More about: Live At LeedsKate TempestLady BirdBloxxAnother SkyJamie LenmanSports TeamBe CharlotteBlack HoneySpielbergs

With the sporadic glimpses of sun we’ve had so far this year becoming slightly more frequent, it’s a sure enough sign that festival season is upon us. Live At Leeds kicks off this Saturday (4 May) with a stacked line up of some of the best acts around right now. 

Located in various venues across Leeds, and featuring Gigwise’s very own stage, it’s the perfect time to get down to the city centre, grab a pint and watch some great music. If you’re heading there this weekend, we’ve picked out nine of the acts you need to catch.

Bloxx

Where? 2:15pm – Dork Stage, The Wardrobe

A band still yet to release their first studio album, although you wouldn’t know it from how their sound has progressed with each single release up to their EP, Headspace. Take ‘Second Opinion’, for example, which sounds like a modern take on early-The Smashing Pumpkins, mixing 90s alt-rock with bags of snarling attitude. Bringing a consistently energetic and brilliant live show with them, this is one you cannot afford to miss. 

Check out: ‘Second Opinion’, ‘Monday’, ‘Headspace’

Jamie Lenman

Where? 9:15pm – Upset Stage, The Key Club

Jamie Lenman is, simply put, an unknowing genius. Consistently innovating and pushing forward, the former Reuben frontman’s latest record, Devolver – one of the strongest records of 2017 - dived into pop, industrial and metal territories and then some. And if that’s not enough, he’s just released an unrelenting cover of the Popeye theme song. At the end of the festival, full of pints and street food, who doesn’t want to hear that?! Check out his brilliant live show this weekend.

Check out: ‘Hardbeat', ‘Popeye’, ‘Body Popping’

Lady Bird

Where? 8:45 – Gigwise Stage, Leeds Beckett Student’s Union

Headlining our very own Gigwise stage are Kent trio Lady Bird. The punk act have gained heavy traction, and were the first signing to Slaves’ record label, Girl Fight Records, last year. Recent track, ‘LOVE’, is a punchy post-punk affair that will undoubtedly spill out the speakers, causing carnage on stage. 

Check out: ‘Spoons’, ‘LOVE', ‘Social Potions’

Kate Tempest

Where? 9.30pm – Momentum and Independent Stage, Leeds Beckett Student’s Union

Just prior to the release of her forthcoming album The Book Of Traps And Lessons, the award-winning south London rapper and poet Kate Tempest will headline the Momentum and Independent stage. Her previous two records Everybody Down and Let Them Eat Chaos were Mercury Prize nominated, and her foreboding style in a captivating live environment is set to be a highlight of the festival.

Check out: ‘Europe Is Lost’, ‘Firesmoke’, ‘Tunnel Vision’

Sports Team

Where? 7.15pm – Dork Stage, The Wardrobe

Sports Team is a name that you have no doubt been hearing around, largely down to their reputable gargantuan live shows. Born at Cambridge university, the indie sextet have garnered heavy acclaim for their spirit, energy levels and furore. Inspired by 90s indie outfits, the band are rapidly clambering venue ladders around the country. It cannot be stressed enough that this band are best served live, and you need to catch them at Leeds this weekend. 

Check out: ‘M5’, ‘Get Along’, ‘Margate'

Another Sky 

Where? 8pm – Dr Martens Boot Room, Brudenell Social Club

One of the hottest acts around right now, fresh from performances on Jools Holland and main stage festival slots, Another Sky is mellowed indie pop that delve into Radiohead inspired spheres with an injection of confrontational attitude. Their latest track, ‘The Cracks’, is a creeping, spine-chilling build, inspired by a Leonard Cohen lyric. With the direction they’re heading in, this band demand your attention at Live at Leeds. 

Check out: ‘Chillers’, ‘The Cracks', ‘Avalanche'

Be Charlotte

Where? 6:15pm – Gigwise Stage, Leeds Beckett Student’s Union 

Another from the Gigwise stage, Be Charlotte is a Scottish pop singer based in Dundee. She creates left-of-centre, honest pop with smooth and minimalist production. On latest single, ‘Do Not Disturb’, Charlotte Brimmer’s soulful vocals feel at their most soaring to date, underscored by beautiful piano, continuing their trajectory. For upbeat, early-evening fun, do not look past Be Charlotte.

Check out: 'Do Not Disturb’, ‘Machines That Breathe’

Black Honey    

Where? 8.15pm – Farah Stage, Leeds University Union Refectory 

Alt-pop act Black Honey have only been around a few years, but they’ve gathered a host of support across the country. Combining synth heavy pop with Royal Blood style guitarwork, the Brighton four-piece have featured on BBC Radio 1 and Spotify playlists, and are bound to be nothing less than brilliant in their impressive slot this weekend.

Check out: ‘Dig', ‘Midnight’

Spielbergs

Where? 4pm – Upset Stage, The Key Club

Fresh from releasing one of the most interesting records of the year, noisy Oslo act Spielbergs reside on this year’s Upset Stage for an afternoon slot. This Is Not The End is a heartfelt debut album, that jumps sonically from Britpop to emo-rock reminiscent of Modern Baseball, and the Norwegian group will put on an exhilarating mid-afternoon performance.

Check out: ‘Five On It’, ‘Distant Star’, ‘Bad Friend’

Live At Leeds takes place on Saturday 4 May 2019. Grab final tickets here.

More about: Live At LeedsKate TempestLady BirdBloxxAnother SkyJamie LenmanSports TeamBe CharlotteBlack HoneySpielbergs