Sally Rodgers, a stalwart of the electronic music scene, has returned to her roots in Teesside to ignite a cultural renaissance. Once a regular on Ibiza’s iconic dancefloors, she now collaborates with local organisations to foster creativity and empower a new generation of artists in her homeland. Alongside her music partner Steve Jones, Rodgers is leading a movement that places Teesside firmly on the creative map.
A Journey Back Home
Having shared stages with legends such as Fatboy Slim and Daft Punk during her career, Rodgers’ journey began in the working men’s clubs of Teesside in the 60s and 70s. Those formative years, filled with the vibrancy of local culture, fuelled her ambition to enter the music industry. “It was a lively childhood,” she recalls, drawing comparisons between her upbringing and the popular TV shows, “Derry Girls” and “Phoenix Nights.”
After leaving Redcar at 17 to pursue a career in fashion and music in London, Rodgers formed A Man Called Adam with Jones. Their innovative sound secured them multiple record deals throughout the 80s and 90s, with hits like “Barefoot in the Head” and “Easter Song” propelling them to stardom. “It was a real boomtime in the music industry,” she reflects, “strangely it was easy to get a record deal.”
Embracing Local Talent
Fast forward to the 2000s, and Rodgers turned her focus towards nurturing local talent after completing her PhD at the University of St Andrews. By working closely with Teesside University and the Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (MIMA), she aims to harness the area’s industrial heritage and artistic potential. “There’s so much going on here,” she asserts, highlighting the growing arts scene in the region.
The duo’s latest album, “The Girl with a Hole in her Heart,” released in 2023, is a testament to their commitment to the Teesside community. It features sounds inspired by the former Redcar steelworks, bridging the gap between their illustrious past and the vibrant culture they are helping to cultivate.
Jones, who recently relocated from Paris, echoes this sentiment, noting, “There are new generations here with excitement, looking and thinking differently.” Their work is vital to the local arts landscape, as Helen Welford, head of programmes at MIMA, points out. “Sally and Steve are international artists making music here on Teesside. It sends such a positive message that this great work is happening on our doorstep.”
A Future Full of Promise
While the pulsating energy of Ibiza’s nightlife is a world away from the quieter streets of Teesside, Rodgers is determined to empower others through her passion for music. She still performs at prominent venues, including Café del Mar in Ibiza, but her heart lies in championing local events like Wintertide in Hartlepool and Middlesbrough Arts Week.
A recent highlight for Rodgers was the People Powered exhibition, which celebrated the River Tees. Her Sunday vinyl sessions aim to spotlight the local music scene, promising to showcase the area’s rich musical heritage from venues like the Rock Garden to the Bongo Club. “We hope to do these again,” she adds, evoking a sense of community.
Looking ahead, the arrival of the prestigious Turner Prize in Middlesbrough is set to mark a pivotal moment for the region. “It’s going to be a momentous year for Teesside,” Rodgers enthuses. “We’re creating some events to support the Turner Prize which is just so exciting and a real coup for Middlesbrough. We just have so much here—more, more and more momentum.”
Why it Matters
Rodgers and Jones’ return to Teesside represents not just a personal journey, but a vital contribution to the region’s cultural landscape. Their efforts to foster creativity and engage local talent are instrumental in revitalising the arts scene, offering hope and inspiration to the next generation of artists. As they weave together the threads of Teesside’s industrial past with its creative future, they are not only nurturing local culture but also redefining the narrative of an area long overshadowed by its heritage. With the spotlight on Teesside, the future looks bright, promising a cultural resurgence that echoes far beyond its borders.