We asked a group of some of Leeds music’s best and brightest to give their tips for Leeds acts you must not miss at this year’s Live at Leeds on 30th April. We’ve taken the must see lists from Hannah Johnson (DJ), Whiskas (Forward Russia, Senior Music Lecturer), Dan O’Dell (Hide & Seek Records), Nick Simcock (Music Business Lecturer, Promoter), James Lyall (Awesome Merchandise) & more… See their top tips below!
ZoZo
Who: ZoZo will make you move and ZoZo will make you think. The five members are Jambo, Fred, Miles, Tom and Jack. Imagine Snarky Puppy mixed with… old school Foals?? Their sound is almost un-describable…. we think you should just listen for yourselves.
When: 1:00PM
Where: The Belgrave Music Hall
Forever Cult
Who: Forever Cult are Leeds based, fuzzed-up Grunge Poppers signed to Clue Records. Having played at festivals such as Reading and Leeds, they’ve received radio airplay from the likes of Huw Stephens on BBC Radio 1, Tom Robinson on BBC 6 Music & BBC Introducing in West Yorkshire (as well as Amazing Radio & more).
When: 5:30PM
Where: Leeds Beckett Uni – Stage One
Altar Hanglands
Who: Altar Hanglands is the work of Leeds’ Harry Ridgway. Sombre & reflective songwriting named for the Castor Hanglands, a beautiful but rarely visited place near his hometown.
When: 5:15PM
Where: Clash Stage / Holy Trinity Church
Sympathiser
Who: Here’s a brand spanking new band from Leeds – Sympathiser. The alternative-rock sounding quartet are already making an impact on the local scene and have even been supporting one of 2016’s leading new music bands, The Big Moon. If you’re looking for an incredible set that no one else knows about, you’ve found it right here.
When: 12:00PM
Where: DIY Stage / Brudenell Social Club
TUSK
Who: TUSK are a four piece Psyche-Rock band from Leeds. Forming in early 2015, TUSK have already released their debut single “I’m So Vanilla”, which received BBC radio air play earlier in the year. TUSK work hard on stage producing an unparalleled raw energy going hand in hand with a tight, controlled sound, coming together for a show you won’t forget.
When: 1:30PM
Where: DIY NEU Stage / Brudenell Games Room
Cat Una
Who: Cat-Una is an up and coming artist who is attracting attention through her performances on the Leeds singer-songwriter circuit. She can be regularly heard performing her original idiosyncratic songs both as a solo artist and with her band at Whites, Hirsts Yard and 212Bar. One of her original song “Ivy” produced by Curran Brown was broadcast on BBC Introducing in West Yorkshire in 2015.
When: 1:00PM
Where: Faversham Patio
Felka
Who: Felka are a female, acoustic duet who’s original set is ridden with harmonies, a brassy performance and brazen lyrics. Having made waves around Yorkshire and beyond over just one year, the pair return to inspire audiences in 2016 with their signature songs; a mix of folk, soul and pop sounds.
When: 4:00PM
Where: Faversham Patio
Kleine Schweine
Who: Kleine Schweine are a shouty sweary political punk band who sing songs about tyrannical Romanians, heroic Albanians, 21st century fascists and Olly Murs. Onstage they are a brutal hugely entertaining short sharp shock. Strangely big in Eastern Europe they have recently signed to Hungarian label Garage Live
When: 4:30PM
Where: Leeds Beckett Uni – Stage One
Lauren Rycroft
Who: Lauren Rycroft is a 20 year old singer/songwriter, originally from Lincoln but now based in Leeds. Playing her unique combination of achingly beautiful guitar and dark, honest lyrics throughout the UK, 2015 has seen her move from small-town stages to established venues in Leeds, Nottingham and London.
When: 4:30PM
Where: The Social / Slate Terrace
Fighting Caravans
Who: A tacky disco meets a last-mile wake… Fighting Caravans are a 5-piece Alternative Rock band from Leeds, UK. Formed in early 2014, following extensive line-up alterations, the group record political and spiritual disdain with Americana/Blues overtones.
When: 12:00PM
Where: Leeds Beckett Uni – Stage Two
More info – http://liveatleeds.com/