The Festival Republic Stage at Leeds Festival has always been a hub for discovering exciting new talent, and this year was no exception. Friday’s lineup brought standout performances from rising indie stars, including New Zealand duo Balu Brigada and British singer-songwriter Nieve Ella, both of whom delivered sets brimming with energy, personality, and fan connection.

Balu Brigada, the indie rock duo from Auckland, took to the stage with undeniable charisma. Showcasing new singles from their upcoming album, they gave the crowd an exclusive taste of what’s to come. Their crowd interaction was one of the highlights of the performance; constantly engaging with fans, they radiated genuine joy to be playing at Leeds. “We’re so happy to be here,” they said with wide grins, and the feeling was clearly mutual.

Later in the day, Nieve Ella drew a packed crowd to the tent, proving her rapidly growing presence in the U.K. music scene. With her heartfelt lyrics and infectious indie-pop sound, she captivated the audience from the first chord. A standout moment came when she introduced her song “Lucky Girl,” dedicating it “to the people who have to deal with d*ckheads on the daily” — a line that sparked loud cheers and enthusiastic applause from the crowd. The energy never dipped, with fans bouncing and singing along throughout the set, creating an atmosphere that felt both intimate and electric.

The Festival Republic Stage continues to be the place to catch tomorrow’s headliners today— and with artists like Balu Brigada and Nieve Ella lighting it up, the future of indie music is looking very bright.