Month: April 2024

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blog Featured Projects Funders Projects Thirty Pound Gentleman Youth Music

MEET OUR SOUNDCAMP FINALISTS (PART THREE)

We’re back to introduce you to two more of our Soundcamp finalists, funded by Youth Music, in partnership with Thirty Pound Gentleman. In case you missed it, we kickstarted our 2024 Soundcamp programme back in February, inviting thirty participants into Reform to take part in a two week bootcamp. To support them with their music creation, we had industry pros Layfullstop, Jack Kong and Werkha in the space. From production support to providing their musical ears, the trio gave our attendees an array of great advice to take with them.

Eight of our participants were chosen to continue their journey on Soundcamp, through our six month mentorship initiative. These finalists are joining us every week for focused artist development, musical workshops, and a dedicated space for their creative practice. Meet Ishola & Sarah, two of our artists, below.

Known Konopka

An image of a blonde female doing symbols with her hands, wearing sunglasses and a black puffer jacket.

I’m Sarah Konopka, also known as Known Konopka. My pronouns are she/her. I produce techno-house music and I’m also a DJ. You can find me on SoundCloud and on all social media. 

How would you describe your music to someone who’s never heard it before?

My music is a journey. It starts off emotional and then you’re on a high by the end of it. It’s my job to change your emotions through listening to my tracks.

What prompted you to get involved in Soundcamp and what are you hoping to achieve from it? 

I came to Reform’s other courses, like Music and DJing. I had never received so much acknowledgement for my music and creations before. It was only then that I realised I could actually do Soundcamp. I was ready to receive more feedback and get input from professional mentors. All of my music prior to this, I had done completely on my own. I taught myself through YouTube tutorials and videos online. Already, I am noticing the difference from the 1-2-1 support I am receiving, learning about what equipment is actually out there, and what opportunities are out there. From the project, I hope to achieve getting my music in the right places and hands to make progression happen. I also just want to perform; it’s my favourite thing to do.

Where did your journey with music begin?

My need to create music has come from my need to express and shift my own personal difficulties. I like to think that people can hear this through my work and relate to it and feel heard. Music helped me and I hope my music can help others too. I’ve been listening to house since I came out of the womb. However, I couldn’t sing at all. I could dance, but I never knew I could translate this into actually making music myself. After buying my first DJ decks at the age of 18, I started mixing tracks that I hadn’t heard anyone mixing together before. I delved into DAW and downloaded some free softwares and I soon realised the beat and rhythm I had from dancing, could then be translated into mixing. This is where it all began.  

A blond female stood confidently looking at the camera in sunglasses. She is wearing a black puffer jacket and graphic t shirt.

Describe your creative process from starting to finishing a track.

It’s always different depending on the track. I don’t put pressure on myself to create because I trust it’ll come to me. For example, this Soundcamp track came to me at 4am. I couldn’t sleep and I kept hearing this specific noise in my head. So I tried to mimic this on my keyboard and then started building the track from there. It’s a really natural process, which keeps me up at night.

Who are your main inspiration/influences for your sound and aesthetic?

Fred Again is definitely a huge inspiration for the sound I am trying to achieve and wanting to take people on an emotional journey. He also taught me that there’s no rules in music and you can produce however feels right for you. I also like Dom Dolla and, of course, Peggy Gou. However, I’d also say Harry Styles is a huge inspiration for me. Not genre-wise, but he inspires me in knowing I can be whoever I want to be. He empowers me to be myself and be the unique person I am. 

If you could collaborate with anyone on a track, who would it be and why?

I have two artists in mind. The first one I’d say is Cat Burns. Her music is so emotional and moving so it makes a good fit with the sort of stuff I create. But then also Aitch. He would bang on a house tune, we’re both from Manchester and it would be amazing to produce a song for him. 

What are your biggest goals/plans for your music in the future?

I want to be at Parklife, and I want to be at the Warehouse Project. That’s where my music would be best suited and received. One day, I will be there.

Ishola

A man in a floral beige shirt, with sunglasses on, looking to the side. The image has an orange filter over it.

My name’s Ishola, my pronouns are he/him, and you can find me on Instagram and TikTok at @isho1a.

How would you describe your music to someone who’s never heard it before?

I would describe my music as a fusion of past and future hip-hop. I draw heavy inspiration from both the UK and the US scenes. My music is something you can vibe to as you’re walking through the city, but also blast out of your speakers on a late night drive down the motorway. I like to think my music can fit any kind of scenario or environment.

What prompted you to get involved in Soundcamp and what are you hoping to achieve from it? 

I was looking for more opportunities to grow my network in the music industry after leaving university, where I studied music production. I’m an engineer and a producer, but this comes from me being an artist myself. When I found out about Soundcamp, I thought it would be the perfect chance to meet new creatives, meet like-minded people who I can grow with, and meet individuals who can guide me and keep me on the right path. I have confidence in my own abilities, but it’s also nice to gain the approval and validation of professionals in the industry. Working with the mentors has really helped me tackle imposter syndrome. It has also offered me useful insights, nuggets of knowledge, and has allowed me to absorb their experiences.

Where did your journey with music begin?

I’ve been doing music since I could walk. I vividly remember coming home from school one day and my parents saying I needed to learn an instrument. So I decided to take up the piano, and progressed through graded exams. As I got older, I felt restricted by classical training and I was exposed to more methods of expression through music. For example, I discovered music production and technology. My mind was blown and I fell back in love with music. I’m really grateful that learning the piano laid the foundations for me to grow musically and really explore it. The journey is only just beginning now.

A man in a floral beige shirt, holding his sunglasses, looking into the camera. The image has an orange filter over it.

Describe your creative process from starting to finishing a track.

This question is a bit too linear for me. There’s no start and no end in the creative energy. A song can start from me walking around town listening to bossa nova, subconsciously listening out for samples. It could also start on the bus, writing random lyrics. I feel like I’m constantly drawing inspiration from things around me to influence different areas of my creative practice. Then I can piece these little creations together. Some lyrics I wrote last week could fit a beat I made today; a song comes out of the universe. There’s no start and end; it’s the cycle of music.

Who are your main inspiration/influences for your sound and aesthetic?

One of my biggest inspirations is my father. He was an old school man and grew up through the golden ages of mankind from the 60s to the 80s. He was really into fashion and I was brought up around that so it naturally rubbed off on me. The music from those eras, like Marvin Gaye, Prince, and Luther Vandross, combined with the greats of the early 2000s impacted me. The music I create today takes from these times, as well as the new wave of hip-hop, like Lancey Foux and Skepta. On the other side of the ocean, we have A$AP Rocky, Lil Yachty, and more. There’s a plethora of people within Black music that I am constantly motivated by.

If you could collaborate with anyone on a track, who would it be and why?

In the UK, it would have to be Skepta. This is simply because of his notoriety, the work he has done, and the respect I have for him. What he represents as an individual – fearlessness, complete and utter confidence in his craft – is hugely inspiring to me. I’m also loving what Lil Yachty is doing. He is the perfect bridge between underground and mainstream hip-hop. It would be a blessing to be introduced to these two individuals’ audiences.

What are your biggest goals/plans for your music in the future?

Besides the obvious goal of touring internationally, I would love to get into scoring. It would be magical to compose music for fashion shows. Being respected as a composer as well as a hip-hop artist would be incredible. I have massive respect for Tyler, the Creator and the way he has made the crossover between being an artist, to being a reputable composer. It would be beautiful to move listeners’ emotions and manipulate individuals into feeling certain things with my music.

Grab your free ticket to see Known Konopka & Ishola alongside the rest of the Soundcamp cohort live at The Blues Kitchen on the 15th of May here.

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Job Opportunity Opportunity Training Opportunity Volunteering Opportunity

Scratch Open Call – Mirage Bar

Rolling deadline, link here

You bring the weird and wonderful, they’ll bring the people. Scratch is a chance for creatives to test their performance based work for an audience. 

Last Thursday Scratch Nights at Mirage Bar offer a monthly dedicated space for live artists and performers to test out new and developing ideas. They are a chance for creatives to show their stuff in front of a live and supportive audience, with a social afterwards to network and receive feedback!

This series of events will be informal, for creatives to test ideas in real time, experiment, take risks and share new work with peers and the public. 

Creatives who are in the early stages of developing performance based work are invited to submit proposals for a Scratch Night, in performance mediums including but not limited to spoken word, film, sound, multi-disciplinary, durational or time-based work, digital work, pop-up performance, installation-based work and interventions. 

This is an open call for artists based anywhere in the North West to apply (Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Merseyside, Cumbria and Lancashire) 

Three proposals will be selected per event. Mirage Bar are able to support performances of up to 20 minutes and durational works will also be considered. Your proposal should be for a new idea or a work in progress piece. 

Performers will receive: 

– A fee of £100 to perform 

– Rehearsal space at Mirage Bar 

– Some technical and producing support where needed

– Production images and video taken by a professional photographer 

– Anonymous feedback from audiences through a digital form

– A number of free tickets to the event for your chosen VIPs

Guidelines: 

– This opportunity is for artists at any stage of their career.

– The work must be a new idea or piece development with basic technical requirements. 

– The work should be performative or include some live element, and either be performed within a 20 minute timeframe or be a longer durational piece.  

– The work must be suitable for Mirage Bar. 

Mirage Bar is a fully wheelchair accessible venue via a permanent ramp and has an accessible indoor toilet.

This is an opportunity with a rolling deadline, with events taking place every last Thursday of the month from 30th May 2024 – 24th April 2025. In completing this form you are registering your interest to perform at one of these events, and you will be asked which dates you would be available to perform should you be successful. 

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Opportunity Training Opportunity Volunteering Opportunity

Raise The Bar Mcr – Open Mic (Rappers/Producers)

Deadline to apply – Every last Wednesday of the month, link here

Raise The Bar MCR is the number one open mic event in Manchester, exclusively for rappers. They want to take rap back to its roots by building up the community and showcasing Manchester’s rap talent at all stages of their journey.

On the last Wednesday of every month at the Old Abbey Taphouse, 8 upcoming artists have 9 minutes to show Manny what they’ve got and have the chance to win a paid champion set at the next event. The champion set is voted for by 10 audience judges who want to see you come back and perform a 20-minute set.

Raise The Bar also host a Mancunian headliner who is making a name for themselves in the scene for 30 minutes after all the acts.

But the night doesn’t end there! At 10pm Manchester’s best cypher. Whether you have never performed in front of a crowd before or you just want to come down to pick up the mic and spray, you are welcome. Beats for the cypher are sent in by some of the coldest producers in Manchester and a Mancunian DJ will keep the vibes.

If you’re a rapper, producer or DJ and interested in getting involved don’t be shy… Send a DM or come through to our next event to meet the team.

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HYPE THEM: LIVE SESSION & THE MUSICAL JOURNEY OF JENNI ORLOPP

Recently on the HYPE THEM show with kaoti and sheri, we welcomed North West artist Jenni Orlopp to the studio. Jenni joined them for an exclusive live session alongside a chat about her journey and experiences as a female in the industry.

Listen to the full show below.

With her soft vocals, soothing melodies, and catchy pop beats, we have had Jenni’s tunes on repeat ever since. We caught up with the musician come producer to find out more about her creative practice and inspiration. Read the full interview below and check out her full live session.

What’s your name, pronouns and your star sign?

My name is Jenni Orlopp (she/her), and I’m a 21 year old singer, songwriter and producer based in Manchester. I’m originally from the North East. My star sign is Leo, but I’m actually not sure what that means – I’ve been told that I don’t fit the description that well. 

If you had to describe your music in three words to someone who had never heard it before, how would you describe it?

“Bit of everything”.

Where did your journey with music begin?

I started getting really into music through my parents and sister. They had this huge CD collection and I was just obsessed with listening to it over and over. Eventually I started learning instruments at school, and found songwriting and producing through that. I used to record myself playing the clarinet and then play the drums over it on Garageband. I’d also play around with the novation launchpad app and make beats using loops and random sounds.

Have there been any important figures or role models in your musical journey or any that have inspired your sound and aesthetic?

When I was younger, I got really into hip hop and rap and I think that definitely started my love for fashion, especially streetwear. I have a picture of me from when I was really little. I have on the baggiest jeans possible and this sideways pink cap because I wouldn’t let anyone else dress me. Music-wise, I’m definitely inspired by jazz. It’s the foundation of so many genres and artists. I think there are very few musicians that haven’t been inspired by it in some way. 

Where do you find inspiration for your creativity?

I go through phases of being inspired by absolutely everything for a while, and then nothing. I definitely find inspiration in different things when it comes to lyrics versus production – I have so many half finished songs with no backing tracks, and drum loops with no instrumentals. I’m most creative when things are happening in my life though. Emotions are definitely the best source of inspiration for me. 

How does your writing process look?

Back in 2022, I wanted to get better at songwriting, so I challenged myself to write 5 songs a week for the whole year. My routine became playing a backing track on repeat and writing down whatever came into my head, and then repeating the process again, but only picking out the good bits of my previous attempt. Sometimes writing songs is hard because you don’t want to write down a bad lyric, but that process made me realise that perfection isn’t realistic. Writing down a bunch of terrible ideas helps to bring the good ones out. I either write my songs based on an idea from doing that, or they write themselves in less than an hour – I don’t really have an in between. 

What do you see for the future of your music? Do you have any particular goals you’d like to achieve with your creative journey?

Last year, I performed at the Eurovision Fan Village and the whole experience was just amazing. Since then I’ve decided that I’d love to perform at a festival. Other than that I’m just seeing what happens. Most of the best moments in my career so far have been opportunities that I didn’t even know existed a year before, so I don’t really like to plan too far ahead. 

Where’s the best place for people to find you on social media and to find your music?

I’m the most active on Instagram – @jenniorlopp. My handle is pretty much the same everywhere. You can find my music on all major platforms.

You can catch HYPE THEM bi-monthly on Thursdays on the airwaves of Reform Radio, tune in via website or on DAB in Greater Manchester region.

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blog Featured Projects Thirty Pound Gentleman Youth Music

MEET OUR SOUNDCAMP FINALISTS (PART TWO)

Soundcamp 2024 is well on its way, funded by Youth Music and in partnership with Thirty Pound Gentleman. We held a two week bootcamp in February, with over thirty aspiring musicians in the Reform Radio space collaborating and working on their crafts. Throughout the bootcamp, they received support from our exclusive mentors, Layfullstop and Jack Kong.

Following our bootcamp, eight participants were selected to take part in Soundcamp’s six month artist development programme. Each week, in the lead up to our Soundcamp Showcase on the 15th of May, we will be introducing you to two of our selected finalists. This week, get to know kaoti and DREIXSS below.

kaoti

My name is kaoti, my pronouns are they/them. You can find me on all streaming platforms and on Instagram as @kaotiiii.

How would you describe your music to someone who’s never heard it before?

You’re in for a ride and you’re about to have your ears blown off by this beautiful chaos. My music is like popping candy, or a pinball machine in your head. It’s full of heavy bass that you can screw your face at and lots of break-beats and drums to move to. There’s lots of high flute and twinkly sounds to balance out the low frequencies too. In the lyrics, you can expect anything from heavy rap to soft poetry. We have it all in the kaoti-sphere.

What prompted you to get involved in Soundcamp and what are you hoping to achieve from it? 

I got involved in Soundcamp because, simply, I love making music. It was an amazing opportunity to even get to attend the Bootcamp. I’m hoping to understand the industry better, get myself out there more, find people that vibe with my sound, and make new musical friends. I’m a big believer in trade. I want to trade energy and creativity with new creatives and see where it takes me.

Where did your journey with music begin?

Like any small pop punk kid, I wanted to be Avril Lavigne. I wrote some very angsty and angry lyrics. Then, I started to mash up songs together and make videos singing them when I was as young as 10. It all started there.

Describe your creative process from starting to finishing a track.

Sometimes it starts with me freestyling over a beat; other times I will have a funny phrase and shape a whole song around it. I’m also a big fan of concept pieces. For example, I wrote a song about my pink car last week. My creativity comes from so many different places, but it always ends up going through the motions of trial and error to create a full song. Currently, I start with a beat and then go on a spiritual process of acknowledging what sounds and, then, words feel right. This process has really improved my freestyling abilities too. After this, I will go back and fine tune the track. I’m really enjoying the journey of seeing what comes out of me, working independently, and listening to myself before sharing my work for feedback.

Who are the main inspirations and influences for your sound and aesthetic?

It’s hard to put my sound in a box and it has qualities of a huge range of music I listened to growing up. My attitude is inspired by punk and rock music heavily. My rap is actively inspired by Eminem and Tyler, the Creator. However, I also love drum and bass and higher BPM music to get moving to, alongside hyper pop and glitch-core artists like Grimes. There’s a huge fusion of sounds and inspirations within my music.

If you could collaborate with anyone on a track, who would it be and why?

I would have to collaborate with Tyler, the Creator and experience working with him. Ashniko and I could also smash a track together, or even Cookie Monsta.

What are your biggest goals/plans for your music in the future?

I know I’ve mentioned Tyler a lot, but I would love to follow in his footsteps of combining fashion, art, film and more. It would be a dream for my music to expand to form a whole world of creativity – the ‘kaoti-sphere’.

DREIXSS

My name is Idreiss, also known as DREIXSS. My pronouns are he/him and you can hit me up on any streaming platforms out there to hear my music.

How would you describe your music to someone who’s never heard it before?

I would just describe it as ‘DREIXSS’. I’ve picked up influences from music I listen to and the music my parents brought me up on. I like to think of my music as a collection of timeless classics.

What prompted you to get involved in Soundcamp and what are you hoping to achieve from it? 

I heard about Soundcamp through Kong, one of the mentors on the project. He was really encouraging and it filled me with confidence to get involved. When I looked further into Reform Radio and what they did for the community, I was even more keen to be part of Soundcamp and share the room with such talented people. I am really hoping to use this time and involvement with Reform to build a strong foundation to move onto big things.

Where did your journey with music begin?

When I was a kid, my parents used to play the classics – my mum was a massive George Michael fan, and my dad was a proper Ministry of Sound raver. They shaped my ideas of music. It all started out with me singing in choirs as a kid, but it never felt like the real me. I liked singing, but I didn’t like what I was singing. I started listening to garage and DJ music and then I discovered R&B, rap and trap. It’s been a journey so far, and it doesn’t look like it’ll be slowing down any time soon. I’m excited to see where it ends up going.

Describe your creative process from starting to finishing a track.

As a creative process, it all starts off in a similar way – I have to connect with the music. It might start with a line in my head and then I’ll start building it from there. Or I will find a beat I love and start writing lyrics to this. It simply just has to start with something I connect with and I’m feeling.

Who are the main inspirations and influences for your sound and aesthetic?

Obviously I have inspirations, but I like to think I am an individual and I am true to my own unique sound. I’ve been very influenced by Ne-Yo and Usher, but I also love the UK scene. Bugzy Malone is another great example of someone I appreciate. I love what he addresses through his music and the messages he shares. I hope I can form a community of people that resonate with my work like he has.

If you could collaborate with anyone on a track, who would it be and why?

I’d have to go with D-Block Europe. What they’ve built all by themselves and by being their unique selves is hugely inspiring to me. I love their music and I love the community they’ve made so organically.

What are your biggest goals/plans for your music in the future?

My biggest goal is getting as many people to hear my music as possible, building a solid fanbase and foundation for my future in the industry. I want to walk down the street and hear people playing my music out their cars. I want DREIXSS to be heard by as many people as possible.

Grab your free ticket to see kaoti & DREIXSS alongside the rest of the Soundcamp cohort live at The Blues Kitchen on the 15th of May here.

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blog Featured Projects Funders Projects Thirty Pound Gentleman Youth Music

MEET OUR SOUNDCAMP 2024 FINALISTS (PART ONE)

Back in February, we kickstarted Soundcamp 2024, funded by Youth Music and in partnership with Thirty Pound Gentleman. Soundcamp is our in-house artist development programme. To start this year’s project, we welcomed over thirty young people aspiring careers in music to create and collaborate on their own musical projects for our Soundcamp Bootcamp. Through the process, they received 1-2-1 support from industry professionals Layfullstop, Jack Kong, and Werkha. Meanwhile, they got led through sessions on production, music business, and more.

Eight of our attendees were selected to join the full Soundcamp programme at Reform. The finalists are receiving 6 months of music mentorship from industry pros, performance opportunities, and direct support with their unique crafts. Now, they are taking to the stage on the 15th of May at the Blues Kitchen to share all they’ve been working on at our exclusive Soundcamp Showcase, and YOU can join us.

Get a taste of what you can expect from the lineup below, as we introduce you to our first finalists of this year’s Soundcamp.

Jennifer Dala

My name is Jennifer Dala, my pronouns are she/her and I am a singer and songwriter. I’m planning to release some music later this year so you’ll finally be able to hear what I’ve got in the works.  

How would you describe your music to someone who’s never heard it before?

My music is a mixture of Joni Mitchell and Tracey Chapman with its combination of acoustic and synth. My sound has been shaped by soul, indie, alternative and jazz music. 

What prompted you to get involved in Soundcamp and what are you hoping to achieve from it? 

I was taking part in any music courses I could to challenge myself and meet other like-minded creatives. What I’m hoping to achieve from the programme is to collaborate with other musicians to push my craft further. Soundcamp looked like a welcoming and supportive space to explore my musicality thoroughly. It’s been really useful to me so far and I’ve already learnt so much more than I expected to.

Where did your journey with music begin?

I’ve always loved music and, as a child, I had piano and guitar lessons. I knew for a long time that I really wanted to be an artist, but it was only in my 20s that I properly started exploring this. Since lockdown, I’ve been playing the guitar a lot more and really shaping my sound to get to where I am today.

Describe your creative process from starting to finishing a track.

It’s mainly improvisation to me. When I first listen to an instrumental, I will improvise over this by humming and creating melodies. From there, I can write my lyrics. I don’t really write with intent; I like to just see what comes up for me. When I first started writing music, I would write a lot about heartbreak, but now I write about existentialism and my shadow self. I think this development is only possible when you truly allow yourself to be open with your songwriting.

Who are your main inspiration/influences for your sound and aesthetic?

Amy Winehouse and Joni Mitchell are two of my main influences. I love Joni Mitchell’s vocal melodies and her incredible songwriting capabilities. Amy Winehouse was definitely one of my earlier influences. I loved her voice and dug so much into her lyricism. In terms of my aesthetic, I just like being comfortable and expressing myself authentically. I would say Lauryn Hill is my main inspiration for this.

If you could collaborate with anyone on a track, who would it be and why?

I think it would have to be Sampha. I would love to write songs for artists and I think Sampha has the perfect distinct sound I’d want to create for.

What are your biggest goals/plans for your music in the future?

My biggest goal is to release my own EP, but also to write songs for bigger names.

FREEQUENCY3

Hey, my name is FREEQUENCY3 and my pronouns are she/her. People can find my music everywhere, on all streaming sites, in places I probably don’t even know about.

How would you describe your music to someone who’s never heard it before?

My music takes listeners on a journey through the ripples of life and all of its nuances. From experiences of relationships with others and yourself, to helping people deal with the shifts in life, my music encourages people to tap into feelings they have been avoiding. However, at the same time, you can bust a little two-step and get on a vibe to my tunes too. I’ve got a nice eclectic range of sounds, songs, hooks and melodies and lyrics to enjoy. You can make new meanings of these tracks each time.

What prompted you to get involved in Soundcamp and what are you hoping to achieve from it? 

I first joined Soundcamp in 2021 when a lot of changes were happening in my life. Much of the time, I was in pain and I had no idea why. I joined the project initially to challenge myself and be in a room with different people to create and collaborate with them. I found it quite overwhelming and I didn’t get through to the final eight artists. So I decided to come back and try it again now I have a full diagnosis regarding my health and can manage my body better. This time, I have been selected as a finalist. The biggest blessing so far has been being able to work with Layfullstop, Jack Kong, Werkha, and other mentors. They are all people I have looked up to for many years. So, for me, it feels like a real honour to even be able to share the room with these people and have conversations about my art with them. I am learning from their experiences every week. I hope to achieve more dynamics in my art from these new perspectives.

Where did your journey with music begin?

My journey began when I was very young; I’ve always loved music. My mum would always be playing music in the house and my uncle was in a band so I used to do raps with him. It all stemmed from there. My journey to being an artist began in 2021 after I DJed at Parklife Festival. The morning after playing, I woke up with severe nerve pain and it took me two years to get a diagnosis. During that time, my whole life changed and I was in severe pain every single day. I lost all the things I was making a name for myself doing. I realised the one thing that ran through all the things I had been doing was music, so I decided to tap back into my inner child and start making beats and raps again. People responded to it well so I thought I’d keep writing and explore these difficult feelings through music.

Describe your creative process from starting to finishing a track.

If I’ve got a beat that’s already there then I will freestyle over it continuously and find a flow I like. Then I will either write the lyrics over the freestyle, or if I am struggling with finding lyrics, I will choose five random words and write around these. There’s a lot of back and forth in my process, correcting and perfecting things. Since starting Soundcamp, I have been more open to approaching tracks in different ways. I feel like I now consider the structure of songs more thoroughly and specifically.

Who are your main inspiration/influences for your sound and aesthetic?

For my sound I’d say J. Cole, Noname, WESTSIDE BOOGIE, Mick Jenkins, Big Sean, but also many of my friends are so talented musically and inspire me. I love artists that can really paint a picture.

If you could collaborate with anyone on a track, who would it be and why?

Right now, I’d love to make a song with Layfullstop. Internationally, I think Smino, Chance the Rapper or Noname.

What are your biggest goals/plans for your music in the future?

One of my biggest goals is to be consistent. It’s really hard to do this when you have a health condition that varies. I’d also love to perform more and do another headline show. I want to show people I am more than just a one-dimensional rapper. I want to show I can make hooks, I can make songs that are going to stick in my head, I can put on a beat, and I can say things that are important. Also, I want to make sure I connect with those that support me a create a solid community.

Grab your free ticket to our Soundcamp Showcase here to witness the pair above live, alongside the rest of the programmes cohort.

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SOUNDCAMP SHOWCASE 2024

Get yourselves ready to hear some of Manchester’s emerging talent as we bring you this year’s Soundcamp Showcase. Taking place on the 15th of May at Manchester’s Blues Kitchen, come along and submerge yourself in some of the city’s freshest sounds.

Since February, we have hosted an array of upcoming music artists at Reform Radio, in partnership with Thirty Pound Gentleman and funded by Youth Music. From over 30 participants at our Soundcamp Bootcamp, to our eight finalists consistently working every week, some incredible collaborations and creations have been born in our space over the course of the programme. Attendees on the project have had the chance to work with industry professionals including Layfullstop, Jack Kong and Werkha. Meanwhile, they have been led through workshops on the likes of production, songwriting and more.

On the line-up, you will be treated to the house-infused sounds of Known Konopka, the cool, calm and collected energy of Ishola, alongside the effortless bars of FREEQUENCY3, and the intimate story-telling qualities of Alpha Twang. Meanwhile, meet the multi-dimensional boundless creations of kaoti, the R&B fusions of Hazzu, DREIXSS and the soothing and soulful tones of Jennifer Dala.

Now, we welcome you to join us in hearing the tracks they have been perfecting for their live debuts on this exclusive night oozing with talent.

Check out the flyer below for the full details and come join us in seeing these Manchester names before they get big.

Get your FREE tickets here.

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MEET REFORM’S ENGAGEMENT TEAM

From radio broadcasting and podcast production, to creative course facilitation and talent development programmes, we are certainly busy bees here at Reform Radio. Whilst you may have seen us operating in numerous areas, we wanted to give you a rundown of what we do and introduce you to our amazing Engagement Team, who you will definitely come into contact with when joining one of our creative courses.

About Us

Reform Radio is an award-winning radio station and arts organisation based in Manchester’s Bonded Warehouse. We use our station to engage young people of all walks of life and support them into employment. We work with a lot of local and international DJs as well as creatives to showcase their work via our platforms. Not only does this give individuals valuable experience working with a radio station, but it also allows us to share and broadcast a diverse range of voices and some of the best emerging talent on our airwaves. Since our formation in 2013, we are proud to have created an invaluable community of individuals, driving collaboration to create all of our content with people right on our doorstep, to across the globe. You can find out more about our journey throughout the past decade here. 

Two participants sat in front of a computer editing a radio show.
Our Courses

Throughout the year, we also hold a rotation of fully-funded creative courses for young people. With the support of some incredible funders, and as a National Portfolio Organisation of Arts Council England, we are proud to deliver programmes in a variety of areas, utilising our industry-standard facilities. Our rotation of courses and development programmes include: Podcasting, Music, DJ Sessions, Soundcamp, Radio, Creative Leadership, Well-being and Creative Writing. However, we also hold a number of sessions throughout the year in the likes of content creation, sustainability, money management, and employment skills. 

“I’m really impressed that these courses even exist, to be honest. I think as I’ve progressed through the project I’ve been continuously surprised at the quality of its delivery and the amount of care and well-being support you guys offer to participants too. It’s an incredible initiative which encourages young people to really create something they are proud of.”

Joanna (she/her – participant of High Rise course)
A female sat behind her laptop laughing in a workshop

Whilst our participants have the opportunity to learn the technical skills associated with their courses’ areas, we also aim to hold a safe place for them to create and work together. Our workshops blend the necessity for attendees to gain practical techniques via softwares and industry equipment, alongside our desire to support their personal growth and development. Many of our community notice an increase in their confidence levels and social skills.

“On the first day of the course, I was in my own head and couldn’t even speak out loud to the group. However, I have come out of my shell so much and really pushed myself to chat to everybody and get to know them. I feel sad that the course is nearly over now after growing in confidence with everybody and making some great friends with people I would never usually meet.”

Violet (she/her – participant of Radio Course)

We have a designated Engagement Team to support the young people joining us at Reform, who have a wide array of experience to contribute towards teaching and leading our programmes. Meet the full team below!

Meet Our Engagement Team

Our Reform Mentors (Adele, Imogen and Lola) are here to support the young adults that we work with. Mentors provide support from the moment someone gets in touch with Reform Radio until 6 months after they finish participating in one of our courses or programmes. Mentors take time to get to know the participants, and to understand the barriers that stand in their way to achieving their goals. They will work with participants to co-create an action plan, and offer support and advice throughout and after the project or training programme. Our mentors aim to introduce participants to a person centred and creative approach to improving confidence, transferable and employment skills.

Reform Mentors engage with wider community partners to make sure that we reach and offer our support to those young unemployed adults who will benefit from it, and so that we can signpost people to other opportunities and services in response to their needs, challenges and interests.

female with red curly hair smiling at camera in Reform Radio space.

Imogen (she/her) – Reform Mentor

Where did your journey with Reform begin?

I found out about Reform Radio through a temporary job I had with a charity in 2021. While I was working there, we collaborated on a project and I really enjoyed the time I spent in the space. I returned to bar work after my contract ended and spent several months looking for work in the creative industries. On a whim, I checked the Reform website and saw there was a vacancy for an Employment Assistant. The rest is history!

What’s your favourite thing about being part of Reform?

My favourite thing about working at Reform is seeing how getting involved with our courses can impact peoples’ lives in a really positive way. It’s so nice to see people gain confidence and go onto do really exciting and creative things after finishing projects here.

What do you get up to outside of your work at Reform?

During the week, I love to read, do a bit of writing and watch films. I’ve recently started DJing, so I also like to practice mixing and work on preparing for my takeover shows on Reform. I’ve been attending Chinese kickboxing classes, which are brutal! On weekends, I spend time with friends and go to electronic music events.

What’s your favourite track to listen to when your mood needs picking up?

‘Waitin’ by Kelela always gives me energy when I need it. 

Female wearing blue shirt over a white vest and a denim cap sat smiling at the camera in the Reform Radio space.

Adele (she/her) – Reform Mentor

Where did your journey with Reform begin?

I had done a takeover show with my collective SHEwillprovide and was then working in radio as a breakfast show host. When I came to do the takeover, I knew that I wanted to work at Reform immediately and applied as soon as I saw a role come up.

What’s your favourite thing about being part of Reform?

Favourite thing about being at Reform is the ability to meet all the amazing talented people that come through the doors in all forms, and being able to be surrounded by a hub of positivity towards creativity. What I love about my job is being able to see the journey of the people I work with and the growth of their time shared at Reform and outside.

What do you get up to outside of your work at Reform?

Outside of Reform, I am a DJ and also a part of a collective called SHEwillprovide. I also partake in social action and change work as a Youth Ambassador for YMCA England and Wales.

What’s your favourite track to listen to when your mood needs picking up?

‘VIVID DREAMS’ by KAYTRANADA and River Tiber.

Male in black t shirt sat smiling at the camera in Reform Radio space.

Dan (he/him) – Well-being Manager

As Reform Radio’s Mental Health and Well-being Manager Dan is responsible for supporting the good mental health and well-being of our staff and the participants. This can include delivering interactive workshops, 1:1 check-ins, counselling, training, creating mental health content and much more. Dan works particularly closely with the Reform Radio Mentors, helping to ensure their mental health needs and the needs of the participants they work with are identified, and thus appropriate support can be offered. All Dan’s sessions are totally confidential and free to attend.

Where did your journey with Reform begin?

When the opportunity came up to apply to work for Reform Radio in 2019, I’d been practicing as a therapist for a number of years in an NHS eating disorder service, and was ready to diversify my work.  Reform Radio gave me the opportunity to apply my skills and experience in new ways. I was delivering more workshops, creative projects and working more flexibly with young people to support and expand understandings of good mental health for them and the staff working with them.

What’s your favourite thing about being part of Reform?

My favourite part of being Reform Radio’s Mental Health and Well-being Manager, is that I get to use my training as a psychotherapist in diverse, creative and innovative ways that I wouldn’t be able to in a regular 9-5 job as a therapist.

What do you get up to outside of your work at Reform?

Outside of Reform Radio I enjoy hanging out with my friends or partner, drawing, or making music.

What’s your favourite track to listen to when your mood needs picking up?

‘Romeo’ by Basement Jaxx.

Top left to top right – Autumn & Naomi, bottom left to bottom right – Tito & Alex

During your time at Reform, you are also likely to meet some of our lovely Creative Practitioners who deliver our creative courses and support our participants in sessions. Above, you can see Autumn (they/them), Naomi (she/her), Tito (she/her) and Alex (he/him), all of whom help make our combination of workshops run smoothly.

Employment and Pastoral Support

Alongside our skills development programmes at Reform, we also offer free employment and pastoral advice to all of our participants. From personal CV and job application support from our mentors, to having access to 1-2-1 appointments with our in-house psychotherapist and Well-being Manager, we are proud to assist individuals throughout their journeys with Reform.

A male participant and workshop facilitator with green hair in a black dress are sat chatting together.

For regular job and opportunities updates in the North West, head to our Opportunities page which outlines new paid, voluntary, funding and work experience roles every week. If you’re looking for local support organisations you can reach out to, head over to our Emergency Contacts page.

Get In Touch

If you’d like to find out more about our courses and projects, please reach out to our Engagement Team at projects@reformradio.co.uk.

To keep up to date with what is going on at Reform, you can find us on social media here.

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Opportunity Training Opportunity Volunteering Opportunity

Boys & Love – Kids of Colour

Link here

Kids of Colour Boys & Love is a new project for boys* of colour in Greater Manchester dedicated to love and self-discovery, whilst amplifying the voices and shared experiences of our communities.

The project will delve into a wide range of themes including; self-love, solidarity, intersectionality, challenging toxic masculinity, advocating for feminism, celebrating cultural identity, love of community and planet.

Don’t worry if you don’t feel comfortable with these ideas and terms yet, we will be exploring them together!

*This includes cis boys, trans boys and non binary

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blog MAES Projects

FUNDING RESOURCES & TIPS FROM REFORM

As you might already know, Reform Radio is a non-profit and Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisation. Over the past decade of our work, we have been lucky enough to receive support from a brilliant range of funders. It is these funders who have made our growth and development possible to get us where we are today.

Applying for financial support as an organisation remains equally as important now as it was for us in the early days of our journey. From gaining support to facilitate our courses, to allowing us to offer the covering of travel and lunch expenses for our participants, our funding fuels all the work we do. With years of experience working with those aiding our practice, we are able to offer insight and advice to our community who are applying for financial support for both their projects, or as individuals. We are proud to do this through the likes of workshops, online content and 1-2-1 assistance.

Approaching a funding application may feel daunting, especially if you’ve never completed one before. Many application processes can differ. You may apply for grants in different scenarios; as an individual, an organisation, or for a specific project.

Here are some top tips from one of our directors, Jemma, to consider if you’re looking for guidance on applying.

1 – Check the eligibility for the funding before you start the application process. You can usually find this in the grant’s guidance information and may outline demographic, geographical, or turnover requirements. Eligibility is a non-negotiable when it comes to funders allocating their budget, so it’s vital to check this and make sure you aren’t applying for support you aren’t eligible for. If you’re unsure about anything regarding this, reach out to the funder.

2 – Check if you need a personal or a business bank account to receive the grant. Sometimes funders may specifically ask for a business bank account to transfer the money into. If you do not have a business account, organisations may be able to help you by holding your money for you and allow you to apply with their account information.

3 – Check the deadline dates and start working on the application before the submission portal opens. Turnaround can be fast. This will also allow you some contingency time for technical issues, or to reach out to experienced individuals to check over your application and offer feedback.

4 – Work on a separate auto-saving document to the form on the granter’s website. Not only does this prevent you losing your work, but softwares such as Google Drive have grammar-checking and word count devices.

5 – Develop partnerships and utilise them to strengthen your application. Consider who is going to help you with your project and how they benefit you and your application. Who are your recruitment partners, or who is going to help promote your project? Who is going to patch up the gaps in your skillset internally to perform your work to the highest standard? Not only will this help you achieve a high quality project, but funders also value when multiple parties are working together on the same cause.

Application processes and funding requirements are all unique. This is why it’s so important to take your time, read through the grant’s guidelines and ensure you have prepared effectively for submitting your bid. With the tips and resources above, we hope to have helped make the task more approachable. Although the processes may appear intimidating, it is well worth researching and applying for support to help make your ideas become reality. Regardless of the outcomes, applying is brilliant experience and the more applications you make, the sooner you will become a pro on funding bids.

If you are interested in getting involved in our next Creative Leadership course, drop us an email at projects@reformradio.co.uk.