Member Article

PR boss hits the right note

His passion has always been punk and now radio presenter and publicity professional Keith Newman is using his expertise to promote North East musicians.

Keith, whose New Wave with Newman show pulls in listeners from the US and Europe, is already representing Ex-Angelic Upstart Decca Wade and his band, The Moscow Mules.

PR professional Keith runs his own business Highlights PR, which he set up in 2008 after a 23-year career in the gas industry working in their dynamic communications/PR team.

He has built up the business and collected some prestigious clients from one-man businesses to charities such as Newcastle’s People’s Kitchen, the Royal Naval Reserves and Newcastle’s biggest cab company, LA Taxis.

Now Keith has moved out of his home office in Ulgham to bigger premises at Newcastle’s Biscuit Factory, where he shares offices with photographer Angela Carrington of The Bigger Picture. The pair have already worked together on some compelling PR campaigns and are now using their joint talents on promoting new and established North East bands.

Keith said: “Music has always been my passion, particularly punk and new wave.

“I was in punk bands in the ‘70s, and since starting the New Wave with Newman show on Radio Northumberland, I’ve interviewed members of Stiff Little Fingers, Penetration, The Dickies, The Undertones and The Ramones.

“Angela and I have been having fantastic success with our business PR, and getting closer to the music scene gave me the idea to use my knowledge of PR and contacts in the music industry to get more exposure for local bands.

“Coupled with Angela’s photography skills and flair for graphic design, we decided to offer an affordable package for bands, musicians and artists.”

As well as Decca Wade, the team has already turned the media spotlight on punk princess Pauline Murray of Penetration, former Lindisfarne musician Steve Cunningham and his new record label BoomChang records, plus local Newcastle bands This Ground Moves and The Champagne Charlie’s.

Angela said: “Being into the music scene in the North East has been a distinct advantage.

“Our team is geared up and ready to help young musicians and bands get the exposure they need. PR doesn’t have to be expensive; we want to harness the media exposure that talented North East bands deserve.”

Keith and Angela’s special music PR package includes professionally written press releases, photography to go with the news release and on-going advice and support. And as an added extra, Keith’s role with Radio Northumberland means the bands he represents are also showcased on the station.

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This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Keith Newman .