Celia Grace – who describes herself as a “bedroom pop star” – has received backing from the PPL Momentum Accelerator to develop her career, grow audiences and help strengthen the region’s burgeoning music sector.
She will now receive backing on her debut album creation, recording, mixing, mastering, release and PR, while another Teesside artist, Herberta, is being supported on recording, releasing and promotion of a new EP, and a third, Jodie Nicholson, is being backed to work with a new producer on a forthcoming album.
The accelerator programme provides targeted four-figure support and professional development for artists and industry professionals in our region showing exceptional promise.
The artists were selected by industry experts and will receive support designed to help them build momentum at a crucial stage in their careers.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We are home to an incredible pool of talent and creative ambition. Our artists and professionals are aiming high – and we want to back them. This will give them the opportunity to develop their skills, reach new audiences and take their careers to the next level. Congratulations to everyone selected and I look forward to seeing what they achieve.”
The PPL Momentum Accelerator is delivered by PRS Foundation in partnership with Sonic Futures, Tees Valley Combined Authority and the UK Government.
It supports talented artists with a growing fanbase who are looking to establish industry teams and build sustainable careers in music.
Since launching, it has helped artists progress to a level where they have gone on to secure support through the wider PPL Momentum Music Fund, including successful acts such as English Teacher, the 2024 Mercury Prize winners, and Jacob Alon, winner of the BRITs Critics’ Choice Award 2026.
The programme has also helped a raft of the region’s musicians in the past including current Tees Valley Artist of the Year Boo.
The next deadline for applications to the PPL Momentum Accelerator for artists and industry professionals based in Tees Valley is 26 October, 2026, at 6pm.
Anyone wanting more information or who wishes to apply, should please visit here.
