The Benjamin Francis Leftwich Guide To York

How would you describe York?

York is a sleepy old medieval town in the North East of England, surrounded by the most beautiful and rugged coastline and forests. I feel really lucky to have grown up there. As far back as I can remember I would go out to Whitby on the coast and I really love that place. I get asked a lot why there are so many natural and oceanic references in my music and I think that growing up surrounded by so much natural beauty and wonder has influenced the use of language in my songs.

Who are the best local artists?

York has some very talented and gifted songwriters, many of whom have inspired and helped me. Chris Helme, who sang and wrote in The Seahorses has helped and encouraged me since I was young. Chris, and our friend Andy Gaines who fronted Cardboard Radio, used to put on amazing singer/songwriter nights at The Basement Bar called 'Little Num Num Club'. They invited me to play there a few times when I was 17 and that was the first time I felt welcomed as a writer and artist by people who I looked up to and still do. Through playing these nights I met Hayley Hutchinson and Sam Forrest who have become two of my most trusted friends, personally and musically. Hayley has sung on most of the music I have released and Sam has played guitar and sung on many of my songs. Sam ended up tour managing me for a year in 2011 and I feel like I learnt a lot from time spent in his company. Sam really understands the values of patience and creative freedom and was a great friend to me for my first year of touring. Sam and Hayley both have released beautiful solo records as well as collaborative records under the name The Sorry Kisses.

Despite a period of relative silence and inaction from the York music scene over the past decade, 2016 has blessed the city with the most exciting, beautiful and progressive energies it has seen in centuries. We are all giving thanks that Avalanche Party and The Howl & The Hum are now poised to feed the city again. They are both amazing bands with militant focus and creative, fearless attitudes and they both inspire me. Avalanche Party just released their new single "Solid Gold" via The Amazing Singles Club and The Howl & The Hum are gigging relentlessly and are working and recording with some of the top creatives and producers in the world. Both these bands contain amazing songwriters and I am excited to see what happens over the next few years.

What's the best venue?

I think the best venues for bands to play in York are Fibbers, The Basement Bar, The Fulford Arms, The Habbit, Dusk, The Crescent, which has newly opened and has such a great energy, National Centre For Early Music, and The Barbican. All these venues are different but awesome. The Duchess was amazing as well but it sadly closed recently.

Where's the best place to eat?

Wilde's Wine Bar in town is amazing. My first band, The Nicoles, has our emblem written on the bar in there. Il Paradiso Del Cibo on Fossgate does the best Italian food in town. Sunday Lunch at Evil Eye Lounge is so good. If you like Indian food go to Rafi's Spicebox. Ambiente Tapas have the Spanish vibe locked down. If you like vegan food then go El Piano. If you’re visiting York go and eat fish and chips in Whitby as well - ask the locals for the best. Parliament Square in York regularly has food stalls and markets and you can find amazing stuff there... for fresh fish, meat, and vegetables go to the markets.

Best places to drink?

In the Museum Gardens or the Minster Gardens, they are beautiful locations. For tea and coffee and other sweet blessings go to The Vanilla Café, it is a special place and right by the Minster which people travel from all over the world to see. You will be looked after there. Or go and drink in The Habit and watch some amazing, usually brilliant, live music. There are lots and lots of bars in York.

Who are the local heroes?

David Ward Maclean is one of mine and many other peoples local heroes. David writes the most amazing songs and has inspired lots of people in the city. I was lucky enough to have David join me and the band Daughter on a few shows on a UK tour a few years ago, including a show at the iconic Union Chapel in London. David and I have spent many hours talking music and I’ve always loved hearing him sing and talk.

What are the best sights to see and places to visit?

The York Minster is an internationally respected monument and is really amazing. I was lucky enough to walk past the Minster on my walk in to college every morning when I was 18. I also love walking down by the River Ouse. The river runs through the city and has inspired many songs written in York by myself and other artists. There is something about being by water that is so calming.

Where is the best place to relax?

It depends on your definition of relaxation, but again I would say go and hang out in the Museum Gardens or Minster Gardens. If you have time drive out to Robin Hood's Bay or Whitby, they are spiritual places. Or walk up the York University Campus - I go there to relax on the rare occasion that I am back in the city and it is a serene place.

What's the best thing about York?

For me the best thing about York is all the beautiful music and song writing that has inspired and taught me over the years, and continues to do so. I also love the city for all the visceral memories it holds for me - of my Father who is sadly no longer with us. I love most of the people there and the true creatives. I love how calm it was as a place to grow up. I feel very lucky to have had that; it allowed me space and time to learn about creating. Of course, some of my closest friends live there - I tour with some of them and work with some of them. They know who they are and I miss them all the time while out on this wild road.

What's the worst thing about York?

I think the worst thing about York is a lack of cultural diversity, which of course affects the output and weight of artistry and music from the city. More life in the future. Music is the most important thing in my life alongside my beautiful sister and I am inspired by so many of the artists from York. I feel lucky and privileged to have grown up there. I predict 2017 to be a special year for York music.