Me and My Friends, one of the UK's top global beats/roots music bands, play their annual "DJ Lubi Presents" show at Brudenell Social Club Leeds on Thursday 2nd April 2026. It's like coming home for them as they originally formed in Leeds over a decade and a half ago. More like an annual party than a standard gig, where they reunite with their long standing friends and fans in the city. Here's the background on the band and their history.
Afrobeat. Folk. Jazz. Cello. Clarinet. Harmonies to melt your soul. Grooves to bounce your booty on. Me and My Friends effortlessly weave these ingredients into a sonic concoction that is theirs alone, underpinned by the hauntingly elegant songs and sparkling highlife guitar of bandleader Nick Rasle. Over the past 15 years Me and My Friends have carved out a niche all of their own, touring across Europe and gaining support from the likes of Gilles Peterson, Cerys Matthews, FiP, Soundway Records and Quantic. Their live shows are a joyful celebration of free-flowing spontaneity and togetherness - music that invites you in, lifts you up, and keeps you dancing.
Me and My Friends are a true family, each member shaping the sound with their own distinct voice. Fred Harper’s drumming is percussive and jazz-infused, while Emma Coleman’s soaring cello and intricate vocal harmonies add a richness and depth. Sam Murray’s clarinet is funky, playful and free-spirited, while James Grunwell anchors it all with his spacious, understated bass lines and producer’s ear. Here's what some UK musical tastemakers say about them.
"Love this group!" - Gilles Peterson (BBC 6 Music)
“A sublime fusion that combines pastoral dreaminess with the heat of highlife and Afrobeat sounds” - Songlines Magazine
“Such interesting influences… beautiful” - Cerys Matthews (BBC 6 Music)
Their latest album ‘Bring Summer’ (released November 2025), encapsulates the essence of the band’s vision right now - an explosion of joyful, sun-drenched grooves underpinned by deeply reflective songwriting. It's a celebration of authenticity, the inner child and the freedom to be yourself, and an invitation to dance as a raw, unfiltered expression of life. The perfect summer soundtrack, or in colder seasons, music to warm up the winter chill. More quotes from Me and My Friend fans.
“An amazing live show!” - Will Holland (Quantic).
“A life-affirming sound” - Loose Ends (BBC 6 Music)
“I’m loving this!” - Steve Lamacq, (BBC 6 Music)
Support is LoVu, the new project of Leeds based guitarist and producer Ben Haskins featuring some of the north of England's finest musicians from the jazz and world music scenes. The project reflects close musical relationships which have been fostered through collaboration over the years. Following a career as touring guitarist with artists such as Jasmine Myra (Gondwana Records), and K.O.G (with whom he appeared on "Later With Jools Holland" in 2024), LoVu is an outlet for Haskins’ own original productions. In spring 2025, LoVu released their debut EP "Distill", a mix of afrobeat rhythms with jazz solos and electronic beats. It included collaborations with UK/Ghanaian singer/MC K.O.G, plus alt-pop artist Slip Martin.
