the best emerging music talents in leeds 2024.
With successful musicians such as Nia Archives, Kaiser Chiefs, Yard Act and The Cribs originating from West Yorkshire, the Leeds music scene continues to thrive in 2024. Here’s some Leeds names to watch out for – they are on track to make it big!
1. August Charles
Image: Ai Narapol Instagram: @ainarapol
Born in Ndola, Zambia and raised in West Yorkshire, August Charles produces stunning alt-soul vocals. Influenced by Frank Ocean, Sampha, Leon Bridges and King Krule, this heartfelt music focuses on Augusts’ expressive vocal arrangements, breathtaking instrumentals, and deep diving lyrics.
August’s debut EP, ‘Blessed’, was launched on the 5th April and the singer released two tracks, ‘In my head’ and ‘I can see’ prior to the EP. He described ‘I can see’ as “a track that makes you wanna close your eyes and feel like you’re in a magical land of love” and we most certainly agree! You can truly feel the emotion in every line throughout these beautiful, captivating tunes.
The artist embarked on his first ever tour in April, playing in Guiseley, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bury, Bristol and Nottingham. Although he didn’t play in Leeds on this tour, hopefully you managed to catch him at Hyde Park Book Club on 28th May! If not - don’t worry! August has plenty of festival dates over the summer months so you can catch him singing his new album there!
2. Mother Said
Image: Misha Warren Instagram: @mwvisual
Since their first gig nearly two years ago, Mother Said have released 3 singles and performed at numerous staple Leeds venues. The Leeds-based art-rock group consist of self-taught musicians and 2 female lead singers. The five-piece explore post-punk, new wave and 80’s gothic sounds through their experimental guitar riffs and raw, shouty vocals. Bringing back 90’s punk with their Riot Grrl energy, Mother Said are seriously on the rise in Yorkshire due to their distinct compositions and individualism.
The band have recently released their third single ‘Stigmata’ which “tells the story of a public figure climbing the ladder of success: stealing, lying and cheating their way to the top and hailing themselves as a modern-day martyr”. Whilst Mother Said release songs of a gritty, political nature, they also love to write fun, sillier music such as their debut single ‘Tallulah’ about not wanting to walk the dog. Both fantastic progressive rock tracks are available to listen to on all major streaming platforms now!
3. FINE
Image: Jorden Brooks Instagram: @jordenbrookss
Finlay Valance, the talented creative behind FINE, is a rising Leeds-based producer. He released his debut album, ‘Then, Now, Until’ in May this year and we cannot get enough of it! Accompanied by Fins euphoric and enchanting sounds, the second track ‘Empty Space’ features singer-songwriter, Molly Rymer. Molly’s warm, beautiful vocals complement the vibrant guitar and electronica sounds that FINE creates. The song's catchy tune and creative instrumentals offer a glimpse into the rest of the album's chilled-out grooves. The album is available to purchase both online and in the Leeds Crash Records Store, located on Headrow.
Upon his album launch, FINE will be playing a handful of stages over the summer. You can catch him playing in June on his short tour, ending with Headrow House in Leeds on the 28th.
4. Mollie Coddled
Image: Georgia Zimm Instagram: @georgiazimm
Yorkshire singer-songwriter, Mollie Coddled, creates fun indie/alt-pop tunes to help navigate life in her early twenties. Inspired by the bedroom pop scene, Mollie writes and records dreamy and melancholic songs from the comfort of her bedroom. The artist released her debut EP, ‘The Halo Effect’, back in 2020 consisting of sweet, tuneful vocal melodies accompanied by hazy, wistful guitar and synthesizers.
Continuing to share her views and experiences of being neurodiverse and living in a Gen Z society, Mollie then released her second EP in 2022, ‘i wanna go home’. The release of these soft sounding tracks was then followed by various live performances throughout 2023, including supporting Ellie Dixon on tour.
Mollie released her most recent single, ‘Manic Pixie Dream Girl’ in March 2024 and we must say, it is an absolute bop! The lyrics focus on being autistic and the importance of being your authentic self. Give it a listen on any major streaming platform NOW!
5. Dim Imagery
Image: Lily Instagram: @nihilily_
Dim Imagery have been art rocking across Leeds and beyond with their current lineup since September 2022. With their experimental guitar riffs and progressive post punk vocals, the five piece released their first single, ‘Three Degrees’, in 2021. Since then, Dim Imagery have played many festivals and headline gigs throughout Europe. Their mix of noise rock, post-punk and new wave genres with a Krautrock edge gives the band their individual sound, contributing highly to their musical success.
After the release of their latest single ‘You’re doing so well’ in 2023, the band toured the UK and EU this spring playing in numerous cities including Brussels, Amsterdam and Paris with Leeds post-punk band, The 113. Go catch Dim on the 4th August playing at Kendal Calling Festival alongside huge names such as Paul Heaton, The Streets and Noel Gallaghers High Flying Birds or see them jamming at Victorious Festival at the end of August.
6. Emma Forster
Image: Charlie Mitchell Instagram: @charliemitche11
Emma Forster is a rising star in the electronic music scene in Leeds. From beginning her career by spinning decks and producing tracks from her bedroom, the DJ has now played to hundreds of people at various festivals and venues including Leeds Festival, Mint Festival, Mint Warehouse and most recently, at the Leeds O2 Academy when opening for Danny Bond.
Emma’s high energy sets echo genres of house, tech, and underground drum grooves. Her commitment and dedication to being highly skilled at DJing and producing have resulted in Emma being signed to renowned record labels, Knee Deep in Sound and STORM Records. Get your dancing shoes ready as Emma will be mixing tracks at Creamfields Festival later this year amongst a huge lineup of electronic music DJs and producers.
7. Hannah Rowe
Image: Ciaran Wilson Instagram: @visualsby_cw
Last on the list, but most CERTAINLY not least, is emerging singer-songwriter Hannah Rowe. Whilst undertaking studies at Leeds Conservatoire, Hannah and her band began making moves in the Leeds music scene by playing at various grassroots venues including Hyde Park Book Club, Sela Bar and Oporto. Before releasing her first single in 2023, Hannah appeared on hit TV show, ‘The Voice’ where she performed a sensational cover of Don’t Leave me Lonely by Mark Ronson. After asking Hannah to join her team, The Voice judge and vocal superstar, Anne Marie, described Hannah’s riffing and overall singing ability as incredible and we couldn’t have said it better ourselves!
Consisting of gorgeous jazzy instrumentals alongside the stunning alt-soul vocals of Hannah Rowe, Hannah’s latest single, ‘Bellevue’ has just been released on all major streaming platforms. Prepare to be blown away by the new track and to get lost in Hannah’s dreamy soul riffs this summer at Tramlines Festival in Sheffield where Hannah will be headlining The Library Stage on Friday Night!
