Silver Tongued Rascals
Yorkshire’s very own Silver Tongued Rascals were at Sela – a cosy underground bar in Leeds City centre. The group had no issue turning the intimate venue into a high-energy gig. Ben Randm, the band’s charismatic frontman, made a big impression in a short amount of time, effortlessly connecting and engaging with the crowd. His captivating presence alone made the gig worthwhile.
The music itself was impressive. Silver Tongue Rascals delivered a distinctive fusion of electronic and indie sounds, blending genres in a way that’s hard to categorise – and that’s exactly the vibe they bring.
Each song was performed with undeniable energy, the soul and passion behind every track unmistakable. Most notable for me was the delivery of ‘Asking for What?’, a powerful song that highlights the challenges women face with misogyny and sexual abuse. Randm acknowledged the deep meaning behind the song before performing, noting with a sense of regret that, despite being written “two years ago,” its message remains just as relevant today. In these challenging times, he emphasized, music is what we need to bring us together.
Silver Tongued Rascals have a unique ability to tackle profound topics with electrifying energy, showcasing their forward-thinking approach to both music and message—making the group a truly worthwhile watch. By the end of the gig, the crowd was buzzing with energy, fully immersed in the music. Randm kicked off a Yorkshire chant—presumably the first of many to come throughout the day.
Spielmann
Following straight on from the Silver Tongued Rascals was Spielmann.
Spielmann, also known as Ben Lewis, is an independent artist who has been a fixture in the indie scene for many years. His journey dates back to his first ‘Live at Leeds’ performance in 2011, and since then, he has showcased his versatility, performing in different groups and styles at the event over the years. This year was certainly one to have watched – his performance was a true reflection of his talent and hard work.
Spielmann took the stage solo, armed with only his electric guitar and backing track, delivering a compelling alternative indie performance with his distinct, mellow-melodic voice. He performed each song with a natural ease, the music flowing seamlessly as if it required no effort at all. His relaxed demeanour was something to be admired, creating an atmosphere that made the performance feel effortless and sincere.
The songs delve into the struggles of adulthood, tackling themes like career anxieties and mental health. The performance of “Just Like Everybody Else” perfectly captured this personal message. Its upbeat and authentic vibe carried an unmistakable “coming of age” feel – my favourite of the set. Each of his tracks felt fresh and original, yet they resonated deeply, making them not just easily enjoyable, but also entirely relatable.
Spielmann brought a contagious vibe to Sela, his witty humour capturing the room’s attention and making it nearly impossible not to laugh along with him. He also engaged and connected with the room without difficulty, encouraging people to dance whilst interacting with the audience. The intimate atmosphere of Sela was a perfect fit for his performance, establishing a close-knit feel between him and the crowd.
I’m excited to see what more Spielmann has to offer in the coming years, and look forward to seeing him again.
Hana Lili
Later in the evening, Hana Lili took the stage at Headrow House – a dimly lit venue, with a moody ambience and industrial charm, fitting perfectly with Lili’s alternative-indie sound. The space has excellent acoustics, allowing her powerful voice to fill the entire room.
Hana made use of every second of her 30-minute set count, taking the audience on a journey with each song. She opened with introspective, deeply emotive tracks that highlighted her natural, melodic voice. Between songs, she shared stories relating to her upcoming album, ‘’Taking Care of Myself’’, reflecting on a period in her life when she felt utterly burnt out and disconnected from self-care – something that everybody can relate to.
Hana spoke candidly about the pressures of living in a fast-paced world, and how easy it is to lose yourself in it. Her struggles resonated powerfully through her music, and her down-to-earth presence made it even easier to connect with and relate to her.
Hana shifted seamlessly into the latter part of her performance, where she brought a rock-and-roll vibe to her set. She completely immersed the crowd when performing a song from her new album called ‘’iconic’’ – an edgy track that showcases her raw, bold voice and impressive vocal range.
Before the song, she engaged the audience by singing a harmony and inviting them to echo her. As the track began, she built on this connection, tossing the microphone to the crowd and encouraging them to sing along, making the performance feel like a shared experience. Taking it even further, she became part of the crowd, sitting down with us as she sang, creating a deeply intimate atmosphere that resonated with everyone in the room – a standout moment from the entire event.
Hana’s captivating and dynamic stage presence left a lasting impression on me. She was truly a joy to watch, and I’m excited to see what she’ll accomplish with the upcoming release of her new album.
Photography by Millie Stephens. Main image: Hana Lili.
