I actually always find it hard to talk about the stories of my songs as quite often they are inspired by feelings or past times in my life that I find difficult or unable to share openly about and ‘Drunken Tree’ is a key example of that.
Huddersfield’s The Dead Poet, Spencer Lee Wilson, crafts poignant singer-songwriter music, exploring the depths of human experience through acoustic melodies and evocative lyrics.
Wilson’s voice, a blend of raw emotion and vulnerability, draws listeners into his world. His songwriting, rich in storytelling, delves into themes of love, loss, hope, and nostalgia, capturing the delicate balance between joy and sorrow. His “rough around the edges” acoustic guitar playing complements his vocals, adding an authentic and unfiltered layer to his music.
“The Letter” serves as a poignant reminder to seize opportunities and avoid regret. The song reflects on missed chances, with lyrics like “Did you ever realise to swim out in the ocean, was an option as you daydreamed in the shallows,” highlighting the tendency to let life drift by passively. It’s a self-reflective piece, encouraging listeners to embrace the present and avoid the “what ifs” of the future.
For more info: https://www.instagram.com/deadpoetep/
Batley-based rapper Cuckoo, a self-taught artist, brings a fresh perspective to the local hip-hop scene. Crafting his music entirely from his bedroom, he channels a deep passion and determination, drawing inspiration from hip-hop legends like Eminem, 2Pac, and Biggie Smalls.
Cuckoo distinguishes himself by injecting vibrancy and humor into his music and visuals. His track “Estate,” accompanied by a community-driven music video filmed on the Wilton estate, reflects this approach. Instead of the typical dark and serious tone often associated with local rap, Cuckoo delivers bouncy, lighthearted, and sometimes comedic tracks.
“Estate” provides a glimpse into life on a council estate, but with a twist. Rather than focusing on the hardships, Cuckoo uses humor to highlight the everyday experiences, offering a relatable and often funny take on a topic that’s often portrayed negatively. He is currently working on his debut album “Orpheus.”
For more info: https://www.instagram.com/cuckoo_cs/
Nick Ryder and his band, emerged from the Huddersfield music scene in 2024, is crafting accessible songs and drawing inspiration from a rich tapestry of musical influences. From the classic melodies of The Beatles and Elvis Costello to the energy of Brit-pop and the structure of classical music, their sound is designed to resonate with first-time listeners.
Their debut single, “She Said,” is a heartfelt tribute to the unwavering bond between a mother and son. The song explores the theme of unconditional love, capturing the essence of a mother’s devotion through relatable lyrics and memorable melodies.
Cezza Sean, a Huddersfield-based artist, crafts a unique sonic alchemy, transforming personal experiences into vibrant and uplifting music. Drawing inspiration from diverse sources like Little Simz, OutKast, and FR33 SOL, he creates a sound that bridges the gap between old-school soul, reggae, and hip-hop, all while infused with a contemporary and timeless production style.
Cezza Sean’s music is deeply spiritual & philosophical, incorporating elements of Far Eastern philosophy through both his message and his soundscapes. He believes in the power of music to uplift and inspire, creating a space for listeners to connect with their inner selves.
“New Flex” embodies this ethos. The track challenges the traditional notions of “flexing” material possessions, instead advocating for health and wellness as the ultimate display of strength. Cezza Sean emphasizes the fleeting nature of material goods, highlighting that true fulfillment comes from nurturing one’s mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. “New Flex” promotes a shift in perspective, urging listeners to prioritize their health as the greatest flex of all.
For more info: https://www.instagram.com/cezzasean/
Huddersfield’s Bone Wars, a psych-rock band, make music inspired by prehistoric creatures. They create songs with catchy tunes and long, free-flowing instrumental parts.
The band brings together different musical styles: Sully Evans’ funky bass lines, Ben Wallbanks’ (from Knuckle) strong drumming, Steven Beever’s (from Nu-Popes, Land Sharks) layered keyboards, and Leo Brazil’s unique songwriting.
Their first song, “Terrible Lizards,” isn’t just a tune; it’s a musical story about where the word “dinosaur” comes from. They were inspired by how scientist Richard Owen named them back in 1841. The song tries to capture the feeling of wonder and size that Owen wanted people to have, not just the idea of scary monsters. Their sound mixes old-school psychedelic music with new, experimental sounds, and adds a touch of funk and world music for a really enthralling listening.
Project Charlie, a Holmfirth/Halifax-based power pop band, formed in June 2024, brings a seasoned perspective to their music. Jon, Charlotte, and Dan, all experienced musicians, balance the demands of adult life with their passion for creating original songs.
Having established themselves locally with acoustic covers, they are now focused on their original material, with an EP planned for later this year. “Needles and Pins,” their latest track, is a reflection on the fragile nature of relationships. It explores the subtle erosion caused by everyday irritations, the “needles and pins” that accumulate over time. Yet, beneath the surface of these annoyances lies a deeper philosophical question: how well can we truly know another person, and what does it mean to be known? The song suggests that intimacy, while comforting, can also be a double-edged sword, revealing not only our strengths but also our vulnerabilities.
Project Charlie’s music, with its blend of catchy melodies and insightful lyrics, offers a relatable and thought-provoking listen. Their determination to create meaningful music, even amidst the challenges of everyday life, shines through in “Needles and Pins.” & positions them as a new band to watch in the local music scene.
For more info: – https://www.instagram.com/project_charlie_band
On the banks of the River Colne in Slaithwaite, near Huddersfield, sits The Watershed, a vibrant creative mill and riverside studio. Today, we speak with Noah Burton, the driving force behind this space.
The Midges perform “How I Feel” for our Kirklees Most Wanted Sessions.
Eve Joné performs “The Man In The Moon And His Daughter” for our Kirklees Most Wanted Sessions.
