URY's Festivals Coordinator, Sarah, chatted to Festival Republic's Managing Director Melvin Benn about his preparation for this years festival and projects helping new emerging artists.
She also spoke to Millie who has worked to create the festivals new AUX Stage.
Jodie Langford began her career as an unapologetically Northern spoken word artist with a unique, passionate message who quickly became the go-to voice for the youth within her hometown of Hull, exposing the injustice and plight of young people across the city and further across the nation. Coupled with her unique voice comes an incredible talent to turn observations of the world around her and her personal experiences into relatable, dry and often funny lyrical content that tackles everything from downing pints, dead-end jobs and the government’s treatment of young people to more personal relationship issues.
Jodie continues to write new music in her unique way, working closely with her producer/DJ Endoflevelbaddie to carve a sound that darts between thrashing Post Punk sensibilities, fevered Techno rhythms and filthy Drum & Bass chaos.
She's never afraid to expose herself or call out the powers that be and has become a force of nature when she performs live, providing audiences with ferocious, confident, thought-provoking shows and has been described as one of Hull’s best new artists to keep an eye on. Scott performs with Scott aka Endoflevelbaddie.
Jodie said, ‘I’m absolutely thrilled to be a part of the Reading & Leeds festival line up. I’ve seen some of my favourite bands perform at the festival when I attended as a teenager, so it already holds precious memories. This opportunity proves to my younger self that the belief and the graft is worth it, and that I do deserve a place in this industry amongst all of the other talent out there. I also get to represent my hometown, Hull, with one of my favourite people EVER, Endoflevelbaddie!’
Indie-pop artist Ellur from Halifax writes self-detrimental love letters to herself in the form of danceable guitar anthems. Ellur’s music glows with youthful energy whilst she celebrates and reflects on relationships, womanhood & growing up. Over the past year, Ellur has released a number of acclaimed singles including the timeless piano ballad ‘Satellites’ and new festival-ready anthem ‘Boys’. With a number of sold-out headlining shows and upcoming festival dates already in the diary for 2024, (and named by Clash Magazine as one of the ‘Five Sets That Defined Live at Leeds In The Park’) Ellur and her band are certainly not ones to miss!
Ellur said, ‘I’ve never been more excited about a gig in my life. I’ve been attending Reading and Leeds Fest since I can remember. It’s influenced so much of my music and how I write and to be asked by my local BBC Introducing team who have supported me since my first single felt like such a full circle moment.’
Rage Queen Delilah Bon from Barnsley is a force to be reckoned with blending elements of hip-hop, nu metal, and riot grrrl ethos into her signature "Brat Punk" style. Her music serves as a fierce anthem for marginalized communities, particularly women, non-binary and the LGBTQ+ community. 2024 promises to be a monumental year for Delilah Bon, with a highly anticipated album slated for release in September.
Delilah Bon said, ‘I can’t wait to bring my girl rage to the stage at Reading & Leeds this year, was such a surprise being chosen to represent BBC Introducing, so so honoured. So excited! Been wanting to play this festival for so long. Girl power!’
The Black Access Podcast is back with episode 2! In today's episode Vanessa and Raina talk about the culture in York, the reality of being a uni student, and long boi's iconic status.
By black students, for black students.
Harrison from the URY News team talks to Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, a Liberal Democrat candidate, running for the Mayoral Election 2024
Amberley from the URY News team talks to Keith Tordoff, an independent candidate, running for York and North Yorkshire's Mayoral Election 2024
Harrison from the URY News team talks to Kevin Foster, a Green party candidate, running for York and North Yorkshire's Mayoral Election 2024
Amberley from the URY News team talks to Paul Haslam, an independent candidate, running for the York and North Yorkshire Mayoral Election 2024.
The music team's interview coordinator, Annie Davison, sat down with York-based band, Bull, ahead of their headline show at The Crescent in March. They chatted about the music scene in York, their newest album "Engines of Honey", and the reasons why they have such strong connections with various bands from the Netherlands.