大象传媒

Lyrically Justified is a group of musicians, DJs, performers and organisers who want to provide a platform for those who may feel excluded from the city's music scenes. They promote gigs, get involved in recording and have forged good links with educational establishments in the city.

The collective was formed around four years ago by Harry and Ms Sykes, who came together with a desire to see something happen in their community. Based in Harehills, they're aided and abetted by Yannis (aka 12), DJ Ant Black and producer/MC, Ill-literate.

Harry on the mic

Organiser Harry explains more: "There's no hard-and-fast rules about music policy - hip hop mingles with urban, asian flavas are just as likely to get a hearing as acoustic singer-songwriters. The main ethos is to make sure that all artists have one thing in common - positivity. As the name suggests, lyrical content is key to what we do - there's no gangsta rap machismo here, we aim to be a positive presence in our community."

Both Harry and Ms Sykes admit that their Sikh and Muslim backgrounds have a bearing on what they do - influenced by the cultural ethos of helping each other out. The nights that they promote are open to all. Anyone with an act to perform can have ten minutes to perform and show people what they can do.

"We started up nights at Leeds Metropolitan University's Beckett's Park campus and have established good relations with the University. I think initially they were a little bit wary of us - maybe cos of the way we dressed - but they soon realised we weren't there to trash the place, we just wanted a venue to perform in."

"Indeed, since then we've become involved with the Leeds Summer School at LMU, which brought in young males aged 11-16 from what's termed 'deprived' backgrounds. Usually antipathetic to education these guys were able to use their passion and energy in real studios, pick up DJing tips, have access to photographic equipment and other media that is too costly for them to buy. The chance to create something brought out something good."听

"We have a regular session at Carpe Diem on a Monday evening now, and word of mouth has spread bringing in all sorts of performers. The gigs start with a freestyle jam to get the creative juices flowing but we're not tied to performing in traditional venues. Street parties (a sort of mass busking) have been great fun and restaurants and takeaways have been known to allow us to do our stuff."

Ms Sykes

"We've been able to connect with similar groups all over the country - Bristol, Sheffield, Manchester, Retford and we did a great benefit gig for Mothers Against Violence in Redcar. A representative of the local police was there and he was pleasantly surprised to see what we were doing. We're all about confounding people's expectations - every story you see in the media about youth these days seems to be negative, so hopefully we can redress the balance a little."

The collective isn't afraid of talking about politics and philosophy. They see music as life and love and has the ability to break down doors. For them, LJ means Life-Jaan (Jaan meaning life, the two words together symbolising a fusion of cultures). So much so, that MC Ill-literate has had it tattooed on his back! They want people with energy and ideas to get involved and fulfil their potential.

"We can relate to those with nothing, or those who perceive themselves as having nothing. The street kids, bad lads, whatever...hopefully some of our positivity can rub off and we can provide a space where they can be free."