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.
In this exclusive online session, Mike Burgess will be joining us to discuss all things surrounding music rights. For those of you that don’t know Mike, Mike has worked in the music industry for over 15 years. His career has been far-reaching, from him originally being a successful DJ himself, to then managing signed and upcoming artists. He also worked as an assistant producer with 6 Music, and led BIMM Manchester’s BA (Hons) Music Business course. Now, he is an independent music rights advisor.
From copyrighting to royalties, this session is the perfect introduction to understanding how you can protect your music and learn about profit splits. It is for anyone aged 18+ who is ideally already releasing their own music.
Join us on the 26th of June, from 7PM until 8.30PM.
This workshop is limited to 25 spaces so act fast to reserve your spot here.
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.
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.
BBC Maestro is a subscription-based streaming platform, created to educate and inspire people to explore their creativity. Through pre-recorded lessons and detailed course notes, anyone can learn a wide range of disciplines and follow in the footsteps of experts respected all over the world.
BBC Maestro offers single course purchases or an annual subscription. Click the link above to browse courses and start a free trial.
Back for another banging Bank Holiday weekend, Sounds From The Other City have announced this year’s line-up for their annual celebration. Taking place on the 5th of May, SFTOC is a firm underground favourite, delivering a unique yearly event that champions local promoters and celebrates the off-kilter beauty of Salford – the ‘other city’ to Manchester.
We are delighted to announce we will be taking over Salford’s Peel Hall with Manchester arts organisation Band on the Wall to curate an exclusive stage for this year’s festival. Let us introduce you to the artists we have joining us. You can grab your tickets to the multi-venue event here and get a taste of some of the UK’s best upcoming talent.
Manchester-based, Hampshire-grown Lavender Rodriguez explores the sounds between alternative soul and Afro-beat by night, whilst working as a classical composer by day. Their music celebrates the intersectionality of queerness, being mixed race, and the universal life experience.
Lavender previously joined us for a live session on The Takeover w/ Kaoti. Check out the full session below.
Urbi is one of many hobbyists who perfected their craft in lockdown. However, unlike the rest, her seamless blending of different house genres has earned an impressive following and some heavy support from the underground realms in the short space of a year. She’ll be showcasing her infectious style and creativity alongside fellow Reform Radio resident, Juno. Juno works the crowd with an upbeat selection of percussive, afro, deep, soulful house, broken beat and jazz. Come along to watch the duo delve into inspiring sounds from across the globe.
Listen to the most recent Urbi show on Reform below.
You can also check out Juno’s most recent show below.
0161 resident KinKai’s ear was attuned to a wide range of West African music, reggae, jazz, and hip-hop at an early age. Inspired by his mother’s vinyl collection and influenced by his Jamaican and Sierra Leonean roots, his heartfelt discography is a bonafide gem of UK underground hip-hop. We are proud to host KinKai as our Reform Radio artist in residence and offer him the stage to share the vast array of sounds and craft he has explored within his residency. Listen to KinKai’s most recent show on Reform below.
Davina Earth Adeosun-Bright, more popularly known as muva of Earth, is inspired by the act of evolution. Taking cues from innovative sound travellers like Bjork and FKA Twigs, her path has been one of expansion and self-reflection. As a solo act and one-half of DIVINEANGEL, muva of Earth blesses audiences across the UK and Europe with celestial sounds and meditative experiences.
Lashimba isn’t just the host of our breakfast show, she is also an acclaimed artist and producer. Combining a multitude of genres to create an indie R&B sound, we experience infused smooth vocals with rap/spoken word verses. Lashimba as part of a new generation using their art to champion feminism. Check out her morning residency at Reform here.
Stoic and wise, current and fierce. Renee Stormz unapologetically flows innovative lyricism over soulful hip-hop beats, evoking power, nostalgia, and grace. We’ve been lucky to have Renee with us in the Reform space for a while now. She was part of our Soundcamp bootcamp in 2020, she now joins us on the airwaves for some incredible shows. Check out her January mix below.
A vital contributor to the London scene, Ife is one fifth of the band Ezra Collective. He is a purveyour of an authentic sound versatile enough to transition from spiritual jazz to dance fuelled Afrobeat in a heartbeat.
Multi-instrumentalistISHA’s fresh funk beats are characterised by rare groove appeal and strong bass lines. Her influences go back to the funk, hip-hop, and jazz scene of the 70’s and 80’s, as well as modern-day acts like SG Lewis, Jungle and FKJ.
SHEwillprovide ft. Mix-Stress, Shimrise and Andrea Trout (panel discussion presented by Adele Tondu)
Formidable collective SHEwillprovide are hosting a panel of DJs to discuss their individual journeys and the current DJ landscape. Featuring on the panel are some of the best in the business – Mix-Stress, Shimrise and Andrea Trout. The discussion will be hosted by Adele Tondu. Listen to SHEwillprovide’s takeover show on Reform Radio below.
We cannot wait to chat, boogie, and celebrate at this year’s festival. Don’t forget to grab your tickets here now to join in on the antics.
It has been a busy fortnight at Reform, with us having a full house of participants for our Podcasting Course. Funded by MAES, our attendees have been led through the likes of production, scripting and editing. To complete the project, they have each designed, recorded and produced their own podcast to be played on the Reform Radio airwaves.
Listen to the show they created below.
We chatted to two of our participants, Ruby and Dove, to hear about what they got up to on the programme. They also chatted about what they’ve learnt and developed from joining us on the course.
Introduce your name, pronouns and what you get up to in your free time
R: Hi, I’m Ruby. My pronouns are she/her. In my free time I do a lot of media and art. I love spending time with my friends and I also do gig photography.
D: My name is Dove and my pronouns are she/her. My hobbies include gardening, foraging, meditating, yoga and reading.
Describe yourself in 3 words
R: I would say caring, funny and weird.
D: Neurodivergent, intuitive and humanitarian.
If you had to recommend a podcast to someone who’s never listened to a podcast before, what would it be and why?
R: I’ve got to say the ‘My Dad Wrote a Porno’ podcast because it’s hilarious and flows really well. I often find myself listening to it on public transport, laughing to myself and getting some stares.
D: The ‘Living Myth’ podcast with Michael Meade. He is a mythologist and philosopher. He takes ancient myths, tells their stories, and then connects it with our society today.
If you had to produce a podcast on any topic, what would it be about and why?
R: The podcast I’ve been working on on the course is called ‘Wired Differently’. It is all about neurodivergence and my personal experiences of being autistic and having ADHD. I hope to help other people learn about these subjects, but also use this topic to explore myself.
D: Mental health and the ways we can become better people to improve society. I would do this through sharing my own experiences, how my past self contributed to society and the environment and how I changed myself to help create a better world.
What prompted you to get involved with the Podcasting Course?
R: I’m currently on a gap year right now from my media degree. I wanted to broaden my horizons in this realm.
D: My own desire to create my own podcast. I was really passionate about it but I didn’t know what it actually took to do it. When I saw the course, I was ready to learn.
Did you have much experience in audio/podcasting before? If so, what’s your favourite thing about it?
R: I have some knowledge in radio and editing. However, I didn’t have direct experience in podcasting. It has been a really fun opportunity to delve into this more. My favourite thing about it has been getting into the routine of recording, producing and editing. I love the journey of creating a piece of audio work and exploring each stage of the process.
D: It was quite new; I am more into blogging via YouTube. I listen to some podcasts and some of my friends also do podcasting but I had never done it myself. My favourite thing about trying it for the first time has been the freedom it has given me to speak my truth. It’s really nice to speak freely in this form.
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?
R: I definitely feel a lot more confident in the area of podcasting. To begin with, I was shaking in my boots at working with a new group of people and trying something new. Fast forward to now and I will be sad to finish the course. I have loved meeting such a range of people and collaborating with them.
D: I have definitely become more authentic and genuine over the course of the project and learnt a lot about compromising and working in a team.
What will you take from the podcasting course moving forward & what are your plans from here onwards?
R: To begin with, I was quite apprehensive to do the course, but I am so glad I did it. So I plan to take this attitude with me and be confident in my creative choices, even when I think I am lacking expertise in certain areas. From here, I hope to continue with my podcast series and take part in more creative projects like this one.
D: I will take all the skills and knowledge I have learnt about editing, scripting, ethical consent and the requirements of different platforms.
To find out about our future projects, please reach out to our Engagement team at projects@reformradio.co.uk.
They are looking for 12 curious and creative people who want to explore the joy of diverse minds.
Working with leading neurodivergent artists, you will create work that will live forever as part of the very first creative collection of neurodivergent art and stories: The Neuro-Collection.
To take part you need to: 🌟 Identify as neurodivergent 🌟 Be between 18 and 30 🌟 Have something to say about neurodiversity 🌟 Be creative e.g. you like to make, write or perform 🌟 Be able to take part in at least 6 sessions per year
No previous experience needed.
To receive more info on NeuroJoy or to register your interest, click the link above.
In partnership with size?Radio, powered by Nike Sportswear, we have been hosting a super exciting project in the Reform Radio space. ‘Run The Track‘ is a new exclusive radio series which places female music artists from the North West at the centre of the conversation. From discussing the likes of the representation of female queer identities to the experiences of Black artists in music, and the reality of functioning as a female artist, this series catalyses vital conversations to triggering change in the industry.
In 2023, the UK Parliamentfound that just 1 in 10 major UK festival headliners, less than a third of top-selling artists, and 14% of songwriterswere female. These numbers also lessen in relation to marginalised racial identities. There has been an overall decrease to21% of individuals working in music identifying as Black, Asian or from an ethnically diverse background. As a means of support to underrepresented genders in music, we were proud to take part in the production of ‘Run The Track‘ and hold space for said artists to share their reflections and experiences to alter the narrative of inequality.
Released on the 15th of February, the series kickstarted with its debut episode led by Manchester’s Mix-Stress, also known as Rebecca Swarray. The DJ, producer and curator invited Homobloc resident Gina Breeze, and Liverpool’s Fliss Mayo to the conversation regarding LGBTQIA+ representation in the realm of dance music. From the birth of disco and electronic dance music lying in 70s underground queer clubs, the genre has a lot to thank the queer community for.
“Dance music is queer, and that fact has been erased over time… Most stems of electronic music have come from queer house and techno, which has always pushed the boundaries of music creation.”
Fliss Mayo, ‘Run The Track’, Episode One
The trio discussed the vitality of music communities in providing safety for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Mix-Stressand Gina Breeze made a point to acknowledge Manchester’s grassroots venues, including the Derby Brewery Arms and Partisan Collective, which are consistently creating new queer events to ensure the subculture stays true to its roots. Similarly, larger promoters, such as Warehouse Project, were celebrated for curating exciting lineups of local LGBTQIA+ artists alongside bigger industry names. However, there is still a long way to go. Other North West cities are struggling with diversity within audience demographics. Manchester acts as an example to others in showcasing the vitality of DIY events for the queer community, but funding and supportis needed to ensure this in less established locations.
Amongst discussion, we were also treated to some delicious mixes from the guests throughout the episode to get us moving and to showcase some talent we are lucky enough to have right on our doorstep. Listen to the first episode below.
The second episode welcomed Manchester based artist and founder of six piece group Lovescene, Pops Roberts, to host the conversation. Joining her to explore the contributions of females in the music industry were critically acclaimed singer, songwriter and producer Låpsleyand DJ of the Girls Can’t Sync collectiveHannah Lynch. The trio noted the struggles of gender minorities in the industry and also took time to celebrate the moves said communities are making resiliently.
Watch the full episode below.
Following International Women’s Day, there is no better time than now to tune into ‘Run The Track‘. Check out the vast array of female talent and chat it has to offer. From listening in to some top mixes, to hearing unheard lived experiences, the series is sure to bring something fresh to your ears and leave you more informed on the realities of being a female in the industry.
Listen to the second episode below.
Stay tuned for the full three-part series to be available via Reform Radio or the size?launches app over the coming weeks.
Our most recent Positive Frequencies course, funded by MAES, drew to a close with an inspiring radio show, Hotel Changing Frequencies. Within this, our participants shared stories of human experience, personal reflections and creative writing they worked on over the duration of the workshops.
Listen to the full show below.
Positive Frequencies is our well-being project, centred around self-expression and using creative outlets as a form of self-care. We chatted to one of our participants, Uyama, about her time on the programme and what they’ll be taking from it moving forward.
Introduce your name, pronouns and hobbies.
My name is Uyama and my pronouns are she/her. Currently, I’m studying English and Maths. Outside the course, I like playing netball for fun, and to help me relax and clear my mind.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Patient, caring and supportive.
What’s your favourite thing to do to make you feel good or as a form of self-care?
Playing netball!
Left: Creative Practitioner, Tito, leading one of our sessions. Right: Our Well-being Manager and in-house trained psychotherapist, Dan, leading a group discussion.
Did you have much experience of using writing in your well-being practice already? If so, what’s your favourite element of this or what have you enjoyed about trying it for the first time?
I didn’t have much experience, but I really appreciate that I got the opportunity to write something kind about myself at Positive Frequencies. I learnt that you don’t just have to say nice things to other people, but that you can also say these things to yourself.
What prompted you to get involved in our Positive Frequencies course?
I saw a poster and thought I should sign up. I didn’t want to miss it.
Let’s throw it back to your first day on the course versus now, tell me a bit about your first impressions/feelings/emotions in comparison to how you feel now. What has changed?
Again, I genuinely had never thought about saying kind things to myself. This was totally out of my mind and something I had never considered. It showed me you can value, respect and love yourself, and not just other people. This has helped me a lot already and it’s something I will take away with me.
If you had to give a sentence of advice to your younger self, what would it say?
You’re not too late to start anything. You can always restart at any age.
What will you take from Positive Frequencies moving forward & what are your plans from here onwards?
Aside from a kinder attitude towards myself, I am also looking forward to studying nursing and midwifing in the future. Hopefully, I will be a qualified nurse in two or three years time.
How would you describe the Positive Frequencies course to someone who was thinking of joining us as a participant?
It’s a great course – everybody is patient; there is no pressure and no judgement. I’m not an outspoken person and prefer to listen usually, but Positive Frequencies made me feel welcome and comfortable to share and speak. I would encourage others to take the step to join the course, because it’s a great space where everyone supports each other.
Following our recent open forum, funded by the BBC’s Indie Development Fund in partnership with BBC Radio 3, we are delighted to bring you a follow-up workshop surrounding classical music radio production.
On the 12th and 13th of March, you can join our Podcasting and Production team to learn the ropes of radio production, with a specific focus on classical music. Those that come along will have the chance to be selected for a Summer part-time paid position in the team to increase their skillsets and work in our industry-standard studios. The workshops will take place from 10am til 4pm and are open to anybody interested in the genre and radio.
Check the flyer below for the full details of how you can get involved.
We were buzzing to welcome the formidable force that is BatFunk to last week’sJorgy and Cheech’s Show. The artist is making waves in the UK hip-hop scene with his unmatched bars and rapping abilities. Jorgy and Cheech invited BatFunk onto the airwaves for a chat about the likes of his recent gig at Manchester’s O2 Apollo and his musical journey. Then, we were treated to an exclusive live session from the rapper come producer; you don’t want to miss this one.
Watch the full session and listen back to the show below.
Our HYPE THEM hosting duo, kaoti and sher, welcomed upcoming Yorkshire singer and songwriter Tyron Webster to their recent show. The trio discussed topics including LGBTQ+ news and Tyron’s musical influences and journey. Alongside this, we were treated to a beautiful live session from Tyron on the Reform Radio airwaves.
Watch the full session and listen to the show episode below.
As well as mastering the craft of soulful lyricism and soothing melodies, Tyron has also been jumping into other creative ventures on the Manchester scene. We chatted to him to find out more about what he’s getting up to; get to know him below…
Introduce your name, pronouns and star sign.
Hey, I’m Tyron Webster, my pronouns are he/him and I am a Virgo.
If you had to describe your music in three words to someone who had never heard it before, how would you describe it?
R&B, pop, and sweet vocals.
Where did your journey with music begin?
It all started when I heard the likes of Prince and Mariah Carey’s 1995 Live at Madison Square Garden video on VHS. I would sing to them both on repeat as a way to escape. I went on to study music at college and Leeds Conservatoire; the rest is history.
Have there been any important role models in your musical journey that have inspired your sound or aesthetic?
Prince, Mariah Carey, and Luther Vandross were my main inspirations growing up. I grew up in a multicultural house so I was also around a lot of reggae music and Bollywood movies which I just fell in love with. These definitely impacted me and my journey.
Where do you find inspiration for your creativity?
I mainly find inspiration in real life situations whether that be love, the idea of love or happy memories. I take a lot of inspiration from friends as well. Sometimes I’ll even just wake up from a dream and record a melody or idea that I’ve had.
Who is your queer icon?
My everyday queer icon is Lady Phyll who is a trailblazer in the queer community. Everything she has done and is doing knows no bounds. Musically, I’d have to say Luther Vandross.
How does your music writing process look?
Chaotic. I will often sing the different musical parts that I want to form the track or poorly explain them! This is how Mariah Carey makes music. Sometimes, I will go into a session with references of what I’m liking the sound of. Then, I’ll either write the top-line there and then, or I’ll take the beat away and sit with it to write to it.
What does being queer mean to you?
Being queer is taking back the word that was used so negatively against the community and giving it power and a new meaning. It’s self-expression. It is acceptance of all different kinds of queer. It’s a sense of community and wanting to see all queers succeed and live happily. I love being queer and I wouldn’t change it for the world. It’s a superpower.
Can you tell us a bit about your event series – GLOSS.? What drove you to kickstart it?
GLOSS. is a QTIPoC-led project myself and my friend Misty created. We’re starting off with a club night, to then expand into other avenues including live music, panel talks and more. We’re holding space in places that QTIPoC and PoC communities are often underrepresented, despite much of them being created by people of colour initially. It’s not an exclusionary space so allies are encouraged as long as they are aware and respectful of the space they’re in. We are really keen to bridge that gap. In times like now where promoters are in it for money, it’s hard for grassroots events like us to succeed even though keeping this space is so desperately needed. So we have considered this in our planning too. Mix-Stress (Rebecca Swarray) once told me “if you don’t see the space, create it”, so that’s what I’m doing.
What do you see for the future of Tyron Webster? Do you have any particular goals you’d like to achieve with your creative journey?
I’ve just returned after 2 years off from releasing and performing so my goal is to get back out there. I want to perform loads more, collaborate more and just have fun with it all. I’m trying not to concentrate on the pressures that are often put on creators, especially in this current climate.
Where’s the best place for people to find you on social media and to find your music?
