Elton John played Joesef's tunes on Rocket Hour, earlier this month- and if that isn't a high enough recommendation for an artist that's yet to release their debut album, we're not sure what else is.
Brought up on a "melting pot of good tunes", an eclectic combination of old soul and 90s bangers, Joesef started making music in his bedroom. In a world where anyone can plug their guitar into a laptop and sing over FaceTime, it can be difficult to cut through the noise, but the soothing melodies of the Glasweigan singer are a Spotify favourite for good reason.
Effortlessly fusing soul and pop comes naturally to the independent artist, but Joesef never intended to set out to become the rising singer-songwriter packing out crowds across the UK, including last weekend at Leeds' own Live At Leeds: In The City festival, where we were lucky enough to catch up with the artist.
"I was a late bloomer I didn’t think I would be a singer but aye just in my bedroom making turn and now here we are at Live at Leeds".
Inspired by the works of The Cure, Mamas and Papas and Joy Division, three years on from putting out his first single, Limbo, Joesef is now preparing to release the highly anticipated debut album Permanent Damage- which pays homage to the evolution of his musical career to date.
Ever humble, Joesef describes the album as "more of an evolved sound than people have ever heard before", having been recorded in a professional studio, rather than just plugging his guitar into a laptop, grinning at the countdown to the album release in just a few short months.
Permanent Damage will hit the shelves on Friday 13 January 2023, blowing away the new year blues with never-heard-before soulful melodies. Naturally, the alt-indie singer will be back in Leeds to bring the album to one of "the closest crowds to Glasgow"- a huge compliment given the musical talent of Joesef's home city.
"The energy is just unmatched [in Leeds] and it feels like we’re all mates, I think it’s just a northern thing […] my first Leeds gig I had people crying and that it was so funny, I can’t remember which venue it was at but we were on the floor and basically we were standing at the same level I could see everyone [...] Leeds crowd is amazing man, they always show up."
Joesef went on to explain that having played at Brudenell, Hyde Park and now headlining Live At Leeds: In The City on the Belgrave Music Hall stage, he's constantly watching the Yorkshire crowds evolve, with a solid fan base of those returning time-after-time to catch new tunes in different venues.
"I’m starting to really recognise people as well I did a wee session at Hyde Park Book Club and I’ve seen the crowd at the front at previous gigs"
We don't need telling twice that Yorkshire is full of musical talent, from Bring Me The Horizon and Alex Turner over in Sheffield to our own Kaiser Chiefs here in Leeds, but for Joesef, there was one name that outshone the rest: Mel B.
"Honestly zig-a-zig-ah! When I was a wee kid that was me and my mums first obsession and my brothers were with Oasis and we had my mum dances Spice Girls, so big up to Mel B!"
"Mel B aye she’s a Leeds icon but obviously in Yorkshire you’ve got Arctic Monkeys and that cannae knock them, cannae knock them, they’ve done alright haven’t they!"
You can catch Joesef at Stylus at Leeds University Union on Friday 17 March 2023. For more information about the upcoming tour, visit Joesef's website.
Thankyou to Live At Leeds: In The City Festival for organisingthis interview.
Feature Image- The Hoot Leeds
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The Kooks, Miles Kane and Milburn to open Rock n Roll Circus as the festival expands to four days
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.
Conan Gray AND Jacob Alon join Lewis Capaldi’s Roundhay Festival line-up
Thomas Melia
US pop star Conan Gray and BRIT award winner Jacob Alon join the line-up for Lewis Capaldi's headline date at Roundhay Festival.
Leeds' Roundhay Park is welcoming back live music to its grounds this summer for two outdoor gigs headlined by Lewis Capaldi and Pitbull titled Roundhay Festival, with special guests slowly being announced.
Gray is recognised for standout tracks like 'Heather' and 'Maniac' while Alon has built a cult following of fans around their indie tunes like 'Fairy in a Bottle' as well as 'Liquid Gold 25'.
Jacob Alon has been showing off their artistry within the indie music scene thanks to their 2025 LP In Limerence catching the attention of many in the process.
This album has gone onto attract widespread love from music listeners and even industry professionals bagging themselves their first-ever BRIT award nomination and win - The Critics' Choice award.
Conan Gray AND Jacob Alon join Lewis Capaldi's Roundhay Festival line-up / Credit: Supplied via Press Shots
Conan Gray started out covering other artists hits before creating some of his own and releasing debut studio album Kid Krow back in 2020.
The project has production credits shared between Gray and Dan Nigro, Grammy-winning producer who has worked with Chappell Roan, Olivia Rodrigo, Lorde and more.
It's always exciting hearing updates like these, but this one is even more impressive as it's not just one stellar act joining the Roundhay Festival line-up but two, with further acts to be announced.
The almost 70,000 crowd who are heading down to Roundhay Festival when Lewis Capaldi makes his way to Leeds next summer are going to be blessed with some phenomenal live music.
This year marks American Express Presents Roundhay Festival first year with two star-studded dates fronted by powerhouse performers with the second show fronted by Pitbull and special guest Kesha.
These events have been organised with Leeds City Council and are expected to bring benefits to the local area by employing local suppliers, staff and boost spending on accommodation, food and entertainment.
Conan Gray and Jacob Alon will play alongside Lewis Capaldi at Roundhay Festival in Leeds on Saturday 4 July 2026 with tickets available HERE.
Sophie Smith -
25th October 2022 
