Nick Hemming grew up in Burton-on-Trent. The Leisure Society was born when Nick decided to share a London flat with fellow Burton-on-Trent exile and multi-instrumentalist / producer, Christian Hardy.

The years following that initial meet have seen the band release 4 critically acclaimed albums. Touring extensively throughout, the The Leisure Society have graced the stage at two Meltdown Festivals (firstly, Richard Thompson's, then Ray Davies'). They packed a tent at Glastonbury. Brian Eno declared himself a fan, and the band have been nominated for two Ivor Novello awards.

In 2016, the band was derailed by the break-up of Nick and long-term partner, flautist Helen Whitaker. Retreating to their roots, Nick and Christian left the UK to tour Europe as a duo, then another 3 weeks touring Italy with violinist Mike Siddell in tow.

New songs emerged throughout this period and developed in intimate venues, hotel rooms and moonlit courtyards. In 2017, the band’s album delivery deadline loomed, but rather than rush out a new record, they decided to dedicate another 12 months perfecting it in studios and rented houses across the UK and France.  What results is certainly their most ambitious and diverse record to date, charting the journey from heartbreak, to bitterness, to hope, in 57 minutes.

Leisure Society will play Upstairs at Whelan’s on Thursday September 19 with tickets from €14.95 including booking fee on sale Wednesday, May 1 at 10 a.m. from Ticketmaster.