the north

Formed in February 2025, the north are the latest breakout from Leeds’ fervent indie scene, boasting a live show that outshines bands with years more experience. Fronted by singer and guitarist Billy Memphis, the group have spent the past year building a reputation as one of the UK’s most exciting new acts, though they remain refreshingly uninterested in hype. After moving from Scarborough to Leeds at 16 in search of culture, Billy immersed himself in the city’s music scene, eventually forming the band alongside drummer Sian Keates, guitarist Kobi Griggs and bassist Mecca Boylan. Freshly signed to Communion Records, home to Wunderhorse and Catfish & The Bottlemen, the band have released a new EP produced by Kev Jones, known for his work on Wunderhorse’s Cub. With a heart-on-sleeve approach and fierce authenticity, the north cut through a landscape crowded with pretenders.