On Friday 11 October, The Coopers will headline the Love Music Leeds’ eagerly awaited album launch, supported by well-known Leeds artists, Harry George Johns and Jasmine Kennedy. Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust have worked with Rich Huxley and Ed Waring, from the band Hope and Social, to produce an album of songs nominated by people with experience of mental ill-health, or who are affected by it in their personal or professional lives.
The album launch will take place at Live at All Hallows, Leeds, starting at 7.45pm. Tickets for the launch cost just £7.50 and can be bought online here or by emailing lovemusicleeds@gmail.com. During the event, copies of the album will be available to buy or you can download it from lovemusicleeds.org.uk
Funds raised from the event will help to provide music based therapy and activities for people using the mental health services at Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
Love Music Leeds asked people to nominate songs which they had found helpful, inspiring, or comforting. Ten songs were selected from the nominations and recorded throughout 2013 by Leeds-based musicians. Songs are posted on the Love Music Leeds website along with a short film.
A film of people who nominated songs, along with the bands and musicians will be screened as part of Leeds International Film Festival in November.
Gary Bouch, Love Music Leeds creator, said
We have been working with some great artists such as Grant K. Fennell, Cry Baby Cry, Bruno Merz, Becky Holt and Hunting Bears. But it’s not just been about producing a great album, it’s a chance to connect music and mental health and share people’s experiences.
Individual songs are available to download from the Love Music Leeds website and Bandcamp at lovemusicleeds.bandcamp.com
The project has been made possible by the generosity of sponsors Logistik Group and ERS Medical who have very kindly donated their time and financial support.
Sharon Ward from Logistik Group said: We’re passionate about being part of our local community so when Love Music Leeds asked us to be part of their project we jumped at the chance. Being able to film the stories behind the nominated songs and get our teeth into this discussion of music and art’s ability to help those experiencing mental health isn’t something you get to help with every day.
Brendan Fatchett, managing director at ERS Medical said: ERS Medical is proud to be sponsoring Love Music Leeds which celebrates the power of music in helping people who are experiencing mental illness. We hope this project helps to reduce the stigma and discrimination that people with mental ill-health can face.