Leeds DJs & The DIY Scene

Voices from the Scene: Leeds DJs on DIY Culture, Parties, and Community

Leeds would be nothing without it's DIY music history — the people here who are keeping it alive know it best. We asked artists who’ve played with In The Window to share what inspires them about the local scene: the venues, the crews, local radio, and the parties that bring us together. Here are their exact words — a collection of moments, shoutouts, and stories that map out what makes the cities’ DIY scene so special from Leeds DJs.

Alto Radio - Leeds, UK

Collective Energy & Leeds Inspirations

“I love seeing how people come together for music. Anyone putting on any sort of party for marginalised people, like Sable, Love Muscle, Rat Party, really make music fun and special ‘cos it brings the community spirit. DIY spaces like Gut Level & Cosmic Slop actually celebrate music and bring that spirit—doing stuff that isn’t just club nights also.” – billy2chips

“Events-wise, the 0800-DISCO gals and Cosmic Slop know how to throw parties that are super joyful and welcoming. Also CHUNK (RIP) were the best gang in the world—they taught me how to DIY and that genres don’t matter.” – Lozzatron

“Being a Leeds resident, Cosmic Slop parties have been a major influence and changed how I think about genre and approaches to fusing ideas. The community there has been super supportive and given me opportunities to play in the space which has been so important for crafting my live set.” – Nick Richards

“Shoutout: Love Muscle, Gut Level, Rat Party, Cosmic Slop… They prioritise marginalised people, as well as enjoying the music and partying.” – blu.dream

“Parties would be Bob & Weave, Pleasuremaxxx, Love Muscle, Bakk Heia, No Bounds, Subdub.” – Constance

“@chug_club, @outlawsyachclub in general, @slacky at the Golden Lion 👽… @fridayfeeling, @truelove, @alto.radio, @resonance.calder, @c0smicsl0p” – Georgie

These DJs share the same values: joy, community, experimentation. Leeds’ most influential events aren’t just about the lineup—they’re about creating space for people to be themselves and connect through sound.

Radio Waves & Record Digs

“NTS is basically the reason I do this… they were very patient and kind to us. Residents like Amanda Siegel, Louise Chen, Mafalda, Nabihah Iqbal… always introducing me to amazing music.” – Lozzatron

“I regularly source music from labels like Tartelet, Rhythm Section International, Upstairs Asylum.” – Nick Richards

This scene doesn’t just build itself in the booth — it starts with hours of digging, listening, sharing. From Discogs to IOM, Bandcamp to radio sets, our DJs are constantly tracing threads across genres and generations. Leeds’ presence on stations like Alto Radio and NARR amplifies this culture.

Keep It Local, Keep It Moving

Every quote above reinforces what we already know: Leeds isn’t just a city — it’s a collective. And it’s DIY to the core. Whether you’re dancing in the back of a bar or tuning into a show from your bedroom, you’re part of something.

So take the recommendations. Go to a Love Muscle. Tune into Alto. Buy from Tribe. Support someone’s first night

We’ll be here, capturing as much as we can, when it happens.

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