Sunderland girl band steps into the spotlight

A teenage girl band from Sunderland is making its mark on the North East music scene following the release of its debut single and a summer packed with live performances.

Northern Daughters, whose six members range from 14 to 17 years old, released Open Arms across major streaming platforms in May after creating the track in partnership with Sunderland City Council.

Designed as an anthem celebrating unity, inclusion and belonging, the single has formed part of the band's involvement in the BBC Radio 1 Wrap Around programme, which has included school workshops, community visits and a flashmob during Radio 1’s Big Weekend.

An official music video for Open Arms is now set to launch in September.

The group comprises Izzy Gettins, Lola Waite, Lola Cairns, Annette Ambang, Isabelle Dutton and Molly Daymond, who met through Inspire Stage School before forming Northern Daughters eight months ago.

Their music explores issues facing young people, including friendship, confidence, anxiety, relationships, mental health and social media pressures.

Despite being relatively new, the band has already built an online following of more than 103,000, generating over 7.5 million likes on TikTok.

Northern Daughters began 2026 by performing to thousands of people at Sunderland’s New Year’s Eve celebrations in Keel Square and have since appeared at events across the region.

Their summer schedule has included the Sunderland Young Achievers Awards, Sunderland Food and Drink Festival, Summer Streets Festival and the North East Chamber Awards at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music.

The group was also selected for the Emerging Talent slot at Stanhope Weekender, alongside performances at Butlin’s Skegness and Flamingo Land.

Next up is a return to their home city for the Nissan Family Fun Day in Sunderland on August 30, with further live appearances and new music planned for the autumn.

Gemma Waite, principal at Inspire Stage School and manager of Northern Daughters, said: “This has already been an incredible summer for Northern Daughters and we are immensely proud of everything the girls are achieving.

“They are six very different personalities, but they share such a strong friendship, an incredible work ethic and a genuine love of performing. 

“When they step onto a stage together, their energy and connection are impossible to miss.

“Releasing Open Arms was a huge moment for them as they are so proud to come from the North East and Open Arms is all about growing up here and spreading that message far and wide.

“To have created the music video in Sunderland, surrounded by so many local people, schools and organisations, makes it even more special. 

“We cannot wait for everyone to see it when it launches in September.

“The girls have enormous ambitions, and they want to show other young people what can happen when you believe in yourself and are given the opportunity to shine. 

“This really is only the beginning.”

You can find Northern Daughters on Instagram @northerndaughters1 and TikTok @northerndaughters.

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