Jorgy & Cheech return to the airwaves for two hours of hip hop, rappering and irreverent chat. Joining them in the studio for a live session and catch up this time round is upcoming artist, Grief School.
Grief School spat bars that blew us away, preparing us for their upcoming album out on the 13th of October.
Check out the full session on YouTube and listen back to the full show below.
These roles are based in the following 2 locations:
Pay and shift patterns
Most sites offer a range of shifts, so finding one that suits you should be simple. Typical shift patterns include:
Young Identity is always looking for new trustees to join their diverse board, currently made up of an economist, lawyer, psychologist, education specialist, counsellor, young people’s arts producer, community engagement manager and creative business development expert. The Young Identity board brings a wealth of knowledge, both specialist and general, as well as invaluable perspectives and lived experience ranging from the local, national and international.
Click the link above to download and read the trustee pack and submit your CV and a cover letter of no more than 500 words, outlining why you want to be a Trustee at Young Identity to enquiries@youngidentity.org. If you prefer, you can send a video of up to 2 minutes instead of the accompanying letter.
For the past two weeks, we’ve had a group of participants completing our Podcasting Course in the space, from learning how to script write, all the way to hosting their own live show on Reform Radio which showcased their five minute podcast pieces. You can listen back to the full show below.
We caught up with participants, Tagan and Huma, to hear about their experiences on the project and to hear what they’ll be taking from it moving forward.
What are your names, pronouns, and what you’re getting up to at the moment outside the course?
H: I’m Huma, my pronouns are she/her, and I work for a charity which supports victims of domestic abuse.
T: My name is Tagan, my pronouns are he/him, and I’m currently exploring new hobbies in my free time and trying to get more creative.
Describe yourself in 3 words
H: Kind, empathetic, and a good listener
T: Compassionate, determined and loving
If you had to recommend a podcast to someone who’s never listened to a podcast before, what would it be and why?
H: I would recommend a podcast to people in relationships who are questioning whether their relationship is healthy. The podcast is called ‘I’m Not In An Abusive Relationship’, and it’s about the early signs of abuse and neglect. It’s informative and could be really important to people who are unsure of the signs.
T: I would recommend the ‘Inspired Unemployed’ podcast. It’s a bunch of lads having fun behind the mic and creating content and it’s just good fun.
What prompted you to get involved with the Podcasting Course?
H: For me, I attended to simply explore. I wasn’t a massive podcast fan before taking on the course but I came just to give it a go.
T: I was in a similar place, I didn’t have a major expectation of the course. However, I tried the taster session and was instantly drawn into it and knew I needed to complete the rest of it.
What’s become your favourite thing about podcasting and audio through completing the course?
H: I’ve really enjoyed the thought process of writing a script. I can’t say I enjoyed the editing aspect too much, however, and listening to myself back! But the process of writing was so creative and it made me really consider the layout of podcasting.
T: For me I just loved the whole creative aspect to audio, and achieving things I didn’t think I was capable of. Being in the studio was also great as it pushed me out my comfort zone and taught me loads of new skills.
Let’s throw it back to your first day at Reform versus now, tell me a bit about your first impressions/emotions in comparison to how you feel now. What has changed?
H: My impressions have changed hugely. I didn’t know anything about Reform Radio at all and was quite apprehensive about what we were going to experience and do on the course. But I ended up looking forward to it every morning and feeling so motivated to come along.
T: I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did and I didn’t think I’d be as committed as I have been about turning up everyday. I’m really grateful for the opportunity which Reform has given me to meet such a collective of kind people who support you by setting high standards and supporting your work. I think the main thing I’ll take with me is the confidence I’ve grown in developing audio and media skills, but also generally within life.
What will you take from the podcasting course moving forward & what are your plans from here onwards?
H: I think I definitely feel more open to getting out of my comfort zone and trying new things in life. It’s taught me to go for things I wouldn’t usually try. I would love to continue building the podcast idea I formulated through the course and create a larger series. I feel like creating this podcast will support my work with victims and survivors of domestic abuse.
T: I will definitely take new-found confidence from the Podcasting Course, I feel like it’s really built my self-esteem. I will be taking a lot of new friendships with like-minded creatives from the course, also.
If you could have anyone on your own podcast as a guest, who would it be and why?
H: For me, it would Yasmin Mogahed, a specialist in spirituality, psychology, and personal development.
T: I don’t have anyone specific I’d ask. It would be fun to have someone totally random to discuss random subject like conspiracy theories or psychology to hear a unique point of view.
Come join us at our future courses! If you’d like to get involved or find out more about any of our projects, please drop us an email at projects@reformradio.co.uk.
Artsadmin offers a unique and free one-to-one support service to UK-based artists working in contemporary performance, at any stage of their career
Sessions are informal and artist-led, offering an opportunity to talk about anything from artistic ideas and project development to funding and contexts for your work. The format of these sessions has been developed in response to artists’ feedback and research.
Who is the service for?
This is a free service that we offer to artists and creatives, which to us includes arts workers, producers, designers, production managers, curators, arts leaders, technicians, writers, dramaturgs, academics and thinkers.
Click the link above for more details and to book a session.
The Jorgy & Cheech show is BACK. Known for their hip hop mixes, rappering and irreverent chat, this week the pair welcomed Manchester talent PiQasso into the studio to get behind the mic.
PiQasso has been made a name for himself on the UK scene, blending 90s hip hop beats with his effortless flow. With this in mind, the Northern rapper is both excitingly unique, with notes of familiar nostalgia running beneath his verses.
Listen to the full show here and watch the live session below.
HERchester are back on the block! Back in spring this year we’ve held a series of lyrical and MCing workshops, led by OneDa, across the North West – in Manchester, Sheffield, Blackpool & Morecambe. The cohort are now returning for a one-night special to round up what they’ve been up to – kindly funded by Arts Council England, and in partnership with House of Wingz, More Music and Rite Trax.
Taking over GRUB MCR on the 15th of August, 6.30PM – 9PM, the female-identifying and non-binary rap cohort will premiere their exclusive cypher, filmed at Manchester’s Blues Kitchen, and a film documenting the behind the scenes action of the project. If that’s not enough for you, the night will also include a live Q&A with HERchester and OneDa.
And this is open to all with the space being an inclusive atmosphere to meet likeminded creatives, whilst also witnessing the incredible community’s talent first-hand. It’s going to be an evening of good vibes and boundless creativity.
Reserve your free tickets here. And for full info, see the flyer below.
Reform Radio is bringing its ‘First Dance’ Wedding Dancefloor to Manchester’s Pride Parade, celebrating the 10 year anniversary of, both, the Same Sex Marriage Act and Reform Radio.
This year, marks our 10th anniversary as an organisation, founded in the basement of a shared-house in Manchester by three friends, Reform’s current directors. In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Marriage Act, and Reform Radio’s first ever radio show in 2013, we want will be staging Reform Radio’s ‘First Dance’ as our entry to Manchester Pride. This wedding dance-floor will be a celebration of the power of love, and love for the LGBTQ+ community.
The playlist for the parade will be made up of songs from our LGBTQ+ community and partners. This is where we need your help!
LGBTQIA+ community and queer wedding attendees, please submit yours and your friends’ first dance songs for them to be played alongside our Pride parade. Send your tracks over to dani@reformradio.co.uk – we can’t wait to hear them and share this celebration with you all.
Header image by Gemma Parker.
You may have seen across our socials that we’ve had a busy couple months here at Reform, with a number of participants coming into the space twice a week for our In Focus Content & Social Media course.
Kindly funded by ESF & Skills For Growth, In Focus Content and Social Media is a 7-week course that is designed to upskill people in all things marketing, social media and content creation. All participants have a chance to create an exclusive social media campaign for a Manchester based creative, brand or an organisation. This time round, participants worked with the likes of Yemi Bolatiwa, Studio 88 and Gravy Mag.
We caught up with Dara, who worked on Yemi Bolatiwa’s campaign, to find out more about her time on the course and where she’s heading next.
Introduce yourself (name, pronouns, and what you’re up to at the moment/hobbies etc)
I’m Dara Jackson, I use she/her pronouns and I’m currently graduating from a Masters of research in Neuroscience. My hobbies include watching anime, dancing, singing, painting, and curating digital art on Pinterest.
How would your friends describe you in 3 words?
Joyful, driven and loving.
If you could create any piece of content for yourself/a brand/an artist, what would it be? And who would you want to work with?
I really want to work for Selena Gomez’s brand, Rare Beauty, as a mental health content creator. I’d also love to work for Iris Van Herpen, Gucci or Zimmerman as a fashion or mental health content creator. Rosalia is another musician I’d love to work for too because she inspires me all the time to stay true to my roots.
What prompted you to get involved with In Focus: Content & Social Media?
I am seeking a career in content creation or the creative industries as I feel happiest doing that so this would be a great first step to getting there.
Did you have much experience in content/marketing before? If so, what’s your favourite aspect of it?
I think my favourite part is the idea generation. I like thinking of ways to get in touch with people’s humanity and remind them that everything is ok. Art can remind you of your humanity to fail, to be stagnant and to pause and re-centre. I think I just enjoy making people feel seen.
Where do you find inspiration for your creative content work?
From so much! My relationship with Christ has had a significant impact on the framework I navigate the world with. I think the compassion I experienced from my God is my first filter: compassion and grace. I get inspiration from my mum, dad, brother and sister because they’ve all had lives that speak of struggle, overcoming and making beauty out of ashes. I get inspiration from Greek, Japanese, Trinbagonian, African and Norse Mythology. I get inspiration from Islam, Hinduism and Confucianism. Also I am inspired greatly by my heritage – I’m of African, Indian, Spanish and Irish descent. I am inspired by both digital and traditional art, music like trance, alternative and noir. I pull from anime, Astronomy, nature, my own struggles – I think that’s about it!
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 felt safe and like I was somewhere I belonged straight away and that hasn’t changed at all. I think the course taught me to relax and enjoy the process. Reform really knows how to make people feel like they can do anything, no matter what level you are.
What will you take from the In Focus course moving forward & what are your plans from here onwards?
Definitely editing if we’re talking technical. I was so scared of using Premiere Pro before! I also hope to take my understanding of how small details in concepts can make a huge difference in perception, and also my value of teamwork.
My plan moving forward is to work in the creative industries. Creative work is the only work that makes me truly happy now and using art to help people find peace and freedom would be a great legacy to have. We’ll see how it goes!
Come join us at our future courses! If you’d like to get involved or find out more about any of our projects, please drop us an email at projects@reformradio.co.uk.
Ten years of Reform Radio means one thing – we’re going DAB! Pop the radio on because we’re now live in your cars and on your digital smart speakers.
As you may know, 2023 marks our tenth birthday and to continue with our celebrations we’re delighted to announce we are going DAB. For those of you that aren’t familiar, DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) means Reform Radio will be digitally transmitted to devices. Different to FM, this digital transmission allows you to select stations by name, gives it a clearer sound quality and offers more widespread listening.
For those of you across Greater Manchester, you can now pop us on you DAB devices and tune into the good vibes 24/7. This is huge for us to be found alongside our favourite radio big hitters on DAB lists in cars and speakers across the region.
Reform Radio is now on DAB across Greater Manchester and worldwide via your smart speaker.
See you in the car – turn it up!
Some of you may know we’ve had a little secret up our sleeves and told you to save a very special date…
We are delighted to invite you all to our 10th birthday event, alongside celebrating a decade of our old friends, Shindigger! On September the 9th, from 2pm until 2am, we will be taking over The Yard, Manchester, to bring you live music, stalls, free workshops and some real good food.
Expect plenty of live music, including first ever festival performances from some of the most exciting acts in the city, alongside exclusive back-to-back DJ sets, curated especially for this event.
Join your host Jenna G as we launch the day with a showcase from Reform’s flagship DJ and artist development programmes, with a B2B set from SiCA and Sacapuntas Selector followed by live, soulful bliss from Saint Harmony and Beatrix. In homage to Reform’s first studio and to recognise those early pioneers, Bobby James, Horace James, Wayne Parkes & One Million Sunsets we proudly present the DJ supergroup The Basement All Stars.
Following them, another Reform Resident supergroup, The Nandina Collective combine psychedelic-funk inflected sultry 70s grooves, with driving percussion and floating melodies; music made for dancing.
Andrea Trout goes B2B for the first time with ShinDigger Sessions favourite, Léna C. Mysteriously masked Reform residents Cooper T bring their riotous live show to the early evening, before we launch into the dance, with fellow 10 year birthday boy Levi Love going B2B with Reform’s very own drowzee.
Following his incredible recent release on Reform’s record label Rhythm Lab Records, it felt only right to bring Obeka’s energetic percussive live show to proceedings. Fresh off the back of shutting down Manchester International Festival, all female and non-binary rap collective HERchester will take to the stage for an explosive cypher.
Our last live act of the night, with her last show before heading out on a European tour, is none-other than OneDa. Seeing us into Sunday, we have the legendary Mr Scruff performing exclusively with Superlative for the first time since the release of their collaboration, Read All About It. To close the night, we bring together two of our favourite selectors in the city for their first B2B together, expect plus 140 BPM madness from Murder He Wrote and DR MYSTERY.
ShinDigger will be pouring a range of 8 draught beers on the day, including the new release Yuzu Pale created with Reform Radio. Meanwhile you can keep your bellies full with Carribbean food from Knights BBQ (including their legendary smoked jerk chicken) and Greek BBQ from Souvlaki Xpress. Kids are free and welcome till 7pm, with face painting, ball pit, workshop activities, films and sweet treats to keep them entertained.
Hop into the fun whenever from 2pm and join this celebration of community, music, arts and a whole decade of Reform Radio and Shindigger.
Tickets are available here now – grab them early so you don’t miss out!
Do you love to express yourself through art, writing, making or performing? Do you want to work with professional artists to develop your creativity? Want to be more social in a supportive and welcoming environment, at your own pace?
Starling run free creative activity groups for neurodivergent young people across Greater Manchester. They are all about having fun and being yourself with like-minded people. From visual arts and creative writing, to music and drama, Starling plan activities that interest you.
So, if you are aged 13-25, identify as neurodivergent and want to get creative, get in touch and click here to register to arrange a conversation with someone from the team. Starling currently have projects in Trafford, Manchester, Tameside and Oldham, but watch this space for more locations!
Are you passionate about migration issues and storytelling? Join Border Voice’s remote team and dedicate around 15 hours per month to either transcribing, editing, or managing social media output for their online radio series on migration (listen here!)
Visit their Instagram for more information and to drop them a message, or get in touch via email: bordervoicesradio@gmail.com
This blog post was created as part of In Focus: Content and Social Media course, funded by the Skills for Growth & European Social Fund.
We are Kao, Meg, Sarah and Anna. We have just completed the In Focus: Content and Social Media course with Reform Radio. We’d love to share our journey through the course with you! As a team, we rose to the challenge of creating a social media campaign for Manchester recording studio, Studio 88, who are launching a new product.
Over 7 weeks, we learnt about digital content creation and had lots of opportunities to gain hands on experience. Throughout the course, our marketing, video and photography skills were developed and honed. Taught by Reform Radio’s in house Content and Marketing Team, we were well placed to get to grips with the intricacies of content creation and social media. The modules covered included; social media and marketing strategies, analytics, trends, audience development, planning and implementing a social media marketing campaign and working from briefs to developing concepts.
In addition, there were valuable lessons on filming and photography, concept production and creating short form videos for platforms such as Tik Tok and Instagram. Crucially, there were practical sessions which focussed on editing and post-production. This comprehensive and interesting course has provided a solid grounding in Content and Social Media, along with a professional piece of work which can evidence our skills. The tutors were knowledgeable and approachable and the whole group were lovely.
Our group worked on a brief for local recording studio, Studio 88.
“Studio 88 stands for infinite and abundant creation…in Chinese mythology it symbolizes good fortune and wealth. We try and incorporate all of these values and philosophies into the business.” – Darrius, Director of Studio 88
Studio 88 is a local multi-genre recording studio, providing a range of services for artists and producers looking to join a welcoming, creative community. It is owned and directed by Darrius Stewart (He/Him) and has studios in both central and South Manchester. Both sites are accessible and professionally equipped. New for summer 2023, Studio 88 have launched an affordable subscription package service, Create88, for all creatives with a range of benefits. The monthly package guarantees 12 hours a month in the studio along with a wealth of other benefits including the opportunity to work with in-house producers and access to the well-established and formidable creative network.
Darrius explains: “Studio 88 MCR is much more than just a recording studio, we are a place for artists to grow and develop, turning ideas into fruition, and offering Manchester’s upcoming artists a creative space like no other.” Local beatmaker and Junior Recording Engineer Pretty Trixx describes how the studio has helped her: “I’m really a bedroom producer at heart and like to stay behind the scenes whilst making my music but the studio is slowly helping me come out of my shell and work with more creators.”
With a passion for music as her first love Pretty Trixx has worked with notable names in the industry through being involved with Studio 88, including Kwengface and Youngz SB.
Artist and Studio 88 collaborator M1LLZ says:
“They took me in as a home. They gave me somewhere to go to show what my passion was. They did a lot. I’m now an artist.”
Studio 88 Singer, Songwriter and Manager, Samantha Mae says:
“From my manager side, I am working with 4 people; 3 artists and 1 producer/engineer. We are all in a development scheme and we’re all on the same wavelength, we want to see results and progress. In terms of my singing -songwriting, I’m helping song write for those who get writer’s block. I come up with creative ideas to get them out of that space and out of their head. I’m just trying to help everyone do what they do and what they love.”
Studio 88 prides itself on being a launchpad for upcoming artists, a safe space with a family feel for people working in all genres to come and learn to improve their music making skills and learn about themselves in the process. M1LLZ says: “They showed me how to control my breath, pronounce my words, open my mouth. All the good fundamentals that can help you find your way of doing it. That’s what they did to help me progress.”
Studio 88 has rich partnerships with other creative organisations across Manchester and the UK. The new package can add structure to projects, guaranteeing studio time and a network to collaborate with.
The Create88 subscription package for £150 per month is now live and includes:
Check out the Studio88 website here!
If you want to get involved in any of our creative courses, drop us an email at projects@reformradio.co.uk.
Young Company is the Royal Exchange Theatres’, award-winning, resident Company of Young People aged 14 – 21. Providing weekly workshops, production opportunities and free tickets to main house shows.
Young Company is for anyone who’s interested in performing, directing, design, writing, but also open to those who want a creative space with other like-minded young people. Young Company members will gain in-depth training and practical opportunities so they can develop, create and grow at the heart of a producing theatre.
Hello! We are the 2023 cohort at Reform Radio’s exciting In Focus: Content and Social Media program. This is a fantastic digital content creation program aimed at uplifting people through the education of practical experience in digital content creation.
The course is funded by the Skills for Growth & European Social Fund.
Our team, Owen, Inna, Dara and Eleanor not only learned about digital content creation but also got the opportunity of delivering a social media campaign for Manchester’s rising soul star, Yemi Bolatiwa. In collaboration with SHAR, DJ Sappo and Harry’s Method she has released an eclectic remix EP of her song Black British Female.
About the Course
The In Focus: Content and Social Media is a comprehensive 7-week course focusing on practical experience in digital content creation. Delivered by Reform Radio’s experienced Content & Marketing Team and industry experts, this programme enhanced our skills in marketing, video, and photography.
The curriculum consisted of social media and marketing strategies, analytics, trends, and audience development, planning and social media marketing campaign conceptualisation, implementation and execution.
Other key skills gained were: the basics of filming and concept production, including creation of short-form videos for different platforms like Instagram, editing and post-production.
Yemi Bolatiwa, Manchester’s Rising Soul Star
Yemi Bolatiwa, a talented artist born south-east London and has lived in Manchester for 14 years. She has recently released a remix collaboration of her powerful anthem, “Black British Female” (BBF).
While pursuing her masters in Social Anthropology, Yemi’s love for exploration of culture and behaviour intermingled with her renewed spark for music during open mic nights. Her journey has been a natural progression, leading her to meet a band and perform at host of large and cozy gigs and festivals. Today, Yemi is actively pursuing her passion for music, and has been honing in on her songwriting craft over the past 10 years across such genres as reggae, dub, hip-hop, drum & bass, house and of course soul & RnB in all it’s forms. Her unique blend of empowerment, positivity, and exploration of identity intends to resonate with listeners, as she uses her music to address socio-political issues and foster relatability.
The Evolution of Yemi’s Musical Journey
Yemi’s musical journey began unexpectedly, as her participation in open mic nights reignited her long-lost school passion for music. Although she didn’t initially anticipate pursuing music professionally, the organic process led her to collaborate with a band and perform live PA sets with DJs. Opportunities flowed naturally and Yemi even secured a residency at Albert’s Schloss, allowing her to develop her vocal skills and learn another side to the music industry. She describes her musical path as a continuous exploration, emphasising the importance of collaboration and remaining open to new experiences.
Powerful Messages in Yemi’s Music
Yemi Bolatiwa’s music is driven by a desire to empower, spread positivity, explore identity, and highlight resilience. In her recent songs, she delves into vulnerability and shares her experiences through her music, fostering relatability with her audience. Yemi’s dedication to addressing socio-political issues is evident, as she seeks to find her people and create a sense of connection through her music. Her desire for her music to speak to people is reflected in her remix EP, featuring a variety of styles and interpretations from across the bass music spectrum.
A Song of Empowerment
The single “Black British Female” (BBF) holds a dual meaning, playing on the abbreviation “BFF” while also delivering a light-hearted approach to a serious message. The song’s second verse confronts black stereotypes and emphasises that Yemi Bolatiwa is more than those preconceptions. Musically, BBF combines elements of electronic music, drum & bass, and a fast-paced tempo to evoke a sense of energy and attitude. This serves as an undercurrent to Yemi’s exploration of identity, ultimately instilling pride and reinforcing the notion that individuals can be multi-dimensional while still making sense.
Revitalizing BBF: Remixing for New Life
Yemi enlisted three of her close friends to create remixes of BBF, breathing new life into the song and giving it a fresh perspective. Each remix brings a distinct flavour to the table: a future garage version, a heavy drum & bass rendition, and a liquid dnb dark interpretation. Of all the remixes, the garage version by SHAR struck a chord with Yemi the most, evoking memories of her youth. This collaborative effort not only provides multiple versions of the song but also amplifies its impact and showcases its versatility.
An Anthem, A revolution
Yemi Bolatiwa’s musical journey has been an enriching and organic process, fuelled by her passion for empowerment, positivity, identity exploration, and resilience. Through her music, she seeks to address socio-political issues and foster relatability among her listeners. With the release of “Black British Female” (BBF) and its accompanying remix EP, Yemi aims to create a powerful emotional connection with her audience and make her music a captivating experience that goes beyond mere listening. As she continues to collaborate and evolve, Yemi Bolatiwa’s unique voice and messages will undoubtedly resonate with a diverse audience, inspiring and empowering individuals along the way.
If you want to get involved in any of our creative courses, drop us an email at projects@reformradio.co.uk.
Positive Frequencies returned in full force, inviting a group of participants to turn inwards and create outwards. Funded by Manchester Adult Education Service, this incredible project welcomes individuals to set their focus onto their well-being and self-care practice. From sessions on imposter syndrome, to post-COVID life, our attendees are encouraged to use the likes of creative writing, songwriting and more to check in and express their emotions healthily. To share the wisdom and insight they had built throughout the course, our participants created a radio show for the Reform Radio airwaves. Listen to it below.
We caught up with Divine to see how the project went and what they plan to take from it moving forward into their everyday lives.
Introduce yourself (name, pronouns, and what you’re up to at the moment/hobbies etc).
Divine: My name is Divine Neza. I use she/her pronouns. At the moment I’m doing art therapy, textiles – creating my own bag. In my free time I like reading and watching funny videos.
How do you think your friends would describe you in three words?
Divine: I think my friends would describe me as funny, genuine and intellectual.
What’s your favourite thing to do to make you feel good/as a form of self-care?
Divine: My favourite thing to do as a form of self-care is binge watching Friends. It was a special interest of mine growing up and having episodes play in the background makes me feel safe.
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?
Divine: I have lots of experience in writing to express myself but very little practice within my well-being. I really enjoyed switching my perspective on my approach to writing, as a tool for promoting a healthy well-being as opposed to just a way to vent negative feelings.
What prompted you to get involved in our Positive Frequencies course?
Divine: The recommendation by referral enlightened me on the potential benefits of doing a course like this. Especially given my mental health and life’s circumstances at the moment, Positive Frequencies seemed like a great opportunity to utilise my skills in a manner that would really help me.
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?
Divine: Initially I was super nervous. I was incredibly anxious beforehand for numerous reasons, mainly not even to do with the course. Upon first impressions, I was worried I would feel excluded and confused as the first few sessions were over Zoom and the lack of real-life interaction made me very hesitant to connect with people. Once the first session took place and the course went on, many (if not all) of my anxieties around the course subsided. Dan, Tito, Lola, Adele, Autumn and any other staff I met/interacted with over the time were so kind, informative and inclusive. Reform Radio felt like a safe space. After completing the course, I feel confident in myself and my ideas. Positive Frequencies was the first time I’ve been honest about my autism with a group of new people and I’ve come away feeling very proud for staying true to myself. I’m not as nervous to enter new spaces without masking, because my experience on this course has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone.
What will you take from the Positive Frequencies course moving forward & what are your plans from here onwards?
Divine: Moving forward I will definitely be taking the lessons on imposter syndrome, comfort zone anxiety and goals vs values with me. I’ll be consolidating that advice to better my well-being and my writing skills. My plans from here are to learn more creative skills and to develop the talents I already have by working on my confidence in other areas.
What’s one piece of advice/knowledge you’ve received regarding well-being through the course which you’d pass onto somebody else?
Divine: To attain true fulfillment one must align their life with their values. A life based on your values and principles will bring you far more joy than one based on achieving arbitrary goals.
If you’d like to find out about our future courses at Reform, get in touch with our lovely Projects Team on projects@reformradio.co.uk.
Free Courses in England is a database of free courses funded by the government, in the form of the Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and the Adult Educational Budget (AEB).
There are a range of free courses on Free Courses in England, from principles of business administration to coding to environmental sustainability!
Boost your CV and complete a free course today.
We are very excited to announce that we have curated several shows featuring Reform’s nearest and dearest artists and hosts at this year’s Manchester International Festival which returns to the city from 29 June to 16 July. Taking place at the new riverside location Festival Square’s free open-air stage will host over 190 artists, bands, DJs and musicians, as well as family entertainment and a wide variety of food and drink. With over 150 artists in the line-up hailing from Greater Manchester, the programme is massive celebration of sounds of the region. Festival Square activities are totally free to attend, so there is absolutely no excuse to miss this.
Check out our schedule below and see you at the Festival Square.
FRIDAY 30TH JUNE 1pm – 2.30pm – MELATROIS
Serving up music with no genre restrictions and conversation inspired by the socio-political climate, Melatrois is two hours of down to earth, kind of weird airtime with more rhythm than rhyme.
FRIDAY 30TH JUNE 3PM – 4.30PM – THE GET OUT
The Get Out, an afternoon version of our first ever breakfast show, The Get Up. Chat and tunes with Yelena Lashimba, broadcast live, encouraging people to get down to Festival Square.
WEDNESDAY 12TH JULY 3PM – 4.30PM – HERCHESTER
HERchester will be showcasing their talents from the latest edition & talking about the process they’ve been through from joining the project, improving their skills together and recording a cypher at Blues Kitchen.
THURSDAY 13TH JULY 1PM – 2.30PM – MUSIC AND MIND
A platform that celebrates the bringing together of music and mental health, shining a light on lived experiences and the music that drives the people behind them, hosted by Levi Love.
THURSDAY 13TH JULY 3PM – 4.30PM – MUTUALISM
A discussion with Obeka and Murder He Wrote, hosted by Reform’s Natasha delving deep into the processes behind our most recent collaborative project with shesaid.so South Africa, exploring remote collaboration.
THURSDAY 13TH JULY 9PM – 10PM – SOUNDCAMP SHOWCASE
Soundcamp 2022 alumni are taking over Festival Square to share their musical creations, that were born during their time on Reform’s artist development programme.