What to expect from the Leeds Experimental Improvisation Showcase taking place this weekend

Experimental music in Leeds is often defined by its physical ingenuity and a departure from traditional convention.

A notable reference point in the wider international scene is the work of artists like Justice Yeldham, who famously uses a contact-mic'd pane of glass to create complex, visceral sonic compositions.

While a radical example of ‘free noise,’ it reflects a broader tradition of ‘found-object’ and improvised performance that has long been a staple of West Yorkshire's underground.

Leeds has a documented history as a hub for these avant-garde styles - from the post-punk ‘Art Experiment’ of the late 1970s, which saw bands like Gang of Four and The Mekons prioritise DIY textures over standard melodies, to the noise-driven heritage of the Termite Club and Wharf Chambers.

The city has a storied history supporting musicians who operate outside of traditional structures, and this Saturday (January 7), that tradition moves into a civic space as five local performers demonstrate the current state of the scene.

Who is set to take part in the Leeds Experimental Improvised Music Showcase?

The showcase features five Leeds-based artists who represent the current breadth of the city's improvised music community.

Territorial Gobbing (the moniker of Theo Gowans) is a central figure in this scene, known for using found objects, ranging from kitchen appliances to children’s toys and wine glass resonators, to create tactile, non-traditional soundscapes.

The lineup also includes Anna Peaker, who focuses on synth-led textures, and Thomas Carroll, whose work emphasises percussive improvisation. They are joined by Mia Windsor and Inge de Bruin, both of whom explore the intersection of digital manipulation and organic sound.

The performance is entirely unscripted, designed to show how these artists react to the unique acoustics of the museum’s Brodrick Hall in real-time.

Do I need tickets to attend the Leeds Experimental Improvised Music Showcase?

No tickets or pre-booking are required for this event.

The showcase is free to attend and operates on a drop-in basis between 2:30pm and 4:30pm.

The event is hosted within the Leeds City Museum (LS2 8BH) as part of the Music Leeds Us exhibition, which celebrates 60 years of the city's musical history.

While entry is free, the museum remains a charity and encourages ‘Give What You Can’ donations to support future cultural programming.

Looking for more culture taking place in Leeds? Check out our guide to the programmes taking place at Leeds Art Gallery and Leeds City Musueums over the next few months