Month: February 2022

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UPCOMING EVENTS FROM RESIDENTS (MARCH)

Every month we promote events hosted by our very own residents. Scroll down to find out what events are taking place this March.

Anamelia Presents: Juicy Bits Jam Nights

It’s about to get juicy. Ran by Manchester’s own independent artists, musos and industry professionals this event welcomes all genres and encourages improvisation. Based in the heart of the Northern Quarter at Wilson’s Social, a great place to jam out and meet people. Grab your instrument and join them at the next one! Back line provided at all events. 

Catch Anamelia’s show every month on a Wednesday at 7PM for a taste of the sounds of Europe. Celebrating cultural diversity and showcasing those who are creatively exploring and absorbing the world as a whole.

Follow their instagram @juicybitsjams_mcr to keep up to date with the latest events & stay tuned for the launch of their open mic night.

Above The Line & Steam Radio: Ducie Street Warehouse #IWD Screenings

In celebration of International Women’s Day, Steam Radio and Above The Line have teamed up for four nights of female directed film and music, curated by some of Manchester’s top female DJs.

Aiming to highlight incredible work from underrepresented directors, each film has been selected by a woman involved with Steam who will introduce the film and play a DJ set inspired by the soundtrack afterwards.

See the flyers below for more details or get tickets here.

Suffragette City

Suffragette City is an annual celebration bringing together an incredible line up of female and non-binary DJ talent to raise funds for local grassroots charities. 

Following their online event in 2021, they raised a whopping £8000 in funds to support vulnerable women and gender minorities. 

Join them for a party at Brickhouse Social Club and help them raise even more to support local charities. This venue is equipped with a roof terrace, bar and club space (with a Funktion One sound system might we add).

Listen back to the Suffragette City crew’s Out Since Friday takeover from last year down below to see what they’re all about.

NINE09, Paradise Coast

Catch one of our residents, MICA, at NINE09 taking place in Blackpool on March the 5th. Expect to hear House Grooves, good vibes and great DJs, with an incredible array of special guests and residents.

The Event is FREE and promotes the finest local talent in the realms of House Music. Don’t miss it.

Jasmine Rowland: Artdress-It Artistic Awareness

Art Dress It returns for 2022, bringing Manchester’s Deaf Institute to life to celebrate the very best in upcoming talent of the North West. With Live Music, Poetry, Spoken Word, Art and independent sellers.

The event seeks to use the arts to raise awareness surrounding important issues. Expect nothing but wholesome vibes throughout all in aid of the amazing charity Cruse Bereavement Line!

The event will be split into two sessions. The afternoon session will run from 2:00 PM – 6:30 PM & the evening session will run from 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM closing with a DJ set.

NBFG: BIG BALLY BEATS LAUNCH

Next up we have Manchester’s favourite bally babes Not Bad For A Girl, back again with an event at The Old Abbey Taphouse on Friday 11th March. Their VA launch was sadly delayed due to covid restrictions, but they are finally back and ready to celebrate the release of Big Bally Beats.

Line up features Not Bad For a Girl residents DaiSu, Egg On Toast, Maracuya, and friends Mystique and DJ SOYBOi. Grab your tickets here.

Acme Bass Presents: The Rebel Bass

Get ready for the next instalment of Rebel Bass, a night filled with nothing but techno, acid house and filthy beats. This event will be held in Lancaster, featuring sets from DJs Tim Toil, Yant, Mr. Marmalade and more!

You can catch Mr. Marmalade on their monthly Friday residency where they showcase their eclectic music taste.

Good Custard Presents: PBR Streetgang

PBR Streetgang are bringing the rhythms of Leeds to Manchester at Good Custards intimate event at Wilsons Den.

The Leeds duo have been carving their mark into the scene for over a decade, releasing music through heavy hitting labels such as Futureboogie Recordings, Throne Of Blood, 2020Vision, and many many more.

If you want to have a good old boogie in the basement of Wilsons Den on Saturday 19th March, click here.

Manchester Warm Up Night – 42 Degrees x STEAM

Want to have a taste of what is to come in the Summer? On the Saturday 19th March, we have 42 Degrees throwing a party to celebrate their Lake District festival running for the 2nd time this Summer!

The tunes and performances will be flowing from 4PM-3AM at The Old Abbey Taphouse. Click here for the ticket link.

Not Quite Light, Photography Exhibition

Simon Buckley is a photographer from Salford, whose work focuses on transition and the urban world. His latest exhibition ‘Not Quite Light’, explores themes surrounding heritage, as well as the relationship of dusk and dawn.

Check out his latest free exhibition at The Modernist Society on Port Street, taking place from the 1st of March until the 30th of April called ‘Time Will Tell’. Within the exhibition, there will be a showcase of ‘Not Quite Light’, a podcasting project and monthly Tuesday residency that Buckley has with Reform. In these episodes, tales are told and music is played, from the half light of dawn.

The Gravy Train: Performing at Man With The Fish

Come and see The Gravy Train perform live at Man With the Fish in the Northern Quarter on Friday the 1st of April. Returning to their natural habitat of an intimate basement after a few years of performing hibernation, they’re back. Prepare to hear uplifting feel-good Disco, House and a smattering of classics in a top class venue. And, to top it all of, it’s a free… see you on the dancefloor!

Tune into The Gravy Train for their monthly residency on a Thursday to hear more of their fun flavours.

The Pump House at Six Trees

Introducing a brand new club night taking place at the venue Six Trees on April the 1st. The party will be spread across two floors, with two different rooms of talent to get you… it’s in the name – pumped!

One floor will be playing the finest in House and Techno, whilst the other will be playing more HipHop & Funk beats with a pre-party of Dancehall.

Catch some of our residents from Battlestar Mancunia play such as the DJs Peter Parker, Danny Drive Thru, Gkut, Statik and Tommy P-Nuts.

With some amazing DJs in the mix, this one’s set to be mega. Don’t miss it! For more information click here.

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RAISE THE BAR: DEELA

Manchester’s rising queen of beats and bars DEELA joins Daisy Adams for this fortnightly Raise The Bar, a touch point of all the best rap music coming out of the city. 

During the show they discuss her new EP ‘Done Deel’, her latest release which is an eleven track body of work. 

After starting her musical journey in 2020, DEELA’ s fanbase has started to flourish after her continued posting of singles on Soundcloud during quarantine.

Her style is sassy, explicit and unequivocally true to herself. Rapping about all the feels and serving up a fresh female attitude in the Mancunian music sphere.

Watch the full performance down below.

Listen back to the show to hear Daisy & DEELA discuss future plans, dream collaborations and more.

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blog Featured Projects Funders MAES Projects

BEHIND THE SCENES: DJ SESSIONS

DJ Sessions, a project kindly funded by MAES, started with a bang on Monday the 14th of February (a great way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, don’t you think?). Led by DJ, producer and record label manager Joe Roche, this six week programme focuses on how to DJ, self promote and source what opportunities are out there, presenting individuals with a chance to play out in Manchester. 

With only one week to get savvy with the decks, the participants entered the space at Reform Radio keen to learn and become the DJ that deep down, they always have been.

On day one the participants came into the space and were introduced to the nuts and bolts of deejay land. We are talking USBs, headphones, the do’s and the don’ts and the best softwares for organising your music. But it’s not all about equipment and the technical stuff. Although this is a huge proportion of becoming a DJ, discovering your personal style and image that you want to show the world is equally as important in becoming a full-fledged artist. 

Now let’s get one thing straight. In order to be a DJ, one must become one. To immerse themselves into the disc-jockey world & phenomenon, the young people invented their DJ names and put forth their new alias; to cement, commit & complete their transition into their shiny new DJ personality. 

Creative juices were certainly flowing in the studio, with names ranging from DJ Zambezi, KayBee, Los Lopez, The Blessed Les Dennis and Red Hicks to name a few. One of the participants named Monique chose the DJ name MIQUE, a shortened adaptation of her full name. 

Another individual called Jesús chose the name MXANNA (pronounced mx-anna); the MX being a presentation that’s genderqueer and XANA being the name of a mythological creature or Spanish nymph from the forests in Northern Spain.

Jesús in the zone, getting their playlist ready for Friday.

With their DJ names finessed and the decks ready to be spun, participants were posed with the question: What do you want to get out of the week? 

Manchester-born Kim, who is part of ‘Double Trouble’ with her sister who MCs and is a regular on MCR based radio station All FM, is used to mixing vinyl. As a selector, Kim started spinning tunes in the vinyl days but decided that if they are going to get booked out again, they need to learn how to mix on CDJs. 

A lovely moment captured of Kim, otherwise known as KayBee, performing at the showcase.

Ben, who is also from Manchester and studied Music Technology at college, saw DJ Sessions as a ‘great opportunity to blow off the cobwebs and get back into DJing’. 

The rest of the week was jam packed with hands-on learning, activities and break out rooms to get the group feeling confident with the decks ahead of the last session of the week. During which, participants were tasked with coming up with a playlist of their choice, to mix and perform in the space to promoters and venues across Manchester.

Lauren from Newcastle had previous experience mixing during her student years and upon finding an old USB filled with Liquid Drum & Bass, decided to get back into it because she ‘loves the music and club scene’. Lauren also commented on how the DJ industry is somewhat ‘relentless’, but participating in DJ Sessions is a great opportunity to bridge that gap. 

As the group dynamic began to skill-up and individuals started to think about what songs they would like to choose to impress the promoters, all kinds of genres started bursting out of the studios. 

Another participant with previous experience, Ben, who normally plays Jungle, decided to slow things down and go with ‘middle of the road House music’ for his playlist of choice. Whilst other participants such as Jesús were pumping Industrial Techno before switching it up and playing Last Dance by Donna Summer, which really got the vibes rolling between the group and the Reform team. 

Ben, otherwise known as Sweaty B (left) and Jesús, otherwise known as MXANNA (right) performing at the showcase.

Although each person has their own unique style and preferred genre of choice, they were encouraged to think out of the box and pick a style of music that would be most enjoyed at bars and venues across Manchester. With popular genres ranging from RnB, Hip Hop, House, Reggeaton, Disco and Indie music to name a few, the young people got their thinking hats on. 

Some of the favoured genres chosen throughout the group were RnB, Hip Hop and House, with individuals such as Monique thinking that ‘employers will prefer RnB because of the types of venues’. 

Although there was lots of physical learning, the nitty gritty of professionalism and etiquette were brought to the table during the week, with industry talks and inside knowledge of how to approach agencies and promoters. 

On the big day of the showcase, the group came to the space in the morning and got their mixing fingers ready to play for the promoters.

The energy in the studio during this session was truly impeccable, with an atmosphere of support and individuals hyping each other up. Unfortunately due to Storm Eunice, some of the promoters were unable to come into the space. However, in true we-live-in-the-digital-age style, Zoom came to save the day and both promoters and friends of the group took to the screens to enjoy the show. One of the participants, Magic, took on the hosting duties and provided the vibes for the day.

Lauren otherwise known as Finlay Roth (left) and Magic (right) hosting & performing at the showcase.
Meduulla otherwise known as DJ Meduulla (left) and Yelena otherwise known as Lashimba (right) getting their boogie on.
Gabriel otherwise known as Red Hicks getting his groove on.

A resounding success, the group rounded things up feeling proud of themselves, with one person commenting that they felt like a ‘star’ for the day. In the following weeks, the individuals will be meeting every Wednesday evening to shadow Reform’s DJs and take their DJ careers to the next level by gaining fundamental experience in the studios and working collaboratively with industry professionals.

If you are keen to get your hands on decks or have any questions about this or our other projects, drop us an email at projects@reformradio.co.uk

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Soundcamp Spotlight: Periisu

Soundcamp is a 12 week programme that gives up and coming artists the opportunity to develop their performance and music business skills, delivered in partnership with Youth Music. The Soundcamp Spotlight series is a feature that aims to shine the light on Soundcamp artists and share their story with our audience.

Next up, we have PERiiSU stepping up to the platform…

Could you please introduce yourself.

I go by the name PERiiSU, and I’m an artist/producer from Manchester. 

When did your musical journey start? Who are your influences?

My musical journey started from a young age. I would say around the age of eight. The first ‘instrument’ I had was a fork & knife, I would bang on the table tops creating a beat. Then that moved onto a few years later, where I got Hip – Hop Ejay 6, FL Studio to now Logic Pro (which I have been using ever since). 

I have a wide range of influences – Tyler The Creator, Frank Ocean, Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, J Dilla, Quincy Jones. Those are the ones I can only think of at the top of my head, but my list is endless.

How would you describe your production and DJing style?

My production is a concoction of what I like to listen to, which is a bit of everything. But for a detailed description, I produce gritty, electronic sounds, with smooth soulful melodic elements. This can include a big hefty grimy bassline (inspired by my UK & Jamaican heritage), alongside American Soul, 90s R&B vocal melodies and East Coast Hip-Hop.

You were part of the Soundcamp cohort back in 2018, what were some of your highlights?

I have a couple of highlights from Soundcamp. The main one was performing at Night & Day Cafe. Nothing beats the feeling of seeing a positive reaction from the crowd when you showcase your music. Another highlight for me was creating and coming up with my logo design, which Glen Cutwerk digitally brought to life. I have stamped that as a milestone in my music journey, because it turned out beautiful.

You then got involved with our Co-Lab Theory project in 2020 where you collaborated on a track with Swing Ting. Why did you decide to get involved? Did the project meet your expectations? 

I decided to get involved, because I thought this was the perfect opportunity to not only work by creating music with an established Mancunian artist, but to also get advice for how to go about being an artist. The project exceeded my expectations because we got coverage on media blogs such as Mixmag, Hyponik & Fact Magazine. I’m also still in contact with Balraj, so Reform made the right decision matching me with Swing Ting lol, thanks Reform!

Could you tell us a bit about your track ‘Business & Culture’ which was born out of this project. 

For ‘Business & Culture’, it came so naturally when I collaborated with Swing Ting. I don’t exactly remember whether it was the drum pattern or the melody we started with, but everything just jelled perfectly together once completed. We produced it at the Swing Ting studio, so being in their own space made it even more special.

What are you hoping your next steps will be?

My next step is to release my first major album. It’s been over 2 years in the making, but I’m telling you it’s definitely worth the wait. You can’t rush greatness, especially when it comes from the heart. So be on the lookout for that when it comes out.

Anything upcoming that you would like to shout out?

I’ll be releasing a few singles soon. However, before that, I’ve got something huge launching soon which I’m soo excited about. I won’t mention it for now as it’s a secret, but just know it will definitely benefit my music career and give me the freedom to express myself to the fullest.

Are there any local artists/musicians/collectives that you would like to shout out?

To be totally honest, I can’t really think of any right now other than Balraj. I would like to give a massive shout out to Balraj from Swing Ting. He’s been in contact with me since we first met & is still checking up on what I’ve got going on so far, and also been a major support. So big up Balraj!

And finally…What was your favourite album of 2021?

I would say it’s got to be the goat Tyler The Creator ‘Call Me If You Get Lost’.

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VISIONS IN SOUND

Welcome to Visions In Sound, a feature where the Reform Team will be sharing music we have been feeling this month. Expect all sorts of tracks, old & new, local and international, just whatever our team is feeling. As well as sharing sounds, this feature will have a special spotlight on the artworks & the visual experience. 

Selected by ALICE, a DJ in the streets and a sleeper in the sheets.

How does this song make you feel?

From the moment the track starts it puts me in a great mood. The warm synths, the trickling melody, the drum pattern that gently lifts you up and gets you tapping away. Absolutely in love! 

What draws you to this artwork / designer?

This artwork is designed by Francis Inferno Orchestra who is the co-producer of this track. I love its minimalist style and the textures of every element. It makes me super intrigued to listen to the music. The textures of the drawings are almost alien-like to me..almost like a blueprint for a planet! 

Selected by NICOLAS, an over 6’4 footer & wine enthusiast.

How does this song make you feel?

I like the relaxing and chill vibe that it creates when listening.

What draws you to this artwork / designer?

It’s simplistic but with great colours, looks like a painting. It has a calming effect on me, makes me want to introspect.

Selected by NATASHA, the cosmo queen of the content team.

How does this song make you feel?

When listening to this album it takes me back to the place where I’ve never even been before. It envelops me in a sort of nostalgic feeling of times I haven’t experienced.

What draws you to this artwork / designer?

I’m a big fan of brutalist architecture and overall Soviet aesthetic and this is such great artwork showcasing just that. The album cover in this case perfectly resonates with the sound/the lyrics and overall feel of the album. 

Selected by CAL, a mover, groover & all round improver.

How does this song make you feel?

Alive. While embodying that 80’s sound, the holy trinity that is ‘Charli, Caroline, Chris’ can be their sonic-selves while driving this unapologetic synth bop. 

What draws you to this artwork / designer?

It’s minimalist & ironic nature – against a white backdrop, we see a poised Charli perched on an uncomfortable shape while her posture, locked gaze & sharp nails suggest she’s ready to strike.

Selected by INDIGO, a twenty-something who is slowly learning that pasta is not the only food group.

How does this song make you feel?

This track really puts me in the zone from the repetitive, hypnotic nature of it. Especially when the vocals kick in… this one’s giving me all the feels. 

What draws you to this artwork / designer?

Harrison BDP’s artwork is always pretty tranquil, matching with the style of their music. But, this particular artwork I found so simple & quirky. I love when cartoon characters or illustrations are incorporated into artwork as it adds a playful note to sometimes dark or progressive tunes and alludes to the DJ’s humour or interests.

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blog Featured Projects Funders Projects The Prince’s Trust

BEHIND THE SCENES: MANCHESTER FUTURES

We know you are all dying to hear how out latest podcasting course Manchester Futures went down… sit tight and let us tell you the ins and outs of podcasting town. 

Our latest workshop, delivered in partnership with The Prince’s Trust, kicked off in the end of January with a two week Podcasting Bootcamp, during which participants were immersed into the mind-blowing world of digital broadcasting.

To our utter delights, Manchester Futures was able to run in person and participants came into our space at Bonded Warehouse.

After learning the foundations of how to script, record and edit a full podcast, participants were introduced to three different employers from Manchester.

The group of young people had the pleasure of working with some pretty incredible businesses this time running, with two site visits during the first week.

One group visited Rope Ladder Fiction in Swinton, the new film set for the Waterloo Road TV series, who were thrilled by the opportunity to see the behind the scenes action of how a TV series functions. One participant of this group says ‘It really brought on how real it actually is, once you experience it, it seems so much more achievable’. Two people from each department were interviewed, such as the art, story writing, production managers and story alchemists – a great success.

Another group visited one of the Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) locations, the Sugden Centre which is located next to the University of Manchester. The GLL manages a huge proportion of leisure centres across the UK, amounting in a whopping 270 facilities. As a charitable social enterprise and not-for-profit business, they also fund over 3,000 athletes via a sports foundation programme and work closely with their partner Cancer Research.

For the sporty crowd amongst the group, this one was very appealing and one participant says ‘It was quite fun because they booked a hall for us, so we got to play a bit of badminton’.

After the badminton rodeo, the group interviewed the manager of the Sugden Centre and then retreated back to Reform for lunch (chocolate penguins were on the cards, you see).

The final group interviewed the founder of Mozzington, a non-profit design agency – ‘all about creating opportunities for people of all backgrounds to thrive and contribute to society’ (we couldn’t have put it better ourselves).

Upon speaking to the Manchester Futures cohort, it became apparent that there was a common denominator encapsulating the room. As a group, most of the individuals involved were hoping to gain more experience and reward themselves with another gold star to pop on their CV (tick).

Let’s be honest, the past two years have been challenging and getting your foot in the door as a young creative has never felt more tough. So, to see a great turnout for Manchester Futures just proves the need for such projects.

One participant says that the workshop has shifted their path and perspective, as they have ‘always been creative’ but ‘always had a 9-5’ in order to support their creative venture, in this case – acting. But, in light of these comments, the participant adds that the workshop has given them the confidence to ‘shift into a new direction and work in a place where I can grow’. This is the energy we love to see in 2022!

Similarly, another young person on the course, who has career aspirations of being a film director, explains how the past few weeks have helped them. ‘As one of the youngest here, I am quite fresh and new to all of this. I felt that I didn’t have the creative knowledge to go into the creative field, because people want degrees and I didn’t have that’.

The pressure of going to University is monumental, overwhelming and more importantly, not for everyone. Degrees are not the be all and end all, there are plenty of other ways to kickstart your career. During the following four weeks of Manchester Futures, 1-1 support such as wellbeing, CV writing, applications, interview prep and work placements are offered to help and support our participants in their journeys.

As an ongoing six-week project, participants had all set themselves personal goals for the experience. One comments, that they hope by the end of this to start a path onto their ‘dream career’ and begin doing what they have wanted to do their ‘entire life’ (make money AND enjoy it… yes, please).

After conducting the interviews, the participants worked in groups to edit them together to be aired on a live show that took place on Friday the 11th on February at 1PM.

Naming themselves ‘Expression Collective‘, the group describes their podcasting bootcamp:

‘Over the space of two weeks we have learnt how to make podcasts and had the opportunity to talk to employers in a variety of fields and gain an in depth understanding about their field of work. As well as this, we really wanted to gauge how us and those around us express themselves.’

Listen back to the show down below to hear what they put together over the duration of the podcasting bootcamp.

If you would like to gain more experience, meet industry professionals and push yourself out of your comfort zone then listen out for our next project and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or queries via projects@reformradio.co.uk

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World Radio Day w/ Reform, Steam & Rainy City Radio

In celebration of World Radio Day on Sunday the 13th of February, we teamed up with STEAM Radio, Rainy City Radio and one of the first Reform’s residents Jenna G, for a very special guest show discussing all things radio, hosted by Jasmine Rowland. 

During the show, they touch on the importance of online radio, podcasting and why, if not how, radio is still surviving in this day and age. As well as this, the guests delve into their careers and how they started up. Let us introduce you to the special guests… 

Joining us from STEAM Radio is their Programme Director Hannah O’Gorman. Also the Label Manager to Rhythm Lab Records, and a presenter to us at Reform Radio. 

STEAM Radio Studio

Digby Barrowcliff also joins Jasmine on the show, the Station Director and co-founder of Rainy City Radio. As a newly established radio station in 2021, RCR is broadcasting from Digby’s dining room in Old Trafford – be sure to check out their platform and see what they’re all about! 

Rainy City Radio’s Studio

Our third guest, Jenna G, was one of the first DJs on Reform Radio and has plans to set up her very own radio station in the near future called ‘From Manchester With Love’. Jenna first became acquainted with Reform when she met one of our directors at Digital Teapot, a tech initiative run by Sharp Futures encouraging more women to go into the tech industry. After an amusing twitter-based run in, she was invited to join the team and had the honour of recording a show in the days of the basement studio.

Jenna G, Back In The Day at Hartington Road’s Basement Studio

We wanted to keep the show personal to us on this celebratory day, inviting people that work closely with us, the realms of radio and the Manchester community. 

With radio being such a broad, but prominent asset of 21st century life and post lockdown innovation, Jasmine kickstarts the show with the question – why do you love radio?

Jenna G opens up discussion around the table about how radio as a medium for communication can often feel like someone having a conversation with you, and that’s good radio at its core. The simplicity of feeling like somebody else is in the room, dishing out information to you that you might not ever come across otherwise. 

Back in The Basement Days, featuring Jenna G & Directors Sam & Rachel w/ Jack Egan, Flow and Jay Jay

As well as radio being a key provider of information it can be an ‘anecdote for loneliness’ as said by Hannah. Throughout lockdown, radio had the power to create online communities and acted as a tool for creatives and innovators alike. 

Rainy City Radio’s approach to radio is more about the sense of community it can facilitate. By inviting people into the room, RCR provides a meeting place for musicians & creatives in Manchester. 

Although some of the guests’ radio careers kickstarted through lockdown, looking back now, it is agreeable just how powerful radio’s attributes remain in post-lockdown life.

During a time in which people became disconnected from one another (in the physical sense), gave radio an opportunity. It connected people, creating communities of listeners, launching important conversations and proving how crucial it still truly is.

Let it be said, we have come such a long way since the beginning! And, we could not have been happier to celebrate World Radio Day with these amazing stations. 

Collaboration with fellow friends & peers has been essential to our success and we would not have done it any other way. Shout out to all the people who help us keep Reform alive, big love to you all. 

To hear more about our special guests’ ventures & their involvement with Reform, you can now listen back to the show down below.

The show was also broadcasted on Steam Radio at 1PM and Rainy City Radio at 3PM on the Sunday the 13th of February.

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Featured Podcast Podcasts

Sins and Virtues: Gratitude

Join us to listen to a brand new podcast series ‘Gratitude’ produced by Reform Radio.

Musician James Wilson launches Sins and Virtues, a podcast that brings together arts, culture and faith to explore the concept of gratitude. The Gratitude podcast forms part of Wilson’s overarching project on the seven deadly sins and the seven heavenly virtues.

The first series, hosted by academic professor and broadcaster Mona Siddiqui, explores honest conversations with four creative practitioners to explore what gratitude means to them and how it has impacted their lives and exploration of art. 

Here’s what host Mona Siddiqui had to say:

‘’Toni Morrison said that civilisations heal ‘when artists go to work.’ These podcasts reveal the struggles and hopes of four very different artists whose creativity is underpinned by the restorative practice of gratitude.’’

The four episodes originally aired weekly from 8 to 29 March 2022 at 2pm, feature Lisette Auton, Ciarán Hodgers, Ione Maria Rojas and Leon Clowes. Each guest explores how gratitude is both a virtue and can bring its own setbacks.

Artists in the series cover topics such as, being brave enough to start an art career, creative blocks and panic attacks, disability and whether the pandemic was a force for good for creative practice. 

Listen here

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Featured Podcast Podcasts

BBC Radio 6 Music – The People’s Party with Afrodeutsche

We were thrilled to join the 6 Music family in October 2021, producing The People’s Party with Afrodeutsche every Friday night from 7-9pm. 

As the first ever ‘Across The UK’ commission for the network, Reform Radio are proud to produce the weekly Friday night music show on BBC Radio 6 Music; The People’s Party with Afrodeutsche.

The show concept was devised entirely by the Reform Radio team, including features, talent proposition and in response to a brief that called for audiences to be at the heart of the program.

This show is a real celebration of the listener. Every week, a different listener joins us as our People’s Party Selector and chooses two tracks, One To Warm Up To and One To Let Lose To. The rest of the selections and features are then built around those choices, building a playlist that feels full of Friday night energy, transitioning listeners from day time to more specialist programming.

Through ‘The Unmixable Challenge’ some of the biggest artists in the world are asked to mix together two completely opposite tracks, and the listeners decide if it works or not. Nina Kravitz was forced to mix Cindy Lauper and Bon Jovi in one hilarious attempt, whilst Groove Armada combined New Order with Aretha Franklin and caused quite a stir. 

With guest mixes from DJs, musicians and the freshest new sounds, there is something for everyone. 

Our production team is made from young people who have come through our outreach projects and we’re proud to have provided a pipeline for this talent into the BBC. 

Listen weekly from 7-9pm on BBC Radio 6 Music.

Listen here

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Featured Podcast Podcasts

Tough Talks – Hits Radio

Reform Radio were thrilled to work on a project with Hits Radio and their new sister station Hits Radio Pride, funded by the Audio Content Fund. The series features members of the LGBTQ+ community discussing a time when they had a difficult conversation with someone surrounding their sexuality or gender identity, with the very person they had the conversation with. 

Pairs discussed uncomfortable and intimate times in their relationships including moments they had often never spoken about before. Issues ranged from trans, gay and HIV coming-out stories, to gay dads worried about not bonding with their child, to a lesbian couple struggling with one partner’s masculine identity.

Tough Talks won Gold at the 2021 British Podcast Awards for Best Sex and Relationships Podcast, and its producer, Olivia Swift, won Gold for Best New Podcast Producer at the 2021 Audio Production Awards. 

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Featured Podcast Podcasts

The Life and Death Podcast

Each year since 2020, we have produced a new series of The Life and Death Podcast. The long-running podcast has contributed to Reform Radio’s wins at the much coveted Audio Production Awards and ARIAs.

The challenge

Ashgate Hospice care approached us in 2020 looking for a new way to raise awareness around the importance of good end of life care. It was clear to us that this wasn’t an immediate fundraising exercise but a wider awareness piece that would provide intimate insight into their work and in itself generate new PR and media opportunities.

The team were immensely proud of the difficult work they do and were keen to share best practice and engage other end of life providers. A podcast is the perfect why to do this and would allow them to engage and inform colleagues on a global scale as well as encourage all listeners to have better conversations around death and dying.

The response

After talking with the team during our kick off meeting, it became immediately clear how connected and caring each member of the organisation was to the patients. Through their work, they create perhaps the most intimate, open and personal connections it is possible for two humans to have and we wanted to really bring this to the forefront.

Our idea was simple, to bring together givers and receivers of end-of-life care to have an intimate conversation to discuss life, death and their unique relationship. The resulting conversations, many recorded under the added pressures of lockdown, were more powerful than we could ever had imaged.

The outcome

Following advice from our our bespoke launch and marketing plan, the podcast debuted in the top 20 of the Personal Journals category on Apple Podcasts. This brought in a huge amount of listeners and a mass of five star ratings and reviews.

As anticipated, the podcast allowed the hospice to explore new PR opportunities with in depth interviews on BBC Radio Sheffield, Imagine Radio, Hasland Magazine and Destination Chesterfield.

Currently developing its third series, The Life And Death Podcast has touched many listeners and achieved its aim of breaking down the stigma around death, dying and grief. The number of reviews and comments, a few of which we’ve shared below, showed the impact this series had on its audience.

The series has allowed the hospice to engage with colleagues across the globe and they’ve received emails from other providers to say the podcast has been used a tools within their own organisations.

Bespoke video content

In more recent series, we have been commissioned to create bespoke video content for the hospice. We have recorded interviews in person and online, and turned them into eye-catching and engaging short videos for socials.

A few reviews left on Apple Podcasts

“A gorgeous, serious, insightful, engaging and engaged podcast. One fo the most listenable and likeable hosts i’ve heard, one that’s open, genuine and interested. If you are interested in life in its most final sense…LISTEN!!!“

“This morning I watched the funeral of a dear friend being streamed. Tonight I was sent this podcast and it has helped calm my scrambled thoughts.”

“This is such a life affirming podcast. Roy’s attitude to life is inspiring. Stephen’s relationship with Roy is touching and the level of mutual respect they have for each other comes across. Roy’s mantra of Live life and the dying will take care of itself is so moving.“

“This podcast may come across hard hitting and deep however has a real heart warming feel to it too! This subject is so important and good quality terminal healthcare needs be the standard that is set. This podcast really helps to promote that!”

Categories
Podcasts

XR STORIES and SIGN

XR Stories is an organisation supporting research, development and innovation in technology-led creative content, experiences, and stories. Over two series of the XR Stories and Sign Podcast 

provides access to expertise, infrastructure and facilities to help researchers, companies and creatives working in extended reality (XR) and next generation convergent media technologies unleash their full potential.

In 2021, XR Stories were part of our Audioform mentorship programme. Working with three young people on our course We have produced a ten part podcast series for XR Stories, in which extended reality and storytelling meet. The series, hosted by XR Stories Creative Producer, John Rose-Adams, takes an in depth look at interactive storytelling genres, from theatre to gaming, virtual reality escape rooms and so much more. 

Listen in to get to know the creators and innovators behind ten immersive storytelling projects. All episodes are available to download on your favourite streaming platforms.

MORE INFO HERE
Categories
Projects The Prince’s Trust

Tameside Futures: Podcasting Course (Funded by The Prince’s Trust and Tameside Council)

Our exciting Podcasting Course in Tameside is back. If you want to take a deeper dive into the world of podcasting, then this project is for you.

Tameside Futures is a 6 week programme – providing bespoke support to young people 16-25 who are looking for work. 

The programme includes an exciting 2 week Podcasting Bootcamp – You will learn how to develop and script a podcast, creating relevant and interesting content, learn the ins and outs of audio production, social media and creative writing. You will also get experience of producing and presenting in a live radio show. 

The next 4 weeks are bespoke and offer opportunities to access workshops and 1-1 support in: wellbeing, CV writing, applications, interview prep, work placements and other flexible support to fit around you. 

See the flyer above for contacts to get involved.

If you’re an employer and currently looking for new talent …

We are looking for organisations who are seeking to recruit new talent or who frequently work with freelancers/contractors, and those that can offer placements and interviews for our young people.

Employers must commit to between 1-5 days for young people to get hands on experience in their organisation and meet their teams. 

The ambition of the Sustainable Futures Fund is not only to support young people at a time of great need, but to enable Greater Manchester to come out of the pandemic looking confidently into the future – aligning with a clear plan for growing industries providing sustainable, good quality, ‘future-focused’ jobs in the region. – The Prince’s Trust

Please contact mike@reformradio.co.uk if you are interested or would like more information.

Categories
blog The National Lottery

Spreading The Magic With Demo Tapes

Demo Tapes is the protest music project inspired by the North West sound archives. Using these archives of sound to make protest music, a group of young people make music that touches on many significant historical social movements that are prevalent not only in the NW region, but globally.

Previously, you could have heard Demo Tapes shows on Reform’s airwaves back in 2021, taking us behind the scenes of their journey from their first workshop to their final gig. Within which, musicians from More Music, Collective Encounters and Brighter Sound wrote original music responding to archives of sound they listened too.

This year, young musicians from the Demo Tapes project join us again during LGBTQIA+ History Month for another show, ‘Rewind With More Music’. Continuing to work with More Music in Morecambe and unlock the sound heritage of Manchester, they found an incredible archived audio of Luchia Fitzgerald, one of the founding members of the Gay Liberation Front in Manchester.

A prodigy to the LGBTQIA+ community in Manchester, Fitzgerald’s hard work has not gone unnoticed. In 2020, she won the Lifetime Achievement Awards with Pride of Manchester and has been continually recognised for her activist work in the city.

Inviting Luchia into the studio, Demo Tapes discussed her life as an LGBTQIA+ activist and campaigner. The conversation spanned the establishment of the Gay Liberation Front, the obstacles that were and are in the way of the LGBTQIA+ community fighting for their rights, how activism has changed from the 1970s to now and much more.

Using the sound archive of Fitzgerald’s voice, they made a song entitled ‘You’ve got the magic’ which they have been performing both live and online since its creation.

Joining Reform’s Resident Aisha Williams in Demo Tapes is Ashley Murphy, the workforce development and music leader from More Music, who are also joined by some of the young people that took part.

Listen back to the show down below to hear all about Demo Tapes, More Music‘s workshops and how an Irish female activist fought for women’s and LGBTQIA+ people’s rights in Manchester.

This project has been supported by the The National Lottery Heritage Fund and co-ordinated by the British Library, with special thanks to More Music, Hope Streets & Manchester Libraries archives.

Categories
Funders Projects

Creative Leadership: 4 Day Course on Being a Freelancer and Setting Up a Creative Social Enterprise (Funded by MAES)

We are running another instalment of Creative Leadership project and it’s open for anyone aged 19-30, who is currently unemployed and located in the Greater Manchester area.

The workshop will consist of 4 sessions in which you will be able to learn about facilitation, funding, taxes and what it takes to be a freelancer.

If you’ve ever thought about setting up your own business, it’s important to understand your audience, self-employment and taxes. Facilitating workshops and delivering socially engaged projects in your community will require you to know how to write funding bids, work with partners, plan sessions and evaluate their success.

If you are interested in this project, drop us an email at projects@reformradio.co.uk.

Categories
blog

BANDCAMP FRIDAY

Bandcamp Friday was initiated in March 2020, when Bandcamp waived their revenue share in order to help artists and labels impacted by the pandemic.

The initiative is still ongoing and for this month’s Bandcamp Friday we would like to shout about the latest releases from our residents.

Loz Goddard

Balloon Tree Road

Pre-order their upcoming LP, ‘Balloon Tree Road‘, set to release on the 25th of February by Oath.

Shut your eyes and listen to the carefully crafted layers of melodic virtuosity, among water-like samples that are both entrancing and encapsulating in Goddard’s ‘Orange Blue Green’. A genre-bending concoction of electronic sounds, shooting back and forth, intensifying ever so eloquently. A track that could either lull you to sleep or simply put you in a dream-like state of consciousness.

‘When Time Slows It Feels Weird’ begins with a similar use of sampling, adding to the aura of precipitation and natural divinity. Just as you might find yourself becoming relaxed, a choppy beat enters the room and takes control. Like much of Goddard’s music, a sense of higher being and celestial power orbits the tonality through the deep bass chords, floating melodies and effortless production.

Tom2Trax

Grafter, ‘Edgy Future Discotheque Vol. 3’: Sprechen.

Tom2Trax debut single ‘Grafter‘ is out now. This mesmerising compound of hard-hitting beats neighbouring against smooth and silky synth notations takes you on the ultimate euphoric journey – an explosion of electronic ecstasy. Giving off 808 state vibes, a contemporary homage to the wonderful beach-ridden anthems of the 1980’s.

Team GB

Drum Circle EP

This upcoming EP will feature three percussive driven footwork tracks: ‘Drum Circle’, ‘Get it Gurl’ and ‘Timber’. Serving up those fast, frantic beats, the very Crème de la crème of all things 160bpm.

Check out their previous EP down below, where you can also pre-order ‘Drum Circle’.

Drowzee


PATIENCE

Artwork by Luke Healey

Pre-order their latest album PATIENCE now, available for purchase on Friday the 4th of February.

PATIENCE: the name an innuendo to the artists self-development of attaining self-patience. By working through writers block and anxieties, this album is ‘a collection of demons, tracks, instrumentals and ideas dating back over the last five or six years’, that encapsulates Drowzee’s personal growth and work on their mental health.

The album fuses a variety of genres, ranging from Reggaeton, Baile Funk, Dancehall, Electronica and many more that they draw inspiration from.

Stream the track ‘Dawn’ for a taste of what the album has in store.

Szajna

Stepping Hill EP

Pre-order their latest EP now, available for purchase on the 1st of March.

Kickstarting the album with the track ‘Planets’, we are exposed to an almost palpable party experience and what can only be described as ‘a straight up Bruk workout’. Choppy drums, philosophical vocals and a strong bass-line. Energy levels… check.

Check out Szajna’s bandcamp profile for a full round-up of what the album has in stock.

INKA & CEEOW

WILDIN

Both known for mastering the art of smooth, silky sonar – Wildin’ kicks things up a notch with an infectious bounce and no-nonsense attitude. With crisp production that stretches out your soul, the unmistakable beat could only be Inka’s. Meanwhile, Ceeow’s captivating flow and tantalising wordplay knows no bounds, coming into its own yet again with fresh dynamism.

Both are based in Manchester, heavily immersed in Underground Rap and Neo Soul culture. Get your hands on this track now.

Imaginary Millions

Together In The Room

Artwork by @benconnors

The Sound London Label Imaginary Millions produced a live improvisation album last year, working with Joy Warmann, part of Reform’s monthly Tuesday residency MELATROIS . The juxtaposing vocals in ‘Never Wanted It So Bad’ dictate a story-like tone and showcase the pure, unfiltered talent prevalent in the band.

The Trees Are Calling

Disco 20

The Trees are Calling are an organic Alt-Funk, Jazz Funk, Modern Soul and Alt-Disco group from Manchester. The project was curated by the bass player Stuart Whitehead, featuring the Jazz saxophone player, who is also Reform’s resident DJ Helena Summerfield.

Produced by Lewis Brookes and recorded at Dead Basic Studios, Disco 20 is a budding with instrumental talent.

LASTA

MANGROVES EP, By PYRAMID PROJECT Feat Contours.

Racy and energetic, this remix is a wonderfully crafted jazz-fusion. Bouncy guitars, saxophones and lingering vocals equip this track for the ultimate listening (or dancing) experience. With roots in Kenya, LASTA’s music uncovers Nairobi’s music scene.

“The remix drives much harder than the original as the kick sucks in the dance floor and builds with a rising reverb and echo. This is a remix for Mind, Body and Soul, perfect for the opening of a busy dance floor.”

Not Bad For A Girl

Big Bally Beats 001

Artwork by Alyah.

Presenting NBFG001, Big Bally Beats 001. A nine track compilation made up of tracks solely by Manchester-based female and non-binary artists. An eclectic collection of genres and moods, from dance floor-ready bass music, to lush breaks, to punchy, syncopated Gqom, vibrant House and more.