Live at Leeds is one of the city’s most hotly anticipated events, and it’s no surprise why. The best-loved venues across Leeds open their doors to punters from all over Yorkshire and beyond, for a day of live music and a celebration of local community. Despite the big-name headliners, Futuresound do their bit for up-and-coming artists, who actually dominate the majority of the line-up. The festival has been going since 2007 and goes from strength to strength each year. There’s a tangible buzz on the day of the festival, with groups of friends, couples, journos, students and families alike all thronging to the city’s best loved creative spaces. Indie kids will be thrilled to bits with the line up, with the likes of mainstays Circa Waves, Peace and Spring King headlining, but here are my top 5 artists for this year’s event:
The Horrors
The Horrors will be gracing the stage at Church, bringing their refreshing, majestic dark pop to the stunning venue. Their latest album V (released in September 2017) was a triumph, showcasing the band’s sonic versatility, flitting between the industrial clanks of ‘Machine’ and the 80s synth pop euphoria of ‘Something To Remember Me By’. The Horrors are renowned for their impressive and imposing live show, and the gothic venue will serve as the ideal setting for it.
Nadine Shah
Nadine Shah’s sound is characterised by the brooding, unbridled expressiveness of her voice, complimented by the post-punk dissonance of the music behind it. No frills, just unabashed virtuosity. Over the past year or two, Nadine Shah has finally been getting the widespread attention she so deserves. While Shah’s debut album was a reflection on the issue of mental health, her third LP Holiday Destination is more politicised, touching on the refugee crisis, and being a British Muslim woman of Pakistani and Norwegian descent – a heritage that is often othered by society. By dealing with topics that are often taboo in music, Shah sets herself apart from many of her contemporaries. To top all that off, she’s just effortlessly cool.
British Sea Power
Arty-indie at its best, British Sea Power have enjoyed near-constant relevance and popularity since their first album in 2003, with a new release every couple of years or so. I caught them at Green Man last year, and their live show brims with life, along with their signature botanic stage decorations. They’re a band who put as much effort into their brand as they do the music. BSP’s extensive and varying back catalogue promises a gig that won’t disappoint – get ready to belt your heart out to the nostalgic classic ‘Waving Flags’.
Pip Blom
Amsterdam-based Pip Blom has only been releasing music since 2016, but has already been catching the attention of the biggest radio DJs in the country. Live at Leeds is the highlight of the spring calendar and the lo-fi loveliness of Pip’s songs will be perfect for this atmosphere. Expect to hear the catchy, quirky, Angel Olsen-esque hit ‘I Think I’m In Love’ which will certainly put the Brudenell in a good mood.
IDLES
Fired-up, unabashed punk band IDLES from Bristol are riding the same wave as the likes of Sleaford Mods and Shame; flagrant lyrics, beefy riffs, visceral frontmen… IDLES have recently released their debut album and are currently on a sold-out tour of the UK, meaning that punters will be angling for a good spot in the pit for their set at The Wardrobe. If you don’t mind getting a friendly gig bruise or two, definitely don’t miss IDLES at Live at Leeds this year.
Get tickets for Live at Leeds HERE