Being new to Her Campus and Leeds University this year, I had high expectations, as I had heard that the Oxjam show held last year was a huge success. I can definitely say that the show this year did not disappoint. This year, the show- which had the theme of ‘Girls with Guitars’- was held upstairs in The Library pub; where fairy lights and low lighting provided an intimate and friendly setting for the girls to perform.
If you’re wondering what Oxjam is, it’s a month long music festival run by Oxfam every year in October. Its aim is to not only raise money to help fight poverty, but also to promote local artists in regional areas. This seemed like the ideal night for me because all profit was going to a good cause, and it also gave me the opportunity to discover the music life of my new home town Leeds.
The evening began with Liv Johnson; who performed unique covers of popular chart hits such as ‘Wake Me up’ and ‘Sexy and I know it.’ Accompanied by her loyal supporters (who even brought banners!), Liv- who is also a writer for Her Campus Leeds- provided refreshing and meaningful versions of classics. When asked why she took part, Liv replied: ‘I love performing and I always have a lot of fun doing it, raising money for Oxfam through live music is a brilliant idea and something I knew I had to get involved in as soon as I heard about it!’
Loucin Moskofian then took to the stage, accompanied by guitarist Tom and double bassist Max. They performed moving performances of covers, such as ‘Funny Valentine’ and ‘Ain’t Nobody’, and also their original songs. It was incredible to see an artist have so much voice control and also have the ability to completely capture an audience with her music.
Indie artist Katie Heap was next to perform. She entertained with inspiring original songs such as ‘Where I Lay.’ I really enjoyed Katie’s duet with Jack Powell; they sang ‘The Water’, their voices complementing each other to create a magical sound. ‘I think it’s great to for musicians to come together and play for charity, and really liked the theme of ‘Girls with Guitars’’ said Katie, ‘it turned out to be a really good night, with a great vibe and amazing talent, I would definitely take part again.’
The final artist to perform was 19- year-old singer Pip Mountjoy, who, despite being young, has already had incredible success. Not only has she toured North America, she has also performed at Glastonbury on the ‘BBC Introducing’ Stage. I felt lucky to be watching the country singer perform in such a small setting; she delighted the audience with her original songs, sang both on the guitar and the ukulele. After already having performed four shows for Oxfam this year, Pip explained to me why it’s so important to her to take part in these events: ‘It’s too easy to feel a bit useless or like it doesn’t involve you, so being able to help just by doing what I do anyway is amazing’ and added ‘and to raise money for Oxfam whilst doing it!’
By the end of the night I had figured out my next goal: to be able to sing or play the guitar…or both! I was so envious of these girls who- despite playing the same type of instrument- all had their own unique style. They were able to conjure up such different emotions and atmospheres; I was amazed at how each of these girls had their own musical taste and weren’t afraid to reveal that to the audience.
So far the night has managed to raise over £200 which shows how it was worthwhile and- on behalf of the magazine- thanks to all the artists who took part.
Kirsty Rhodes
Photos:
Ella Sagar