The Slates

The Slates are a rising indie-rock outfit from Yorkshire, carving out a reputation for sharp songwriting, grooves and an electrifying live presence. Made up of Louis Barnes (vocals, guitar), Joe Briggs (guitar), Jude Wales (bass), and Cohen Hall (drums); the band blend modernist psychedelia with classic indie/rock influences, channelling the spirit of Oasis, Arctic Monkeys, Stone Roses and Red Hot Chilli Peppers through a fresh, contemporary lens. Their sound is built on riffs, funk-tinged rhythms and hooks that stick fast, giving their music both dancefloor energy and sing-along appeal. While they openly admire current scene favourites such as Wunderhorse, The Royston Club and The K’s, The Slates are steadily defining a voice that feels distinctly their own.

Having released one EP and a run of standalone singles, The Slates have built a strong grassroots following through relentless gigging and word-of-mouth momentum. They’ve played sold-out headline shows in Leeds, Sheffield and Manchester; and have shared stages with acts including The K’s and The Clause. Their upward trajectory continues as they recently did their first European date in Sweden at Viva Sounds, have upcoming gigs in New York and Spain, and have their biggest headline tour to date on the horizon. Whether on record or on stage, The Slates are a band moving up.

In 2025 the band played: 3 sold-out 120+ headline shows in Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield, they played Isle of Wight, Y-NOT? and Truck Festival, Viva Sounds in Sweden, a sold-out headliner at Brudenell in Leeds and most recently supported The Clause at Academy 2 in Manchester just before Christmas.

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