Imperial Leisure are a ten-piece North London phenomenon, playing their own particular blend of hip-hop, ska and rock music, complete with live brass section, keyboards, DJ, two MCs and a singer! They have been mates since secondary school, and in some cases, primary school and it shows!

Influences come from all over the place: From the great British 'ska' bands such as The Specials and Madness to the Motown-inspired soulfulness of singer Jel's vocals. Throw in the Hip Hop/Rock sensibilities of MCs Ben and Denis's raps and Imperial Leisure serve you up a killer combination of phat beats, great hooks and lyrics you just cannot get out of your head!

Based in their own rehearsal/recording studio in North London, they work together and party together, and put equal energy into both things. This energy is what sets the band apart on stage: Their absolutely electric performances!

Imperial Leisure spent 2006/7 converting crowds across the country. November 2006 saw the boys successfully supporting US hip-hoppers Ugly Duckling on 14 dates, whilst this year supports have included Gym Class Heroes at their sell-out London Forum show, the legendary Sugar Hill Gang, The Beat, Sway, Skinnyman and a reunion with Ugly Duckling. Festivals for this summer include Secret Garden Party, Exeter Respect, Bristol Cider Festival, Blissfields and The Brick Lane Festival..

With a couple of self released E.P.s out over the course of the last year, Imperial Leisure are currently working on new recordings and looking forward to a heavy touring schedule again in 2008.