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While summer may be winding down, the festival season seems to only continue to build momentum. This weekend at Bramham Park is no exception. If you’re headed to Reading and Leeds Festival and not sure who to see, we’ve got you covered. Here are nine artists to catch at Leeds who aren’t headlining

The Last Dinner Party

Indie rock band, The Last Dinner Party, has burst onto the music scene with the same bravado and mystique that their music emulates. The band is composed of London natives, Abigail Morris (vocals), Lizzie Mayland (vocals, guitar, flute), Emily Roberts (guitar, flute, mandolin, vocals), and Aurora Nishevci (keyboard, organ, piano, synth, vocals). With comparisons ranging from Kate Bush to David Bowie, The Last Dinner Party is much more than meets the eye; Baroque pop meets Glam rock meets art pop. Their performances have been described as “ceremonial” and “ritualistic”, a subtle nod to their namesake. The Last Dinner Party is as old school as it is contemporary, and challenges what the landscape of the indie rock genre can look like. 

Reneé Rapp

Renee Rapp was destined for stardom. Born and raised in North Carolina, Rapp rose to fame as an actress, but music was always at the forefront for her. After signing with Interscope Records, Rapp has made a name for herself in the music industry. Rapp is famous for her swoon-worthy vocals that are Broadway vetted, and her music that ranges from fiery ballads to club-worthy bangers. Rapp’s music oozes sensuality, power, and confidence; genres ranging from pop, rock, and R&B. Her latest album Snow Angel debuted with the biggest first week for a debut album by a female artist in 2023. Renee Rapp is quickly cementing herself as one of the greatest singer-songwriters of this decade. 

beabadoobee

beabadoobee, affectionately known by her fans as Bea, is a pioneer of the bedroom pop genre. Bea got her start with her now viral song “Coffee” , amassing hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube in a matter of days as well as the attention of Dirty Hit Records. Following the release of her three EPs, Bea has garnered critical acclaim, having been nominated for the BRITs Rising Star and BBC Sound of 2020 awards. Known for her intimate and pensive songwriting, her style is heavily influenced by the '90s slacker rock genre that’s made a definitive resurgence and resonates deeply with the Gen Z demographic. 

Artemas

If you don’t already know Artemas, you definitely know his viral songs, “if u think i’m pretty” and “i like the way you kiss me.” The English-Cypriot musician is a singer, songwriter, and producer. His sound is best described as alt-pop with heavy coldwave influences and a hint of R&B, altogether making for a sound that’s moody, sexy, and vulgar. The success of his most recent singles are palpable with “if u think i’m pretty” reaching #1 on the Billboard Global 200, #12 on the Billboard Hot 100, and #3 on the UK Official Singles Chart, all the while selling out his debut headline tour. Artemas has quickly become one of the UKs fastest rising stars with one of the most unique and distinctive sounds in the music industry. 

Nia Archives

Leed’s very own, Nia Archives, is at the forefront of a new generation of Junglists. As a self-made DJ, producer, singer, songwriter, and visual artist, Nia Archives can and will do it all. Her first single “Sober Feels” was released under her own label, Hijinxx, which she created after being rejected by local labels. That rejected single has now amassed up to 10 million streams, a smash hit to say the very least. The following releases of her EPs Headz Gone West and Forbidden Feelingz amassed critical and commercial success earning her Best Electronic/Dance Act at the MOBOs, Best Producer at the NME Awards, DJ Mag’s Breakthrough Producer of the Year, BBC’s Introducing Artist Of The Year, and AIM’s One to Watch. Her debut album Silence is Loud is as intimate as it is rave-worthy. Nia Archive’s commitment to greatness has secured her as one of the UK’s fastest rising stars. 

Good Neighbours 

Good Neighbours, Oli Fox and Scott Verrill were just that, neighbors; a serendipitous happenstance that has led to one of the most anticipated indie rock band debuts of 2024. More specifically, the pair were studio neighbors, both having independently released music, but after hearing each other's work in the studio, decided to collaborate.. The duo’s debut single, “Home” was teased on tiktok and within a couple of hours amassed over a million plays. This set the precedent for its splashy release, debuting on the Billboard Hot 100 having now amassed over 250 million streams. Their breezy nostalgic melodies are reminiscent of beloved indie bands like MGMT and Phoenix, whilst maintaining their own contemporary individuality that beckons a new era of an indie renaissance. 

The Beaches

Named after the Toronto neighborhood they hail from, The Beaches is not your typical rock band. Members include Jordan Miller (lead vocals, bass), Kylie Miller (guitar), Leandra Earl (keyboards, guitar), and Eliza Enman-McDaniel (drums). The Beaches are many things - groovy, steely, playful, but most importantly - earnestly original and true to themselves. Their hit song “Blame Brett” is a breakup anthem that is as cathartic to listen to as it is catchy. It secured a spot as the number one alternative hit of 2023, after spending 16 consecutive weeks at #1 on alternative radio in Canada. The band has been awarded the JUNO award for Group of the Year and Rock Album of the Year and was named Billboard Canada’s Breakthrough Artist of the Year. 

ThxSoMch

Carter De Filippis, more famously known under the moniker of ThxSoMch, is a singer-songwriter born and raised in Toronto. His viral hit “SPIT IN MY FACE!” was an instant success, charting globally, peaking at number nine on the Billboard Hot Rock Songs Chart and number one on the UK Independent Singles Breakers Chart. His debut EP, Sleez, sounds just like the title implies. It’s dirtbag emo-pop that’s moody and slinky, the perfect combination amidst the indie sleaze renaissance. 

Alessi Rose

Alessi Rose has only released five songs, and has already gained the attention of hundreds of thousands of listeners as well as prestigious media outlets such as BBC Radio and Lyrical Lemonade. The London native singer-songwriter writes and produces her own confessional style pop anthems and cheekily declares, “if people don’t want me to write songs about them they shouldn’t do bad things.” Full of heartbreak, angst, and truth, with hooks and melodies that are decidedly addictive, Alessi Rose is sure to be the next big pop girl on our radars.