Leeds musicians unite to create charity album in response to Black Live Matter movement

By Joanna Wardill
Published 10th Nov 2020, 11:45 BST
Leeds bassist Alex Robinson, who created the Leeds Together album which raises funds for Black Lives Matter Leeds and the Black Health Initiative.Leeds bassist Alex Robinson, who created the Leeds Together album which raises funds for Black Lives Matter Leeds and the Black Health Initiative.
Leeds bassist Alex Robinson, who created the Leeds Together album which raises funds for Black Lives Matter Leeds and the Black Health Initiative.
Musicians from across Leeds have come together to pool their talents and create a charity-boosting album in response to the Black Lives Matter movement.

Spearheaded by Leeds bassist Alex Robinson and Jack Simpson, who runs Eiger Studios and Hyde Park Book Club (HPBC) Records, the resulting EP, called Leeds Together, is now on sale online and has so far raised nearly £750 - with all proceeds to be split between Black Lives Matter Leeds and the city charity the Black Health Initiative.

The duo said the project aimed to draw attention to what is happening around the world to the black and ethnic minority communities, acknowledging the rising tensions felt over the summer in response to George Floyd’s death in America, as well as showcasing the talent and diversity of the Leeds music scene and give something back to the local community.

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Jack, 41, told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “We were just attempting to do something peaceful and also to recognise what was happening.

Drummer James Robinson, one of the musicians involved in the Leeds Together EP.Drummer James Robinson, one of the musicians involved in the Leeds Together EP.
Drummer James Robinson, one of the musicians involved in the Leeds Together EP.

“I think in Leeds you could feel a lot of tension and people asking questions about things that go on due to race. It felt like it wasn’t really right to ignore what was going on.