A jazz revival is happening in the UK. After spending many years as a symbol of wine-sipping middle-class civility, a new generation of music lovers are getting back the gritty, sweaty, passionate roots of the genre. The likes of London-based Brownswood Recordings and Gilles Peterson have been important to publicising the movement. But outside the … Read more
From the fertile ground of Leeds’ verdant music scene springs Noya Rao. The band, whose name refers to the mystical Amazonian ‘tree of light,’ describe themselves as ‘electronic soul’ – deriving their sound from the playfully fluttering vocals of Olivia Bhattacharjee, the OB6 synth, and a rhythm section that specialise in getting heads nodding. It … Read more
Yusuf Yellow takes things at his own pace. It hasn’t hindered his progress. With his debut album, The Yellow Tape, the Leeds-based hip-hop artist grabbed attention with his curiously gentle flows, and the candid vulnerability of his lyrics. Marching to the beat of his own drum, the young artist has resonated with an audience that’s … Read more
Spacey Basement Cult’s new release sees the Leeds trio continue down the experimental-wonk-pop rabbit hole. The tongue-in-cheek description on their Bandcamp (“chill beats you can’t study to”) is suggestive of the artistic milieu the group push off from, if not where they land. There may be a quick nod to seminal electronica artists of the … Read more
Pina is the new single from pioneering electronic soul quartet Noya Rao. The first fruit since their 2019 Owls EP, the new single continues along the trajectory of the band’s subtle soul sounds, underpinned with rich analogue synth textures, and neo-soul grooves. The song tells a story of casual intimacy, following the events of a … Read more
If Wandering Monster’s 2019 self-titled debut album marked them out as ones to watch in the UK jazz scene, their new double A-side EP Metropolis / Division puts them firmly on the map. The record sees the quintet extend into new terrain, with rich quivering organs, deft guitar changes, soaring sax melodies, and hypnotic grooves … Read more
Record Stores in Leeds: A Pink Wafer Guide The resurgence of vinyl was something no generation could have expected. But their tangible, collectable nature and superior sound quality have shot vinyl back into the forefront of musical formats. In this article, we look at ten Leeds record shops that are on hand to service your vinyl needs. … Read more
An uplifting journey of lush harmony and delicately assembled textures, B-ahwe’s debut EP is cool and comforting in equal measure. Drawing on jazz, prog rock, and soul, the complex and dynamic moods of the record are woven by the thread of B-ahwe‘s enveloping vocal. Written during a period of illness, when B-ahwe was ‘trapped in … Read more
Lady’s debut single ‘Tender Hearted Woman’ is a psych-rock beast of a song, reviving and reworking a bold sonic palette that’s long overdue its comeback. Guitar-heavy and driven by bandleader Becky Herrington’s powerful vocals, this riffy and satisfying debut calls to mind such icons as Jeff Buckley and Amy Winehouse. We spoke to Becky about … Read more
Intricate, enchanting, and sonically striking, Yaatri’s new EP Reach is the latest release to emerge from the ever-fertile Leeds jazz community. From the epicentre of the north’s Jazz renaissance, Yaatri’s new release is the fruit of a cross-genre, DIY music culture that is full of surprises. Now more than ever, rising artists in the jazz … Read more
Live Music Venues in Leeds: A Pink Wafer Guide Leeds is increasingly recognised for its stellar selection of clubs and music venues that open their arms to both new and old. From warehouse raves and candle-lit jazz, to DIY dives and unassuming pubs, you’d be unlucky not to find what you’re after amongst Leeds’ brimming … Read more
Long Legged Creatures are simmering to the boil. The Leeds quartet have been steadily making a name for themselves with their dark, twisting, groove-based brand of electronica, served with a helping of punk. This is the sound of sweaty rave caves, walking wet streets at night, and a trip that may or may not end … Read more
Led by Joshua Zero – the ‘heartthrob from hell’ – the Leeds indie rock five-piece release their single Yellow Teeth, Red Skin. Taking you on a bleak tour of contemporary British society, the track paints a picture of a fraught political landscape, offset by a seedy nihilistic sensuality. ‘It began through a lyrical exercise where … Read more
Portraying the bittersweet nature of the modern world is something that only a few artists do well. But Leeds sextet Talkboy have done just that with their debut six-track EP, Over & Under. With this record, the band offer a detached, subtly nostalgic take on indie rock. Their rose-tinted blend of garage rock and indie … Read more
M.O.S, the debut album from Mansion of Snakes, shows the 10-piece Leeds/London-based troupe reach new levels of depth and sonic maturity. Whilst staying loyal to their early afrobeat sound, the debut album draws on a new palette, calling to mind the free jazz of Sun Ra, 1970s Ethiopiques, New York new wave and more, with … Read more
Thanks to the fantastic array of venues in Leeds, each year sees a plethora of amazing festivals and all-dayers take place in the city. Reflecting the vibrant and diverse scenes that have taken root, there’s plenty to pick from – with everything from late night techno hedonism, to DIY punk, to the soothing sounds of … Read more
Leeds-based trip-hop electronica grunge band Freese Trio drop their single ‘Paradise Island’ today, from their forthcoming album The Beast in the Blueprint.
Leeds is one of the UK’s most exciting music cities, and the proliferation of great music in the city has also seen a flourishing of blogs, radio shows, and other content producers and curators.
B-ahwe’s latest single blends trip-hop beats with delicious jazz changes, and haunting vocals.
Leeds noise-rock band Thank are certainly on the heavier side of the Pink Wafer spectrum but their new single ‘Think Less’ is just too good to pass by. Cynical, menacing, and cathartic, this barrage of energy hits you like a refreshing smack in the face. Settle in for an uncomfortable yet welcome three and a … Read more
We spoke to Vula Viel about her love of Dagaare music and what it means for a white woman to play African music in 2019.
Yaatri are the newest addition to a growing scene of jazz crossover bands coming out of Leeds. Their debut video release is a thing of beauty, and we’re excited to see what’s to come from this talented quintet. Led by guitarist Liam Narain DeTar and featuring Bethany Herrington of B-Ahwe on vocals, Yaatri combine influences … Read more
Leeds is a city with an absolutely buzzing music culture. Big things are happening for a whole bunch of these talented Leeds artists right now, and there’s a whole lot more to come this year. So let’s get stuck in. Here’s our summary of 20 of the acts that we’re excited about for 2019.
Leeds is a hotbed of musical talent right now. And Mamilah are, without a doubt, one of the emerging bands moving it forward.
