Northumbria graduate scoops prestigious North East music award

Northumbria graduate Chad Male has been awarded the prestigious 2017 Alan Hull Award by the Community Foundation.

Established in memory of Alan Hull, the Newcastle born songwriter and founder member of North East group Lindisfarne, who died in 1995, the award aims to encourage young composers and songwriters based in the North East. As well as a grant of £1,000, the prize includes a package of support thanks to a partnership between the Community Foundation, Sage Gateshead, and Loft Studios.

Chad, who is originally from Marske-by-the-Sea, near Redcar, graduated from Northumbria with a BA (Hons) degree in English Language & Literature in 2014. Since then, he has experienced numerous successes with his solo project turned band, Cape Cub. The band, which last week released new single ‘Come Around’ as the third of a three-single deal with LAB Records, has had their music featured on BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music, Radio X and Apple Music’s ‘Best of the Week’, as well as having major coverage across many of Spotify’s global playlists, with Cape Cub recently surpassing the 20 million streams milestone.  

Speaking about the award Chad said: "It's an incredible feeling to have won the Alan Hull Award. Over the past few years of my life, I've relentlessly dedicated myself to my song writing and production efforts, mainly for my work as Cape Cub.

“This award is almost like a validation for the sacrifices that have come as a result of this creative pursuit. I've always said I'd like to share any success that comes my way with other artists and likeminded people in my home region of the North East, and the money from this fund will absolutely help me towards fulfilling that ambition.

“My time at Northumbria University meant that I had the time to really develop my writing, because my whole degree focused around creativity and utilising the gift of language. Not to mention how it helped me tell stories much more effectively. It would be an understatement to say that it’s helped with my songwriting.

“Moving from home to live in the city also helped too; I met so many people that I continue to work with to this day in the music industry. So much so that I’ve made the move back to Newcastle as it’s such an inspiring place to be.

He added: “I look forward to collaborating with more people, and the equipment that this award has helped me purchase for my studio will most definitely play a huge part in that. Alan, if you're listening somewhere, thank you for your legacy, and thank you very much indeed to everyone involved with the selection process.”

Ellie Turner, Principal Advisor for Culture at the Community Foundation said: “We were delighted to announce Chad as the winner of the 2017 Alan Hull Award. The award aims to nurture and grow our North East song-writing talent and as well as a £1,000 prize, the award fosters opportunities with the Sage Gateshead and Loft Studios. There is a great link as the studio is famous for its recording of “Fog on the Tyne”, the collaboration between Lindisfarne and Paul Gascoigne.”

For more information about funding at the Community Foundation visit: http://www.communityfoundation.org.uk/

For further information please call Iain Riddell, Communications and Development Executive on 0191 222 0945, or email ir@communityfoundation.org.uk