From the moment the doors opened at the Wood Street venue, the energy was electric. Curated by the Saving Grace Collective, the showcase felt like more than just a concert—it was a statement of intent for the Kirklees creative community.
“New Day” is a song defined by two things: an uplifting message of perseverance and hope, and the jazzy, head-bobbing brass melodies which take you most of the way there. Catchy and heartfelt with a uniquely Reggae spin – “New Day” is focused, purposeful, and powerful in both its message and its delivery.
Praised by BBC Radio 1 DJ Rob da Bank, Easy Stride have been mastering their unique sound since 2015, and “New Day” is their version of Soul down to a fine art. The triumphant brass instrumentals, the smooth bassline, the sharp vocals, and the hypnotic piano all come together to make a sound that transcends and uplifts in equal measures.
A perfect vibe – it’s hard to find anything to dislike about “New Day”, especially during that teasingly killer bridge.
Find out more – https://www.instagram.com/easystrideband
Heartfelt and soulful, “Perhaps I Have The Power” is a sweet and simple folk ballad and a plainly raw acknowledgement that things will be better. Brazil’s low and thick vocals and honestly hopeful lyrics make for a powerfully uplifting core, and the bassy guitar strums and thumping percussion coalesce into a pleasantly soulful sound to accompany it.
Brazil’s love for music is evident in the deceptively strong production – including background choral vocals, warbling Mellotron, and subtly mixed bass – which compliment the core song without tainting the simple, folksy sound. That, and the heartfelt declaration that “music is always around when you’re feeling down.”
I can’t think of a better example of that sentiment than “Perhaps I have the Power”
Find out more here – https://www.instagram.com/leobrazilmusic/
Joining us on stage are 4 exceptional acts, each bringing their own unique flair;
Eve Joné
Eve Joné is an emerging Indie-Folk/Folk singer-songwriter from Huddersfield who is committed to creating music that is a “true and genuine expression of who she is,” drawing influence from artists like Noah Kahan and her parents’ musical background. Her deeply personal and lyrical music often tackles complex emotions, notably in her album, The Water And The Trees (Live). This work features the song “Our Time,” which she describes as a “three-minute-therapy session” that addresses the emotional complexities of feeling undervalued in relationships. Having recently finished her studies at CAPA college, Eve has dedicated herself fully to her music career, successfully performing at her first festivals, including the main stage at Todmorden and slots at Holmfirth Folk Festival and supporting Good Good Blood for his recent album launch party.
Simon Walker
Simon Walker is an award-winning singer/songwriter from Kirklees, specializing in Indie-Pop and Acoustic Rock, known for his powerful, uplifting sound. A seasoned professional performer, Simon’s music is often inspirational, with tracks like the anthem “In Your Eyes,” which encourages individuality, and “Worthless,” a message of resilience against self-doubt. His talent has captured significant attention, leading to a collaboration and songwriting trip to Spain with Justin Hawkins of The Darkness, and securing a coveted spot at the UK festival Bludfest by the event’s organizer, Yungblud. Simon is currently finalizing his highly anticipated debut album.
Penny
Penny is a rising singer-songwriter from Huddersfield known for her unique brand of Dream-Pop and Electro-Pop. She pairs sweet, alluring vocals with vulnerable and candid songwriting, using the creative process as a form of therapy. Her music, which includes singles like “Sad Puppy,” “Ur Girl’s Fine,” and “Outside,” explores complex narratives such as processing jealousy, toxic relationships, and self-worth. Penny’s sound is characterized by a low-key groove and compelling seductiveness, finding a “tranquil beauty” in heartbroken narratives that resonate strongly with listeners.
Don Gonzo
Don Gonzo is a high-energy band that delivers a punchy and unpredictable blend of Psychedelic Rock with influences of Post-Punk and Funk. They are recognized for their driving rhythms and unique, complex sound that is highly danceable and entertaining. Their standout track, “Quit Your Job,” is delivered at breakneck speed, featuring rapid percussion, electrifying jazz chords, and a post-punk riff. The simple, repeated line in the bridge—”quit your job, it won’t do no harm”—highlights the song’s effective anti-establishment message. Don Gonzo is a prominent, engaging act in the local music scene, having previously performed at events like the WRXL Afterparty in Huddersfield.
Fiesta La Ginger
Throughout the night, there will be DJ sets from Fiesta La Ginger, opening up the event and filling the spaces between the live acts and keeping the energy high.
Don’t miss this extraordinary night of music and discovery.
The Kirklees Most Wanted Showcase is more than just a concert—it’s a celebration of the thriving music scene in Kirklees. By providing a platform for local artists to shine, this event highlights the incredible talent within the community and offers audiences the chance to discover their next favorite act.
Facebook event link – https://fb.me/e/6i7CiUUTK
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/kirklees-most-wanted-showcase-tickets-1976782852726?aff=oddtdtcreator
Rillington Place perform “Fairytale” Live at Vibrations Studios.
Joining us on stage are 4 exceptional acts, each bringing their own unique flair;
Rillington Place
Rillington Place is an alternative metal band that has been featured on the Kirklees Most Wanted playlist with their track “Lament.” The band’s name is inspired by the notorious street where Jack the Ripper committed his crimes, following a similar naming convention to a band they admire, Whitechapel. Their focus is on creating new music, with an EP expected after their next single, and they are active in the live circuit, including a headline show at Parish’s new space, Amped! in Huddersfield.
Eskar & Micky Swags
Eskar is an impactful, fiercely independent hip-hop artist, songwriter, and label owner (Nuke Fam Records) from Huddersfield, UK. Known for his dense lyricism and genre versatility, Eskar is a prominent figure in the UK underground rap scene and was featured on the Kirklees Most Wanted playlist with his track “Kaiju.” In 2024, he released the widely acclaimed album Thy Flesh Consumed, which featured powerful collaborations with artists like Celph Titled, Tonedeff, and his frequent partner Micky Swags. The album also contained the track “116 123,” a vital song promoting a mental health message by sampling the last voice notes of a friend.
Leo Brazil
Before you ask, it’s not a stage name! Leo Brazil has been writing and recording his own music since he was a child singing into a tape machine. As well as drawing on his love for classic pop, rock and roll and soul, Leo draws inspiration from animals with songs that connect personal emotions and experiences with stories from the natural world.
Leo works out of his home studio and is developing a unique and colourful evolution of sound that mixes acoustic, folk, rock and psychedelia.
Leo is a multi-instrumentalist and in the studio plays keyboards, drums and violin. Live he mostly sticks to guitars and banjo where he draws on his big repertoire of self penned songs, equally comfortable with low key acoustic ballads or foot stomping energetic numbers.
Sophie & Songs
Sophie & Songs is an independent singer/songwriter who focuses on folk music and is currently studying music in Leeds. She uses writing and performing for self-expression and self-knowledge. Her songs, such as “Denial” and “Love Betrayed Me,” are described as hauntingly beautiful folk tracks featuring mesmerising acoustic guitar and stirring harmonies, appealing to listeners with their stripped-back, authentic, and vulnerable style.
Fiesta La Ginger
Throughout the night, there will be DJ sets from Fiesta La Ginger, opening up the event and filling the spaces between the live acts and keeping the energy high.
Don’t miss this extraordinary night of music and discovery.
The Kirklees Most Wanted Showcase is more than just a concert—it’s a celebration of the thriving music scene in Kirklees. By providing a platform for local artists to shine, this event highlights the incredible talent within the community and offers audiences the chance to discover their next favorite act.
Don’t miss this extraordinary night of music and discovery.
Facebook event link – https://fb.me/e/6i7CiUUTK
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/kirklees-most-wanted-showcase-tickets-1976782029263?aff=oddtdtcreator
About the event
On Saturday 6 November, Dewsbury town centre will be filled with family-friendly festivities – the perfect recipe for a fun day out, with a fantastic selection of entertainment for all ages!
Christmas in Dewsbury will stem from the brand new public space out front of the town hall and across to the Prince of Wales precinct, including a traditional Christmas market, a community music stage, and even a fun Santa’s grotto.
Best of all, everything’s completely free.
Say hello to Santa
To make this event as fabulous as possible, we’re working with the Arcade Group – the community organisation set to manage the Dewsbury Arcade when it reopens next year. On the day of the event, the Arcade Group have even agreed to loan out their pop-up shop to Santa for his grotto, and have teamed up with more local businesses to hide some sneaky Christmas elves around the town centre… Do you think you can find them all?
Live performances
Our music stage will host loads of local acts throughout the day – including our very own Maisy Brown, bhangra artist Hardeep Sahota, singer Mitchy, the Yorkshire Folk Choir and the Musica Combined Children’s Choir.
Local children’s theatre company Tell Tale Hearts will be performing their much-loved Trunk Tales – through which children can hear stories and adventures from all across the globe – with a special winter theme, along with Topsy Turvy Theatre who, in conjunction with Creative Scene, will be performing their special festive production Christopher’s Christmas.
There’ll be more walkabout performances around the town centre throughout the day, including Christmas elves ‘Ebor n Gum’, Huddersfield Samba, and a beautiful giant barn owl called Thingumajig.
Get creative and crafty
There’ll also be lots of opportunities to get crafty at Christmas in Dewsbury! ‘Make and take’ activities through WOVEN will include the chance to make your own festive rag wreath, using recycled textiles, and take it away on the day. The Creative Scene ‘Pow Space’ will provide an open space for art and creativity. And local artist Ruth Dyer is creating a giant interactive colouring wall especially for the event – come along and make your mark.
Location: Dewsbury Town Centre, Dewsbury, WF13 1DQ
The Parish in Huddersfield, known for its intimate, energetic atmosphere, was the perfect crucible for the sonic fireworks delivered by Ibibio Sound Machine on Friday night. It was an evening that started in soulful reflection and exploded into a joyous, sweat-drenched dance party, proving once again that the best nights out are those where the walls feel like they’re breathing along with the crowd.
Support: Hannah Rowe—A Local Star Shines Bright
Leeds based and Kirklees Most Wanted alumni Hannah Rowe set the bar high, proving exactly why she’s generating so much buzz. Trading the massive festival stages for the confines of The Parish, Rowe’s powerful, soulful voice filled every corner of the room. Drawing heavily on her jazz and soul influences, she delivered tracks like the reflective “Bellevue” and the massive “Waistcoat” with an emotional depth that belied the venue’s small size. Performing with a scaled down outfit from her normal 10-piece band they managed to create a sophisticated, layered soundscape that was both rich and intimate, providing a perfect, locally-sourced dose of warmth before the main event.
Headliners: Ibibio Sound Machine
When Ibibio Sound Machine took the stage, the vibe shifted instantly. Led by the magnetic Nigerian-British vocalist Eno Williams, the eight-piece group immediately plunged the packed room into a mesmerizing blend of West African highlife, post-punk electronica, and pure 80s synth-funk.
Williams is an unstoppable force of nature, narrating in the Ibibio language (often translated in real-time through her movements and sheer energy) while commanding the stage. The band’s setlist, featuring fan favourites like “Electricity,” “The Chant (Iquo Isang),” and the hypnotic “Protection From Evil,” was a masterclass in controlled chaos. Each song was a vibrant, polyrhythmic workout, driven by the relentless, propulsive basslines and the swirling, retro synthesizers that give the band its distinctive electronic edge.
The Parish’s relatively small 300-capacity room amplified the intensity; there was no room to stand still. By the time the band launched into the irresistible call-and-response of “Fire Fire Fire, Higher Higher Higher” the floor was a unified mass, hands in the air, echoing the sheer joy radiating from the stage.
The Huddersfield crowd’s embrace of the band’s global sound was a testament to the universal language of rhythm. Ibibio Sound Machine didn’t just play a gig; they curated a transcendental experience that lifted the spirits and left everyone feeling like they’d just participated in something primal and necessary. An unforgettable show, cemented by the raw energy that only a venue like The Parish can provide.
Photos by Zak Brierley
Take a look at the video highlights via the Saving Grace Instagram reels;
Kemetstry & Spoken Audio perform “Road & Postcode” Live at Vibrations Studios.
