Leeds musicians unite to create charity album in response to Black Live 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.

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

“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.

“We wanted to bring people together in a peaceful way and just show solidarity between white and black musicians in the city at that time.

“We got everyone together in the studio, lots of musicians from across the city - some of the best young musicians around - and created these five tracks.”

The tracks draw on Alex’s gospel background, combined with elements of funk, jazz and the spoken word.

Alex, who is also a musical director, said it was a chance to bring the “community” of musicians together during the pandemic.

“We thought we’d bring these elements together - so bring a community of musicians together, promoting people [being] together, promoting everyone in this together and diversity as well.

“I’m really pleased with the results. It was really good, a really good process to get involved with. It was fantastic. There were so many people, so many artists that turned up. A lot of the heavy gospel culture that came out. It was amazing, fantastic.”

Artists featuring on the EP include keys player Leroy Johnson, vocalist Rhyanne Woodbine, guitarist Conall Mulvenna, spoken word artist Adekola, drummer James Robinson and rap artist Marnz.

To listen to a taster or download the full EP, visit https://thealexrobinsonproject.bandcamp.comFor more information on Black Health Initiative, the community engagement organisation which works towards equality of access to health and social care within Leeds and the surrounding areas for disadvantaged communities, visit www.blackhealthinitiative.org.

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