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.
We invited another round of participants into Reform Radio for our ever-growing DJ Sessions, funded by MAES. Our attendees were led through the likes of beat-matching, blending and mixing. By the end of the project, they were ready to take to the decks and play at a celebratory showcase, sharing all they’d learnt. We caught up with Erika, one of our newly-trained DJs, to find out more about what they got up to across the two weeks.
Introduce your name, pronouns, and what you enjoy in your free time.
My name’s Erika (she/her), and I’m currently working on improving my DJing skills. I’m usually doing something arts and crafty; lately I’ve been into crocheting and reforming clothes.
What prompted you to get involved with the DJ Course?
I actually took part in the Soundcamp Bootcamp earlier this year and was recommended to take the DJ course as it’s another pathway into the music scene. Most of the music I create is electronic, so it makes sense for me to take on these skills.
What do you love most about DJing?
It’s interesting seeing what elements mix well with each other when I’m blending different tracks together and the vibe that can come from it.
Did you have much experience in DJing before? What’s one stand out thing you’ve learnt at Reform?
This was my first time properly being behind decks. I’ve only played around with DJing a few years before but this was my first time seriously doing it. At Reform, I didn’t only learnt the ins and outs of the craft but also how to market and promote myself as a DJ. I also learnt how to put together a deck and what equipment to use which is handy.
How would you describe a DJ set of yours in three words?
I would say it’s a mix of experimental, harsh (in a good way!) and colourful.
Do you have any role models in the music scene that inspire your DJing practice and why?
KAYTRANADA is the reason I got into producing and I usually watch or listen to his sets because I love the range he uses in them.
Let’s throw it back to your first day at Reform versus now, tell me a bit about your first impressions/feelings/emotions in comparison to how you feel now. What has changed?
I was so nervous that I was considering not attending the course as this felt like a completely new world to me. But ultimately, I’m so happy I decided to face it head-on. Now, I feel really welcomed and at ease with the people running the course and the people I took it with.
What will you take from the DJ course moving forward & what are your plans from here onwards?
I’m taking on a new perspective on the music scene. I’m ready to go full steam ahead with DJing and plan on doing more gigs and putting myself out there. I plan on booking more gigs in the new year and releasing music soon as well.
If you could DJ at any festival, event, or place in the world, where would it be and why?
I’d want to try an underground rave at one point. It feels a lot more intimate and vibey as opposed to a festival, I’d love to curate the mood for an event like that.
If you’d like to find out how you can get involved in our future projects, get in touch with our Engagement team on projects@reformradio.co.uk.
Next on our series of Skills Bootcamps, funded by GMCA and GM Work & Skills, was our debut Video Podcast Productioncourse. Our participants were led by Reform Radio and BBC Studios professionals to learn the ropes of planning, recording, producing and promoting a video podcast for a real-life creative client. These clients included Blossom Foundation, GigPig, Ghetto Fabulous and more. To draw the project to a close our group of attendees presented their work to their clients and industry professionals. It was a joy to see the incredible video podcast content they had created. Keep an eye our Instagram to check all of the podcasts out when they launch.
We caught up with a few of those who took part in the project to find out more about what they got up to and how they feel they have grown through the programme; meet Neenagh, Will, Lesley, Tomas and Chloe.
Participants, Les (far left) and Will (far right) with their podcast hosts from GigPig.
Neenagh (she/her)
What prompted you to get involved in this Skills Bootcamp project?
I originally did Reform’s Podcasting Course, funded by MAES, and I started my own podcast off the back of that. I jumped straight into making it as a video podcast for the social media content element. However, I didn’t really know how to do it so I paid for a production team to help bring it to life. This course came at the perfect time for me to build my technical visual skills. This has meant I can now create the podcast all on my own, giving me autonomy over my content.
Let’s throw it back to your first day at Reform on the Skills Bootcamp versus now, tell me a bit about your first impressions/feelings/emotions in comparison to how you feel now. What has changed?
One of the main things I will take away from Reform are the connections I have made. I’ve met such a diverse range of people and have made soul connections. They’ve made me feel understood, valued and appreciated. The staff have always been so motivational to me. I am such a self critic and suffered from really bad imposter syndrome before coming to Reform.
One of the first courses I took part in at Reform was Positive Frequencies and I wrote a piece about neurodiversity and how I’d overcome that into adulthood. Before I joined that course I was in hibernation. I had been through a really bad patch of life and, to be honest, I didn’t really see light at the end of the tunnel at one point. Reform has been a saviour. It got me back out the house. They helped me get back in touch with parts of myself that were in hiding. Reform really helped me ease back into connecting with other people, feeling safe to do so and having a safe space to be creative.
What is one thing you’d tell someone thinking of coming to join the next round of the project?
Absolutely come. There’s nothing to lose, but everything to gain. You’re in really safe hands and you’re going to surprise yourself with what you’re going to achieve.
Behind the scenes of the Ghetto Fabulous video podcast.
Will (he/him)
Let’s throw it back to your first day at Reform on the Skills Bootcamp versus now, tell me a bit about your first impressions/feelings/emotions in comparison to how you feel now. What has changed?
I’m more inquisitive. Also, I have found myself appreciating all types of media. It sounds dramatic, but I truly feel like I am getting more out of life and observing things. I do feel like I have changed as a person. Even on an interpersonal level, I’ve never been to a place where you introduce yourself with your name and pronouns and that’s really special.
Chloe (she/her)
What prompted you to get involved in this Skills Bootcamp project?
I wanted to join the Video Podcast course to increase my skillset, develop my CV and get more experience in the radio sphere.
What is one thing you’d tell someone thinking of coming to join the next round of the project?
Definitely join the project, not just for the radio side but it’ll improve your confidence too. You also get to meet some amazing people and work together in a team.
What is one thing you’ve learnt on the course?
One thing I’ve definitely learnt is how to create a video podcast, with attention to scripting and structuring it.
Tomas (he/him)
What prompted you to get involved in this Skills Bootcamp project?
I got involved because I have an interest in producing media. I already had an idea for a podcast that I wanted to create which covers issues the LGBTQIA+ community face, particularly gay men. However, I felt like I lacked some skills and I was getting overwhelmed by the production elements. Also, I would love to get some form of employment and to get my foot into a career in the creative field in Manchester.
Let’s throw it back to your first day at Reform on the Skills Bootcamp versus now, tell me a bit about your first impressions/feelings/emotions in comparison to how you feel now. What has changed?
So much has changed this past month. My main role in creating the video podcast was as Director and Creative Producer. I have had to see the project through so many elements. It has helped me build so much confidence. I always knew I was capable, but seeing it actually come to life with an actual pitch and creative brief and working with professional tools has boosted my confidence. I know that my podcast idea is not unachievable. It’s shown me I can do this!
Les (they/them)
What is one thing you’ve learnt on the course?
The key thing I have learnt from the course is how much I love editing. My key take away is being able to produce a podcast from start to finish. Whatever content you manage to gather, if you’re a good editor, you can make it look like gold dust. I never would’ve been able to learn these editing skills anywhere else or on my own because I’ve had invaluable feedback from the staff.
Get involved in our next round of Skills Bootcamps in Video Production or Video Podcast production; find out more information here.
We’ve kickstarted our series of Skills Bootcamps, funded by GMCA and GM Work & Skills. Launching the programme, we welcomed participants to our debut three-week Video Production course. Our attendees worked in teams throughout the project and were assigned real-life creative brief clients. This time round, they had the chance to create video content for Venture Arts, Sharp Futures, Bearded Fellows and Big People Music. To celebrate the closing of the project we held a showcase for our participants to share their work with their clients and a bunch of industry professionals.
Read our full catch up with two of our attendees, Sia and Yolanda, to find out about their time on our project below.
Introduce your name, pronouns, and what you get up to in your free time.
Y: I am Yolanda, and my pronouns are she/her. I’m well known as a radio presenter, and producer, but I’m also a vocalist.
S: Hi, I’m Sia, my pronouns are she/her. I am a gig person. I like trying out new gigs or festivals, especially in Manchester.
If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Y: Innovative, enthusiastic and creative.
S: I would say creative as well, a music-lover, and adventurous.
What prompted you to get involved with Skills Bootcamp?
Y: I got involved with the course because it was suggested to me by my mentor, Adele, who I met at a previous course at Reform. Mainly, it was because I produce a lot of podcasts and radio shows, and I shoot a lot of content for Amapiano music specifically. I also do event promotion. So, I thought it would be a great skill to have in terms of shooting all these different things I run.
S: Video production was never my favourite thing, to be honest, but I’ve always wanted to learn about it. These days on social media, everyone uses short-form content. I thought it would be really helpful to get to grips with it.
If you could create any piece of video content for yourself/a brand/an artist, what would it be? And who would you want to work with?
Y: I’ve always loved adverts, especially Pepsi, Red Bull, Nando’s; all the adverts that have either entertainment or sports behind them. It would have to be one of those!
S: I can’t really specify one company. I would say just a general music label or artist. Since I’m more into the live music industry, it would be cool to capture live show moments.
Did you have much experience in video production before? What’s your favourite thing about it and why?
Y: I have had experience with camera equipment and video because of shooting podcasts in my past. Because I went to an arts institution in South Africa, I was exposed to film equipment and filmmakers. My favourite part of video production is the conceptualising. For example, storyboarding, putting it together, thinking of the ideas and where you’re going to shoot it.
S: I don’t have much experience in video. It was almost my first time filming properly. My favourite part is that video is so impactful and can be so powerful when you edit it.
What’s one significant thing you have learnt through your time on Skills Bootcamp?
Y: The formatting, how to save it, how to export it, what to name it, what to label it, and more. I’m one of those who will dump footage anywhere so that was really helpful.
S: It sounds not interesting, but definitely how to edit. It is the basic but essential skill that you need to create the best outcome.
Let’s throw it back to your first day at Reform on the Skills Bootcamps course versus now, tell me a bit about your first impressions/feelings/emotions in comparison to how you feel now. What has changed?
Y: I was a bit anxious about meeting people as I tend to have a bit of anxiety leaving my house. But for this course, because I’ve worked in a crew and a creative team, it gave me the inspiration to want to be here. I want to be on time. I want to be active, and want to be here.
S: It was my first workshop to participate in at Reform, and I was a bit nervous about meeting new people and getting to know a new group. Now, I’m feeling more confident, I would say. I feel more familiar with everyone and this environment.
What would you say to someone thinking about signing up for the next round of the Skills Bootcamps?
Y: Reform Radio courses are very hands-on, in terms of you as a person and technically. The courses do seem as if they run really fast, but, trust me, by the end of the day, you’ll know what you’re doing and what’s expected of you. That’s one thing I really appreciate about the course; you know what the end goal is, and you’re given time to work towards it.
S: It’s totally understandable if you’re intimidated at first, especially if you have no background or experience in video editing. But the team members are all so supportive so don’t be afraid. They will always help you along the way.
What will you take from Skills Bootcamp moving forward & what are your plans from here onwards?
Y: For me, if I could, I’d take Nick, one of our facilitators because he is amazing! But jokes aside, I’ll take the process of the whole shoot, from start to finish – conceptualising, storyboarding, shooting, editing, and the whole process of shooting. I’ve got another team of mine who wants to shoot a lot of commercials and a lot of YouTube skits and shorts. I’ve got interviews with international artists coming up, so it’s going to be really helpful in terms of working with my team, whether it’s editing, shooting or writing up storyboards and questions. I’m definitely going to use these skills consistently.
S: I will take the essential editing skills from this course to use for social media content in the future.
Head to our Upcoming Projects page here to find out about what else we’ve got coming up.
Do you want to work in the Creative & Cultural Sector?
Reform Radio are bringing you a brand new Skills Bootcamp in Video Production. It’s free to access and travel and refreshments are provided. The aim of this programme is to support you into a paid role in the Creative and Cultural Sector.
This programme takes a hands-on approach, responding to real creative briefs and producing a piece of video content from development, through pitching and production, to post production and showcase. You’ll have access to masterclasses from industry experts and be fully supported by our team using the latest video and audio equipment.
Read our catch up Sia and Yolanda from our most recent Video Production cohort here. Find out more about what they got up to and where they’re heading next.
On this programme you will work in a small group to create:
A 60-90 second shortform video
A 15 second taster video
A 6 second teaser
You will develop skills in:
How to interpret and respond to a creative brief, based on client’s needs
How to develop the idea into a production workflow and organise a shoot
Working with talent and contributors
Training on the latest DSLR cameras and array of lenses
Training on lighting and on shoot troubleshooting
Best practice for backup, storage and management of files
Post production and editing using premiere pro
Working with and responding to feedback from clients
How to split the final product into different lengths and formats for various social platforms
Programme Dates:
Round #4
Monday and Wednesday evenings from 20th January to the 26th of March(6PM – 9PM).
Employed but looking for new work in the creative and cultural sector
Have the right to live and work in the UK
No prior experience needed
If you work within the sector and are looking to upskill and stay in your current role, please get in touch with mike@reformradio.co.uk for more information on how to get involved.
How to get involved
If you are interested in applying for this programme please answer the questions below and send to mike@reformradio.co.uk:
Name and current employment status
Are you 19-30?
Do you currently work or live in Greater Manchester?
Why would you like to apply for the programme?
What type of role are you looking for in the creative & cultural sector?
Can you commit to all sessions on the programme?
What is your phone number?
Please apply by submitting either:
A written application – 1 page max
An audio or video application – 2 minutes max
If you need any support with your application or have any questions please contact Mike on mike@reformradio.co.uk or on 07719 873972.
This training has been made possible thanks to Greater Manchester Combined Authority securing funding to deliver Skills Bootcamps, which form part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee, helping everyone gain skills for life.
Manchester has held a pivotal part in fronting the likes of Pride celebrations, huge LGBTQ+ demonstrations, and fundraiser carnivalssince the 1980s. From the 1988 anti-Section 28 demonstration which hosted over 20,000 attendees, to the city’s holding of EuroPride in 2003, it’s safe to say Manchester has been at the forefront of many notable events for the queer community over the years. As we approach 2024’s August bank holiday weekend, we welcome another round of Pride celebrations across the city. We thought it would only be right to look at what our friends and fellow community organisations are doing to join in on the fun.
Check out the full list on antics you can get involved in below.
Make Me Feel are taking over the decks at Ducie Street for a free-to-attend Pride party featuring our wonderful Make Me Feel dancers alongside a star-studded DJ line-up of Monoko, Meme Gold, Aiden Francis B2B Fastlove, Darkstepper, and DJ Kizzi. Grab your free ticket now.
The 3rd annual Feel Good Fest! Join a whole host of amazing LGBTQ+ talent including Meme Gold, Cheddar Gorgeous, Rikki Beadle-Blaire, Violet Blonde, Kim Lana & Thea Hallow. PLUS, you can enjoy the debut Miss Chief pageant, where you can win £300 + a mini UK tour. Free to attend, all day long!
Celebrate Pride with a free programme of live art, DJs and events curated by Manchester favourite Mix-Stress at Aviva Studios. Check out the full programme and attend for free.
The Refuge, Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, Oxford St, Manchester
Manchester’s iconic five-star Kimpton Clocktower Hotel has revealed plans for its annual ‘Come As You Are’ Pride weekend, including performances from Family Gorgeous and Flash Ibiza founder Guy Williams. Entry to the weekend is completely free and operates on a first-come-first-served basis.
Join FSC for a spectacular 30th-anniversary screening of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. This iconic film follows the adventures of two drag queens, Mitzi Del Bra (Hugo Weaving) and Felicia Jollygoodfellow (Guy Pearce), along with their transgender friend Bernadette Bassenger (Terence Stamp), as they embark on a cross-country journey in their battered, yet fabulously adorned bus, Priscilla.
The Derby Brewery Arms, 95 Cheetham Hill Rd, Cheetham Hill, Manchester
Come together with friends, family, and allies for a day filled with joy, acceptance, and pride. This event will feature live music and performances. Enjoy a diverse lineup of artists and performers who celebrate queer culture. Everyone is welcome—whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or an ally, your presence makes a difference.
The Proud Trust are hosting an amazing array of activities for young people aged 13-19 years old, including skateboarding customisation, zine and craft workshops, and more.
The UK Audio Network (UKAN) is the UK’s largest community of audio producers, commissioners and creators, distributing work opportunities via a shared email list. Their aim is to link commissioners to talent and give all those working in audio an equal chance to pitch for work.
The group is open to anyone working with audio, including (but not limited to) commissioners, producers, editors, researchers, sound designers, and composers. Whether you work freelance, or as part of an organisation, you are welcome and valued in this community.
So — if you are looking to staff a project, promote an audio event or competition, or get advice on the business and ethics of audio work, the UK Audio Network is the place to post.
Click here to find out more and join the mailing list.
The Gaydio Academy in partnership with Manchester City Council is delivering radio and work skills training, peer support and mentoring to help jobless people from Greater Manchester find secure employment and training as part of ‘Work Club 2024-2025’.
All learners will see themselves enrolled into the industry whilst benefiting from one-to-one support and onward volunteering opportunities as well as tailored CV workshops and advice
This course will see you in five informal training sessions, over a single week, at the Manchester HQ.
Course Layout
Introduction to Radio and how to become a radio presenter
Show content & news presenting
Other roles in radio & a look at music
Creating your own station, job searching in the industry and preparation for the creation of your podcasts
Podcast creation, a session exploring the next stage progression tailored to participant’s specific needs and next steps with Gaydio and other radio stations
Location, Dates and Times
Location: Gaydio, Suite 1a, Manchester One, 53 Portland Street, M1 3LF
The Dutchy Project are a mental health charity, supporting human health activities and physical well being activities. Currently throughout the week we run, Men’s football on Monday evening, Wednesday running/walking group, Thursday drop in meeting to talk about anything you are going through or may need support with and Sunday hiking group.
Services are available: Face to face, Online/digitally, By telephone
Whether you are looking to build your confidence, need help getting a job or want support to start a business, we have support and resources for you. Start something with The Prince’s Trust today.
Prince’s Trust support is available up and down the country, as well as online.
As a community radio station, we host to a variety of communities, genres and cultures and have a responsibility to listen to concerns raised regarding censorship, who it serves and arguably disenfranchises.
At Reform Radio, we have been discussing Censorship On Air with a specific focus on the use of the N-word. To facilitate the discussion, we hosted an open forum on the airwaves, inviting members of our community to share their opinions.
Listen back to the open forum below.
We are inviting you to join the conversation to help inform the ongoing policy that we create which works for all and doesn’t limit expression. Listen to the show above and fill in our feedback form here to share your thoughts.
Starling run arts-based projects for neurodivergent young people aged 13-25. Starling focus on self-expression, positivity, and meeting like-minded people. Find a safe place to be yourself by joining one of our groups.
The Lowry’s Artist Network is a free, open access programme supporting professional artists at all stages of their career to focus on their creative and professional development. The programme has a year-round offer including regular workshops, socials, ticket offers, Scratch Nights and other one-off or short–term opportunities to develop creative practice, explore new ideas and build networks. Sign up to the lowry’s newsletter to be the first to hear about what we have coming up.
We are buzzing to share with you the details of our next round of creative courses at Reform Radio. From hopping behind the mic in our industry standard studios, to producing your own track in our Music Course, there’s a huge array of projects to get stuck into. Check out the flyers and details below to find out how you can get involved.
Kickstarting Round 1 of our Video Podcast Production programme, join us in this three-week course and build a video podcast for a creative client. This is the first of 4 rounds; head to the project’s page for more dates later in the year.
Plan, capture and produce a series of exciting video content for a real-life client, with help from some of the best in the business. Round 2 of our Video Production course will be taking place on Monday and Wednesday evenings, making it the perfect fit for those of you who are busy bees in the daytime but would like to upskill in the creative sector.
It’s back and better than ever. Our acclaimed DJ Sessions will return, inviting attendees to the learn the likes of mixing, beat-matching and blending. This project is consistently high in demand. Be sure to get in touch with our Engagement team to get yourself on the register ASAP.
Calling all music lovers! Get to grips with music production and songwriting in this two-week programme. You’ll even get to hear the music you make live on Reform Radio in a radio show you and your fellow participants create.
Looking to get experience in presenting and radio production? Then, this is the one for you. In our Radio Course, you will plan, script, record and produce your own show for the Reform Radio airwaves.
Have you ever had a podcast idea which you never got round to? Or maybe you have always wanted to get behind the mic but not known where to start. If so, then this one’s for you. Learn how to design, produce, record, edit and promote your podcast.
So, what are you waiting for? If you like the look of any of the above, get in touch with our lovely Engagement Team. Drop them an email on projects@reformradio.co.uk or give us a call on 0161 806 0879. We can’t wait to have you on board.
On the recent HYPE THEM show with kaoti and sher, our hosting duo welcomed guest FEAR OF MARKO to the airwaves. The Manchester alt-pop artist performed some exclusive live renditions of his tracks. He also joined kaoti and sher for their bi-monthly discussions of LGBTQIA+ news and culture. Catch up on the full show now.
Watch the full live session on Youtube here.
We wanted to get to know the Northern rising artist better and find out more about his influences and journey. Read our full interview with MARKO below.
Please can you introduce your name, pronouns, and star sign.
I’m MARKO (aka. FEAR OF MARKO), my pronouns are he/they, and I’m a Sagittarius.
If you had to describe your music in three words to someone who had never heard it before, how would you describe it?
Nostalgic, futuristic and iconic.
Where did your journey with music begin?
It started for me as a teenager, writing songs over beats I found on Soundcloud. I was very inspired by Tumblr and growing up online. After putting a couple of demos on the Internet, I started to meet other like-minded artists and producers to collaborate that way. Soon after this, I found management and began playing shows.
Have there been any important figures/role models in your musical journey or any that have inspired your sound/aesthetic?
I listened to a lot of music when I was a kid. I grew up in the late 2010s so, for me, it was a lot of The Black Eyed Peas, The Ting Tings, and Gorillaz.
Also, growing up as a teenager on the internet, I was definitely inspired by a lot of Tumblr wave artists too, such as Lana Del Rey, Sky Ferreira, The Weeknd, and Halsey. I remember seeing those artists growing up and loving how they created a world outside of music.
It wasn’t until I heard the early PC music that I really felt really inspired to make my own stuff. Hearing what a lot of artists on that label (GFOTY, EASYFUN, and Danny L Harle) were doing, alongside with Charli XCX and SOPHIE pushing it more in the mainstream, really made me want to break the boundaries and experiment more with my own sound.
The greats inspire me too; like David Bowie, Bjork, Kate Bush, Nirvana, and Britney Spears.
Where do you find inspiration for your creativity?
I’m very inspired by my life and what’s going on in it at the time. A lot of my songs just happen and I don’t think too much about it during the process; it’s usually afterwards that I realise what they’re about. I’m very inspired by collaborating and my best work comes from collaborating with other people.
It’s super exciting to have you on the HYPE THEM show following the release of your latest single, ‘TEETH’. Can you tell us a bit more about what the track is about and how the release has gone?
‘TEETH’ came about from a writing session I had arranged at the end of Summer last year. I was in a weird place where I wasn’t sure what I was going to do moving forward. I had loads of new music but everything kept getting stalled. Initially, I planned to write songs for other artists but ‘TEETH’ came about. After sitting on it for a couple of months, it just felt right to release it. It feels really good to be able to share new music with my supporters again.
Who is your queer icon?
David Bowie.
How does your music writing process look?:
Usually quite messy. I just throw melodies and harmonies down and come up with a rough top line and just go from there. Most of the time I just use my notes app on my phone.
What does being queer mean to you?
Being queer is super important to me. Growing up, I always felt like an outcast and it wasn’t until I found my community and people who felt the same as me that I felt like I finally fit in somewhere.
Can you give us three emerging artists we should be listening to at the moment (preferably from Manchester/North West, but anywhere is fine)?:
Olivia Browse, SAMXEMMA, and Kit Major.
What do you see for the future of FEAR OF MARKO? Do you have any particular goals you’d like to achieve with your creative journey?:
I feel like I’m in a better place than I’ve ever been and I have a good team of people around me now. I think I’d just like to take it as far as I can and see where it takes us.
Where’s the best place for people to find you on social media and to find your music?
You can find me as @fearofmarko on all social media and you can check out my music here.
Throughout June we hosted a new bunch of participants here at Reform Radio for another round of our DJ Sessions. Funded by MAES, attendees were led through the likes of mixing, beat-matching and self-promotion. This cohort also received masterclasses from the likes of Not Bad For A Girl, Genre Music and GigPig. To close the course, our new DJs took to the decks at Revolution Manchester to play a 10 minute set, showcasing all they’d been working on.
We were lucky enough to catch up with two of our participants, Caylee and Cookie, about what they got up to and where they plan to take their new DJing skills. Check it out below.
The recent group of participants on our DJ Sessions
Introduce your name, pronouns, and what you get up to in your free time.
Cookie: My name is Cookie (they/them). I’m a multi-disciplinary artist. I do design, illustration, mural work, poetry, and spoken word. I’m also a vocalist in a punk band and a creative producer for The Untold Orchestra.
Caylee: I’m Caylee, my pronouns are she/her. I don’t really do much in my free time. I used to bartend at events. I’ve quit that now to live life and focus on where I’m going next.
What prompted you to get involved with the DJ Sessions?
Cookie: I bumped into a friend who was on the last DJ course when she was on her way to Reform. She just had a different energy about her. We both had said we were going to learn to DJ this year. She said I had to get on this course so that we can do a B2B we’d been planning for years. I could just tell from her energy that it was a good thing. I immediately signed up.
Caylee: Well, I heard about this through my friend and also through the Job Centre. I signed up as soon as my friend told me about it and then the Job Centre helped me to get onto the register. I have a few DJ friends. One of my friends, he’s a very accomplished DJ and producer. I used to always go to his events in Sweden. I just love the way that he gets the crowd moving. He’s constantly in the zone and I just admire his craftsmanship. I was wondering how he does it so I decided to give DJing a go.
What do you love most about DJing?
Cookie: I’ve really enjoyed learning about the equipment. I do ad-hoc stage managing and I’ve wanted to know what all the names of all the equipment are. Because I work on live shows, there’s no time to be asking questions. So it’s been nice to be around people who are willing to help you learn at your pace. It’s been really encouraging.
Caylee: The creativity of it all. I’m enjoying just getting behind the decks, freestyling and having fun. It’s just constant excitement. Once you learn something and then you can apply it yourself and it actually sounds good, it’s the best feeling.
Cookie: I completely agree. Sometimes I forget I’m not in the crowd dancing and then I come back into the room and remember I’m the one in control of the music.
Caylee: Me too. I’m in the practice rooms raving to my own mixes. It’s the best serotonin hit.
Cookie, a participant on our DJ Sessions
Did you have much experience in DJing before? What’s one stand out thing you’ve learnt at Reform?
Cookie: I didn’t have any experience in DJing so it’s amazing being able to just understand all the different operations on the decks. Doing hot queues; I’m obsessed with the fact that I can do all these new things. I feel like I’ve got a higher knowledge of the music now.
Caylee: I think just knowing how to make it sound good. I’ve enjoyed playing with the tunes, taking out certain aspects of a song to help another song and even having two songs playing at the same time. It’s the best feeling when it’s sounding good together.
How would you describe a DJ set of yours in three words?
Cookie: High energy, intense and eclectic.
Caylee: I would say fun, light-hearted and different.
Do you have any role models in the music scene that inspire your DJing practice and why?
Cookie: Jaguar, as a DJ. I met them a few years ago when I was doing body painting at The Warehouse Project. It was when they were just starting off. They were telling me what they were going to do in terms of doing a diversity rider, so that when they get booked, it ensures that they have other marginalised genders, races and identities at the same events. I was saying they were going to change the game with that and they really have. Now, they’ve got their BBC Introducing residency and it has actually changed the way that most DJs are booked.
I also love Metrodome. He’s been DJing since he was four years old and he is such a varied DJ. I love watching him and seeing his same childlike energy now and the faces he does when he has excited himself. He’s the only person I’ve seen that can turn up to a gig, realise he’s left his USB back at home, borrow someone else’s, and play the tunes better than them. Adele, one of our Reform mentors, has also inspired me too. I was blown away by her DJing.
Caylee: Me too. Adele just had so much energy in her when she was playing for us. Again, my friend Eric is a huge inspiration to me. If it wasn’t for him, I would have never even thought about being a DJ. I’m from a very musically inclined family but I can’t sing or play any instruments. Now I’ve got into DJing, it all makes sense; this is what I’m supposed to be doing.
From left: Adele (Reform Mentor), Naomi & Les (creative practicioners)
Let’s throw it back to your first day at Reform versus now, tell me a bit about your first impressions/feelings/emotions in comparison to how you feel now. What has changed?
Cookie: I feel really comfortable in the space now. I’ve been to Reform for a couple of other things in the past and I was always worried being around such expensive equipment. I would always think ‘Cookie, don’t touch anything, don’t knock into anything’. Now I know what everything is and what it does. I feel much more comfortable here and very knowledgeable. I feel like I’ve learned so much in these past few days, but in a manageable away.
Caylee: I feel very much more confident in myself, even just in general, and also optimistic about my future. I used to be so scared of the future and thought I would have to do a boring 9 to 5 job. Now I know I can take other routes and still live my life happily.
If you could DJ at any festival, event, or place in the world, where would it be and why?
Cookie: Definitely We Out Here Festival. It’s the most comfortable I’ve ever felt at a festival. It’s very well mixed in terms of diversity and race and gender. There’s a lot of opportunities to DJ in the different spaces there. For example, they have a roller rink you can DJ at. Last year, on another stage, they had breakdancing in the background and DJs on stage. I would love to have that mix of creativity going on around me.
Caylee: If I was going to choose a festival, it would be Boomtown. It’s such a colourful festival. Venue wise, the Avicii Arena is my favourite. You know when you have a really personal connection to a certain place that you can’t explain to someone else? It’s just my place.
What will you take from the DJ course moving forward & what are your plans from here onwards?
Cookie: The course has given me a space to be inquisitive which is nice. It’s a welcomed inquisition rather than making you just get on with things without asking questions. There is space to ask more and it is welcomed to do so.
Caylee: It’s given me lots of knowledge and skills, and the confidence to actually put myself out there. I’m obviously sad that I’m not coming to Reform anymore, but I’m excited to actually get out there and see what I can do with my new skills in the world.
If you want to find out more about our future courses, drop our Engagement team an email on projects@reformradio.co.uk.
Join Our Free Weekly Workshops – Create, Write And Perform With Us.
Creating Connections is our weekly writing and performance workshops for young people facilitated by established poets; providing professional mentoring, writing, dramaturgy and performance classes. We are calling all aspiring writers, poets and spoken-word artists aged 13-25. If you’d like to attend, register below.
Do you want to work in the Creative & Cultural Sector?
We are delighted to share that Reform Radio are bringing you two brand new Skills Bootcamps in Video Production and Video Podcast Production. Both projects are free for new learners to access and travel and refreshments are provided. This training has been made possible thanks to Greater Manchester Combined Authority securing funding to deliver Skills Bootcamps, which form part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee, helping everyone gain skills for life.
Both programmes take a hands-on approach, responding to real creative briefs and producing a piece of exciting content. You will see these content projects through from development, pitching and production, to post-production and a closing showcase. You’ll have access to masterclasses from industry experts and be fully supported by our team to use contemporary video and audio equipment. By the end of the programme, you will have developed a bespoke piece of content to add to your portfolio.
To take part in this project you must be:
19 – 30 years old
Working or living in Greater Manchester
Are currently one of the following:
Unemployed
Freelance/ Self Employed
Employed but looking for new work in the creative and cultural sector
Have the right to live and work in the UK
No prior experience needed
If you work within the sector and are looking to upskill and stay in your current role, please get in touch with mike@reformradio.co.uk for more information on how to get involved
To find out more about the individual courses and how to get involved, click on their specific pages below.
