Emily Pilbeam is a Leeds based DJ and, as host of BBC Music Introducing in Leeds & Sheffield, is head scout and first team coach combined for new music in the city. You can listen to Emily’s show on Radio Leeds every Thursday from 8-10pm or whenever you like on the BBC Sounds app, and because football and music just make sense together, read her selections here in TSB.
August Charles — In My Head
I said on my Introducing show the other week that August Charles is the best thing coming out of South & West Yorkshire and I fully stand by it. He’s a soul singer-songwriter born in Zambia, raised in Doncaster and now based in Leeds. His voice is to die for — it’s so silky smooth and warm that it’s hard not to get lost in it. I want 2024 to be the year of August Charles.
Martha Jean — I Am Urs
Martha Jean! A real talent in the making. Martha Jean first uploaded to us in 2021 and back then I knew we were dealing with something special. It’s been a good 18 months so I was over the moon when I saw Martha back in the uploader. ‘I Am Urs’ is a sweet and gentle track to start but builds into a crescendo to reflect the impatience and complexities of having a crush. It’s giving Wolf Alice and I am here for it.
Têtes De Pois ft Alice Kim – Somewhere
A jazz & neo-soul collective from Leeds, this band are not only responsible for one of my favourite band names, but also one of my top tunes of the year so far! It’s just a delightful track that, to me, oozes positivity and sunshine. Loving the addition of Alice Kim’s vocals on this, too.
Lauren Mikki — Hyde Park Book Club, Tuesday 23rd January
A rising star in our BBC Introducing uploader! Lauren Mikki has sent us five tunes to date and each one has sounded better than the last. I’ve got high hopes that they will be an absolute delight live.
Back To Back Festival — Brudenell Social Club, Sat 3rd & Sun 4th February
A brand new festival curated by Brudenell Presents is happening on the first weekend of Feb! This festival is part of Independent Venue Week and is aimed at celebrating the wealth of talent Leeds has to offer including Gladboy, Green Gardens, Pleasure Centre, Shaene, El Madrid and more! (brudenellsocialclub.co.uk)
Boiler Room — Beaverworks, Fri 23rd & Sat 24th February
For the first time since 2016, Boiler Room is coming back to Leeds! For those that might not know, Boiler Room is an online music broadcaster and club promoter based in London. It started in 2010 with a webcam taped to a wall which opened a keyhole into London’s underground. Since then, they’ve become legendary and boast performances from Peggy Gou, Fatboy Slim, Carl Cox and more. (boilerroom.tv/city/leeds)
A personal highlight over the past couple of months has been our Introducing show expanding to cover the South Yorkshire music scene as well as West Yorkshire. It’s so nice to listen to more music and support more artists across Yorkshire. It’s also really nice to be co-hosting the show with Doncaster King Christian Carlisle.
Coco — Fly Tonight
It’s for *that* goal isn’t it. Has to be. This song is just good vibes. As soon as you hear this your mood will instantly lift. Get it cranked up.
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(This post is free to read from The Square Ball magazine season 34 issue 5. Click here to read more)
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