Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
New partnership between Leeds Beckett and Network Rail provides opportunities to musicians in Leeds.
A new partnership between Leeds Beckett, Network Rail, and Found in Music has launched which gives up-and-coming musicians the chance to busk at Leeds City Station.
The initiative, Busk in Stations, officially launched on Wednesday 17 April with eight artists and groups, including Leeds-based indie-folk-pop band The Dunwells, playing their music to commuters passing through the station.
The Dunwells were joined by Her Orange Coat, Augustin Bousfield, Joseph Moore, Jake Keating, Nick Keating, Hollie Mackenzie, and Iz & Liv who each performed three songs to the gathered crowd.
Musicians and students from Leeds Beckett University will have the opportunity to showcase their talents at one of the UK’s busiest stations. Leeds is the first station outside of London to host the initiative, following in the footsteps of Busk in London, which began at Network Rail stations in 2015.
Busk in Stations has received support from the Kaiser Chiefs bassist, Simon Rix. The original Busk in London scheme has ambassadors including Nile Rodgers, Fatboy Slim, KT Tunstall, and Corinne Bailey Rae.
James Chinneck, Senior Lecturer at Leeds Beckett University, said: "Leeds has a powerful, thriving music scene. The Busk in Stations partnership between Network Rail, Leeds Beckett University and Found in Music is an extraordinary example of how working collaboratively across broad geographical areas of the UK enables positive and exciting opportunities to flourish.
“Leeds School of Arts is honoured to be playing its part in the continued growth of the cultural provision of Leeds and beyond."
Applications are now open for musicians eager to busk at the station and they are encouraged to apply in the coming weeks and months by visiting www.buskinstations.com.