The local diary is teeming with emerging talent, cult legends, and experimental pioneers, from the gritty, boom-bap lyricism taking over Belgrave Music Hall to the atmospheric, nocturnal synth-pop at the Brudenell.
Whether you are after the deafening, beautiful walls of shoegaze sound or the cosmic, psychedelic rituals of Japan’s most famous space-rock explorers, the next 19 days offer a literal world of music right on your doorstep.
We’ve curated the 19 ‘choicest’ shows to carry you through to the end of the month —one sticky floor and distorted guitar riff (or elongated bass drop) at a time.
1. The Ukrainians (April 12)
Celebrating over three decades of their legendary Ukrainian-Western fusion, expect a high-energy mix of Eastern European folk and classic Western rock that always turns the Brudenell into a giant party. 🎶 Brudenell Social Club, 33 Queen's Rd, Leeds LS6 1NY | Provided
2. Bibi Club (April 12)
Montreal’s Bibi Club brings their living room party aesthetic to Leeds. Their sound is a delightful blend of sunny, lo-fi pop and French-language charm that feels like a warm spring evening. 🎶 Headrow House, 19a The Headrow, Leeds LS1 6PU | Manoushka Larouche
3. ROME STREETZ & Your Old Droog (April 13)
A heavyweight night for the boom-bap purists. These two represent the sharpest edge of modern lyricism, bringing gritty New York storytelling to one of the city's coolest venues. 🎶 Belgrave Music Hall, 1-1a Cross Belgrave St, Leeds LS2 8JP | Provided
4. Nothing (April 14)
Prepare for a wall of beautiful, deafening sound. This Philadelphia outfit are masters of shoegaze and heavy post-rock, providing an atmospheric experience that is as loud as it is emotional. 🎶 Brudenell Social Club, 33 Queen's Rd, Leeds LS6 1NY | Provided
5. Yin Yin (April 14)
Global funk at its absolute finest. Drawing inspiration from 60s and 70s South East Asian psych-rock, Yin Yin creates an irresistible, danceable groove that will have the Belgrave bouncing. 🎶 Belgrave Music Hall, 1-1a Cross Belgrave St, Leeds LS2 8JP | Provided
6. Art School Girlfriend (April 15)
Polly Mackey (aka Art School Girlfriend) delivers atmospheric, nocturnal electronic pop. Her live show is a moody, immersive journey that perfectly suits the intimate confines of the Brudenell. 🎶 Brudenell Social Club, 33 Queen's Rd, Leeds LS6 1NY | Provided