Spider Jaroo brings the heat to the studio, joining Jorgy & Cheech on their show for this instalment of Raise The Bar.
After his album, Half Face, released in 2016, Spider’s back on the scene and serving up old skool beats with a northern twist.
Catch the full performance here.
Listen back to the show.
Soundcamp 2022 started this month, kicking off with a two week Bootcamp which just wrapped up. Filling the space with the best up and coming musical talents across Manchester. For those of you that are not familiar with Soundcamp, it’s a 12-week training and artist development programme that we started back in 2018, funded by the lovely Youth Music and in partnership with Thirty Pound Gentleman.
Joining Soundcamp once again, facilitators and artists Jenna G, Werkha and Anna Mcluckie kicked off the project and got the ball rolling, offering their industry knowledge and mentorship to those involved. At the end of the Bootcamp, twelve artists were selected to progress onto the 12-month mentorship programme, granting the opportunity to take their craft to the next level.
If you don’t know our fabulous facilitators, let’s get you acquainted. Jenna G is a vocalist and MC who has worked with the likes of Danni Minogue, Aleesha Dixon and Chase & Status. Werkha is a DJ and producer, who has recently dropped an album, ‘All Werk Is Play’. Last but not least, Anna McLuckie is a singer, songwriter and harpist based in Manchester, who you can catch playing at the Deaf Institute at the end of the month.
Participants such as Manchester-based Atha, who is an aspiring events host and musician, touched on how it has been working with industry professionals, commenting that the facilitators have been “caring, giving us the space to ask them questions which is comforting and beneficial”. Freelance actor, open mic organiser and poet Boshra adds that the environment created by the facilitators was “welcoming, which is important and they genuinely want to help”, whilst guitarist Fabio explains how each artist seemed to be “well-rooted in the industry”.
As always, we strive to maintain an aura of inclusivity, encouraging those involved to be their authentic selves. Beatrix Dexter a self-proclaimed ‘authentic, innovative and daring’ artist and participant says how the experience of working with the likes of Jenna, Werkha and Anna was insightful and ‘every day was enlightening and very focus driven’.
As a music course and artist development programme, collaboration is thoroughly encouraged throughout. One of the collaborative tasks during the Bootcamp was to create a piece on either nature or identity, spurring creations of beautiful spoken word pieces, whilst other activities included musical creations. During the second week, one group wrote a dreamy three-part harmony on one side of the room and on the other side of the room, there was some high energy rapping going on, proving just how eclectic each person’s style is.
It was great to see those involved appearing comfortable, honest, supporting one another, and having a bit of a laugh. People shared their work, from poetry to lyricism, creating blends of genres. One group, including Fabio, created a track fusing Folk, EDM and gritty Rap, surprising themselves with an original song that worked incredibly well. This narrative led the rest of Soundcamp’s journey, with Atha commenting that she’s ‘met at least five different musicians, five different instrumentalists and five producers, so it’s like a network of people with different skills and it’s amazing’.
With creative energy flourishing within the group, we set out to find out who was inspiring the group.
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION?
BOSHRA, ACTOR & POET. ‘Myself. As humans, we go through so much in our lives and I feel like our stories, our past, our struggles and our successes are inspirational in themselves. We as humans inspire ourselves constantly and being creative in this industry is difficult. You have to fail, learn, fail, learn and be okay with rejections, whilst keeping on going and finding alternative ways to bloom, expand and develop.’
FABIO, GUITARIST. ‘I try not to have idols because I don’t believe in having them, but I do have people I look up to who trigger parts of my brain and make me feel inspired. Casey Edwards and Mic Gordon, who are more on the gaming side of things with soundtracks, are incredibly inspirational to me. The experimental side of their gaming works is great, especially as someone who likes electronic and distorted sounds.’
JOY, MODEL & SINGER. ‘My Mother. She gave me life but she also taught me life. My mother came to the UK from Africa and made a life for us, she worked so hard for me and my siblings and that’s something I admire so much.’
IF YOU COULD COLLABORATE WITH ANYONE IN THE WORLD, WHO WOULD IT BE?
SOPHIE, JAZZ MUSICIAN. ‘If I could collaborate with anyone living, it would be the legend, Beverly Knight. She is an incredible vocalist and hands down an amazing person. I take lots of my writing inspiration from her. And of course, Ella Fitzgerald. A Jazz legend who means so much to so many people and her legacy lives on. I like to think I take a leaf out of her book every single day.’
FABIO, GUITARIST. ‘While they were alive, Prince or Jimi Hendrix. That would have been pretty cool.’
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE FROM SOUNDCAMP? DID YOU SET YOURSELF ANY PERSONAL GOALS FOR THE BOOTCAMP?
BEATRIX DEXTER, MUSICIAN. ‘To make more connections, network with people and improve my confidence. I wanted to learn more about the industry and what next steps I should take as an artist. ‘
JOY, MODEL & SINGER. ‘A voice for myself. I wanted to get a bit more confident in the talent that I have. Now I feel I’m in the right headspace, I just needed to meet the right people and be in the right space.’
SOPHIE, JAZZ MUSICIAN & MINDFULNESS TEACHER. ‘I joined Soundcamp to collaborate with local people and make connections.’
There was a great variety of performances at the showcase and an incredibly supportive environment was encouraged throughout. What began with nervous energy, soon transformed into laughter and self-confidence. First up was Toby with a very pure and heartfelt spoken-word piece, resulting in a crowd of applause and wooing. Toby fist-pumped the air and faces of joy populated the room, setting the scene for the performances to follow. Soundcamp 2018 alumni IORA played a number of tunes. Their music is electronic-based, so it was great to hear it played differently live. Flavours of Drum N’ Bass with vocals on top, acoustic Indie with spoken word and swing influenced pieces with a jazzy soulful feel.
As the Bootcamp came to an end, friendships had been made and wonderful artistry created, with those involved leaving on a high.
To find out more about our upcoming projects, please drop us a line at projects@reformradio.co.uk – come get involved, meet people and get creative!
Welcome back to On Our Radar, a music feature where the team at Reform select their hottest tracks of the week. This week we slow things down and explore the sounds of some local beat-makers and songwriters, with a special focus on Trap, Electronic Funk and epic Break remixes.
GIO FT JAYAHADADREAM
Co-produced by one of Reform’s very own, Sharkin’ featuring Jayahadadream is a wonderfully catchy tune. The atmospheric piano chords had us hooked from the get-go. And, you can never go wrong with a simple Trap beat. What a bop!
LIPPHEAD
This one’s a feel-good tune to prepare you for the bank holiday weekend ahead (we hope you all have some fun things planned). Featuring a blissful beat with what sounds like plenty of milk bottle tinkling, mesmerising strings and silky vocals riffs. If you don’t know Lipphead already, it’s time to check them out.
YENDRY
A new one from songwriter Yendry here. It’s impossible to not get up and dance to this Latin inspired electronic fusion. The rhythm is utterly infectious and would be perfect for bringing the vibes to any summer bash.
W4V£$
Manchester-based songwriter and producer steps up with another excellent tune. We love the vocal layering on this one, it’s getting us in our feels and we are here for it. Written at the end of 2021 to welcome the New Year, Comfort In The Sirens alludes to the artist’s experience of 2021.
VAN WILKINS
To round things up, here’s a legendary remix of a Jamiroquai classic, re-invented with a blend of Breaks and beautiful instrumental swing. We can’t wait to hear more from the Brighton based DJ and producer Van Wilkins!
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.
Taking the reins for this instalment is Anamelia…
Please could you introduce yourself?
Hey yo, my name is Anamelia aka Ana*meh*lia aka Anamelly aka The Polecunian.
When did your musical journey start?
I was very very young when I first started singing and performing, I’m talking 3/4 years of age. My first ever award diploma for singing and performing dates back to when I was 3 years old.
How would you best describe your production and mixing style?
Production I would say is quite holistic. I much prefer producing in a way where I’m directing someone who’s waaaaay more skilled than me on the sound production side of things and engineering things. I’m quite techy, but making beats isn’t really my preferred way of working as I’m very easily distracted. I can’t seem to sit in front of a computer screen for too long. I’m more of throw ideas in the air type of person and compose and produce through directing sound producers.
You were part of the Soundcamp cohort back in 2019, what were some of your highlights?
Definitely performing at Night & Day, probably having Jenna G as my mentor too, & mostly the confidence I have gained in my own art. Seeing again how different every single artist was and how there were almost no right or wrong answers with music or art. Just fully immersing myself in that particular moment. Soundcamp was probably the first time I had a chance to finish some of my beats and I actually showed them to a room full of people.
Last year, you were recognised by VICE in an article titled: ‘The UK Is Overlooking Its Homegrown Polish Rappers.’ You speak about being a Polish rapper in the UK and the challenges you have faced. What are some of these challenges? How do you think the UK could change, or progress, to support artists like yourself.
I think Polish people, we’re still very much a minority group and I guess we’re still portrayed in our stereotypes. TV shows and programmes very much put us in these boxes where actors are builders or cleaners but there are sooooo many successful business owners or creatives in this country. There’s a whole underground Hip Hop scene of Poles in Manchester, I presume there’s probably one in London, too. I know there’s one in Edinburgh, Peterborough and Brum. This just makes me wonder why these artists never reach the mainstream, or access developmental projects or funding. This is a big topic to break down, I have done some research, but with a lot of this I might be wrong as from my observation so far, I have a feeling there might be people out there who don’t even want to identify as Polish artists (for various reasons) and hence why I haven’t found them – but this is definitely ongoing research that I’m actually looking into as part of my masters right now.
BUT, as per myself, I have a lot of support around me and I think people need to stop being dismissive of how much of expertise I have, and perhaps consciously give someone like myself – a foreign woman – a chance to speak up, showcase music and recognise my ideas and projects as worthy, by giving me help in areas that I might be struggling with. I guess we’re new to this country, or at least I can speak for myself.
This industry is EXTREMELY competitive, I’d even say that it is one of the hardest industries in the world and it is always easier and smoother when you know the right people. I think as a Polish community, we’re still building our contacts database within the British society. I’m not here to play victim, these are just my observations. I’m here to develop and build my community up, if they’re unaware of these projects around the city, I shout about them, I help people with marketing. I basically try to utilise my skills and knowledge to help people, and that’s why I’m a mentor at a University I guess.
You took part in HERchester in 2021 – what made you decide to get involved?
I wanted to develop my rap skills, I always rapped or used melodic rap techniques but never called myself a rapper. That was definitely a moment for me when something flipped and I realised that I’m a full rounded artist, which means – if I wanna do a rap track, I can do that as that’s my art and that’s my expression for that particular moment & I would very much encourage everyone to try that mindset – just be free and don’t allow ‘society’ or the industry to put you in boxes.
What are you hoping your next steps will be?
I’m constantly working on things but I guess it is fair for me to announce that I have started a business, in partnership with someone. We’re doing events, we have a bookings system/agency thing going on & we actually have a recording studio/band rehearsal space out for hire in town. It’s been pretty much word of mouth at the moment. But this is definitely another example of how a bit of funding from the Arts Council has now gone a loooooong way for me. They gave me a couple of grand during Covid to build a home studio, and with my mate, we built acoustic panels from scratch – ordered wood, and specific absorbent material, not gonna go into all the ingredients, but I’m quite proactive and resourceful – knowing that I didn’t have enough budget to buy panels, we purchased the materials and did them ourselves. We measured the whole room to get specific acoustics to know how many panels we needed and in what measurement to get the right sound with advice from some sound engineering pros. I mean, I don’t actually like math but we fully pulled it off. I mention this to give an example of how a bit of funding can go a long way for an artist like myself or other upcoming/emerging artists
Obviously, I’m constantly making music. I’ve just been to Spain last month to film, and Poland last weekend to perform. I’m doing okay. I’m in London every few weeks working on something too, but generally, I’m performing in the Northern Quarter every week, so that’s where Manchester can catch me. As per new music, I pretty much have featured releases every month. Solo stuff is currently in the works.
Anything upcoming that you would like to shout out?
Come see me perform – at Wilson’s Social 8 -11pm every Thursday. We’re also gonna be starting themed dance events like Salsa, Disco or Funk and Soul night with a full band on a Friday, so keep a lookout for these on my socials & hopefully see you there 🙂
What was the last event you went to?
Probably the ones I play, as I perform 2/3 times a week I have very little free time in the evenings but boy, I do have a need to go to see someone soon! H.E.R is coming to Manchester so I’m hoping to get tickets and Tyler the Creator is playing at Parklife so I’m gonna try to hustle some tickets too.
Are there any local artists/musicians/collectives that you would like to shout out?
Yes! My Polish peeps – PPZ and the Slum Dog Crew. My favourite people Guacamaya Latin band who I’ve had the pleasure of working with recently.
And finally… What’s one thing that’s happened recently that’s made you smile?
I have moved into my own flat, as in, this is the first time in my life where I’m living entirely on my own and I’m LOOOOVING it!
The People’s Party with Afrodeutsche had another jam-packed month of guests in April. Produced by us at Reform Radio, April saw conversations and mixes from Overmono, Elkka, Not Bad For A Girl, Elena Colombi and more.
The beginning of the month saw the team travelling down to Cardiff for the BBC 6 Music Festival. Co-hosting with Tom Ravenscroft, Afrodeutsche interviewed Electronic duo Overmono, as well as Welsh native DJ Elkka.
We had some massive unmixable attempts in April too. In this feature artists are tasked with mixing two seemingly unmixable tracks together, and you decide whether it works. In April the challenge was attempted by Italian artist Elena Colombi, electronic legend Luke Slater, and jazz-electronic artist Rebecca Vasmant who helped us to celebrate this year’s Record Store Day. We were also very excited to welcome Metronomy drummer and solo artist Anna Prior. How do you think Anna did?
Last month, The People’s Party also had some great guest mixes, including Bristol experimental producer Ploy, and local collective ‘Not Bad For A Girl’.
Means&3rd aka Ben Marsden played out the show with a ‘Phone’s Down Finale’ mix as part of Record Store Day celebrations. We heard about his journey securing a place behind the counter at Eastern Bloc Records, one of the UK’s finest record stores, for which he currently curates the House and techno sections.
The People’s Party airing every Friday night 7-9pm hosts the freshest musical guests every week. Listen back to the unmissable features on BBC Sounds now.
The Life and Death Podcast produced by Reform Radio, in collaboration with Ashgate Hospice returns for a third series. Stephen Rumford, talks to people who have experiences of death and dying to get a deeper understanding of what life and death means to them. This series welcomes guests from stateside as the charity meets guests from as far as Arizona who have experienced bereavement, death and conversations around dying.
Each episode welcomes experts, writers, doctors and people who have experienced end-of-life care to discuss their unique relationships, hospice life, and how death affects the living.
The first episode was released on Monday 2nd May to coincide with Dying Matters Awareness Week. In the first episode, host and Senior Physiotherapist at Ashgate Hospice, Stephen Rumford, meets 45-year-old Kimberley Greaves to discuss life as a young widow and mum to two children. The pair discuss the awkward conversations Kimberley faces when she tells people her husband has died and how her children kept her going through the darkest of times.
Among the guests featured in season three include Sunday Times best seller and journalist Clover Stroud, author of the recently released ‘The Death of My Blood’ and neuroscientist Mary-Frances O’Connor, an author and associate professor at the University of Arizona, as well as Seamus O’Mahoney, well-regarded commentator on modern medicine and healthcare systems.
Episode 1 & 2 with Kimberley Grove and Seamus O’Mahoney are available to listen below and episodes will be released fornightnightly.
To listen back to series one, two and the special one off Christmas episode you can search for ‘The Life and Death Podcast Ashgate Hospice’ or by clicking the link.
March was a busy month on The People’s Party with Afrodeutsche, broadcasting every Friday night from 7-9pm on BBC Radio 6 Music.
Kicking off the month was musician, DJ, and Producer Quantic, AKA Will Holland. Following the release of his latest EP ‘Heaven or Hell’, Quantic stopped by to take on the Unmixable challenge, combining two listener-selected tracks that are total opposites. Watch this for a behind the scenes insight into how he mixed the tracks.
This month, BBC Radio 6 Music celebrated 20 years of broadcasting on the airwaves. In celebration, The People’s Party threw it back to 2002 for some much appreciated noughties nostalgia. We were so excited that German electronic DJ, Ellen Allien, was in the mix for The Phones Down Finale with a selection of early noughties dance tunes to get us ready for the weekend.
The 23rd March marked 18 years since the release of Madlib and MF Doom’s iconic ‘Madvillainy’ album so this month we had a samples special, celebrating the most iconic samples and the best to ever sample them. Hip Hop turntablist and samples maestro, DJ Yoda, stopped by to attempt the Unmixable challenge with two tracks that featured iconic samples. Mixing M.I.A’s ‘Paper Planes’ (sampling The Clash) and The Sugarhill Gang’s ‘Rappers Delight (sampling Chic), DJ Yoda blew us away with his attempt. And all of you agreed.
To celebrate our samples extravaganza, we were also joined by Brooklyn artist Stas Thee Boss. She selected some of the finest sampled tracks of all time for The Phones Down Finale Mix.
And finally, this month, Italian Producer and Paul Simon collaborator, Clap! Clap!, took on the Unmixable challenge. This was a hard one for you to judge since we may have slipped in a ‘Venga Boys’ track on 6 music with this challenge. Listen back to see how he got on!
Recap and listen back to all of the guests we’ve had over the month of March, and listen Fridays from 7pm!
Welcome back to On Our Radar, a music feature where the team at Reform select their hottest tracks of the week. This week we explore the sounds of Industrial, Rave, Ambient, Rap and Jazz.
MOBBS
If industrial and noir were to have a baby, it would undoubtedly be MOBBS. Electric counter-force, brutalist sound mechanic and cyber magician (you name it) has just come out with a fourteen track album. If you’re into sound design, you don’t want to sleep on this one.
MURG
Fresh face of BBC Music Introducing West Yorkshire, Bradford-based Murg has just come out with a whopper of an EP, available on SoundCloud. Dark, dingey and dizzyingly addictive, Cosmic Dreams has us hooked from monotonous chord build-ups and punchy drum loops.
MELCHIOR PRODUCTIONS LTD
Bringing back this euphoric masterpiece from 2021. Thomas Melchior, the owner of the German label My King Is Light and alias to Melchoir Productions, serves up a ten-minute blend of brilliance. Emotive and minimal, perfect for the last song of a set.
CABALLERO
If you’re not familiar with European Rap, then get to know. Brussels-born rapper Caballero has just come out with his latest album, available on platforms such as Spotify.
SKYGAZE
The Broken Beat influence of London shines through songs like Night Heat, besides dreamlike synths and melodic bass melodies which reconstruct that grungy broken beat pattern we know and love. Here Skygaze merges the hard-hitting genres of electro with ethereal notations to produce an atmospheric phenomenon.
ALEX FIGUEIRA
Psychedelic Caribbean Jazz. It’s the genre we never knew was missing from our lives. Alex Figueira’s latest two-track EP is ridiculously catchy, groovy and enchanting. If music intoxication’s a thing, then we are drunk on steel drums, acoustic piano and staggered congo solos.
It’s Mental Health Awareness Week in The UK. In recognition of this week, we chatted to our team to find out what some of their personal struggles have been and how they went about overcoming them. Those who felt comfortable sharing opened up about moving internationally, the path to self-acceptance and queer identity, the difficulties of being an aspiring creative and the challenges of post-graduate life.
Supporting our community is at the heart of what we stand for. Our well-being manager Dan Owens-Cooper’s brand new show #BEEWELL-BEING is a great way to connect with other young people in Manchester and hear their stories surrounding mental health.
Keep reading to find out how our staff members have overcome situations affecting their mental health.
NICOLAS, SOCIAL MEDIA ASSISTANT – CULTURE SHOCK
‘As a French national I had a lot of assumptions about coming from a different country. Fortunately for me, the language was not a difficulty and helped me fit in, but the fact that this barrier could prevent foreigners to travel is understandable. You feel anxious, disturbed and lost to leave your habits to jump on a new journey.
Being away from your family is the first difficulty, though my experience is quite special as I came during Covid. Skype, phone calls and getting surprise visits, are many ways to feel less displaced.
The second thing is getting your bearings in your new place. Friends, school, work, make sure you take your time to adapt. The third thing is socialising. One of the errors I did first was being distant and only socialising with other French speakers. Be open-minded and curious about your new culture.
If leaving home seems scary at first sight, consider it as an opportunity to learn about others as well as yourself. And always remember, it is okay not to be ok. Seek help if needed and be patient.’
INDIGO, SOCIAL MEDIA ASSISTANT & COPYWRITER – POST-GRADUATE LIFE
‘I grew up in the South of the UK. Whilst others craved the sweet smell of nature and freshly cut grass, I craved industrial landscapes, busy pubs and the tube. Addicted to the city that never sleeps, always having something to do or someone to see, London became to feel more like my home than ever before during University.
Then the pandemic hit. My London dreamworld hit the breaks and a rather empty one took its place. The city’s narrative changed and became lonely and hollow to its core. I lost touch with what it meant to exist as a young creative, nor how to go about meeting other people like me or where I even fit into this huge city that felt like it didn’t want me there. No one prepares you for how challenging post-graduate life can be.
I took the plunge and moved up North in October and was welcomed with open arms, soon finding a job in my dream industry. One piece of advice I would give anybody in a similar position is that you can make something of yourself anywhere. There are plenty of opportunities outside of the capital, if not more. Don’t be scared to move to new places, you might surprise yourself and love it.’
ALICE, CONTENT CREATOR – SELF ACCEPTANCE
‘As someone that identifies as non-binary and pansexual, it’s been a bit of a rocky road to get to this point where I can confidently talk about and explore my identity. Being Japanese and British, I was no stranger to battling the push and pulls between your own authentic identity and societal expectations. But coming to terms with my sexuality and gender identity brought on a whole new wave of anxieties, confusion, guilt and imposter syndrome.
I kept this quiet for 2 years. I was scared to talk about something that I didn’t fully understand myself, and the fear of being perceived differently by friends and family paralysed me completely. But I finally reached my limits and reached out for help. Talking about it honestly relieved so much stress and sadness that had been straining myself and my relationships for so long. It sounds so simple but knowing that there are people who will listen and support me was such a powerful relief.
Now, I identify as non-binary but I may identify differently in the future and that’s so natural. It’s a journey; what makes the journey less challenging is talking to people, therapy, immersing myself within supportive communities, being kind to myself and not rushing. It’s important to know that there will always be people that understand, support and love you!’
CAL, CONTENT CREATOR – CARE FOR THE CREATIVE
‘Being creative is amazing and challenging – the payoff and satisfaction can be fulfilling but getting there can test your being.
Being working-class or independent usually means working a job on top of side-hustling your creative endeavours. Finding time and energy for this can be tricky – review your schedule and see what is realistic. Even 30 mins at the end of your shift, three times a week equals 90 mins – 90 mins more than the week before.
Creative blocks: these can feel suffocating, and most, if not all creatives have or will have them so buckle in. Firstly, accept its happening. Next, set yourself achievable goals such as using the technique above.
Take a breath and remember you’re in control. Think of previous times you felt overwhelmed. You found a solution, the divine creative inspiration surged through your veins and you did it. Thinking of these past triumphs can help reinvigorate your energy in moving forward.
Breaks. An overworked brain is no good to anyone and can be detrimental to your aspirations for the project if you continue without resets. Close your laptop, set down your phone and switch off. Tomorrow is a new day and you will get there. ‘
Everybody has insecurities and you are not alone in feeling them. Sharing them can be a positive way to tackle these feelings of inadequacy and learn how to deal with them.
Our team have opened up about some of their insecurities, in hope that it will help others. Common insecurities that popped up were the feeling of ‘imposter syndrome’, with multiple staff members agreeing that it is something they all have experienced. One staff member, who would prefer to remain anonymous, adds that he’s very overly critical of himself and his performance and often suffers from ‘imposter syndrome in both my personal and professional projects.’
Whilst insecurities like this can spring from professional environments, such as school, university or work, more commonly they occur in social situations. Social anxieties can make it difficult to meet new people and overcoming these feelings can seem both daunting and impossible. Alice (Content Team) comments that ‘despite loving it, I also get anxious and insecure before and during meeting new people’.
Other staff members such as Jade (Pastoral Lead) feels insecure about ‘not being good enough at anything’ they do, and another person stated that they fear people ‘not being able to understand [them] on the phone’.
It’s important to remember that you are never alone in whatever you are going through. If you are struggling mentally and would like to talk to someone, please visit our Emergency Contacts page. Multiple amazing organisations offer their services 24/7.
Another Manchester Futures course just came to an end. For the past two week participants were invited into the space for a two-week podcasting Bootcamp, culminating in a live show on our airwaves.
If you’re not familiar with Manchester Futures, it’s a 6-week course that provides bespoke support to young people 16-25 who are looking for work that is delivered in partnership with The Prince’s Trust.
The digital creatives of Manchester came together to learn about scripting, producing, recording and editing, as well as immersing themselves in a working radio environment.
This time around we were joined by three very exciting employers: Escape to Freight Island, NQ Legacy and SharpFutures. Let’s tell you a little bit about them.
NQ Legacy is a non-profit global talent management and full-service entertainment organisation that helps to support young people in the creative industries such as music, film and TV. Some of their current talents include artists such as Aitch and Akemi Fox, brands such as Warner Music and Universal, and more.
SharpFutures are a social enterprise, supporting the young people of Manchester into full-time employment in the creative and digital sectors. They offer a variety of courses, apprenticeships and work placements that help advance your digital skills and get those opportunities you deserve. Some of the clients they have worked with include the BBC, ITV, Sky and Channel 4.
If you’re based in Manchester, you probably recognise the name Escape to Freight Island. It is an industrial food, drink and entertainment venue, constructed out of an old freight depot, described as the “beating heart” of Manchester. As both an indoor and outdoor venue, much of the entertainment they do is designed around the seasons. With festivals, DJ sets, comedy shows, firework displays and more, there’s always something going on.
Having had the opportunity to interview many acclaimed businesses, the young people involved felt that this experience had evolved their personal and creative skills, with those involved adding that the live show had been the highlight of the project.
On Friday the 6th of May, CreativiTea With Sugar went live on the airwaves, an amalgamation of all their hard work and talents. If you didn’t get a chance to tune in, you can listen back down below.
If you would like to find out more about upcoming projects or get involved with the next Manchester Futures, please drop us an email at projects@reformradio.co.uk and join the community.
Interested in podcasting? Why not take a deeper dive into the world of podcasting and join Tameside Futures this May.
Tameside Futures is a 6-week programme providing bespoke support to young people 16-25 who are looking for work. Kindly funded by the Prince’s Trust and Tameside Council.
The programme includes an exciting 2-week Podcasting Bootcamp – You will learn how to develop and script a podcast, create relevant and interesting content and learn the ins and outs of audio production, social media and creative writing. You will also get the experience of producing and presenting in a live radio show, airing on Reform Radio at the end of Bootcamp.
The next four weeks to follow offer 1-1 support with wellbeing, CV writing, applications, interview prep, work placements and other flexible support to fit around you.
See the flyer below for more details.
If you are 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.
Welcome back to On Our Radar, a brand-new music feature where the team at Reform select their hottest tracks of the week. We can’t wait to share with you guys what we have been listening to…
DR MYSTERY
Far From Home is an eight-track album that glides across the dreamscape of another world. That world is DR MYSTERY’s, a futuristic one that explores the sounds that excite the mind and body. Sweeping through dreams and reality she reconstructs what we know as Leftfield Techno, showcasing how eclectic they are as a producer. Get your hands on a copy of Far From Home LP, pressed on black vinyl. Comes in a recycled, one of a kind sleeves with hand screen-printed artwork.
FYI CHRIS
New one from FYI Chris on Black Acre Records coming out at the end of the month. Made during lockdown for a club that didn’t exist, Unreal Nausea is minimal in essence with some really gripping tribal sounds and vocal glitches. Are we gonna hear this at an after-party or at a club? We don’t know but that’s the whole fun of it.
TC & THE GROOVE FAMILY
Ten piece band TC & The Groove Family bring yet another upbeat Jazz ensemble to the table. A powerfully hitting track with a fast-paced drum beat, catchy trumpet loop and ever so addictive electric guitar. We can’t get enough!
PIRI & TOMMY VILLIERS
Off the back of their latest gig that took place at the White Hotel in April, Piri and Tommy Villiers have released their latest song words. Already a Tiktok sensation, the two young stars are dominating the socials and creating the modern Pop inspired anthems of the decade.
VAN WILKINS
Brighton-based DJ and Producer Van Wilkins comes through with a Jamiroquai revamp released on UK label Over and Out. Getting you hooked from the get go, this fabulously catchy Breaks beat with a brass twist does not disappoint.
Every month we promote events hosted by our very own residents. Scroll down to find out what events are taking place this May.
MIC CHECK MEDIA PRESENTS ‘THE MENU’
On Friday the 6th of May, you can catch four of Manchester’s best collectives under one roof, such as Mic Check, one6wave, Medication, no space and DJ Stef. The R&B, Grime and Rap event will be taking place at the Hip Hop Chip Shop in Ancoats, with tickets as low as £5 plus booking fees.
‘DO YOUR THING’ MONTHLY RESIDENCY AT FEEL GOOD CLUB
Every month Feel Good Club opens its doors for a queer-friendly social with MIX-STRESS and other local DJs. For as little as three pounds, you can party the evening away from 7-10 PM, the perfect warm-up to your big night out.
LEVI LOVE & KICKIN PIGEON
You can catch the South African Deep House superstar Levi Love at NAM this weekend as part of the venue’s basement sessions. Kickin Pigeon will be joining them, a House and Techno DJ with a residency on NTS Radio.
OST DAY PARTY
OST is running a day party in Leeds this weekend, with a host of incredible DJs set to blow your mind. It’s free entry, so get yourselves down there!
PRIDE ON THE RANGE WEEKENDER
You can catch Queer Latifah – a collective of female DJs made up of Deb Jump and Mix-Stress – at Pride On The Range Weekender this weekend. Spinning the best of 90s, Hip Hop, House, R&B, UK Garage. Grab your tickets for a fiver now.
BREAK THE CYCLE
Catch Priceless Bodies residents Bianca and Vivian Pencz at Break The Cycle, a fundraiser for Women’s Aid taking place on May 13th. All proceeds from the event will be going towards the cause. With an all-female line-up, including Kyogen, Inland Taipan, Piccadilly Records DJs (and a secret headliner). See you on the D floor.
MANCHESTER JAZZ FESTIVAL
Who doesn’t love a bit of Jazz? Catch the wonderful Helena Summerfield on the saxophone, playing with Jazz-funk, Soul and Rock band NGUVU at the Manchester Jazz Festival. The festival will be held at the city’s entertainment hot-spot Escape To Freight Island. Get your free tickets now and only pay a £1 booking fee. One teeny-tiny pound for an instrumental fiesta you will remember for years. It would be rude not to.
ALL-DAY PARTY: A TRIBUTE TO MAGRIZA
To celebrate the release of Mas O Menos, the label run by Levi Love they are throwing a party at the incredibly fun DBA. The event is also a tribute to Levi’s mother Magriza who sadly passed away. Catch Levi playing, alongside DJs such as Hannah O’Gorman and MAKO MCR.
THE HACIENDA 40TH BIRTHDAY PARTY
The legendary Hacienda will be making a come-back to its original venue for a fortieth-anniversary charity party, four decades to the day since the club opened. The entire eight-hour event will be broadcast live via Steam GM.
RIKI, SRSQ & PRICELESS BODIES
The Priceless Bodies ladies are busy this month. Back with another epic female line-up at the White Hotel supporting artists SRSQ and Riki.
Joining the ladies from Los Angeles is the remarkably dynamic Riki, well-known for her formative years of playing Goth-Punk and Synth-Pop, later developing into the style of moody New Wave. Her most recent self-titled album, released on avant-garde independent label Dais Records, scored her endless tours and festival appearances. Now, making her debut at arguably one of the best venues in the north, she brings her synthetic and melancholy allure to the dark and dingy floors of Salford.
SRSQ, otherwise known as Kennedy Ashlyn, is the ethereal dream-pop star from Philadelphia. Widely known for her band Them Are Us and her solo work with Dais Records, developing her style from Dark Wave into emotionally intelligent, melodramatic music otherwise labelled ‘grief wave’. As a multi-octave singer who is ‘able to synthesize private struggles and sorrows into stirring, redemptive anthems’, her music is turbulent, triumphant and full of surprises. The best part is that she’s only just getting started.
UP NORTH TRIP – IN AID OF SAVE THE UKRAINE CHILDREN
Grab your £5 tickets now and help support the children affected in Ukraine, as well as the Trussel Trust, a charitable food bank based in Manchester. With some big names on the block such as Levi Love, Kitsch, Mangetout and more, this one’s worth showing your support.
SNO & MC KWASI PRESENTS ‘ALL VINYL, ALL DAY LONG’
An all-day vinyl party is coming to the Old Abbey Taphouse, hosted by SNO and Mc Kwasi on May the 29th. You might recognise SNO from their Dip It Low residency or their NTS Radio appearances. With both DJs having played alongside legends such as Mr Scruff, you don’t want to miss this extravaganza. Topping off the antics they will be dishing out a tasty BBQ, bringing some added heat to accompany the fire in the DJ booth.
Welcome back to On Our Radar, a music feature where the team at Reform select their hottest tracks of the week. We can’t wait to share with you guys what we have been listening to…
FARHOT
Afghan-German producer Farhot celebrates the Persian New Year (March 21st) with Nowroz 1401, translating to ‘New Year 1401’. This three-track EP was produced with the incentive of preserving Afghan culture as well as upholding Persian culture for the next generation to follow. Ashiq Shodam, meaning “I fell in love” in Dari, a language spoken in countries of Persian descent, alludes to a well-known love song in the Afghan sphere that goes by the name “Laili Jaan”.
FANU & LARSON WHILED
Funk meets crushed Breakbeat on this one as part of a collaborative EP between Fanu and Larson Whiled. The pair were originally said to have bonded over a shared love of tea and biscuit – how wonderfully British. Atmospheric with drum explosions scattered throughout, we can’t wait to see more from these two.
YAYA BEY
Meet soulful funkstress, Yaya Bey. She’s been dropping singles left right and centre to get us all pumped for the release of her album Remember Your North Star dropping in June. Capturing the rollercoaster that is life, Yaya’s music tells the stories of moments of joy or hardship that one may experience.
GUTTERFUNK
What it would sound like if there was a massive rave inside your computer and then you split your fizzy drink all over it. We’ll leave that one with you guys.
FKJ
Multi-instrumentalist FKJ pulls through with a beautiful piano-led anthem, released on Soundcloud as a little teaser ahead of their new album coming out in June.