A weird and wonderful fact about you that not many people would expect?

Izzy – I once had an encounter with an angry hippo. 
Ollie – I once carried Justin Hawkins of The Darkness into his set on the back of surfboard after giving him a surf lesson the previous day. 
Joe – I like burnt fish fingers. 

How do you think a duck would react to your playlist takeover?

I think they’d rather listen to Drake. 

Who you wish you could have put on this playlist but hasn’t released music recently?

Izzy – dgoHn
Joe – Doc Sleep
Ollie – Ismistik

Dance Disease have taken over ourplaylist this week. Follow it for weekly updates from ourselves and the best selectors we know.

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Last tickets are on sale here.

The Headliners

Ben UFO: Wire, 03:00-06:00

A long way on from his days living on Hessle Avenue as a Leeds University student and hosting a DIY radio show from Midland’s bedroom, Ben UFO has become one of the most beloved DJs in the UK scene, and for good reason. A bastion of all things underground, the sound of his sets stems from roots in early experimental dubstep but, through his always innovative approach to mixing, has him weaving between techno, jungle, garage, grime, electro – whatever is necessary to work his magic on the dancefloor.

It’s his understanding of what gets people moving, and subsequently how to lead them along with him on unique musical journeys, that puts him in such high regard. His ability to form a relationship between himself and the crowd, shifting seamlessly between genres to contrast high-tempo dancefloor intensity with euphoric release; murky and dark groovers with lush light-footed soundscapes – that ultimately allows him to both challenge and delight clubbers in any setting.

As one of the founders of Hessle Audio, alongside Pangaea and Pearson Sound, he has been a huge contributor in the advancement of underground dance music in diverse and challenging directions. His acute ear for fresh sounds and rhythms has led him to catching, amongst others, the likes of: James Blake, Blawan and Joy Orbison all early in their careers, and who are all now mainstays in their respective corners of the scene.

His approach to DJing is one of pure craft, having come all this way into the spotlight without any production career to lean on, he’s renowned for his sixth sense for selection and impeccable mixing abilities which he’s sure to bring in full force to Wire’s crystal clear Funktion One Soundsystem, presented by Resident Advisor.

Forging his own divergent, yet seamless, path through records old and new, we expect his set to be a highlight for all those with their hearts set on sound.

Nina Kraviz: Church, 03:00-05:00

Making a Leeds stop-off on her hectic touring schedule of the world’s biggest stages, techno titan Nina Kraviz will be taking the helm of the party going on at Church club. Headlining the entire Inner City festival, we expect big things from the iconic Russian DJ, producer and vocalist – and big turnout to match for what’s sure to be a set of huge proportions.

A crowd favourite, she’s also been making waves with her curatorial powers on her own label Trip, responsible for releases from the likes of Bjarki and Vladimir Dubyshkin. Commitment to rave mentality comes across in all the label’s releases, highlighted by last year’s Nina-curated compilation Don’t Mess With Cupid, ‘Cause Cupid Aint Stupid, injecting intense gabber flavours into the label’s repertoire – one already renowned for being completely unrelenting.

So, we expected surprises aplenty from the Mixmag DJ of the year 2017 – her style weaving between pounding four-to-the-floor techno, ghetto house, trance, footwork, old-school rave-y hardcore and, of course, acid. Nina’s sure to bring hypnotic journeys and ecstatic curveballs alike to see out the festival’s closing moments.

Make sure to get down to Church club early to secure a place at one of the most highly anticipated sets of the day.

Ross from Friends: HiFi, 01:00-03:00

Ross From Friends aka producer and DJ Felix Clary Weatherall will be holding down Hifi for a set we’re beyond excited for, presented by Transmission Funk. Having got his start during the rise of the semi-ironic genre of lo-fi house a few years back, the artist has ascended beyond the tag into a class of his own.

Appearing on stage as DJ supported by two of his best friends, Jed Hampson on the electric guitar and John Dunk on keys and sax, the playfully named Ross From Friends always delivers a fresh and unique experience, quite unlike anything else you’ll see at the festival. His signing to Flying Lotus’ Brainfeeder label last year is yet another affirmation that his emotionally charged take on house music has grown bigger than the movement it stemmed from into its own idiosyncratic style that’s ethereal, euphoric and genuinely beautiful.

Much of his connection to dance music stems from his father who, as can be seen in last year’s phenomenal ‘Pale Blue Dot’ music video, was also involved in the scene – touring his soundsystem on a bus around Europe and throwing spontaneous parties, eventually even meeting Ross From Friends’ future mother on the trip. It’s those kinds of moments of serendipity and free-spirited adventure that fuels his music, resulting in a sound that sends waves of nostalgia washing over the audience and sonically embodies the sense of community and shared feeling that makes dance music so great.

Motor City Drum Ensemble: Festival Hub, 19:00-22:00

Unlike most ensembles – Motor City Drum Ensemble is more of a one-man-band whose ensemble comes in the form of a collection of classic drum machines that are foundational to his celebrated electronic music. He’s quickly become a fan favourite with an ear for uplifting records that keep the energy going in his upbeat sunshine infused sets.

Paying homage to his origins in Germany’s own ‘Motor City’ of Stuttgart, MCDE aka Danilo Plessow is renowned for his colourful, high-spirited house music with influences from jazz, soul, and disco to deep house and hip-hop. His eclectic taste makes for everchanging, spellbinding sets that career off onto joyous musical journeys that aren’t to be missed.

Appearing on the just-released secret stage outdoors at Thorseby House in the city centre, the venue will double as a festival hub for wristband exchange, a bar, street food and more.  Flux will be hosting the party at the surprise stage, and Motor City Drum Ensemble will be appearing alongside the likes of Nightmares on Wax and Ralph Lawson to bring the dancing outdoors at this unique location.

RISING ARTISTS

Afrodeutsche: Freedom Mills, 23:30-01:00

One of the most exciting rising artists on the scene takes to one the newest of the 11 clubs hosting parties at the city festival – Afrodeutsche takes on Freedom Mills. The Manchester based artist made her full-length debut as a solo producer last year with the entrancing electro-techno project Break Before Make. That said, she’s no newcomer to the scene as a whole, having played a role in Manchester’s underground scene for nearly the last two decades: hosting the club night Clap Trap, playing in the vintage organ group Sisters of Transistors and even writing film and theatre scores.

More recently though, she’s undertaken solo ventures in production and DJing and immediately gained recognition for bringing a vibrant energy to both her own creations and her sets. Weaving between otherworldly electro sounds that take audiences somewhere between deep underwater or far into the future, and grooving, rhythmic techno that propels the party into full dance mode.

She wears her influences on her sleeve too, the moniker Afrodeutsche itself is a nod to Underground Resistance’s ‘Afrogermanic’ – embracing the significant influence the label and Detroit artists of the likes of Drexciya has had on her sound. More than just a homage however, she brings a fresh and exciting essence to the 90s tinged electro by intertwining complex and gratifying rhythms to keep everyone on their feet, making sure she always has your full attention and keeping the groove building.

Afrodeutsche will be holding down Freedom Mills leading up to an electro set from legend Craig Richards, followed by contemporary electro icon DJ Stingray to close the night presented by Dimensions. You can also catch her hosting an Ableton Live masterclass earlier during the day at Sheaf Street.

Yak: Old Red Bus Station, 22:30-00:00

Another strong emerging talent to check out at this year’s Inner City Electronic fest comes in the form of propulsive techno and bass producer Yak. Landing on the eminent R&S records with his 5-track Termina EP this year, his sound capitalises on the off-kilter rhythms the likes of the Hessle Audio crew delivering unapologetic yet intricate heaters throughout the whole EP.

Being a classically trained multi-instrumentalist himself, with talent in oboe, saxophone and guitar – Yak got his start as a resident DJ at Sheffield’s Pretty Pretty Good parties. Since then he’s been releasing techno and bass tracks of his own, markedly with his release on Version Mido EP, which hit the top of Phonica’s singles of the year list.

Tipped and played by influential artists the likes of Objekt, Midland, Ben UFO, Call Super and Martyn, Yak is unquestionably one to watch at this year’s fest. He’ll be bringing this relentless energy to room 1 of Old Red Bus station. Presented by Pretty Pretty Good, he’ll be playing alongside the likes of Radar Radio resident Imogen, and LA and Berlin based producer Mor Elian to close the night.

Mariiin: Hyde Park Book Club, 17:00-18:00

With her monthly residency show Melted Beats on Leeds’ own KMAH radio, Mariiin aka Marinella Constable thrives in embracing a whole spectrum of diverse electronic sounds in her sets.

Her residency of Nice To Be in Naples gave her the chance to her to cut her teeth alongside prestigious DJs the likes of Avalon Emerson, Ellen Allien and Nastia – and cement her ability to soar across a range of rhythms and grooves to get the dancefloor moving.

Since moving to Leeds she became part of the new and absolutely fantastic collective Equaliser – a project which aims to promote the talent of cis-women, trans women, non-binary and trans people by hosting monthly free DJ workshops as well as throwing parties open to everyone hosted by the crew, as well as non-cis men.

She’s holding two sets at the festival, one during the day hosted by KMAH radio at Hyde Park Book Club’s Cafeteria, and another going B2B with founder the of Needs (not-for-profit) Bobby at Distrikt Bar, presented by Mass. We’d definitely recommend going down to one or both of her sets for some intoxicating rhythms and a whole myriad of rare tunes.

By Alexander Szoryn

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Hull post-punkers LUMER kicked off the first day with their welcome return to stage after a four-month absence. Charged up with renewed vigour, they ploughed through a set of entirely unreleased material, and proved worthy for those that braved the afternoon rain that hung over much of the first day. Unfortunately, Irish industrial shoegazers Just Mustard, one of our picks for the festival, had to pull out due to travel problems, so it was left to Working Men’s Club to provide the next highlights. The West Yorkshire group are still relatively fresh on the scene, but are already starting to make a name for themselves, recently signing to legendary label Heavenly Records. Blending Parquet Courts-style post-punk with a more pop edge evident in the catchy choruses of their debut track ‘Bad Blood’, the BBC 6music faves may likely become one of those groups that Gold Sounds can claim it found well ahead of the curve.

Representing the US was North Carolina’s The Nude Party. Bringing a relaxed brand of ‘boner pop’ to the Brude and on tour supporting their 2018 debut LP, they provided a welcome escape from the damp conditions outside. Regrettably, I missed Partisan Records’ Pottery as the day progressed. The Montreal group are just starting a short EU tour and are likely to follow IDLES and Fontaines D.C. in becoming the next of Partisan’s bands to gain widespread critical acclaim. Not to worry though cos they played in Leeds again two days later (yeah I missed that one as well). Next up in the Main Room were Pip Blom making the trip over from Amsterdam. A name that I’d heard bouncing around for a few months but had failed to follow up on aside from the occasional radio listen, the Dutch bedroom project-turned-group flew through the first 45-minute set of the day with an impressive amount of energy. Another off the line-up signed to Heavenly Records, they made a well-argued case to check out all the bands on the bill, regardless of previous knowledge, and were possibly my pick for the first day.

Queen Zee followed in the Community Room. Hailing from Birkenhead, the group have been growing in stature since the release of their debut LP in February, earning them a slot before headliners The Blinders. Not my personal cup o’tea, but their pure energy and power was undeniable, and fans of the genre will have had more than their fill with the Merseyside rockers. Speaking of The Blinders, they returned once again to Gold Sounds for a triumphant headline slot. Occupying the main room for a full hour, they powered through tracks from last year’s debut LP ‘Columbia’ with little relent. No strangers to the Yorkshire music scene, top billing at Gold Sounds was just reward for a group that’s climbed its way up through the region’s venues. Unfortunately, those wanting to catch the start of Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs’ closing set had to head off early to the Community Room, but those who did were justly rewarded. The Pigs exceeded all expectations this year and have ended up spearheading a renaissance of British metal. A slot at the end of the day might have thrown them a few curveballs; some of the crowd had clearly indulged a bit too far by this point and presented the band with an audience that is unlike that of a usual Pigs gig, but they handled it well and the crowd calmed down after a telling off from singer Matt Baty. Long live the Pigs.

Hull dream pop/shoegazers bdrmm brought us into the sunny second day at the Brudenell, and hold the accolade for the only band to start on time. Fresh up from a one in-one out show in Brighton the day before, and under the wing of Leeds’ Pizza For The People, they’re turning into a real force within the Yorkshire alternative scene. They’ll be back on 13 th June playing Oporto. With the main room already behind by an hour before the first band, local post-punk group L.D. Moses were up next. They’ve installed themselves rather suddenly in the Leeds scene, and show local influences almost too openly. Vocals could be plucked straight out of Eagulls, and while they’re clearly capable of writing competent post-punk, as they mature hopefully they’ll develop a more distinct sound.

With timings out the window, the next catch of the day was W. H. Lung in the main room. Riding over from Manchester, the group are a month into touring their debut LP ‘Incidental’. Drenched in drum machines and synthesisers, they manage to blend the driven sound of groups like LCD Soundsystem with the more ethereal like DIIV. Another real discovery of the festival. Now for the big guns. Viagra Boys kicked off the degenerate double bill in the main room. The Swedes have been making a real fuss in the international post-punk scene with the release of ‘Street Worms’, their debut LP, last year. A pounding rhythm section brought a surprisingly dancey vibe to the main room, interrupted by violent bursts of saxophone and synth. Singer Sebastian Murphy, a tattoo artist by day, quickly shed his clothes and descended into performed anarchy (I’ve never seen a man crack open Smirnoff on stage let’s say that).

The Brudenell crowd was fully enthralled with the Scandy punks, and hungry for more with the dawn of Fat White Family’s set. Third album ‘Serfs Up’, released on Domino Records, seems to really have gifted the ever-rotating band a new lease of life given the multiple points when it seemed the group was about to crumble. The main room now definitely over-capacity, the seven men, headed up by a nearly-shaven headed Saul, dragged a crowd already teetering on the edge of chaos all the way down. Although a few expected songs from the new album were absent, regardless they exhibited a real tour-de-force, and showed why they have now headlined the festival twice in five years.

Wordsmith: Leo Joslin. Picture Witch: Iona Skye Wood

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