Sunday for Sammy Trust Celebrates 25 Years of Supporting North East Talent with New Song by Ernie
The Sunday for Sammy Trust is marking 25 years of championing creative and performing artists in the North East. As part of the celebrations, local musician Joe Allan, who has received grants from the Trust, has written and performed a song that embodies its mission of empowering and supporting aspiring artists in the region.
Performing under the name Ernie, Joe explains his artist moniker: “The name Ernie found me—my middle name is Ernest after my granddad, and there have been lots of Ernie’s in my life, from my family to even a deli where I worked.”
Joe recorded the track at Blank Studios in Newcastle, collaborating with producer Josh Ingledew and fellow artist Imogen Williams, lead vocalist of Imogen and the Knife, another recipient of the Sunday for Sammy Trust’s support. Their song, Carrying the Weight Around, addresses the challenges of breaking into the creative industries, particularly from the North East, and encourages perseverance in the face of adversity.
“The Sunday for Sammy team asked for a song about overcoming the hurdles we face here in the North East,” Joe shared. “The track highlights that it’s possible to have a successful career in the arts no matter where you’re from. The North-South divide in the creative industries is real, but it shouldn’t stop anyone from pursuing their passions. There’s incredible talent here, and I hope the song inspires others to keep going.”
For young performers, breaking into the creative industries remains a significant challenge. Opportunities are often concentrated in London and the South, leaving Northern artists at a disadvantage. The Sunday for Sammy Trust exists to bridge that gap, providing financial support, networking opportunities, and mentorship to help young artists get a crucial foothold in the industry.
Joe, who previously received a grant from Sunday for Sammy for his former band, acknowledges the vital role the Trust plays: “Their support has been invaluable, and I’m honoured to give back with this song.”
Imogen, who also contributes vocals to Carrying the Weight Around, echoed these sentiments: “It’s an honour to be part of this project with Joe. Sunday for Sammy was one of the first to believe in me and provide financial support when I was a teenager. They encouraged me to pursue a career in music and gave me performance opportunities early on that I might not have had otherwise. The confidence they instil in early-career artists is everlasting—I can’t vouch enough for their importance in the North East.”
Sunday for Sammy producer Ray Laidlaw praised the song’s message: “This is exactly what Sunday for Sammy is all about. We’ve harnessed the talents of Joe and Imogen to highlight the incredible impact of 25 years of support for North East artists. It’s a privilege for the charity to be able to give a helping hand to the region’s young performers, and we’re now looking ahead to a very exciting year of celebrations.”
Adding to the excitement, Sunday for Sammy has officially announced that its new patron, Matty Healy, will be headlining the Main Stage on the Friday of the Festival with his band The 1975. Another North East artist, Jade Thirlwall, is also set to perform at Glastonbury, further showcasing the immense talent emerging from the region.
Through initiatives like this specially commissioned track, the Sunday for Sammy Trust continues its mission to ensure that young artists from the North East have the support, confidence, and opportunities to thrive in the creative industries.
Carrying the Weight Around is available on Spotify and other platforms from 14th March 2025
Tickets for the 2026 Sunday for Sammy Show on 15th February 2026 are now on sale via the Utilita Arena via the link below.
www.axs.com/uk/series/26423/sunday-for-sammy-tickets?skin=newcastle
Ends
Photo: Joe Allan at Blank Studios (Highlights PR)
Sunday for Sammy Press & PR Keith@highlightspr.co.uk 07814 397951
CARRYING THE WEIGHT AROUND – JOE ALLAN
breaking your back on the banks of the Tyne
peddling through water and soliloquy as they recline
‘sad clown on arctic grounds’ is how they perceive you
you’ve been carrying the weight around
look what you’ve done now
you’ve been carrying the weight around
but look what you’ve become now
wild winds and that bitter cold
ain’t no match for the warmest of northern souls
you’ve the strength of a roman wall
you’re build to withstand it
you’re an empath, expressive and kind
colourful tongue and a curious mind
so when you say “i wanna sing for my supper”
i say “you can do anything you wanna”
you’ve been carrying the weight around
look what you’ve done now
you’ve been carrying the weight around
but look what you’ve become now
you’ve been carrying the weight around
look what you’ve done now
you’ve been carrying the weight around
but look what you’ve become now
tempering the wrath of a violent storm
wringing out the weekend as the seagulls soar on the promenade
wading through the water of this worn-down town
splitting your sides and yearning for better times
you’ve been carrying the weight around
look what you’ve done now
you’ve been carrying the weight around
but look what you’ve become now
you’ve been carrying the weight around
look what you’ve done now
you’ve been carrying the weight around
but look what you’ve become now
