If there's anyone that knows a thing or two about music, it's Crash Records.
2023 has been a huge year - but nobody knows the ins and outs of the city better than the independent businesses that keep the cogs whirring - and so rather than us telling you what's been going on this year, we've reached out to five different small business owners to give us the lowdown on 2023.
With three decades of Leeds and industry knowledge under its belt, Crash has remained a constant throughout it all: lockdowns, turn of the century and has seen more changes to the city centre than most of us could imagine.
So it only feels right to see what 2023 has meant to the long-standing store and quiz the team on the intimate signings, gigs and festivals that have made up the year, as well as some new bands to listen out for in the new year.
Matthew from Crash Records kindly took the time to tell us what 2023 meant to Crash, keep reading to find out what this year has had in store...
It’s been one heck of a year! What have you been up to? Tell us about any major events, exciting moments etc.
It's been a non-stop year for us and we've enjoyed every second of it! We've been blessed with great customers and great music. Exciting moments for me include the rush of Record Store Day, a day dedicated to celebrating independent record stores with limited releases available first over the counter only. It's always amazing to see so many people queuing down the street before we've even opened!
We've also had the pleasure of hosting some great bands in-store, around Leeds and across the country with our album launch shows. Even setting up shop at Temple Newsam for Live at Leeds and Slam Dunk weekend and Baldersby Park for Deer Shed Festival, giving fans the opportunity to meet their favourite artists from the festival and leaving with bags full of records!
What was one highlight from 2023 that you’ll always remember?
A personal highlight for me was setting up our Next Big Thing feature, giving up and coming artists a platform to showcase their music to our audience of music lovers. The initial response was unbelievable to me with over 100 artists applying and many more since then. It's such an important thing to support music on all levels and as a record shop we are very lucky to be in a position where we can help new artists in sharing their music.
What are you looking forward to in 2024?
2024 is already looking strong with early releases from The Last Dinner Party, Courting and Yard Act that I'm personally very excited for! As with every year I have no worries that 2024 won't be filled with great music and gigs for everyone!
What new artists should we look out for in 2024?
If you're on the lookout for new artists I'd keep a keen eye on the Next Big Thing, we post a new artist every Saturday across our socials. I've loved all of our featured artists but a few personal favourites of mine so far have been Coal Mob, Allora and Static Caravan, you should definitely give them all a listen! And maybe try my own band, Mince ;)
Where is one place that people should go and visit next year?
If I had to pick just one place in Leeds it would have to be the good ship, Oporto. Sit back with a pint of Cowbell and enjoy a well deserved rest after 2023!
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Myles Smith announces HUGE arena gig in Leeds this year
Singer-songwriter Myles Smith has just announced his biggest headline tour and is set to play a huge arena gig in Leeds this year.
Quit ‘Stargazing’ and get ready to fight for tickets as Myles Smith has just announced he’ll be visiting Leeds later this year for his biggest arena gig to date.
Known for hits like ‘Nice To Meet You’, ‘Stay (If You Wanna Dance)’ and ‘Wait For You’, this BRIT School graduate is now heading on the road for some headline shows across the UK.
Recognised for his folk-pop sound, Smith has built quite a name for himself just three or so years into his career, with solo efforts and a few collaborations under his belt.
Myles Smith is heading to First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds, on tour this year / Credit: Press shots (supplied)
Recently, the Luton-born artist collaborated with some well-known names like Shaboozey on their track ‘Blink Twice’ and even features on a new single from former One Direction member Niall Horan titled ‘Drive Safe’.
It was only last year that the ‘Stargazing’ songwriter visited Leeds, bringing his high-energy hits to O2 Academy back in February.
Now, Smith is ready to tackle an arena crowd and has chosen Leeds First Direct Bank Arena and is expected to raise the roof when 13,500 fans flock to the star’s show this winter.
Titled after his upcoming album My Mess, My Life, My Heart, Smith will be playing a variety of well-known and brand new hits when he makes his way up North.
Fans who are signed up to the official artist presale can get exclusive access to tickets from Wednesday, 25 March at 10am, with the window closing on Friday, 27 March at 9am.
Meanwhile, general admission tickets go live by 10 am that same Friday (27 Mar).
Myles Smith is embarking on his ‘My Mess, My Life, My Heart’ tour this winter and visiting First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds on Sunday 8 November – tickets and more info HERE.
Korn announce huge Leeds gig on first UK tour in a decade
Daisy Jackson
Korn have announced a major Manchester gig as part of a new UK tour – their first in more than a decade.
The nu metal legends will be heading to the First Direct Bank Arena later this year, making a monumental return to British shores.
And they’ve announced very special guests will be joining them on the tour too – support will come from Architects, as well as Youth Code.
Korn burst onto the scene back in 1991 with their seminal self-titled debut album, and have gone on to release a whopping 14 studio albums.
The Californian group have sold more than 40 million albums worldwide, collected two Grammy Awards, and headed out on countless world tours.
They’re often cited by newer bands as a major influence and have pushed the limits of the rock, alternative and metal genres.
The Ringer has described Korn as ‘a genuine movement in a way bands cannot be now’.
As well as performing in Leeds, Korn will play at venues across the UK including in Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, and London.
They’ll be joined by Architects, a British metalcore band who have continued to top the charts even after the tragic death of founding member, guitarist, and principal songwriter Tom Searle.
Korn will be at our very own First Direct Bank Arena on Monday 26 October, with pre-sale tickets available from Tuesday 17 March at 8am, before a general on-sale from Friday 20 March at 8am.
Run, don't walk - as we reckon these tickets will fly off the shelves.
Sophie Smith -
28th December 2023 
