Jazz North announces its latest roster of Northern Line - the live talent development programme for jazz artists across the North.
Rory A. Green, SwanNek, Hang Linton, Rivkala & Ancient Infinity Orchestra make up the cohort of northern artists to watch... Northern Line is the live touring programme providing transformative support for northern jazz artists. Today, Jazz North announces the five outstanding bands selected to join the cohort.
Chris Bye, Jazz North CEO, says:
“After over a decade, Northern Line is firmly established as the most exciting talent development programme for jazz across the entirety of the North. Demonstrated perfectly by this latest cohort of exceptional musicians. Previous alumni and artists on the current roster have already been singled out by key industry individuals, organisations and influencers as artists to watch, so keep a close eye on the forthcoming national and international success of these names. With this round of Northern Line, Jazz North proudly presents five of the region's premier breakthrough jazz artists, representing the cream of northern talent.”
The PRS Foundation launched its inaugural Ones to Watch list, featuring 25 exciting artists hand-picked by the PRSF team, one of which is current Northern Line artist, Hang Linton, an indie artist known for poetic storytelling that demands your attention.
Hailing from Northumberland, Leeds, North East, Manchester and Liverpool: Rory A. Green, SwanNek, Hang Linton, Rivkala & Ancient Infinity Orchestra join the celebrated cohort of artists and will be available to book for activity starting in September 2026.
On joining the roster, Bex from Rivkala, says: I couldn't be more excited to receive Jazz North's support in organising my first UK tour with the full Rivkala band. We've been working hard to develop the show into a uniquely theatrical experience, to give new audiences a taste of the bitter and twisted world inside the Crushed Velvet cabaret.
On joining the roster, Rory A. Green, says: “I am delighted with this opportunity to grow my skills & network while levelling up my touring with an experienced team to support the journey. As a DIY independent artist who is planning to release their debut album this year, this support means everything & couldn't have come at a better time.”
Northern Line artists were chosen with the support of an esteemed advisory panel of promoters, radio producers, artists and festival teams - Aisling Doherty, Thomas Rees, Josh Aitman, Ni Maxine, Rianne Thomspon, Bob Walker and David Porter.
The programme provides essential support to artists’ live touring ambitions. Each of the five bands will receive a live touring bursary from £1500 and tailored 1:1 support across an 18-month period.
Audiences can see the full roster perform live at the Northern Line showcase at manchester jazz festival (mjf) on 16th & 17th of May 2026 as part of the festival’s opening weekend at First Street.
mjf is the North’s most celebrated and longest-running music festival, with a reputation for fostering rising jazz talent through their own bespoke development schemes and innovative events programme.
Industry guests are invited to attend a networking reception on the Sunday afternoon (17th May), hosted by Jazz North.
Promoters can contact artists directly or via Jazz North for round 12 bookings from September 2026.
Currently available Northern Line artists include Ex-Easter Island Hear, Ellen Beth Abdi, Ferg’s Imaginary Big Band, Amy Thatcher & Francesca Knowles and The Exu.
Visit www.jazznorth.org/northern-line for more information.
