Music Scene
By Gina Francey- The Artists, Benson and a place to play - East Leeds Magazine, January 2012

Another year has begun and if it’s anything likes the last it’s going to be a cracker for Leeds Music Scene! Following a fantastic year of real quality music from the quietest points of East Leeds, will 2012 be as promising? We think so and kick off the year with the young band The Artists who have been catching a few eyes recently, as well as the beautiful music from Benson and the information every beginner band wish they knew!

Since April 2010 the young edgy five piece band named The Artists having been climbing up the musical ladder of success and they just keep climbing. Since the lads first started out around the age of sixteen they’ve matured massively and have written a massive collection of sixteen tracks in 18 months, now that’s impressive! With twelve of their tracks available to listen for free on their facebook there’s no reason why we shouldn’t all know the words. The band consisting of a vocalist/guitarist, lead guitarist, keyboard, bass and drummer definitely know how not to make a lot sound too much! Their raw choppy indie sound is combined with soothing vocals and dynamic keyboard parts to set them apart from other bands. Not only can this band write but if you enjoy their recorded tracks then you’ll fall in love with them live. Having played venues including the Stone Roses Bar and the Loft The Artists seem constantly on the radar. With them filming their first ever music video with help of Ed Heaton and Patrick Garrigan I can definitely say I’m as excited as they are to see the final product which I’m sure will be out soon. The Artists, if not already busy enough, entered The Martin House Competition giving them chance to play at Leeds Festival later this year! Look out for up and coming gigs and good luck lads!
www.facebook.com/theartistsleeds


From the young band The Artists we move to the alternative strong brass focused sound of Benson! The Six piece includes vocals, Guitar, Bass, Saxophone, Trumpet and Drums. The bands unique sound of simultaneous brass combined with an indie style, lays well on any ears and the musky voice of lead singer Jordan make it a dream come true! The band has only been together since July 2011 but they certainly have pedigree, including former members of the Dead Pets and Guns on the Roof. They’ve proved what a set of determined talented musicians can achieve in a small amount of time, having had their demos played on BBC Introducing and are going back in the studio to record a new EP, which they’ll launch at The Cockpit main stage on the 03.03.2012. Tickets are selling fast and only being £4 it’s definitely worth checking them out! But don’t wait too long as they’ve already sold the Cockpit out late last year. After this the band plan to gig none stop, so hopefully another Leeds gig will be on the cards soon! If you fancy giving this fantastic Leeds band a listen they have three tracks available to listen to at soundcloud or facebook. I for one will definitely be down to see them! www.thisisbenson.co.uk

More and more bands are evolving from East Leeds but there’s still so much potential lost by lack of confidence and knowledge of how to get there foot in the door! Many musicians are desperate to start bands but seem to have no place to base themselves. Well there aspirations may be able to become reality with the help of The Wykebeck Arms, beloved local pub just on the bottom of Selby Road. Landlady Lisa understands what it’s like for small bands and says she's quite happy making this the venue for up and coming bands. This is literally music to the people’s ears of East Leeds! As The Wykebeck is a perfect place to hold gigs, it’s accessible, friendly and a great atmosphere, any band would be lucky to have this chance! Having had bands such as White Comic play in the past, the pub proved it can really bring a crowd of all ages to enjoy real live music. I can’t wait to see more and more bands begin to play there! So be on the lookout for Wykebeck Arms as you never know it might be you playing there!

www.facebook.com/EastLeedsMusicCentre