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Festival preview: Live at Leeds 2016

• 21st Apr 2016

The evenings are light-fuelled, the temperature in double digits and flowers are in bloom. Hello summer, and hello festival season. Though we’re still a few months away from the thick of boozing and band-watching in muddy fields, there are a number of metropolitan festivals here to tide us over: a key one being Live at Leeds. The festival has built a solid reputation for promoting local talent alongside established acts, and this year is no different – Jennifer Ho rounds up what’s on offer:

With some 200 acts split across 20 venues dotted all over the city, it’s almost too easy to enjoy live music. Don’t like whoever you’re seeing? Nip down the road and check out another artist. Weather a bit crap? Just hide out and enjoy whoever’s next.

That said, we’re big fans of having some sort of plan here at Glasswerk. It’s too easy to suggest the big guns. Nostalgic indie rockers We Are Scientists are a sure bet for a fun boogie. Ghostpoet will get you in touch with your inner most thoughts. Mega-babe Corinne Bailey Rae will enthrall you with her magic. Blossoms are playing another fifty festivals this summer (slight exaggeration).

The headliners this year are diverse enough to please anyone. But there are plenty of lesser known artists about to tickle your fancy. So, in the spirit of spring, new life and warmer weather (fingers crossed), here are some acts you may (or may not have) heard of to check out this May bank holiday.

Party Hardly

Partying hard, or hardly partying? Live at Leeds, or Leeds at live? Woozy lo-fi pop band Party Hardly have their bedroom dreamscape songs down pat. With their midday slot, these local Yorkshire boys will help cradle you awake in a way that is gentle, jangly and just-right jolly.

Brudenell Social Club, 12.30pm

Skinny Living

Lovely lads making lovely music. Skinny Living cut down all the excess in instrumentation to create a sound that simple and harmonic, yet complex and soulful. It’ll bring a smile to your face that descends to flutter your heart, warm your belly and bring chills down your spine.

Leeds College of Music, 7.30pm

Loyle Carner

Expect a soul-baring performance from Loyle Carner. This 20-year-old south London rapper has a striking way with words. His candid lyrics are poetic, emotive and delivered against slick hip-hop beats. Kids will be studying his words in their GCSEs in years to come.

Brudenell Social Club, 10.00pm

Lola Coca

Get your ska-infused hip-hop-poppity-pop fix with the catchy tunes from Lola Coca. This badass newcomer is vivacious, sassy and bitchin’. Yes, these are very gender-specific adjectives, but then again, Lola Coca is unapologetically all about girl power.

Headrow House, 9pm

Kagoule

It needn’t be pissing it down to enjoy the benefits of Kagoule. This Nottingham three-piece brings 90s inspired alt rock to the bill. Expect a riff-ferific set that is dripping with sweaty energy.

Brudenell Social Club, 2pm

It tends to be the case with most festivals that despite all efforts to get there early and stick to a schedule – booze, old pals, new pals and distance all become major obstacles. Thankfully, Leeds is relatively tiny: most venues are in walking distance, and the Brude is less than a tenner in a taxi. It really is incredibly easy to bask in the glory that is live music.

We’re expecting something special for Live at Leeds this year, and it’s not too late for you to join in the fun too. Tickets are still available, head to: http://liveatleeds.com/tickets/