More about: Live At Leeds

Leeds’ music metropolis is once again preparing to play host to Live At Leeds: In The City, following the triumphant debut of its sister ‘In The Park’ festival this June. Bringing together over 150 emerging artists, it’s a golden ticket to discovering your new favourite act - probably in the near-perfect setting of a sweaty, vibrant basement. There will be clashes, and plenty of running between stages - it’s all for the cause.

Let’s whittle the day down to eight acts who may well be the first names on festival line-ups for years to come…

Lois 

A native of the Leeds music scene, R&B and soul singer Lois takes her place on the line-up as a deserving winner of the ‘Apply To Play’ scheme out of 800 applicants. A consistent, charming voice that will ease you into the afternoon, the reflective lyricism on ‘Twist In The Wind’ and elegance of ‘The Way You Are’ show two distinct sides to her character, leaving room for plenty of experimentation on her imminent debut EP. She’s bound to put a smile on your face, and this special hometown set will be a seminal moment in her career so far. - (The Lending Room, 13:00)

Dim Imagery 

Dim Imagery are rapidly becoming stalwarts of the West Yorkshire scene with their volatile brand of post-punk, identifiable by its versatile guitar lines and changes in pace. Vocalist Matt Bond’s range of ability shines through in debut singles ‘Three Degrees’ and ‘Fishing In An Empty Stream’, teasing that there’s much more in his locker. The five-piece are gradually carving out a unique identity which no doubt has a place in Leeds and beyond. - (Brudenell Community Room, 14:30)

Ellie Dixon 

The queen of not taking herself too seriously, Ellie Dixon is a gem of giggly, quintessentially British indie-pop. She has developed an everyday, loyal connection with her ever-growing fanbase through laughter, witty lyrics and twinkling tones. Expect to hear all about coffee, broccoli, TV and everything in between as she comes to Leeds at the end of a fully-fledged UK tour. - (Leeds Beckett’s Stage Two, 15:30)

Beauty School 

Quite possibly the smiliest band on the planet, it’s no surprise that Beauty School’s debut album that came out last month goes by the name of Happiness. Fresh from an epic release party at the same venue, the band will return to Hyde Park Book Club flying the flag for pop-punk, a genre that is so integral to the Leeds area as the home of Slam Dunk Festival. Listen out for the hooks of the Biffy Clyro-esque ‘Monster’, but instead with Joe Cabrera’s Yorkshire accent proudly leading the way. - (Hyde Park Book Club, 17:00)

Melin Melyn 

Never before has a venue and band fit so perfectly together than Brudenell Social Club and Melin Melyn. Their appeal transcends generations and decades, drawing on old school folk-rock influences with a cutting-edge, modern twang. Not even they know the journey they’ll go on when a song starts, taking their sound firmly off the beaten track with hits like ‘Lucy’s Odyssey’ and new single ‘Hold The Line.’ It’s bound to be a risky, visionary set from the Welsh six-piece. - (Brudenell Community Room, 17:30)

Luxury Goods

Luxury Goods’ self-proclaimed ‘Unapologetic Alt Pop’ is a hotbed of flair, openness - and plenty of hot pink. Last month’s EP This Is No Time To Dance showcases a marriage of melodies and synth tones that create a majestic sound - best shown through their anthem ‘Again’, the product of vocalist Leonie’s love for talking about periods. A sound born in Sheffield and ready-made for Leeds, Luxury Goods will be stripping their sound back for a one-of-a-kind experience down the narrow Sela staircase. - (Sela Bar, 21:30)

Connie Constance

Closing the Brudenell Community Room is a unique talent on the verge of greatness: Connie Constance. The throbbing bassline of ‘Monty Python’ and infectious harmonies of ‘Electric Girl’ are reminiscent of a certain Sundara Karma, who are just a few font sizes higher on the bill. The Watford songwriter’s forthcoming album Miss Power is shaping up to be a journey of empowerment, struggle and celebration. A born heir to the vacant British indie-rock throne. - (Brudenell Community Room, 22:45)

Tom A. Smith 

It’s still quite mind-boggling that Tom A. Smith is only eighteen years old. Support slots with Courteeners and Gang of Youths speak volumes in themselves, yet his last appearance at Live At Leeds proves he has his own live show to match. His polished, belted voice is lifted up a notch to a gnarly, epic sound that makes even the tiniest of rooms feel like Wembley Stadium. ‘Dragonfly’ will have you singing along in an instant, whilst a sprinkling of fairy dust from collaborator Miles Kane adds a magic touch to his latest release ‘Like You Do’. - (Nation of Shopkeepers, 15:00)

Live At Leeds goes down this weekend on October 15th

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More about: Live At Leeds