How DJ Sally Rodgers Is Reinvesting Her Global Music Career in Teesside’s Creative Future
The article explores the journey of renowned DJ and producer Sally Rodgers, a Middlesbrough native whose career has spanned some of the world’s most iconic dancefloors, from Ibiza in the 1980s and 1990s to cultural institutions in Teesside today. Rodgers, best known as one half of the pioneering electronic duo A Man Called Adam, worked alongside major music figures such as Fatboy Slim and Grace Jones during a period she describes as a boomtime for the music industry. After decades of international success, she chose to return to her roots in the North East of England.
Now based in Saltburn, Rodgers collaborates with organisations including the Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (MIMA) and Teesside University to strengthen the region’s cultural profile and support emerging creative talent. Drawing on her upbringing in working men’s clubs and her experiences in a demanding music industry, she aims to inspire resilience and ambition in younger generations. Her partner, Steve Jones, has also relocated to the region, contributing to a shared vision of making high-quality, internationally relevant music from Teesside.
Their recent work reflects this commitment to place. The duo’s 2023 album, The Girl with a Hole in her Heart, incorporates original sounds recorded at the former Redcar steelworks, embedding the area’s industrial heritage into contemporary electronic music. Alongside recording and performing, Rodgers has been involved in local festivals, exhibitions, and vinyl sessions that celebrate Teesside’s musical history and present creative energy.
The article highlights the wider cultural momentum building in the region, including preparations for the Turner Prize coming to Middlesbrough. Through mentoring, collaboration, and continued artistic output, Rodgers and Jones exemplify how internationally experienced artists can play a vital role in nurturing local creativity and reshaping perceptions of post-industrial communities.