Keir Starmer Reveals His Passion for Orange Juice and Northern Soul Music

Prime Minister Keir Starmer opens up about his love for Orange Juice and Northern soul, sharing how music shaped his journey and helped him through tough times.

When you think of political leaders, you might not immediately picture them as music buffs with eclectic tastes, but Keir Starmer breaks that mold. The Prime Minister recently shared a heartfelt glimpse into his musical preferences, revealing a deep love for the indie band Orange Juice and the upbeat rhythms of Northern soul. His story is a reminder that behind the politics, there’s a fan who finds solace and joy in music’s timeless embrace.

From Rural Village to Leeds: A Musical Awakening

In a candid chat on BBC Radio 3’s Private Passions, Sir Keir reflected on the soundtrack of his life. He picked a few favorites, from classical giants like Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and Elgar, to more personal memories tied to his younger days. One standout revelation was his time learning violin at school—alongside none other than the future Fatboy Slim, no less. Imagine two young lads, bows in hand, honing their craft before their worlds took wildly different paths.

Starmer’s move from a sleepy rural village to the vibrant, diverse city of Leeds in the 1980s was a cultural eye-opener. It was there that he discovered the Scottish indie band Orange Juice. In his own words:

“The whole cultural experience going from rural village life to a really busy, diverse, fantastic, living city like Leeds. And with it came a whole new chapter of music, I love the music [of Orange Juice], I love the lyrics, but also for me it’s this memory of going to Leeds.”

That memory is more than nostalgia—it captures a pivotal moment when music helped define his identity and connection to a new world.

Northern Soul: Kitchen Dance Parties and Family Moments

The Prime Minister’s affection doesn’t stop with indie rock. Northern soul, known for its energetic beats and passionate fanbase, holds a special place in his heart. Picture this: Starmer, sleeves rolled up, chopping away in the kitchen while the infectious grooves of Northern soul fill the air, and his daughter joyfully singing along. It’s such a vivid, warm slice of everyday life that anyone who’s ever danced in their own kitchen can relate to.

Music for Starmer isn’t just background noise—it’s a companion during life’s highs and lows.

Music as a Refuge in Grief

The past year brought profound personal loss for Starmer with the death of his younger brother, Nick. The grieving process was understandably difficult. Yet, music provided an escape, a safe harbor amid the storm:

“It really hit me. That was really hard because I just wanted to grieve for my little brother. And music gave me a place to go to escape from all of that.”

It’s touching to hear how melodies and harmonies can offer comfort when words fail, a true testament to music’s healing power.

A Shared Past with Fatboy Slim

Earlier this year, Fatboy Slim reminisced about their school days, recalling violin lessons shared with Starmer. He joked about his own early retirement from the instrument:

“I can’t actually remember the violin lessons. But I was in the same class at school as Keir for five years, so I remember him well. He must have been better at the violin than me, because I did it for about one term. My parents could take no more noise, so I would say Keir was better.”

It’s a charming reminder that even world leaders have humble, relatable beginnings.

Supporting Grassroots Music Venues

Starmer’s love of music isn’t just personal; it shapes his political views too. He’s an advocate for grassroots music venues, recognizing their crucial role in nurturing emerging talents and connecting communities. When asked about the £1 ticket levy designed to help sustain these venues, Starmer expressed strong support:

“I’m very supportive of this initiative, the £1 levy going back into grassroots [venues], because so much of our music is grassroots. It’s obviously where a lot of musicians start off, and therefore I’m hugely supportive of it. I’d like to see it expanded even more, but I want to support it in any way we can.”

This stance aligns with his understanding that the heartbeat of music culture lies in small, independent stages—not just big arenas.

A Stand on Free Speech and Music at Festivals

Starmer’s engagement with music culture hasn’t been without controversy. Earlier in 2025, he was among politicians who spoke out against the band Kneecap’s performance at Glastonbury, citing concerns over incitement to violence. Starmer clarified his position:

“Kneecap shouldn’t be performing at Glastonbury, and I don’t support inciting violence as free speech. I think it’s important that we distinguish the issues we all care about and should be spoken about freely on the one hand, and then the incitement to violence on the other. They’re two different things.”

The band later responded during their set with chants against the Prime Minister, illustrating the ongoing tensions between politics and music culture.

Keir Starmer’s musical journey—from violin lessons and indie discoveries to Northern soul kitchen sessions—paints a vivid picture of a man whose life is intertwined with melody and rhythm. His appreciation for music spans genres and generations, blending personal memories with a commitment to support the arts at a systemic level. And isn’t that what music’s about? Connecting us, helping us heal, and inspiring us to dance through life’s twists and turns.

FAQ

• What band does Keir Starmer particularly love from his Leeds days?
  Starmer has expressed a fondness for the Scottish indie band Orange Juice, which he discovered after moving to Leeds in the 1980s.
• How does Starmer describe his experience with Northern soul?
  He imagines himself happily chopping in the kitchen, sleeves rolled up, while Northern soul plays and his daughter sings loudly.
• Did Keir Starmer have a musical background?
  Yes, Starmer took violin lessons at school, where he famously shared classes with Fatboy Slim.
• What role does Starmer believe grassroots music venues play?
  He believes grassroots venues are essential, as many musicians start there, and they are where most people first access music.
• Has Keir Starmer ever commented on controversial music festival lineups?
  Yes, he spoke against the band Kneecap performing at Glastonbury due to concerns over incitement to violence, emphasizing the distinction between free speech and violent incitement.

If you’re inspired by Starmer’s musical tastes and want to bring some of that vibe into your own space, why not shop your favorite album cover posters at Architeg Prints? It’s a tasteful way to celebrate the music that shapes us all.