Author: Reform Radio

On the most recent HYPE THEM show, Manchester creative, Pearlz, joined our hosting duo, kaoti & sher. Alongside some quality chat on the airwaves, we were even treated to an exclusive live set behind the decks. You can listen back to the full show below.

We caught up with Pearlz behind the scenes to get to know him a bit better and to find out what exciting things he has coming up that we shouldn’t miss out on.

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

In 3 words if I was to describe the music I make it would be: emotive, melodic and energetic, all under the umbrella of electronic dance music.

Where did your journey with music and DJing begin?

My journey with music and DJing stemmed quite organically from the simple enjoyment of listening to music. As my music tastes developed, so did my interest in becoming immersed in more than just being a spectator. I received my first set of decks just after I moved to university about 5 years ago and started producing not long after this as COVID hit. 

At university in Bath I became heavily involved with all the events happening there and it gave me an opening to start DJing to a crowd as opposed to the condensation in my first year accommodation. I definitely fell for the music and events world. Since then, I’ve been channelling my creativity into any opportunities that come my way. For me, every set is a chance to convey a feeling, an atmosphere and to communicate untethered from the bounds of language – this is why DJing and music are so personal to me, it allows me to speak without talking.

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

The greatest inspiration, hands down, that has inspired my whole journey is Mall Grab. His sound and his energy has had the greatest impact upon my musical characteristics. He’s been such a role model to me. Being the headliner of one of my first rave experiences and my admiration for his distinct musical identity has fully cemented him into my musical hemisphere. A lot of my music draws on the emotions that he’s made me feel at his events and that’s been relayed through my entire music experience.

The opportunity to close for him last year was a full-circle moment. It was probably the highlight of my musical career up to date.

Where do you find inspiration for your creativity?

I think, like every creative, creativity comes in waves. There will be some weeks I feel quite a resistance to creating despite it being what I love. Then there will be weeks where I’m brimming with ideas and hyper-focused on finishing things. I like to draw inspiration from a lot of sources. These include reading magazines and sometimes it will be a single image, object or sound that will spark an idea. 

I like to think of my creativity as the embodiment of my subconscious mind. It’s the stuff that exists inside that words inadequately could express. Creating is what brings me joy and offers me a new language to work with – I’m content if no one is able to understand it and thrilled if they are! 

Who is your queer icon?

In the music scene HAAi is one of my queer icons – I love her style, her aura, each time I’ve met her she’s been so warm and down-to-earth. She’s one of my favs.

Can you tell us more about your events, Pink Slip?

After being invited to Resident Advisor’s Access All Areas event last year ,I had the opportunity to hear Sophia Kearney speak on her experiences co-founding HE.SHE.THEY. Her talk was really motivational and I already had thoughts about starting my own event. It felt like the natural next step in utilising the skills I gained with Origins. So, after being inspired by that day I bit the bullet and started Pink Slip.

The night was about recreating the adrenaline of putting everything on the line, creating space for diverse dancefloors and nurturing local and emerging talent. Our first couple events have been really fun and although it’s been on a hiatus recently I hope to revisit putting our third event on soon!

What does being queer mean to you?

Being queer to me represents freedom. It’s the freedom to exist, to flourish, to create and to be exactly who I am. I don’t define myself by my queerness but that’s not to say that it isn’t an integral part to who I am and what I create. Its influence seeps throughout my work and is a presence I’m comforted by as I live my life and do the things I enjoy. I’m grateful to all those that have come before and those that are continuing to push heteronormative boundaries so that we may exist and create as ourselves. 

If you had to recommend a queer-centred space or venue in Manchester to somebody, where would you point them to?

I would suggest the amazing stuff they do at Islington Mill and Partisan Collective.

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?

I hope to continue to enjoy creating and see where it takes me. I feel as though creativity can blossom more organically and more naturally away from commercial pressures so I would like to find a balance between allowing this to happen but also being proactive in the complex industry so that the opportunities are there for me to showcase my work. 

My end goal would be to secure a decent career in the creative sector whatever that might entail. I’m dead-set on being unable to compromise on doing something I don’t enjoy. I’d love to find something where I could do what I love that also propped up my spending habits! Some sort of DJ, artist, fashion designer, all-round really cool person job would be perfect…

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

My instagram is @pearlz2k where I post everything I’m up to and you can find my music on my Soundcloud @pearlz2k.

Manchester based artist DR MYSTERY has released a deeply evocative music video for ‘8888’, a track taken from her ‘euphoria’ EP. The video positions itself as a commentary on the complexity of grief. Rather than the traditional portrayal of loss, this visual narrative focuses on how shared experiences can become a way to process emotions that aren’t easily spoken about. Through subtle, authentic storytelling, ‘8888’ captures how the bonds of friendship and the energy of shared experiences can bring catharsis in times of loss.

Watch the full video below.

Directed by Cameron Jones and set against the once-vibrant yet now faded backdrop of an English seaside town, a place echoing with memories of joy, the film captures four friends revisiting places they once loved. The journey is disrupted with moments of discontinuity and absence, symbolising the emptiness left by their late friend.

Listen to the ‘euphoria’ EP by DR MYSTERY below.

The visuals in ‘8888’ blend atmospheric cinematography with a poignant storyline, capturing moments of joy, reflection, and melancholy, whilst turning known locations into symbols of memory. Set to MYSTERY’s haunting track, it highlights their dedication to storytelling through music and visuals, merging electronic soundscapes with beautiful imagery.

‘8888’ also celebrates Manchester’s flourishing creative scene, showcasing the powerful impact of local collaboration and community. DR MYSTERY worked alongside talented director Cameron Jones and photographer Timon Benson, who also acted as a producer in this project. The video itself features local creatives and artists, highlighting the supportive nature of the local scene.

DR MYSTERY’s work continues to resonate with themes of emotional depth and connection, while showcasing Manchester’s underground scene. With a growing reputation and support from artists like Machine Woman, Martyn and Mr. Scruff, ‘8888’ video marks the next chapter in her career.

Watch the full ‘8888’ video here.

Northern name, Dr Syntax, joined Jorgy & Cheech on their latest show for some serious ‘rappering’. Delivering dry wit, honest bars and hard-hitting punchlines, the rapper didn’t cease to impress us. Alongside some chat on the airwaves, we were buzzing to experience a live session from the man himself.

Watch the full set below.

You can listen back to the full show on Reform Radio below for some quality conversations, tune choices and beats.

In case you missed it, we are a Production Partner on this year’s BBC Sounds’ Audio Lab project. Audio Lab is a top class training opportunity. It aims to amplify the next-generation of podcast producers and audio creatives. As part of this year’s programme, we are supporting young creator, Mia Thornton, to bring her podcast idea to life. We thought it would only be right to introduce her properly so keep reading to find out more about her work and where you can listen to it.

Please can you introduce your name pronouns and a little bit about your hobbies and interests?

My name is Mia, but most people call me Mimi, and my pronouns are she/her. Hobbies and interests? That’s a hard one, I’m boring but busy. I guess, overall, I have an interest in discovery. Whether it’s self discovery or world discovery, I really enjoy exploring and learning. It could be through music, fashion, food, writing, travelling. Ultimately, I just really enjoy discussions and exchanging stories and experiences with people.

How did you first find out about the AudioLab programme and what made you want to get involved?

A friend of mine sent the application link to me and said ‘this might be perfect for you’. After reading through it, I realised that she was 100% right. I’d heard of Audio Lab before but hadn’t applied. However my current work contract at the time was coming to an end so I was looking for something new. I already had some experience in podcasts and audio/digital production before, but most of it had been self-taught. Audio Lab seemed like the best way to get industry experience whilst also being able to create.

How was the application process? Can you tell us a bit about your journey from applying for the programme and where you are now?

The application process was different to any job I’ve applied for before. You had to do the usual ‘why you’re the right person’ type application, but you also had to create a demo of what your episode would sound like. For me, this worked in my favour, because I already had a clear idea of what I wanted to convey. It was really fun to get creative so early on in an application. But, it also made me even more invested in my idea. I actually told myself that even if I didn’t get the job, I would create the series myself anyway. It’s good job I got it, as I’m not sure I would’ve had the discipline otherwise!

Although the podcast and content I’m working with now is a lot more in depth, structured and has more logical thought behind it, the core message and sound remains the same. I’m essentially telling stories that are being woven together by great music. 

Tell us more about your podcast – what has inspired its creation?

My podcast is about Black British music, but from a different perspective. I’ll be looking at genres that are loved by Britain, but not always associated with the Black artists who have contributed to them. Classical, punk, dance, folk and pop are what we’ll be exploring.

The idea was something I had been sitting on for a while but I never really did anything with it. It came from a feeling of frustration with constantly seeing the same stories of Black people being told repeatedly. There often doesn’t seem to be space in mainstream media for stories that sit outside of the ‘norm’ or the mainstream when it comes to Black people. 

I was also really interested in how that is also manifested in how we view music. A lot of my friends are musicians or DJs and I’ve often seen them overlooked because they create or play music that doesn’t sit within the predictable lines of blackness. I wanted to be able to tell the stories of the people who are insanely talented, but because they don’t fit into this idea of what Black people ‘should’ be, their work isn’t given the credit it deserves. 

What has been your favourite thing about the process of creating your podcast so far?

So far, I’ve just really loved speaking with all the different contributors whose voices will be featured in the podcast. It’s been so inspiring to hear so many different stories and to meet and speak with people who I wouldn’t usually cross paths with. 

Have you learnt anything about yourself through the AudioLab process so far? If so, tell us more.

I’ve learned to be more accepting of myself. You’ll probably hear it in the podcast, but it’s been a journey for me to unlearn my own stereotypes and biases that I’ve had towards myself. 

It’s been quite eye-opening and also empowering to confront the beliefs I’ve internalised and to recognise how they’ve influenced me, or held me back. Overall, it’s really encouraged me to embrace who I am (how cliché, yuck!), but I think by doing this, it adds a depth to the stories that I want to tell in the podcast. But, I guess you’ll have to listen to really get what I’m talking about… 

Who is your favourite Black British artist?

Right now, my favourite artist is probably Mansur Brown – his music is literally perfect for any and every situation. I don’t really need to say any more, go listen and then you’ll understand. NAQI Vol 2 is my favourite album of his, but they are all fire.

What are your plans post-podcast creation? Do you want to keep creating audio content or do you have other things in your plan?

I’m not really sure, I’m really just enjoying where I’m at right now. I’d love to create more audio content, but because my journey into this hasn’t been linear, I don’t really expect my journey after it to be either. I’d like to explore more roles within the music industry, but then I’d also like to sell all my belongings and travel the world for a year – I guess what’s meant for me will be!

Mia’s podcast will be out in early 2025 and available to listen to on BBC Sounds. From her concept, story-telling, incredible guests and more, we can assure you that you won’t want to miss out on it.

Stay tuned for more Audio Lab news over on our Instagram and LinkedIn.

Our Raise The Bar sessions returned on Jorgy & Cheech’s Show. It was a joy to welcome multifaceted creative and artist GreenFinguz into the studio. Not only did he join our hosting duo for a good old chat, but we were also treated some live entertainment on air. The Manchester MC, producer, poet, playwright and actor, came through and shared his truth. His bars were unmatched and his storytelling qualities were a treat to us all.

Catch the full live session on YouTube below.

You can find GreenFinguz on Bandcamp here.