What We Do In Leeds: LIFE frontman Mez Sanders-Green on Brudenell gig, favourite pubs and local record shops
Ahead of LIFE headlining the Brudenell Social Club next month, frontman Mez Sanders-Green shares his ultimate guide to the haunts the band check out while touring the city
In our “What We Do In Leeds” series, we ask artists and performers for their ultimate guide to the city.
Ahead of Hull post-punk band LIFE headlining the Brudenell Social Club, frontman Mez Sanders-Green shares his essential Leeds spots, local record shop digs, and what keeps bringing the band back.
So where can you spot the band ahead of their performance in Leeds next month?
What We Do In Leeds: LIFE
You’re making that final approach into Leeds City Centre - the song of choice you have for your arrival is what, and why?
The whole song bursts with a sentiment of escapism and exploration. "Let's get away, you say" is the opening line and perfect for soundtracking your arrival into any destination.
Live touring and music in general is, for me, the best form of escapism - it feeds, heals, and cares for you.
But honestly, what is the algorithm suggesting that you have lined up to play instead?
Windows down, karaoke vibes, no shame - pure cheese-on-toast excitement!
To kill time in Leeds before or after soundchecks, where can we mostly find you?
The bar area of the Brudenell Social Club, eating a bag of dry roasted peanuts and slugging on some pints with the band, our fans, friends, and locals.
The great thing about community venues like the Brudenell is that you instantly feel relaxed and surrounded by like-minded folk.
Plus, there are often two shows operating at the same time, so the atmosphere is electric and the mood pure.
You’re looking for some food before taking to the stage - what is the essential eatery in Leeds you’ll be ordering from?
Manjit's Kitchen for some veggie street food.
No description needed - order lots and eat leftovers in the morning.
Breakfast rolls around the next day, though - will you be returning to that establishment, or is there an ‘essential’ breakfast place in Leeds you’ll be heading to?
We would go straight back to the venue to ask if we could do it all again.
Plus, we will most likely have left a drum mat, banner, or box of merchandise behind.
I can’t come to Leeds without bringing with me my…
My set of Pass the Pigs.
If you haven't played this game before, you need to - it's perfect for touring or hanging with your mates.
My two pigs are battered and mauled by the sweat of many hands.
Every time I am in Leeds, I always end up taking home with me…
It has to be some Leeds-based merchandise that supports the healthy glut of local indies the city has to offer.
Recently, when LIFE did our record shop in-store run for our new album ABSTRACT/NATURAL, we played live at Jumbo Records.
Jumbo has some stellar merchandise options, including mint-looking caps and logo t-shirts. The colour choices were also great, from pastels to bold.
Over the years, I have picked up totes and tees from Crash Records and numerous Brudenell Social Club t-shirts - and yes, I will be buying some more Brude merch on October 9 when we return to play the venue.
You’ve suddenly had a career change and become a Tourist Guide for Leeds - what are three landmarks or activities you would suggest people visit based on your own experiences?
Crate digging in Crash Records followed by plenty of jars in pubs such as Whitelocks.
I recently popped across to Leeds for a gig (The Deadlians) and spent a good chunk of time in the bar area of The Highland Laddie. I enjoyed the vibes; the pub was full of merriment. Plus, it was early spring/late winter, so I got the feel of being draped in a shawl of pub warmth. Perfect.
I would also hop on a quick train to Ilkley and get up on the moor, taking in the Cow and Calf rocks.
I love a myth about the buried giants that hide within our moors and fells - hence our track ‘Buried Giant’ from our new album, which lyrically depicts the story of a pulpy, wonky Cumbrian Western in the fells.
Anyway, back to Ilkley Moor...
Apparently, legend has it that the rocks you see scattered up on the moor were tossed there by the giant Rombald after an argument with his wife. Legend tells that he trod on the rock while running away from her, splitting it in half and leaving the formation we still see today.
Finally, I’d go full-on pagan and visit Kirkstall Abbey. A city with an Abbey is a special thing. I once played a show at the site with our mates, Kaiser Chiefs.
What local West Yorkshire musicians would you recommend to your closest friends to check out, and where can they be found?
Treeboy and Arc - they put out a new album this year called Goose.
Go check them out. Parts and Labour is a banger.
What is it about Leeds that brings you back to perform time and time again?
Brudenell Social Club is one of the major epicentres for grassroots music - a bit like The Adelphi in Hull, LIFE’s hometown.
The Brude is not just a Yorkshire jewel; it is by far one of the most vital spaces for community, music, and touring artists this land has to offer.
A true DIY establishment of realness.
Finally, what is bringing LIFE to Leeds on this occasion?
We are currently on tour across October promoting our new album ABSTRACT/NATURAL, which was released by Leeds-based record labels Launchpad+ and EMI North (team Leeds all the way!).
Our new album landed in the official Top 100 UK Charts, and on a personal note, it is our favourite. It's our fourth album and fuses the abstract with the organic, weaving lyrics steeped in folklore, myth, geography, place, and time.
These elements, I hope, converge into universal themes of escapism and journey. Please go check it out and come see us bring the album to life on stage.
LIFE play the Brudenell Social Club in Leeds on October 9. Their fourth album, ABSTRACT/NATURAL, is out now via Launchpad+ and EMI North. Tickets and venue information can be found via the official Brudenell Social Club website.