Beacons Metro organisers' new all-dayer showcases the experimental in classic surroundings
Summer in Leeds is already bookended by Bank Holiday music festivals, but between Live at Leeds kicking things off and Leeds Festival winding it down there’s still room for more, and that’s where the inaugural World Island all-dayer comes in.
The formidable bookers and Beacons Metro organisers Super Friendz are back at it again, presenting a killer line-up serving up the best of experimental programming in the spectacular surroundings of Leeds Town Hall, making for both a visually and aurally stunning affair.
With music that blurs the lines between jazz, classical and a spiritual fusion, Floating Points - aka Sam Shepard - having moved away from DJ sets, he’s bringing a live orchestra with him to transport the audience with his ethereal sounds. His live shows serve as proof that the right music on a great system has the ability to transport you anywhere - not that you’d want to be anywhere besides the gorgeous town hall.
Otherworldly East Londoner NAO has established a following due to her appearances on tracks by Disclosure and Mura Masa, and it’s no wonder the former backing singer has taken the forefront and is finally getting the recognition she deserves. Combining a sleek, progressive, and funky RnB vibe with off-centre pop you’ll find yourself lost in deceptively dreamy tones, it’s not hard to see how she managed to sell out back to back Belgrave shows in recent years for Beacons Metro.
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing Submotion Orchestra, you’ll already know what special set is in store - if you haven’t, you’re definitely in for a treat. The seven-piece Leeds outfit straddle genre borders with their dub-electro-ambient-jazz collision for a real high energy multi-instrumental set. Expect big buildups, smooth soundscapes, and plenty of euphoric swaying.
Modestly-named BadBadNotGood started off as an interpretive jazz band affiliated with rap’s enfant terribles Odd Future, so it’s not surprising that while their whole tone is undeniably rooted in jazz, it transcends this, incorporating soul, funk and even a touch of shoegaze. It’s an eclectic mix that’s opened up opportunities to collaborate with artists as diverse as Ghostface Killah and Future Islands’ Sam Herring - adapting their collection of influences while maintaining their jazz state of mind.
After spending the majority of his career DJing and rocking smaller venues, Romare the artist has embarked on a live solo show with his very own entourage backing band, appearing on Bonobo’s Late Night Tales Collection, and producing an ensemble of entrancing jazz, afrobeat, blues and soul tones on his strong collection of albums.
The night carries on way past the Town Hall not-ringing the midnight bell - official after parties with the likes of Jessy Lanza and Drones Club going on at Belgrave and Headrow House into the early morning for all ticket holders - reminding you why it’s probably best that these festivals do take place on a Bank Holiday...
Information and tickets can be found at World-Island.com
