Elevate 22 at The Cluny2: Marisam Events spotlight the next wave of North East talent
Review by Aaron Whittington — SoundBite North East
Elevate 22, held downstairs at The Cluny2, continues to give emerging North East artists a proper platform to be heard. Taking place in the afternoon, the showcase puts the focus exactly where it should be — on the music. No distractions, no excess, just artists performing their original material in one of Newcastle’s most respected grassroots spaces.
The Cluny has long been a proving ground for developing artists, and its downstairs room remains the perfect setting for new talent to build momentum. It’s an environment where artists aren’t just playing a slot — they’re building their identity in front of a room that’s there to listen.
Elevate 22 isn’t about hype. It’s about progression.
What is Elevate 22?
Elevate 22 is a recurring live music showcase created to support emerging artists from across the North East. Each event brings together a curated lineup of developing acts, giving them the opportunity to perform original material in a credible venue and in front of a receptive audience.
The afternoon also carries a competitive element, with the audience voting for their standout act. The winning artist earns a headline slot at The Cluny2 — a genuine step forward that gives bands the chance to return as a featured act rather than part of a lineup.
It creates a clear pathway for artists, rewarding those who connect most with the room.
Behind Elevate 22 is Marisam Events, a female-duo Maria Winter and Samantha Harris who are dedicated to supporting grassroots artists in the North East. Their focus is simple but important — creating real opportunities for emerging musicians to perform, develop, and grow.
By consistently putting on showcases like Elevate 22, they’re helping strengthen the foundations of the regional music scene and ensuring that new artists have somewhere to build from.
Favourite Child
Favourite Child opened the afternoon with a set rooted in indie rock, shaped by vintage guitar tones and thoughtful songwriting. Their sound leaned into atmosphere and texture, allowing their melodies to carry naturally within the intimate setting impressively for a band so young in age they show great maturity.
There was a sense of restraint to their performance that worked in their favour. Nothing was overplayed or forced, and their songs were allowed to unfold at their own pace. It made for an engaging opening set that drew the room in and set the tone for the rest of the afternoon.
Phantom Bagman
Phantom Bagman delivered one of the most memorable performances of the afternoon. Performing as a seven-piece, their sound fused indie rock and soul with modern jazz aesthetics, creating something far bigger than the room itself.
The addition of trumpet and extended instrumentation gave their sound warmth and depth, allowing their arrangements to move and evolve naturally. Their set carried a happy, joyful energy throughout — the kind of feeling usually associated with festival stages rather than intimate rooms. There was a lightness and confidence to their performance that made it feel immersive and uplifting from start to finish.
It was a performance built on musicality, atmosphere, and connection — and one that clearly resonated.
White Collar Rebel
White Collar Rebel closed the afternoon with a set that felt confident from the first note. Their sound sits firmly in modern indie rock, built around clear guitar work, strong melodies, and songs that know exactly where they’re going. Nothing felt forced — it was direct, honest, and perfectly suited to a room like The Cluny2.
What stood out most was how comfortable they looked on stage. This wasn’t a band finding their feet — it was a band growing into themselves. Every song landed with purpose, and there was a sense of momentum behind what they’re building. The intimacy of the room worked in their favour too, allowing the strength of their songwriting to carry naturally.
There’s a clear identity forming around White Collar Rebel, and their performance reflected a band moving forward with intent.
By the close of the afternoon, Phantom Bagman were voted the standout act, earning the headline slot at The Cluny2. Their performance captured exactly what Elevate 22 exists to support — artists ready to take the next step.
The next Elevate 22 takes place at The Cluny2 on 21 March, featuring Luminous, Million Years, and Circus. Audiences once again will play their part in discovering the region’s next standout artist. Tickets and more information are available here:
https://www.fatsoma.com/e/zrq7coa4/elevate-22-march
Elevate 22 continues to do exactly what its name promises — elevate.
Words by Aaron Whittington — Founder, SoundBite North East
Championing grassroots music across Newcastle and the wider North East.