While it may be best associated with Romans, railways and chocolate, the city of York has produced many musicians over the years, and is home to a quietly thriving local music scene to this day. Well-known musical Yorkies from days gone by include opera singer John Fryatt and late composer John Barry (who wrote the 007 theme and scored numerous Bond movies), but what’s going on for music lovers in the city today?
Local Artists
As the most famous band from the city, Britpop staples Shed Seven are still going strong, having picked up a Best Live Performer Independent Music Awards gong this year, and racked up two UK No. 1 albums in 2024! Former frontman of The Seahorses, Chris Helme is still in action (he played in York last month), while indie darlings Bull (the first local band to make waves in the US in years) and acoustic songsmith Benjamin Francis Leftwich continue to represent the new generation on the world stage. Other notable local artists to have emerged in recent years include dubstep pioneer Rusko, alt-rock favourites Elliot Minor, experimental soundscape forger Kirk Barley (formerly Bambooman), indie rockers The Howl & The Hum, Sam Forrest (formerly of Nine Black Alps), beatmaker and Soundcloud fixture Handbook, country pop singer Twinnie-Lee Moore, cheeky hardcore punk outfit Pat Butcher, long-serving local duo Kimber, and up-and-coming pop artist Bonnie Milnes aka Bonneville, who released her debut LP last year. Lesser-known local heroes include the perennial giggers Jimbo Doomface and That Guy Called Si, and well-known buskers such as folkie David Warn Maclean and one-girl band Gaia On Fire. If classical music is your bag, local talent to get to know includes soprano Lynne Dawson, composer Ambrose Field, countertenor Iestyn Davies, and contemporary instrumental pianist Joe Alexander Shepherd.
Local Venues
Although York may not be home to as many venues as nearby Leeds, there are still plenty of places to enjoy live music – some of our favourite spots include The Fulford Arms, The Crescent, York Barbican, The National Centre for Early Music, FortyFive Vinyl Cafe, and The Basement (RIP, Fibbers!). Given that the city is said to be home to more pubs per square mile than any other in the UK, it’s no surprise that York is also awash with music-friendly watering holes, with open mic nights and live music accessible at boozers including The Habit, The Snickleway Inn, The Golden Ball, Dusk, The Dubliner, The Three Legged Mare, The Black Horse and Kennedy’s, to name just a few.
Local Collectives
York is packed with diverse music-centric communities, from those centred around the university (Contemporary Music Research Collective, Musicsoc) to local groups (York Musicians, Folk Music in York, York Music) and community clubs and choirs (The Stonegate Singers, Some Voices, Lucy’s Pop Choir, York Phil). Our city is also home to various independent promoter-run collectives, including drum & bass and dubstep veterans Herbal Mafia, long-serving grassroots punk promoters BGB York, and authentic reggae soundsystem crew Irie Vibes.
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