Mixtape: Sofia Shagramanova (Notion Live Events)

Newcastle-based music promoters, Notion Live Events have a very busy October coming up, with Matilda Mann at Newcastle Uni (10th October) and Sundayclub at Zerox (11th October), before The Kairos play Three Tanners Bank (13th October) and Gurriers return to Newcastle Uni (15th October). On 16th October, Bottle Rockets play Three Tanners Bank while Smith & Liddle perform at The Grove, followed by Hollow Hand at Three Tanners Bank (17th October) and The Rooks at the same venue (18th October). The Mercury Prize Fringe featuring Nano Kino arrives at The Cluny (19th October), ahead of the EMI North Showcase featuring Walt Disco at The Grove (20th October), with Adult DVD also playing The Grove (24th October) and Gia Ford rounding off the month at Three Tanners Bank (26th October). And, as if they’re not busy enough, they’ve recently announce that CVC will be coming to  The Grove on Saturday 5th December and KEO will perform at NX, on Saturday 6th March 2027.

Ahead of all this live music loveliness we asked Notion’s Junior Promoter & Coordinator, Sofia Shagramanova, to share their mixtape selection…

I’ve been promoting and coordinating shows at Notion Live Events for a year now, with genres ranging from dance-punk electronica to indie folk-rock. During this time, I’ve been involved in shows with a diverse selection of artists, including upcoming headliners KEO, Heidi Curtis, Man/Woman/Chainsaw, Knats and Adult DVD. It’s an honour to work with so many talented artists and their teams, and I truly adore my job (to the point of my friends asking me to stop talking about it). 

Of course, concerts wouldn’t exist without fans, and nothing quite compares to the feeling of seeing them queue at the doors of a show you’ve been working on for the past 6 months – it’s the best feeling in the world. 

Below is a selection of my personal favourites, I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. All artists featured have an upcoming Newcastle show, so if any of them sound like a bit of you, visit shingigs.co.uk & notiontickets.live to see them live.

Adult DVD – Rolling Face

Myself and Ant, the director of Notion Live Events, never skip this one when it comes on. We listen to this song almost daily – it’s hype and energetic, just what you need with your morning coffee. Adult DVD are nearing a sellout at The Grove on Saturday, October 24th and, personally, I can’t wait for the show. If you’re looking for a fun night full of dancing, this is the one for you.

Heidi Curtis – Summon

Heidi Curtis is truly one of a kind, and I can’t wait for the world to buzz about her. Fresh off supporting the likes of Florence + The Machine, Lewis Capaldi and The War On Drugs, North East star Heidi sold out her biggest headline show to date at The Grove on October 21st, which also happens to be my birthday. Couldn’t ask for a better birthday present! 

The Rooks – Nothing to Lose

Glaswegian five-piece The Rooks played A Stone’s Throw 2026 and it’s a pleasure to welcome them back to North Shields for their headline at Three Tanners Bank on October 18th. 

Gia Ford – Shell

Another brilliant artist bringing cinematic, poetic lyricism to Three Tanners Bank this October on Monday 26th. This song is from her new album ‘A Room Within A Room’, a metaphor for single consciousness and individual perception existing within a larger, shared world.

Knats – Never Gonna Be a Boxer

Our very own Knats are playing Boiler Shop on Saturday, April 3rd. Can’t say I’m not buzzing about this one! The talented, genre-bending ‘Geordie jazz’ trio was nominated for the 2026 Mercury Prize for their outstanding album, ‘A Great Day in Newcastle’. Don’t miss your chance to see the nominees up close at their hometown show before they take over the world!

KEO – That’s Me

Last but not least, KEO. Do I even need to say more? Their brand new album speaks for itself, coming second on the UK Official Albums Chart with critical acclaim from Rolling Stone UK, Clash, Kerrang!, and more.

I have my own warm personal associations with KEO – their October 2025 headline was the first show I ever worked on with Ant, and it’s been incredible to develop as a promoter alongside KEO, watching them go from selling out Northumbria University to announcing their NX show with us next year.

Catch them on Saturday, March 6th, with General Sale starting at 10am on Friday, October 9th. Don’t wait to secure your spot – tickets are expected to move fast.

Finally, a special thank you to Ross Lewis and Ant Thompson for being great mentors and teaching me everything I know. Thanks guys, I know you’re reading this! To all the readers of NARC – I hope you enjoyed my selection and I look forward to seeing you at our shows.