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Hiya, I’m Matt. You might know me as resident lurker of UML, the bassist for Lost Property and organising the one and only Strange Parade last October.
Having been an active part of UML since 2021 – the library has been my gateway to the Leeds music scene, and I aim to encourage more aspiring musicians and music fans to get involved with our friendly community.
To do so I propose the following:
- More Strange Parades: Getting gigs as a new act can be difficult, and putting on your own, intimidating. I want Strange Parades to showcase the new and exciting that UML & Leeds have to offer, giving opportunities to those who might usually be put off. I’ve already hosted a Strange Parade on my own, and I hope to do a lot more this year. At minimum I aim to host at least one gig a term (but hopefully more!).
- More Records: Although UML has got a fantastic selection of classic records, there’s always more to buy. As president I want to give more power to our members by introducing a monthly vote on new records to go out and buy.
- More Sunday Slumps: Because there’s nothing better than putting a record on and having a cuppa on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
- More UML Tiny Desks: A great way to showcase both our cozy library and its talented residents. Having done some home recording with my band, I have previous experience doing live recording.
- More collaboration: Most people only know about UML by accidentally stumbling into it. I think more people should know about how great UML is by doing more events in collaboration with the wonderful people at Leeds Student Radio, Band Soc, and BPM Society.
Voting for Matt isn’t a decision, it’s a lifestyle.

hello! my name is karishma (she/her) and I would love to be considered as president of UML because of my love for music and appreciation of this society 3

I have always had a love for crate digging no matter what genre - currently, my collection consists of CDs from drum and bass/classic house to indie rock to alternative pop! however, I still have a huge appreciation for vinyl whether it be for listening or djing.

I would be suitable for this role as I was a regular volunteer at UML. the room became my comfort place at times of highs and lows so I hope that if I were president, this role will allow me to give back that same sense of belonging and safety to others! this especially considers those who are marginalised such as poc and those who identify as lgbtqia+ :)

in terms of experience, I am currently on the committee of the BPM (electronic music and DJ) Society. my role was radio manager which encapsulates my passion for music as a whole however, my contribution was not limited to this as I also helped at DJ workshops and socials.

additionally, my love for music spans out to my little DJ journey which has brought me opportunities such as being in touch with local collectives and the chance to DJ at venues such as the Vinyl Whistle (in Headingley) and Beaverworks. as I have been very active in the local leeds events and music scene, I am also trained as a safety guardian by Right to Walk.

overall, if I were president I would hope to strengthen inclusivity and the sense of community in UML. as I have previously stated that the UML room was my comfort place throughout university, I would like to make the room more inviting by possibly introducing a bi-weekly 'genre a day' scheme where each day consists of listening to new classics and old favourites of that genre to engage new people and create a safe/sociable environment.

also, I hope to continue being on the BPM committee in the following year so I would love to use this as a chance for more collaborations for socials as well as, other non-music-related societies that work on building a community for others. finally, I would expand the vinyl/cd catalogue with more genres and with requests and recommendations from members.

PREAMBLE...

Hi, I’m Jonny (He/They/Him), I love music and I love vinyl. There are few things I enjoy more than turning up my speakers, dropping the stylus, and getting lost in the music. You’ll often see me around the Kirkgate Record Fair and rummaging in the depths of The Wall Of Sound. I love that the Union Music Library exists and I hope that I can make it loads of fun and create a lovely community around it :)

A BIT ABOUT ME...
-First Year History Student
-I’ve been collecting Records for around Five Years and have recently expanded to CDs and cassette tapes. I’m a huge audio nerd and love all kinds of physical media.
-Beatles Fanatic
-Northern Irish (sex appeal?!?)
-luvwharfluvbrudeluvbelgraveluvkeyclubluvhyde

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE-

LEEDS LGBT SOC 2022/23-
Last year I was a welfare officer. This involved helping to plan and put on many social events and was a good introduction to being on a committee.

COME PLAY WITH ME-
I’m creating a workshop/panel-style event with CPWM, a celebration of Physical media, and will act as a guide for young people starting out with record collecting. This will take place This September and could be a great way to get new members engaged! I’ll also be doing a placement with Press On Vinyl in Middlesborough over the summer who I hope to collaborate with on an event next year.

LEEDS 2023-
Collaborating with others to put on an event highlighting music culture in Leeds. Alongside this, I have taken part in training on many aspects of event planning, promotion, and creating safer spaces. I have become trained in ‘safe nights out’ through this scheme.

MY VISION FOR THE SOCIETY-

To bring people together over their love for music and the tangible ways we listen to it.
I want the Society to have regular social events such as listening parties, ‘bring your own singles’ sessions, pub socials gigs, and more. I’d also love to bring back classic events such as Strange Parade and Sunday Slump. I’d love to collaborate with other societies such as Album Review and Bandsoc, and with the wider Leeds Music Community such as local record stores, venues, and record labels. I would create a weekly newsletter with contributions from our members and others.
I’d like to utilize the budget to expand and diversify our catalog, and possibly invest in a record-cleaning machine to help preserve our collection for years to come and help our members keep their records clean :) I treat my records like my children, and this care will be extended to the thousands of items in the UML, including keeping our Discogs library up to date.