The DIY music scene thrives in basements and record stores across the country, and Saturday night one of northeast Ohio’s brightest stars took the stage in the lofted attic above Mahall’s 20 Lanes in Lakewood to celebrate the release of his debut album, “Only Human.”

Perhaps “stage” is an overstatement.

Eliy Orcko is a rapper based out of Elyria. He’s been a part of the Cleveland DIY scene for years now, and his passion for this vibrant, tight-knit community of artists and outcasts is every bit as powerful as his music.

“Out of this community you can expect a bunch of dope artists doing what they love and what they’re extremely passionate about,” Orcko said. “[They’re] just constantly searching and finding a way to get it across and fighting for what they believe.”

DIY is a difficult thing to define, as it transcends all musical genres and lifestyles. The “do-it-yourself” instinct that informs the name of the movement speaks to its rugged, independent nature. The artists and attendees present at Mahall’s Saturday night view it as a community first — a haven for independent artists to pursue their dreams outside the control of the music industry.

“Would you rather work your dream job, and be able to make up the steps as you go, or would you rather sit there and work a 9-to-5?”

Eliy Orcko

“[DIY is] one of the most amazing things I’ve ever been a part of,” Orcko’s drummer Darren Devrick said.

The uninformed audience member might have been surprised to find that Orcko’s album was only available for purchase at the show as a limited-run custom cassette tape. Such unique, old-fashioned choices are a staple of DIY culture.

“You don’t really expect tapes, I guess, as much,” Flowerpot Records CEO Wes Meadows said. Flowerpot is a popular DIY label in the Cleveland scene that releases everything from Eliy’s lo-fi underground hip-hop to punk and folk records.

“Everyone makes CDs, but not as many people make tapes. And they’re really inexpensive to make, and they’re really customizable.”

Cheap, simple and unusual are hallmarks of DIY culture. The scene is defined by its limitations and the creativity those limitations demand.

Despite the hardships, members of the DIY scene are committed to their goals and to each other.

“DIY is an experience that lets you custom-tailor what it means to be an artist for you,” Orcko said. “Would you rather work your dream job, and be able to make up the steps as you go, or would you rather sit there and work a 9-to-5?”