Imperial Leisure

Imperial Leisure are a London, United Kingdom group active from 2001 to 2025. Formed through high school friendship in North London, they develop a hybrid sound that draws on ska, ska-punk, hip hop and punk, with references to groups such as The Specials, Madness, The Beastie Boys, Jurassic 5 and Rage Against the Machine. Their line-up includes live brass, decks and keys, and their music combines rock steady, party hip hop and mosh-pit punk influences.

Career and live work

The band build their audience through heavy gigging. Their debut single, In A Letter, sells out on the day of release, and they receive repeated radio support from Zane Lowe and Colin Murray on BBC Radio 1, as well as from Xfm, Virgin Xtreme, Gary Crowley on BBC London, Shaun Keaveney on BBC 6Music and Kerrang! Radio. They play major festivals including Glastonbury, Camp Bestival and Bestival, and also turn up for unannounced guerrilla-style performances in car parks, shopping centres, parks and on beaches across the UK. They also headline their own UK dates and tour in support of other acts, including Less Than Jake on a UK tour, plus Roots Manuva, Gym Class Heroes, Ugly Duckling, the Sugar Hill Gang, Sway and Skinnyman.

Recordings

Imperial Leisure release their debut album, The Art of Saying Nothing, in 2009. It is recorded at Eastcote Studios with producer Junk Scientist, who has also worked with Larrikin Love and The Rakes. The album contains twelve tracks focused on British themes, including ska and punk roots, drinking and debauchery. Notable tracks include Great British Summertime, Man On The Street, In A Letter and The Landlord’s Daughter. The band are based at their own rehearsal and recording studio in North London and continue writing new material after a European tour with Youngblood Brass Band.

Reception

Coverage describes the group as party-oriented live performers with a sound that blends hip hop, ska and punk. Reviewers and broadcasters single out their energy, hooks and live presence, with comments placing them alongside acts such as the Beastie Boys, De La Soul and Less Than Jake.