A Student Guide to Clubbing in Leeds: Night Crawlers

Despite having inspired scene-leading institutions such as Back to Basics and Hessle Audio, Leeds' spot in the legacy of British clubbing culture is impressive but relatively undocumented – at least in comparison to its neighbouring cities. However, during term time, the very much up-for-it energy that inspired LFO to compose their classic Leeds Warehouse Mix is still palpable in the air.

Frankly, in terms of big bookings in smaller clubs, the city regularly punches above its weight; and recently established online radio station KMAH, broadcasting daily out of the city centre, is successfully putting the mid-Yorkshire metropolis back on the map. The station's vast range of selectors offer just a taste of the dance music (and beyond) that's constantly being rediscovered around the M62.

With that in mind, here's a not-so-exhaustive but hopefully useful guide to clubbing in Leeds in 2015. Just remember: pace yourselves, share all gum kindly and no shunting in with your mates in the queue for the cloakroom.

The Big Stuff

Arguably the East side of the Pennines' answer to The Warehouse Project, Canal Mills, which, as the name implies, takes place in a vast retired mill space on the fringe of the city (and precariously close to a rather turbulent dual carriageway, so beware) – offers some of the most exciting lineups in the UK. Unlike its Manchester cousin, it's still a relatively intimate affair, maintaining that grimey, underground feel. The coming season's listings have yet to be announced at the time of writing, but the past few stints have seen most corners of alternative dance represented. The likes of B.Traits, George FitzGerald, Daniel Avery and Bonobo graced the decks in 2014, while the joyous New Year's Day finale featured Four Tet and Caribou's Dan Snaith, aka Daphni, playing the last of three gigs in one day to rousing effect. The boxy, intimate second room offers an intense atmosphere, though there has been something of a sound bleed issue in the past so make sure to get involved down the front. The windswept toilet queue is less defensible, but the reliably impressive roster of bookings generally makes it worth the while.

The Grimey Stuff

...by which we mean the likes of Wiley, Darq E Freaker and Stormzy, not just poorly maintained clubs haphazardly passing the council's H&S standards. Let's face it, you'll probably discover and suffer your own soon enough. With grime finally seeming to seep out of the capital and even into the charts, Jamz, Elijah and Skilliam's reliably raucous celebration of underground talent, has developed a cult following in Leeds, where the pair behind the celebrated Butterz imprint have been selling out venues as vast as the city's Warehouse. Regularly featuring pals and labelmates such as Flava D and Madam X, the night is designed to push forward some of the finest unsigned bars and instrumentals on the scene – although the duo aren't afraid to ignite the dancefloor with classics from BBK, Dizzee and the like, either.

The ‘Out There’ Stuff

Quite literally out there, on an industrial estate bordering the city, it feels unfair to give away the location of Cosmic Slop; but rest assured, for those who seek them out and arrive with the right attitude, these occasional guestlist-only parties prove rather unforgettable. Featuring a hugely knowledgeable team of residents and frequent very special guests, Cosmic Slop's speciality is vinyl-only jams covering funk, boogie, house, soul, vintage disco and whatever else feels right in the moment. What's more, their home-engineered soundsystem ensures an atmosphere so vibrant, you might half expect to find the spirits of Ron Hardy or Larry Levan propped up at the bar. Unlike the Paradise Garage, there's (fortunately) no acid in the punch, but you might find a great selection of local cakes and beers. More readily advertised, Shipley's cult Golden Cabinet is a monthly Saturday evening rave in a community centre, specifically programmed to ensure Leeds dwellers can catch the last train home after bracing sets by rave experimentalists like Objekt and Powell.

The House Stuff

Butter Side Up, a conglomerate of passionate and risk-taking promoters, arguably have the more underground side of house locked down. Usually operating out of Wire, a venue much respected by both crowds and selectors for its well maintained Funktion-One soundsystem and occasionally rather intense atmosphere, highlights of their recent portfolio include appearances and occasional all-night sessions from heroes from Detroit (Kyle Hall), Berlin via Edinburgh (Prosumer), and New York (Mister Saturday Night). What's more, they're formidably talented and knowledgeable DJs in their own right, dare we say often outshining their guests, who are nonetheless always compelled to bring their strongest game to the booth. You can't go wrong on the floor.

The Techno Stuff

Also largely based out of Wire, Selective Hearing are responsible for much of the city's techno output, taking advantage of the club's generous 24-hour license to allow much-vaunted selectors, producers and label bosses like DJ Pete, Boddika and Levon Vincent the freedom to go deep, hard or, even better, both, for one of the most receptive regular crowds in the North. Meanwhile, fresher faced promoters ALTER have plans to further immerse their growing and open-minded band of followers with a move to Mint Club. Upcoming slots from the likes of Mathew Jonson and Efdemin promise to push their psychedelic techno flavour even farther afield.

The On-the-Regular Stuff

If your idea of a night out involves a more familiar selection of faces and an easier going, perhaps less jaw-clenching vibe, then Leeds has a real gem in the form of the cool yet relaxed HiFi Club. MoveOnUp takes places every Wednesday with DJs blending Northern Soul, Tamla, Stax Records and other favourites of collectors and casuals alike, and is best known as the longest running soul night in the North. Beyond such statistics, its dedicated local following speaks to its quality, and the atmosphere is unusually consistent and electric. Also taking place weekly is FunkSoulNation, jamming classic hip-hop, disco and funk each Friday, and Saturday's Bugalu party, which specialises in Afrobeat, tropical disco and reggae. Each weekend finishes with The Sunday Joint, whose selectors spin soul, latin, salsa and more. Each night has its own individual charm and audience, although we wouldn't necessarily recommend hitting up all four in a row unless you've pencilled the following week for recovery.

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For interviews with DJs and your monthly clubbing highlights: theskinny.co.uk/clubs