ArtistInfo

The Leaf Library

Band, *2005 GB, London
Electronic, Rock and Pop

The Leaf Library started out in Reading after Matt Ashton’s previous band (John Peel favourites Saloon) split in 2004. He started writing and recording with vocalist Kate Gibson (2) and after moving to London, they were joined by bassist Gareth Jones (4) (from Wintergreen) and guitarist Ben Smith (16), Matt’s housemate at the time. After a couple of temporary drummers, Lewis Young (3) settled in for good, bringing with him an eclectic collection of synths and gadgets. They released their first single Losing Places in 2008 via the Dutch label The Hooter Listens (which included a remix by ISAN), followed by a second single on the French label BEKO DSL in 2010. In 2011 they released Different Activities, Similar Diversions, a compilation of various tracks and home recording experiments. After a couple of years 2014’s The Greater Good was released as part of the Where It's At Is Where You Are singles club and gained heavy play on BBC 6music. This was followed by a split 7" with Smile Down Upon Us, Walking Backwards for the label and Kingfisher Bluez in 2015. The rejuvenated interest from these singles led to the release of 'debut album proper' Daylight Versions in 2015, swiftly followed by a drone version (Nightlight Versions) and remix version (Versions) in 2016. Co-producer Simon Nelson (2) gradually became part of the band during this time due to their desire to try to reproduce the increasing scope and complexity of their recorded music live. 2017 led towards a period of increasing experimentation, with the song-based City In Reverse/Kendrick Road single/EP contrasting with a glut of self-released live, improvised and instrumental pieces and a 77-minute behemoth of a track for WIAIWYA. The band are currently working on their second song-based album.

Members

	Matt Ashton g
	Gareth Jones b, perc
	Ben Smith g
	Kate Gibson voc, p
	Simon Nelson g
	Lewis Young dr, perc