Care Leaver Finds “Golden Ticket Moment” in Local Music Opportunity

Kaitlin Robson, a 21-year-old care leaver from Gilsland, located on the Cumbria and Northumberland border, described securing an opportunity to pursue her dream career in music without relocating to London as a “golden ticket moment.” She obtained a sought-after internship with Warner Music UK and Generator, a music development agency based in Newcastle. Having spent a significant portion of her childhood within the care system, moving through more than 30 foster and residential homes, Ms. Robson stated that her experiences were “under-represented” in the music industry. Mick Ross, CEO of Generator, indicated that the internships would contribute to “build up the music industry in the north-east of England.” Ms. Robson, who currently resides in Newcastle, mentioned that the stereotype associated with being in care led people to believe she was a “problem child.” She remarked, “I thought that defined me and I wouldn’t be able to have a good career because of it,” further adding that care leavers were “under-represented” in the music industry. Determined to achieve success, she pursued a degree in Popular Music Performance at Newcastle College while working night shifts at a nightclub to fund her studies. She shared that she burst into tears upon discovering her application for the six-month internship had been successful. Ms. Robson stated: “It felt like a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory golden ticket moment.” Mr. Ross confirmed that Ms. Robson is one of three individuals who have participated in the program, gaining experience in the music business. He further explained, “Ultimately what we want for these young people is jobs at the end so they can go away, gain that experience and help us build up the music industry in the North East.”