Check out the exclusive interview, highlights & snaps from the Kirklees Most Wanted showcase at Northern Quarter in March.
Join Lillie as she goes behind the music with all the talented performers who lit up the stage at the first Kirklees Most Wanted Showcase. Each act opens up about their musical careers, sharing touching moments, amusing anecdotes, and ultimately insightful perspectives on their creative paths.
One of our Kirklees Most Wanted supported acts The Midges who have just released their new album ‘On One’ through Red Deer Club Recordings are set to perform at Sonar Session (The Watershed) on April 27th The duo returns as a full ensemble, joined by cello and keys for a special performance.
Book your ticket via the following link – https://bookwhen.com/thewatershed#focus=ev-s4a6-20250427183000
The Midges performing Now I Know Live at Vibrations Studios
Check out some images from behind the scenes of our artists interviews with Lillie for the KMW Showcase event
We never set out intending to be a funk band, it just sort of happened when Tom and I were messing about
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.
The turning point came when I heard progressive rock music for the first time. Somehow, it evoked the same exotic feeling and atmosphere as Persian traditional music.
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.
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/
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.
