1. MARSICANS. I hadn't heard of this band until I trawled through the LAL's website and saw their sound compared to Mystery Jets (my guilty pleasure pop) and The Beach Boys dubbed as one of their influences. They've played LAL for the last three years! This year they're playing Leeds Uni Mine at 12.15pm, a lovely cheery way to start the afternoon :)
2. THE ORIELLES. I loved this band as soon as I heard them, they reminded of me Alvvays and Hinds which is no bad combination. Formed of two sisters, Sid & Esme (sibling bands are amazing, think The Staves, Haim and Wild Belle) and a guy called Henry their sunny sounds and whimsical lyrics are lovely. Catch them at Leeds Beckett at 2pm.
3. AMY STUDT. Yes, you read that right, the amazing queen of teenage angst Amy. I've included her in this little list because I think 'Misfit' was one of my favourite songs when I was teeny. Apparently she withdrew from the spotlight because of ongoing stage fright but she's been working on her music and is due to release an album later this year. If you want to hear her new stuff she'll be at Leeds College of Music Recital Hall at 9pm, hopefully overcoming her stage fright!
4. LUCY ROSE. I adore Lucy Rose so much. I've seen her a few times now and she's always on point. Her first album 'Like I Used To' was made up of lovely songs such as 'Shiver', 'Bikes' and 'Night Bus' and she's set to release her second album this summer. After playing Glastonbury last year The Independent Review dubbed her as "the stand out female vocalist of the weekend." She'll be playing at the rather special venue of Holy Trinity Church at 10.15pm.
5. MENACE BEACH. Another band I found by scouring through the LAL line-up I was instantly drawn to their name (lame I know but anything vaguely beachy seems like a good formula - Beach House, Best Coast) and they didn't disappoint. Hailing from Leeds they're formed of Liza Violet, alongside Matthew 'MJ' Johnson of Hookworms who also produced their debut album, 'Ratworld.' They'll be playing the Dr Martens stage at Leeds Beckett at 5.30pm.
6. MISTY MILLER. I first heard of Misty Miller when she was featured in the Burberry Acoustic series years back. To say she's grown as an artist since then is a big understatement - I'll post the before and after so you can see for yourself, it's not likely you're going to see her playing the ukulele with flowers in her hair again any time soon. She'll be playing Leeds Uni Union Stylus at 5.45pm; definitely worth seeing.
7. DRY THE RIVER. One of my all time favourite bands. I first saw them as support at the wonderful 02 Academy and they completely captivated the audience. Their beautiful lyrics ( I even quoted them in my dissertation!) and heavy guitars combine for a spectacular performance - definitely one of the best bands I've ever seen. You can catch them at 2.45pm at the 02 Academy.
8. SPECTOR. I started listening to Spector just before I left for summer camp in America circa 2012 and I listened to 'Chevy Thunder' repeatedly, it's summery vibes and American nostalgia put me in the best mood for my overseas adventures. Deservedly one of the headliners of this years LAL; I've never seen them live but I'm so sure they won't disappoint. If you want to see them they'll be playing Leeds Uni Union Stylus// Gigwise Stage at 7.45pm.
9. SWIM DEEP. Another headliner, Swim Deep play melodic psych-pop with catchiest chorus's. Their summery mood was perfectly encapsulated on their debut album, 'Where The Heaven Are We.' They've released their first single from their new album, the acid-house inspired 'To My Brother.' They'll be playing the Leeds Uni Union Stylus// Gigwise Stage at 22.45pm.
10. PINKSHINYULTRABLAST. Last but definitely not least (how amazing is the name?!) Pinkshinyultrablast are a five-piece band from Saint-Petersburg, Russia. LAL describe their sound as 'sharp, icy electronics' which sounds pretty cool. Playing at Brudenell at 4pm head down if you want to see a band subverting the electonica genre in the best possible way.
