It’s time to start getting excited, Dear Reader. We’re less than a month away from the unofficial start of our 2019 festival season. That May Day Bank Holiday weekend means one thing – Live At Leeds. Packed with (literally) hundreds of the best new bands on the planet, it sees one of the country’s most vibrant creative cities turned into a mecca of buzz, hype and awesome live music.
To celebrate, we’re holding a special Live At Leeds takeover. Over the course of the day (11th April 2019, in case you’re coming to this late – Ed), we’ll be bringing you all kinds of stuff from and about the acts playing this year’s event. If you’re going, it’ll help you plan out those all-important spreadsheets. If you’ve not yet picked up your tickets – well, what are you waiting for? You can grab ’em here, right now.
There are always more bands – the biggest question is who do you listen to when it comes to recommendations? Obviously Dork, your new music bible, should be your first port of call, but there are others too. Our latest expert is Live at Leeds booking agent Joe, who’s picked some of his fave newcomers at this year’s festival.
Sports Team
Dork Stage (The Wardrobe), 7:15pm
What better way to kick this off than one of the most exciting artists on this year’s Dork Stage (and in fact the whole festival), Sports Team. These lot have been turning heads with their live shows, released two stellar EPs off their own label and just got announced to support Pale Waves on tour later in the year. Not one to miss.
Easy Life
Dr Martens Boot Room (Brudenell Social Club), 11:15pm
Taking the coveted Brudenell headline slot (previously occupied by Pale Waves, Loyle Carner, Slaves and Rat Boy), Easy Life. They blew us away when they played Leeds in November as part of their sold-out UK tour – check out their recent ‘Colors’ session. And they’re probably the best-dressed band on the bill to boot (get it? thanks M’s).
Bessie Turner
Nation of Shopkeepers, 2:00pm
We’re dead excited to have Bessie Turner return to Leeds after gracing the BBC Intro Stage at Leeds & Reading 2018. She’s a firm office favourite with some amazing tunes, ‘Nino’’s an ever-present on the Bluetooth speaker. Perfect afternoon vibes, get her in your schedule!
Indoor Pets
Dr Martens Boot Room (Brudenell Social Club), 10:00pm
I bloody love this band. If you haven’t yet, go stream/buy their debut album, ‘Be Content’ now. From an unfortunately timed name change, to getting all their gear nicked, they’ve been through a lot and come out the other side with an album packed with some of the catchiest and smartest indie/alt tunes I’ve heard in ages. And they’re very funny on Insta which always helps. They’re teeing up for Easy Life at the close of Brudenell, and I reckon you’re gonna need to get in early for this one (which is hardly an inconvenience, The Murder Capital are on before them).
Confidence Man
LUU STYLUS, 9:00pm
#1 guaranteed-to-pop-off moment at Live at Leeds 2019. If anyone’s going to bring the festival party this year, it’s Confidence Man. The Aussie electro-pop outfit have bangers for days, and the best dance moves around. They’re followed by Metronomy in the same room, so get in early and get ready to get down.
Live At Leeds takes place across various venues in Leeds on 4th May.
