A new music podcast series ‘Do You Know What I Mean?’ launches in association with Welcome to Leeds, is all set to premiere this week, offering listeners an immersive journey through the cultural fabric of one of the UK’s most dynamic city’s..
Through interviews with 4 icons, each episode will explore a different facet of the city, highlighting the voices and stories that shape its identity. This series dives into the rich heritage, artistic spirit, and forward-looking energy that make Leeds a true cultural landmark. The plan is to have each series represent a different genre or time in Leeds thanks to its rich musical heritage from Jazz, Dark Wave, Goth and 00’s Indie.
Produced with a focus on authenticity and depth, it captures a diverse array of perspectives from those who live, work, and create in the city as well as further afield. With a unique narrative arc that balances history and modernity, the series takes listeners from the roots of Leeds’ underground music scene to its role as a cultural hub that is reshaping itself for the future.
Series 1 Episode Highlights
Episode 1: DJ Paulette – A Leeds Legend on Music, Identity, and Community
The debut episode features an exclusive interview with DJ Paulette, a trailblazer in the UK music scene known for her vibrant career and deep ties to Leeds. Paulette opens up about her experiences as a female DJ in a male-dominated industry and shares her insights on how music fosters community and inspires change in Leeds’ diverse social landscape.
Episode 2: Ralph Lawson – Shaping Leeds’ Soundscape
The second episode delves into the career of Ralph Lawson, DJ, producer, and founder of the acclaimed 2020 Vision label. A key figure in Leeds’ electronic music scene, Lawson discusses the city’s club culture and the collaborative energy that makes Leeds a standout in the global music scene.
Episode 3: Dave Beer & Irvine Welsh – Rebels, Raves, and Reinvention
In the third episode, two cultural icons—Dave Beer, the mastermind behind Back to Basics, and acclaimed author Irvine Welsh—share the mic to discuss their longstanding friendship, their passion for shaking up norms, and the transformative power of Leeds’ rave culture. Their conversation explores the city’s impact on their work, lives, and creative outlook.
‘Do You Know What I Mean?’ is more than just a podcast; it’s a cultural deep-dive that shines a spotlight on Leeds as a city of influence and inspiration. Listeners will gain unique insights into the people, events, and movements that continue to shape the electronic music industry. From celebrated artists and grassroots innovators to the city’s evolving social scene, the podcast is both a tribute to Leeds and a call to experience its vibrancy firsthand.
Whether you’re a resident, visitor, or simply intrigued by the stories behind great cities, Welcome to Leeds promises to engage, inspire, and celebrate the heart and soul of Leeds. Each episode is an invitation to connect with the city’s past, present, and future through the voices of those making a difference every day.
Welcome to Leeds is available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify and on the Welcome to Leeds YouTube.
