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!
Feature Image - CRASH RECORDS
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New grassroots music space aiming to make DJing and music more accessible opening in Headingley this month
A new grassroots music space is opening in Headingley with a mission to make DJing, vinyl and music culture more accessible.
Meanhood Studios, founded by long-time LS6 residents Jim and Katie Young, will combine a professional DJ rehearsal studio, record shop, performance space and tuition hub all under one roof.
Their aim is simple, "to level the playing field in a scene that has often felt exclusive and gatekept.”
Meanhood started as a guerrilla pop-up record shop in lockdown when Jim started selling records from his personal collection.
Built solely on quality and word-of-mouth reputation, the venture quickly grew into a respected local record spot known for its carefully curated vinyl selection.
Images: Supplied
Jim’s roots trace back to Manchester’s late-90s free party scene, he began DJing at 17 and from Hyde Park house parties to residencies at legendary clubs, he went on to host nights featuring artists who would later become major names in UK dance music.
Katie grew up in rural Cumbria, discovering music through pirate radio, library tapes and out-of-town raves. After moving to Leeds for university, she built a 20-year corporate career while supporting events, fly-posting for club nights and working behind the scenes.
“DJing is so much more than pushing buttons,” says Jim. “You’ve got to love it when no one’s watching. We want to share that knowledge and remove some of the barriers we experienced.”
Meanhood Studios will open on Friday 13 March and will offer access to equipment, rehearsal space, vinyl records and tuition for aspiring DJs and music lovers.
It's more important now than ever to support grassroots music venues, and we can't wait to check out this new space.
The Kooks, Miles Kane and Milburn to open Rock n Roll Circus as the festival expands to four days
Clementine Hall
Just when it you thought that the Rock N Roll Circus Sheffield line-up was complete, organisers have confirmed a major expansion for 2026.
That's right, the festival will now open a day earlier on Thursday 27 August.
The brand-new opening night will be led by The Kooks, Milburn and Miles Kane - this is going to be a bank holiday weekend you'll never forget.
Further artists for Thursday 27 August - and across the entire four-day weekend - will be announced in the coming weeks, so keep your eyes peeled.
It's a welcome addition to what was already shaping up to be one of the standout festival weekends of the summer.
Image: Supplied
Friday will see The Streets headline with a special performance of A Grand Don’t Come For Free in full. Saturday will be led by one of the UK’s most exciting modern guitar bands, Wunderhorse, supported by Baxter Dury, Mercury Prize winners English Teacher, and London favourites Fat Dog, whilst Sunday will be closed by the one and only Richard Ashcroft.
Festival Director Ali O’Reilly said:“Opening the weekend with The Kooks performing Inside In / Inside Out in full, Milburn returning home and Miles Kane joining the bill feels like a statement night for Sheffield.
“What makes Rock N Roll Circus special is that we can celebrate iconic albums and artists that shaped a generation, while also giving space to the next wave of talent coming through. That mix of heritage and hometown pride is exactly what this festival is about.
“Sheffield has always brought an incredible atmosphere to Don Valley Bowl, and expanding the programme this way gives us even more room to create something memorable for the Bank Holiday weekend.”
Rock N Roll Circus Sheffield takes place at Don Valley Bowl from Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 August 2026, and you can get your tickets here.
Sophie Smith -
28th December 2023 
