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Getting In With The Hive

Entheos Music Production has been taking social media by storm with their Live in the Hive video sessions, and has quickly become the independent artist’s favourite cove in Leeds. We have watched and been drawn into their intimate video sessions with local musicians, set behind the striking walls of Carnegie Stadium. We have joined the vibrant atmospheres of their bustling gigs at The Old Red Bus Station – some of you have even had the pleasure to perform on their landmark balcony.

Well, on Saturday 23rd September, Leeds once again echoed with the soaring vocals of Live in Hive’s most impressive artists as Entheos unleashed their latest project: Hive Festival, an entire day of spine-tingling entertainment that celebrated the Yorkshire creative scene. I decided to head down there myself to see the festival in action.

It started at three o’clock in the rustic, independent scene of Hyde Park Book Club, a place familiar to a plethora of university of students. Whether it’s your regular coffee shop on a Sunday morning, or just somewhere you’ve walked past on your way to the fancy dress shop next door, chances are everyone in Leeds is well acquainted with this local favourite. What a perfect place, then, I thought as I arrived, to showcase the budding underground music scene.

The décor reminded me of a classic American diner, with its cherry red colour scheme and vintage booths. Its proximity to the local pub soon brought flocks of students walking in as the first musician began to play. Her name was Amy Joan, and her dreamy vocals followed the gentle rise of her guitar as she played from The Wilderness Stage. It was the perfect way to kick off a day of laid-back tunes, and the free entry meant that by six o’clock, the Hyde Park Book Club was overflowing with good people and good vibes.

As Hive Festival rolled on, and the bright afternoon became evening, dozens of artists had graced the stage. We stomped and clapped to different music, listened intently to spoken poetry, and laughed with local comedians. Fairy lights had been woven into tree branches, and candles flickered on table tops. The familiar Live in the Hive cinema box glowed from the corner of the entrance, and their personal photographer weaved in and out of the crowds, capturing these moments. It truly was the perfect setting for the independent music scene that Leeds boasted – and there we all were, drinking beer and laughing with friends, not realising that we were probably witnessing the start of something brilliant.

I couldn’t help but feel inspired. I wanted to create. I wanted to jump onstage and join the phenomenal range of voices that filled the air that night; and I soon realised that this is what Live in the Hive was all about. It’s more than just a creative space for the independent musician – more than just a recording session, or a popular page on your Facebook. Live in the Hive is an energy that inspires people to create, to pursue their passion, or even just to join in. It’s an energy that not only moves through its founders and performers, but also its audience, whether you’re watching from your computer screen or from a table in a bar.


Live in the Hive takes on and represents all walks of artistry. If you’re an independent musician looking for an outlet, I urge you to get in touch with this passionate team. Their video sessions are open to everyone, and broadcasted to thousands of people on Facebook and YouTube. They hold regular music nights in some of the city centre’s most popular bars, and I have been assured by their founder, Luke Mathias, that Hive Festival will return. So keep your eyes open, your ears to the ground, and your guitar at the ready, because Entheos are powering through Leeds like a steamroller, transforming the landscape of underground music into a hive of many, many voices. 

Join the Hive!
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