This November, talented artists, musicians, designers and animators will unite for the Love Unplugged fundraiser. Wendy Denman spoke to founder Chris Dallender about fusing music, art and charity, and creating something much better than ‘musartity’.
Tell us about Love Unplugged and how it came to be in Leeds?
In a nutshell, Love Unplugged is a project that tries to blend some of the best music and art around, and we do it for a good cause! The events have been really well received. It’s amazing really that it is what it is! I mean, we’re all volunteers, and we give 100% of profits to charity! We have worked with some of the best artists in the region on our cardboard guitars project, and the bands we have had headline our events have been brilliant!
Why Leeds? Well, art in Leeds is buzzing at the moment, with everything that’s going on! And last year, our cardboard guitar project went down so well, we just figured we should bring the main event across too.
We’re looking forward to it. We love what’s happening around the arts quarter, and with the main event being held at Munro House, we know we can keep that intimate and relaxed feel that everyone loved last time. It’s going to be so good!
Love Unplugged 2011 from Love Unplugged on Vimeo.
Here’s a lovely video of last year’s event to explain more.
What is the first song you’d play on a cardboard guitar?
Wow, tough question! … If I was being sentimental I’d say ‘Bottom of the Barrel’ by Amos Lee. It’s a nice little ditty about hope. Oh, hang on … Laura, one of the group just sent me a message … she says ‘Treat me Nice’ by Elvis. That probably makes sense, they’ll be worth a bob or two! Fancy bidding for one?
Would you rather communicate only by belting out lyrics of songs or by drawing pictures?
None of us are the greatest singers, which is why we don’t perform at Love Unplugged. But I think I’d still rather be “belting out the lyrics.” I love art, especially illustration, but sadly I struggle drawing a stick man. Tom and Maddy, the graphic designers on our team, would definitely be drawing a picture. The cardboard guitars were their brainchild, so they’d have to say that anyway!
Sometimes when you’re at gigs with a drink in your hand, it’s hard to applaud in the traditional ‘clapping hands’ way. Can you suggest an alternative method of showing appreciation?
Ha, I laughed when I read this question! We have a little character, a bird called Bert. He showed up on the design work for the first Love Unplugged, and become something of a mascot! So I think some sort of chirping would be good! I’d love it if everyone did that!
Pity me please for I have experienced treading on both an upturned plug and a piece of lego. What would you say is more painful?
Come on… clearly a plug hurts more! Ouch!
Charity gigs, comedy wigs, Percy pigs or the theme tune to Johnny Briggs?
Percy Pigs! Nom nom!
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Love Unplugged takes place on Saturday 17th November from 7pm at Munro House, Leeds. Tickets are £5 for students with valid NUS cards, £7 in advance and £9 on the door.
Entertainment will come from The Coopers, Hunting Bears and Benjamin William Pike. The artists designing the cardboard guitars are Lord Whitney, Tiger Tea, Freddie Denton, Laura Slater, Nathan Evans, Moenipulation, Roy Wood, Tasha Whittle, Tom Newell and 3 Digits. These guitars will go up for auction on the night.
For more information on the line up, artists involved, and to buy tickets, visit the website www.loveunplugged.co.uk. You can also follow them on Twitter @lve_unplugged.
All profits from this year’s event go to the charity Brains Trust – a brain cancer charity that work to help patients and carers regain control, and be confident that they are working towards the best outcome for their situation.