings over backing tracks in collaboration with Daniel Brown.
In the future, Lewis is looking forward to forming a band and to continue his progression in writing music and playing the guitar.
Lewis also attends The Bunker band club and has played at gigs across the North East including at The Independent, Summer Streets and Arts Centre Washington.
We are building a gig community for young people in the city and as part of Bright Lights Youth Arts Festival in 2024, we hosted the first edition of Washington Emerging – a showcase of the North East’s best up-and-coming young musicians.
We had performances from the likes of Tom A Smith, Lottie Willis, Lily Mac, Swindled, Izzy Price, Lovedays, Jenali, Jay Fergie – the gig has since taken place in 2025 and 2026 featuring rising stars such as Isobel Maria, Claudia, Apricity, NV, The Last Time, Small Blazers, Callum O’Neil, Stellacaster, Aiko, The Fry Ups, Leopard Print.
Music made by Right Track is available for anyone and you can stream their music online. For more information, visit their social media and they will be happy to help.
