Prioritise Pleasure: Self Esteem brings the house down at her homecoming Yorkshire gig.
It feels like Sheffield has been waiting quite some time for this.
Rotherham-born singer, Rebecca Lucy Taylor (aka Self Esteem) brought a night of honesty and witty lyricism, fully choreographed moves and no less than three outfit changes to the O2 Academy Sheffield on the first of two sold out concerts in the city.
A refreshing reminder that non-conformist ideals don't need to be shied away from, Taylor has been “asking questions that pop music doesn’t get to”, for quite some time, but witnessing those powerful lyrics live in her home city is something far more than just a pop star in action - it feels like a true community come together for her homecoming.
Opening with Prioritise Pleasure, the crowd roars from the first beat, throwing hands in the air as the Yorkshire singer underlines the importance of self care 'that's just for me' - a sure setting of the scene.
With the help of with three backing singers, the music effortlessly transcend into F*cking Wizardry, the top streamed track of the month that's likely popularised for its unapologetic message of self-worth.
The night turns to Moody, a catchy exploration of witty lyricism - opening with “sexting you at the mental health talk seems counterproductive…”, before a quick costume change, from smart suits to deep red one pieces for the whole crew - and the addition of a cowboy hat for Taylor, launching into a non-stop session of tracks from the Mercury Prize nominated album with moody red lighting and a mesmerising dance routine that saw all four singers on stage climb up and down staged steps.
Taking a short pause to sing her dad Happy Birthday, and hello to her old music teacher, it was clear that the singer was truly home.
Little words were spoken throughout the entire set, not even an introduction - but it wasn't needed. The emotional performances from both the Sheffield singer, blowing kisses to her family in the box to the right of the stage spoke volumes - this gig not only meant a lot to Self Esteem, but Sheffielders too.
It felt as if there was a true community out to show their support- there was no pushing to the front, but rather people asking politely if they'd like a photo taken and respectful - a far cry from the usual flying of pint glasses you'd usually expect from a Thursday night gig.
Adding another outfit change, this time to an all-black two piece, the singer continued with Girl Crush and John Elton before the audience serenaded Self Esteem with a heartfelt performance of The 345, leading into You Forever.
I Do This All The Time ended the first set with a spoken word performance that had the audience truly fixated on the singer before disappearing for the encore.
Returning with I'm Fine, the song highlights a story shared by a woman in her early twenties that fears walking home at night and the words “It sounds so stupid, but me and my friends…if we are approached by a group of men, we will bark like dogs…there is nothing that terrifies a man more than a woman who appears completely deranged” before the four singers, and much of the crowd, began howling and barking to underline the importance of the statement.
Dropping into 2019 hit The Best and finishing with Self Esteem's own rendition of Shirley Bassey's This Is My Life - well, what else would it have been?
Having formed half of indie-folk duo Slow Club for the best part of a decade, Rebecca Taylor went solo in 2019, bringing heavy topics of self-sabotage, expectations and relationships (the real version, not the glossy highlights reel most pop stars bring to the stage) to the mainstream with unapologetically bold lyrics and vibrant percussion - filling a long-needed space in the music world, and hasn't looked back since.
In a recent interview, the lyricist explained: “I just had such a desire to do what I wanted, and ‘Hot Pop Star’ was a digestible, succinct way to describe it".
"I have been an indie girl since I was about 13; I was exhausted at having to communicate that supposed authenticity. And so the first thing you saw of Self Esteem was me realising that nobody was telling me no anymore."
"I could make things as fun and as funny and creative as possible. With videos, shows, photoshoots...every time you've got an opportunity to do something, why wouldn't you do the most amazing thing you could cook up?”
Working on her second 2021 album Prioritise Pleasure in the depths of the pandemic, Taylor sat down in her parents' home in Sheffield to weave a stream of personal experiences together in an uplifting way.
There's not many artists that can make that feeling of 'constant square peg, round hole' and 'I don't know sh*t' come to life - but it's this talent that has seen thousands of fans come together across the UK and beyond to chant, stomp, tear up and celebrate the differences and insecurities and we all have.
Sheffield is lucky enough to have another night of Self Esteem in her hometown next week.As expected, tickets have sold out for the next Self Esteem concert at the O2 Academy Sheffield, and will also perform in Yorkshire at Asylum Hull University Union, Hull on Sunday 19 March 2023.
Feature Image - The Sheff / Supplied
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Audio North’s Artist of the Month – Kenzo Jae | September 2026
Kenzo Jae is a creative who wants to put Bradford on the music map through his alternative-rap tracksand now he's Audio North's Artist of the Month.
This multi-tasking mastermind doesn't only record his own music, he's also a digital illustrator and graphic designer - Oh, and he even directs his own music videos (Leave some talent for the rest of us - We're begging).
Embarking on The Sloth Tour with three UK based dates in Manchester, Leeds and London throughout October, where Kenzo Jae will be playing out hits like 'Softly', 'Chicken Bagel', 'End of the World' and more.
This storytelling songwriter now sits down with Audio North to chat all things Artist of the Month and share a little more insight into his music career so far.
Audio North's Artist of the Month - Kenzo Jae | Interview
How much does being from Bradford influence the music you release?
All aspects of my personality have been influenced by Bradford, and I’m never more myself than when I’m writing. So lyrically Bradford has had a big impact.
What’s it like being an artist from Bradford?
At first it felt like something I had to hide. Now it’s something I wear as a badge. There’s not many of us in the grand scheme of things. It’s a niche club and I love that. The underdogs.
What northern artists are you loving at the minute?
If you could describe your artistry in three words what would they be and why?
Honest - I try not to hide behind anything in my music even when it’s critical of myself. If something has happened to me or I’m feeling something, I’d rather put it into a song exactly as it is. Might take me a few years but once it’s in the song I can get over it
Colourful - The vision of the world of my music to me feels saturated and bright. the occasional darkness but for the most part.
Arrogant - I think it takes a level of arrogant to do and say certain things in my music. Even to do the visual aspects too painting myself pink, wearing a sloth hat etc Takes an arrogance to think yeah I can put myself in such a weird position and believe it’s going to work
You’ve already amassed over 100k streams on SLOTH - How are you feeling about its reception so far?
It’s been great to see that people have really resonated with the story and the arc I have been on. I want to push it further and hope it reaches everyone that needs it
How fulfilling is it for you to release the SLOTH mixtape, a title you’ve held onto since you were 16?
The most cathartic feeling. Especially when it’s you know you’ve made it exactly the way I intended. It’s also a learning curve for things I will do differently for the next one.
You posted a reel describing how you spent two weeks animating a music video for yourself- How important is being hands-on in all aspects of your music career?
I’m a control freak. And if something is in my head, it’s a lot easier to do it myself. Don’t get me wrong , I work with a lot of hard working talented people that I can now trust and delegate work to. But on this instant, I love animation and I find the most enjoyment in editing visuals
Since you have a track titled ‘Chicken Bagel’, where are some of your favourite brunch or general food spots in West Yorkshire?
I grew up on chicken shops and Salah's is the goat. In terms of restaurants, Classic Persian is the best for me.
You’re not afraid of risk-taking and standing out, even going as far as painting yourself pink for one of your visuals - what advice would you give to any emerging artists who want to be as confident as you?
You have to be willing to embarrass yourself. The stuff that feels slightly uncomfortable, is usually the stuff that people remember.
And confidence doesn’t necessarily mean thinking you’re amazing. Sometimes it’s just being willing to say, “I don’t care if this is weird, I like it.”
It’s also it’s just more fun to feel like your outside of the box
Innovative Leeds music venue TESTBED announces launch party lineup
Thomas Melia
Ever-evolving Leeds music hotspot TESTBED is making its grand return to Leeds city centre with an impressive launch party lineup.
Recognised as a cultural venue for bringing people together via music, TESTBED has hosted a variety of club nights in its warehouse location since 2024.
Back in April, it was announced that the team behind this rave-centric club were transforming this space from it's 'Phase 1.3' to 'Phase 2.0'.
Now, TESTBED has released the full lineup for its upcoming launch party which will show off some of the venue's latest features like its 360-degree DJ booth, improved acoustics and 5,000 sq ft mezzanine and balcony area.
Annie Mac is headlining the TESTBED Leeds launch party joined by Horse Meat Disco / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)
Previous performers include Liverpool dance music duo Camelphat, house music DJ Alisha, Netherlands-own Chris Stussy and more, so it will come as no surprise that this relaunch features an equally-stellar lineup.
Fronting the bill for the TESTBED Launch Party is none other than EDM connoisseur and influential figure Annie Mac, who's hosted a variety of radio shows across the BBC as well as curating a set or two herself.
Also in attendance is Horse Meat Disco, a group who put disco and queer culture at the forefront of each and every high-energy set.
Irish selector Shee is also showing off his music expertise and already having collaborations with the likes of A-trak and Karma Kid, expect to hear some tunes.
Shee and Junior Simba will be taking to the decks to wow the crowds over at TESTBED Leeds / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)
Seasoned club DJ and presenter Marcia Carr, known for playing live sets with vinyl records, will also be soundtracking the night too, playing out everything from Afrohouse to dubstep.
Of course, it wouldn't be a Leeds-based party without some local talent courtesy of Junior Simba who's quickly become a key player in the house music scene.
And if that wasn't enough raving for you, TESTBED has already announced even more insane nights of music madness featuring ROSSI., Interplanetary Criminal and Obskür.
TESTBED's opening party is taking place on Saturday 3 October from 2pm til 12am and you can grab tickets from as little as £20 HERE.
Sophie Smith -
17th March 2023 
