The Courtyard Sessions

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.

Apricity are a 4-piece alt-rock girl band based in Sunderland. Emerging from Arts Centre Washington’s Right Track Music Project, the band have 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.

Born from cold garage rehearsals and a shared obsession with raw guitar riffs and honest lyrics, WENDY is an alternative rock band blending riff heavy soundscapes with punchy, emotionally charged songwriting. Drawing inspiration from the grit of alt-rock bands such as ‘The Smashing Pumpkins’, and ‘Radiohead’ with the edge of other styles, the band has carved out a sound that is both nostalgic and refreshingly new. Since their formation , the group—made up of Hannah Cudlip (Vocals), Noel Stephenson (Guitar), Georgia Prenelle (Guitar), Vincent Grace (Bass), and James Hudson (Drums)—has carved out a raw, effect heavy setlist with songs that balance vulnerability with explosive energy. Their music moves effortlessly between haunting melodies, driving rhythms, and soaring choruses, capturing the restless spirit that defines their effects driven sound.

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.

Exciting new band Olly and the Olives showcase a range of genres inspired by their love of music. Forming in February 2026, 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.

Lewis Hill performs an array of Britpop and Punk classics influenced by bands such as Oasis, Green Day and Sam Fender.  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.

Evie Ferro is an emerging singer-songwriter from Gateshead. At just 16 years old, she has already performed at venues and events across the North East, bringing original songs, powerful vocals, and a genuine love of live performance to every stage.

Antiquity are a South Shields-based band creating a unique sound that crosses rap metal, alternative rock, and indie pop. With powerful performances and a passion for pushing musical boundaries, they’re quickly gaining attention as one of the region’s promising young bands.