Blur the Lines - The Story so Far

The first Blur The Lines took place as part of Leeds LitFest in March 2019. When the inaugural Leeds Literature Festival programme was announced it felt like an ideal opportunity to inject a new energy into the literature festival format. With this in mind, Lence was given the chance to run his own night as part of the Festival at the Hyde Park Book Club and called it Blur The Lines to illustrate how the event would blur the lines between poetry and rap, and audiences could experience both genres together.

That first Blur The Lines featured 20 poets, rappers and singers. The variety of artists helped to attract a unique crowd that queued out of the door to see their favourite performers showcased on an eclectic night.

Eager to keep momentum from that first show, Lence, seeking a new venue, worked with Leeds Playhouse to showcase a selection of 20 mostly emerging artists presenting their work in a sold out Blur the Lines show as part of the Furnace Festival in November 2019.

After that show, Mick McCann of Culture Vulture described ‘… a buzz of excitement amongst the other young whipper-rappers, apparently, Lence was ‘the real deal’, had to be seen, he was ‘special’… he was spectacular, young, edgy and intense; words hitting home, nerves burning in his chest and pulling out a performance that connected directly with each person watching…that’s a talent. When Lence organised his first Blur the Lines… it forced me to admit that I’m a hypocrite. ‘"I ’ate poetry, me’" used to be my response to poetry nights, yet there I was saying, ‘" right enjoyed that". The people he selected were clever with words and had real things, life things, to say; they made connections. He selected poets/Mesh perspectives and the skills to convey them. I’ve seen Lence perform his hip-hop sets at least ten times. I’ve watched him grow and develop, tighten his already compelling performances. He’s retained his intensity but now owns any stage he stands on. I think you should witness his belief and honesty, the intensity of his words and those of the people he’s selected, It can be words that open up our worlds or soothe our prickling souls. Go feel the passion. TRUTH’.

Blur the Lines at Furnace Festival helped to integrate the spoken word and local music scenes with the theatre world in Leeds, raising awareness of the unique array of talent that this city has. This influence can be seen in theatre programming across the city since that time.

As the Blur The Lines spark continued to grow there was a return to the next Leeds LitFest in March 2020, this time at The Holbeck WMC (the oldest Social Club in Britain) run by Slunglow. That line-up featured established acts with an injection of debut performers who brought a fresh energy and symbolised the direction of the platform, offering opportunities to all, particularly those who had been following Blur The Lines as part of the audience and eager to get on stage themselves. 

That night had the biggest attendance yet, a sensational array of entertainment presented rap alongside comedy, poetry and live music, all in front of a enthusiastic and supportive audience.

Abbey McClure, Yorkshire Evening Post wrote, ‘As well as hosting creative writing workshops in schools and youth centres, Lence has launched his own events to help other aspiring musicians and creatives. Blur The Lines brings together a versatile collection of rappers, poets and spoken word artists under one roof, helping them form connections with artists they might not otherwise meet.’

As Covid put paid to live performances things naturally went quiet, then in June 2021 Blur The Lines was invited once more into the Leeds Playhouse for a week in the Bramall Rock Void. They spent this time and space filming new content - music videos, performances, footage for future event trailers, artist interviews and much more, to improve their online presence, using that virtual space to share regular updates regarding new show developments, post clips and photos from previous events and feature artists and their work. Keeping that Blur The Lines spark alive.

When local music development organisation Come Play With Me expressed interest in being involved in the next Blur The Lines it represented a great opportunity to further integrate the creative scenes in Leeds, and help more artists appear on the radar.

November 2021 brought a triumphant return to The Holbeck, thanks to funding from Leeds Inspired, with a brilliant reunion show. Blur The Lines was back... live!

Since then, Blur The Lines has continued to build an online presence, sharing content across their Instagram and Facebook pages including The Who? What? Where? interviews with 21 artists; highlighting a featured artist each week, exploring their creative process and delving into their journey so far. Videos are also available online at the Blur the Lines YouTube Channel with a back catalogue of performances from previous events.

Making these strong connections with local literature, theatre, music creators and venues over the past few years has proved there’s huge cultural benefit in sharing platforms and mixing genres - for performers and audiences alike. With a generosity of spirit across the creative communities in Leeds so evident, Blur The Lines are excited and ready for whatever comes their way in their next chapter.

You can experience Blur The Lines on 11 Nov 2022 at The Holbeck from 7pm to 11pm. Tickets are Pay What You Decide and can be booked online at Eventbrite.

For more information please visit the Blur The Lines website here.