Live At Leeds in the City: Ones to Watch
Dan Brown breaks down the best acts to see this weekend at Live At Leeds in the city 2024!
It’s that time of year again, Live at Leeds in the City has rolled around and the talent on show is bountiful. 150+ acts, 17 venues and 1 tremendous day of music, it’s almost too much for the weary travelling gig enthusiast. If only there was an amateur journalist to highlight the hottest acts around Leeds come November 16th…
The Royston Club
In my self-deprecating quarrels with my mirror over my blaring lack of coolness I often bump up against the tattoolessness nature of my skin. This is out of fear of me changing tastes quicker than I am kicked off of the aux at pre-drinks (what do you mean you don’t want to hear never-ending Strokes tunes before we go to a disco club?). Nevertheless, if there was a tattoo that I could get without fear it would be one across my forehead that says, “See The Royston Club at Live at Leeds in the City 2024!” – you will thank me (and my forever branded forehead) later.
Song Recommendation: ‘I’m a Liar’
LaL Set: 19:45-20:45 – Stylus
English Teacher
Fresh off winning the 2024 Mercury Prize, English Teacher are set for a mega homecoming. Surrealist post-punk anthems held up by a prideful hometown crowd; English Teacher’s early evening set is the place to be. Lessons will be learned in the pit.
Song recommendation: ‘R&B’
LaL Set: 18:45-19:30 – Leeds Beckett Student Union
Overpass
If there’s two things in this world I love from Birmingham, it’s Jude Bellingham circa the 95th minute of England vs Slovakia in the 2024 euros, and indie-rock four-piece Overpass (apologies to my two Birmingham born housemates who did not quite make the cut). Magic guitar riffs and stellar lead vocals. Overpass are the full package.
Song recommendation: ‘Beautiful’
LaL Set: 16:00-16:45 – Stylus
Balancing Act
An alternative title for this article with the sheer amount of talent to juggle seeing at this festival. If you plan to stay cityside and minimise your running throughout the day, it would be a crime not to catch Balancing Act at The Wardrobe. Hot on the heels of their latest EP Tightropes and Limericks (2024), their electric sound will win you over quicker than you can say “I’m not trekking all the way to Brudenell”.
Song recommendation: ‘She Plays The Theremin’
LaL Set: 17:15-17:45 – The Wardrobe
Swim School
It’s times like these that I’m glad my artistic medium is the written word, otherwise when describing Edinburgh’s Swim School I would undoubtedly attempt a very poor and more than likely offensive Scottish accent. Fortunately, I am saved from myself and am free to tell you that the emphatic rock three-piece is bound to give a top-tier performance filled with passion, prowess and poise.
Song recommendation: ‘Seeing it now’
Lal Set: 20:00-20:45 – The Key Club
Basht
Yes, I don’t expect you to have heard of them. No, I don’t think I’m cool and different for knowing them. Double yes – you should see them before word of their existence gets out. With only 10k monthly listeners, it’s only a matter of time before the supremely talented Basht are playing their grungier indie guitar gigs on the big stage.
Song recommendation: ‘Gone Girl’
LaL set: 19:30-20:00 – Leeds Beckett Student Union
Soft Launch
With a lovely 1pm set at key club, fresh new band on the scene Soft Launch is the perfect way to ease into the city and soft launch your day at Live at Leeds (get it… cause that’s their na- never mind).
Song recommendation: ‘In My Bed’
LaL Set: 13:00-13:30 – The Key Club
Esmerelda Road
Not everyone can support Liam Gallagher and win over a crowd (see my previous Inhaler article and subsequent slagging off of Liam’s sons band Villanelle) but that’s exactly what new saxophone-infused Irish indie band Esmerelda Road did this summer. Powerful is one word that comes to mind from their music. Don’t believe me? Go and see for yourself.
Song recommendation: ‘I Think’
LaL Set: 16:00-16:30 – Hyde Park Book Club
Eszter Vida
The true sleeper pick of the whole festival, Eszter Vida is bringing her ethereal sounds to The Doghouse. If I wasn’t a penniless psychology student and investing in artists wasn’t just a metaphorical term, I’d buy 100 shares in Eszter Vida’s sound. Alas, the only thing I have that is worth its weight in gold are my words, which encourage – no, urge – you to catch Eszter Vida this November.
Song recommendation: ‘Sour’
LaL Set: 19:00-19:30 – Doghouse Bar & Bagel Shop
Big Sleep
Never has a band been so improperly named. Big Sleep are anything but a bore and being another band who have a full new release of songs added to their arsenal with their fantastic latest EP Stay Put Sunshine (2024), the Dublin quartet is bound to set Brudenell alight.
Song recommendation: ‘Two Cents’
LaL Set: 14:30-15:00 – Brudenell Social Club
L’objectif
If the chic style of Belgrave is more your speed, homegrown L’objectif are a midday must on your schedule. The ferocious post-punk tunes from a hungry young band have formed the basis of a top-notch live set. Pair that with the stylistic Belgrave setting and you’re in for one hell of a show that epitomises what the Leeds music scene is all about.
Song recommendation: ‘Feeling down’
Lal Set: 15:00-15:30 – Belgrave Music Hall
Lime Garden
My pick to end the night, Lime Garden are a brilliant blend of indiepop, disco and surf melodies along with lyrical mastery. On top of this there’s the bonus of them performing at the Wardrobe, ending just 15 minutes before the Live at Leeds afterparty at the same venue. Hear some wonderful music and then dance the night away, what more could you want?
Song recommendation: ‘Pop Star’
LaL set: 21:45-22:45 – The Wardrobe
Tickets still available for students at discounted price here!
