Ding Frisby is an intergalactic, guitar-wielding drag thing writing songs for queer aliens everywhere. Combining the radical campery of classic sci-fi villains with cosmic loop pedal tunes, Ding tells shape-shifting stories of life on Earth.

Described as a “spaceage thrill ride,” "Bowie meets Victoria Wood" and “The Jam (but northern)” they’ve brought their glam-punk anthems to dive bars, protests and theatres across the country, from opening for Ginny Lemon, to the grand final of Europe's biggest drag king contest.
He’s loved sharing his DIY music videos at local film festivals, devising a queer music history tour for Bradford's St George’s Hall, and workshopping a solo gig-theatre show with support from Unlimited, Kirklees Year of Music, Come Play With Me, Sheffield Theatres, Theatre in the Mill and more.

Originally crash landed in Huddersfield, Ding’s all about local queer history and community, having hosted Out + Loud queer open mic since 2019.

MAAME is an independent artist whose music blends pop, soul, and R&B into a sound that feels both timeless and fresh. Her journey into music deepened when she began taking vocal lessons as a young adult, where her passion for songwriting truly took shape. With a gift for writing with raw honesty and delivering each lyric with emotional conviction, she crafts melodies that captivate and linger long after the song ends.
Through her music, MAAME invites listeners into a world of vulnerability and storytelling, weaving together genres with a unique, versatile approach. If you’re drawn to heartfelt songs that leave a lasting impression, MAAME is an artist you’ll want to watch.

Molly Rymer is a self-proclaimed “grandma in the body of a twenty-something”, characterised by a nostalgic folk-infused sound and her chatty on-stage nature.

In October 2024, she released her debut EP 'All You Can Eat', an eclectic collection of moods and styles to document recent reflections on life, love, and immortalise her official entry onto the Leeds music scene.

2024 also saw the singer-songwriter swap out her solo set-up for a fully-fledged six-piece band, featuring double bass, cello, drums, and 2-part backing vocals. What began as simply a “conversation in song” has now evolved into intimate storytelling drenched in cinematic harmonies, with a driving undercurrent of the singer’s classic-rock upbringing - think Fleetwood Mac meets Lizzy McAlpine.

With support from Help Musicians and Launchpad, Molly aims to deepen her collaborative relationships, growing an already rapidly expanding network, as she works towards the release of her sophomore project in early 2026.

Dan Loops is a Sheffield-born, Leeds/Bradford-based writer, acoustic rap artist, poet, producer, multi-instrumentalist and videographer. Known for blending witty lyricism with intricate guitar work, beatboxing and live vocal loops, Dan has carved out a distinctive place in the UK’s alt-hip-
hop scene.

His debut album, An Album, launched to a sold-out crowd in 2016 and is now available on Spotify, Apple Music, and all major platforms. Before that, Dan had already made waves supporting Kae Tempest at the Lyric Festival in Sheffield (2012) and performing at the O2 Arena in 2011. Between 2011 and 2014, he gigged relentlessly, honing his live craft on stages big and small across the country.

A festival regular, Dan has played events including Y Not Festival and Tramlines. During lockdown, he wrote, recorded, and independently released his follow-up project, Self Titled (2022). With fresh
material and a renewed drive, Dan Loops is back on the road, gigging up and down the UK.

Leeds-based Contrail are a five-piece alt-rock fusion band that combines moments of melancholic introspection with chaotic excitement resulting in a unique blend of wispy vocals, blazing saxophones and crushing guitars. Their deeply personal lyrics convey the existential dread of modern life touching on topics such as relationships, mental health and grief. Drawing inspiration from 90s music including Radiohead, The Sundays, and American Football as well as modern alternative bands such as Black Country New Road, Title Fight, and Feeble Little Horse. Contrail creates an eclectic blend of genres unlike any other band.

Hannah Rowe is a Leeds-based vocalist who is backed by her mighty 10-piece band of best friends. The group have painted their own soulful and jazz-infused sound, one so special that it’s difficult to define, but resembles the likes of Raye, Olivia Dean, Cleo Sol and Sasha Keable.

After selling out her beloved local venues, Hannah has taken her “timeless” voice and her band’s “captivating passion” across the UK and shared stages with their inspirations at major festivals such as Truck, Y Not, Tramlines and Victorious Festival. She is a standout in the independent music scene.

"An incredible talent with a joyful spirit, beautiful energy and an amazing band. Hannah Rowe will blow people away” - John Kennedy, Radio X

One of the "ones to watch" artists currently at Leeds Conservatoire, singer/songwriter/composer/musician Romy Taylor was British born but raised in the south of Spain. Taking inspiration from artists Daniel Caesar, Eloise and Lucy Rose, she combines atmospheric dreamlike flavours with eminently listenable and memorable melodies full of hooks. Her latest single "Nectarine" got picked up on Spotify for the Fresh Finds playlist and she sold out her debut single launch party at Oporto Leeds, as well as her following headliner at Hyde Park Book Club . She's already appeared at Gilles Peterson's We Out Here Festival in 2024, supported future soul crew Heritage at Belgrave Music Hall, performed an unplugged Brudenell Piano Session and packed out various Leeds venues. A unique pop artist with her own spin on jazz, soul, and heart-felt ballads.

Kenzo Jae is an alternative rap artist, singer, songwriter, and poet from Bradford, England. Blending old-school hip hop with alternative indie and punk, he delivers music that is both honest and raw—self-deprecating yet egotistical—balancing vulnerability with swagger. He describes his work as “Tales of the Arrogant Samaritan,” drawing inspiration not only from lived experience but also from conceptual films he creates, which he transforms into immersive visual and audio mixtapes.

Known for their blasts of stomping fuzzed-up guitar, savage riffs, hook-heavy choruses and wild rhythmic drums, South Yorkshire’s FloodHounds deliver tight rabble-rousing live shows. Lyrically catchy, the Indie rock trio’s punk-infused, darkly melodic tunes, stay with you long after the gig.

FloodHounds have opened for Kid Kapichi, The Family Rain, The Blinders, PINS, Projector, King Nun, Strange Bones, and Calva Louise across the UK, as well as headlining their own shows and hitting the festival circuit with Tramlines (BBC Introducing slot winners), Y-Not, Isle of Wight, Brighton Great Escape, Liverpool Sound City, Live at Leeds & more. This momentum has extended beyond UK shores, with successful performances in Paris at iconic venues Supersonic and Le Truskel.

FloodHounds have received repeat spins on BBCintroducing, numerous blog "Track of The Week" spots, and they landed coveted editorial playlists Apple Music's All New Rock and Amazon Music's Breakthrough Rock.

Recent highlights include a Japanese film crew independently creating their own music video for 'Quicksand,' capping a year of headline shows and summer festivals, including Y-Not. 2025 began with the release of an animated video for 'Near-Life Experience' by VFX artist Grainfreeze (Oasis, Noel Gallagher) plus new single ‘One Horse Race’.

Marnie Glum is a Leeds-based songwriter rooted in the indie folk scene. Known for her meticulous lyrics woven into intricate guitar arrangements, Marnie explores universal themes with sharp wit and calm introspection. Her debut EP "Since I Was Small" received plaudits from 6 Music and Rock Radio, with lead single "I Feel Better Now" named Track of the Week on BBC 6 Music Introducing.

Marnie Glum has become a staple of the Leeds music scene, and her packed headliner at the Brudenell Social Club has cemented her as a firm favourite. Having recently completed a UK tour, Marnie's captivating, "time-stopping" live performances are now building up a steady fanbase across the country.

"She had the audience eating out of the palm of her hand" - Jericho Keys, BBC Introducing York and Humberside

“I was immediately taken by [I Feel Better Now] … it sweeps you away into your own world” - Emily Pilbeam, 6 Music

Lavelle is an independent R&B singer-songwriter from Sheffield, making waves as one of the North’s most exciting rising stars. Blending smooth, soulful vocals with honest storytelling, she’s quickly building a legacy. Her first five singles, including Baby Boy and Higher Self, debuted at No.1 on the UK iTunes R&B/Soul charts, a first for a Northern artist.

Her dynamic songwriting has earned placements across Channel 4, Netflix, and the BBC, while her live performances have lit up stages at major UK festivals and events, including the MOBO Awards, where she was handpicked by Toddla T for the “Steel City Sheffield All Stars Riddim.”

In 2025, Lavelle became a MOBO Unsung finalist, performed alongside Ed Sheeran and JME, and was named a BBC Radio 1 “One to Watch.” With editorial support from Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music — where she was crowned a +44 “Up & Calling” artist — Lavelle is cementing her place as a fresh voice redefining UK R&B.