We had a blast at our recent Music Course, funded by MAES. The two week programme was filled with songwriting, music production, and radio workshops. Meanwhile, to close the project, all the songs our participants created were showcased on a live radio show on Reform Radio.
It was about time we delved deeper into what our attendees got up to, so meet Theo, one of our participants who told us more about their musical inspirations and where they’re heading next.
Please can you introduce yourself, your pronouns and what you get up to in your free time?
Hey, I’m Theo and my pronouns are they/them. I like exploring abandoned places around Manchester and photographing them on my camera.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
I’m curious, inquisitive and adventurous.
If you were stuck on a desert island with a record player, what record would you want to have with you to listen to?
It would be ‘Jubilee’ by Japanese Breakfast.
Did you have much musical experience before you joined the course? If so, what’s your favourite thing about making music?
It was all very new. I had taken piano lessons as a kid when I was 6 and then did nothing musical. My favourite thing about music now has been being exposed to different genres of music. Also, I’ve liked seeing the different processes individuals have undertaken. It’s been great to see how my course-mates have developed their ideas. Furthermore, I have learnt the basics of chord progressions; I feel so empowered by that.
What prompted you to get involved with the Music Course?
I discovered the course on Instagram and I just thought I’d give it a go. I was a bit afraid of giving music a try but I’m glad I did.
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 didn’t think I could write music. Now, I know I actually can if I’m encouraged and guided through it. Additionally, I thought I couldn’t sing but Alex, the facilitator, gave me all the confidence in delivering two lines of singing within my spoken word piece.
What will you take from the Music course moving forward & what are your plans from here onwards?
Experimenting and arranging new tracks is something I want to keep doing, alongside collaborating with more people. The musical process can be so solitary sometimes so you forget that you can let go of agency when you work with other people.
Who would be your dream artist/producer to collaborate with?
I love how Aldous Harding writes so it would have to be her.
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.
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.
The latest round of our Radio Course, funded by MAES, has drawn to a close. The past two weeks have seen us welcome a new group of young people into the Reform Radio space to learn the likes of scriptwriting, audio production, recording, presenting and more. It’s certainly been a busy fortnight with our attendees having the chance to visit BBC 5 Live studios. Meanwhile, they were able to put their interviewing skills to the test with special guest, Lauren Haynes, of the Great British Sewing Bee. The exclusive Zoom interview they conducted, alongside all the audio pieces they’ve been working on throughout the course were then showcased in a radio show.
Listen back to the show below.
To find out more about this project’s antics, we caught up with two of our participants, Nell & Hanad.
Introduce your name, pronouns and what you get up to in your free time.
H: My name is Hanad, my pronouns are she/her and my current pastime is trying to get fit and healthy.
N: I’m Nell and my pronouns are she/her. In my free time, I like producing theatre.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
H: I would say funny, caring and enthusiastic.
N: High-energy, affectionate and funny.
Did you have much experience in radio or presenting before? What’s your favourite thing about it?
H: The only experience I had in radio was as a child. In Year 3, we got to go on a local radio station. After that, I remember thinking I was a star. I did a bit of performing arts in high school too, but I shied away from the limelight for a while following this. Radio feels like the right stepping stone to going back to my roots now. I like not being on camera and being able to use my voice as my most power tool.
N: I did a bit of podcasting as part of my degree and I did a lot of performing throughout growing up too. I was looking for a way to marry up my interests and what I studied; radio felt like a comfortable, happy medium. Similar to Hamad, because you’re not on camera, you have so much more freedom to express yourself. I gesticulate a lot when I speak and I enjoy being able to do that authentically. So much of the time, you have to look and appear a certain way in the media; this isn’t the case for radio.
Nell
What prompted you to get involved with the Radio Course?
H: When I saw the course being advertised, I noticed the age eligibility was for those below 30. I am 29 so I thought to myself ‘if I’m going to do it, now is my time’. So I decided to take the bull by its horns and apply. I had grown tired of working in corporate job roles, and I was ready to try something new in which I could be myself.
N: I had not long finished uni and had been thinking a lot about what I wanted to do next. So I started looking at all the things I enjoy doing, and radio seemed to relate to all of them. I have also been craving structure since leaving university.
Throughout the course, you’ve been working on your own radio shows, what have inspired your direction with these and can you tell us about the themes of your shows?
H: The title of our show is ‘Misfits Fit In’ and it summarises our group of people so well. We genuinely look as if we are on jury duty; we are from all walks of life and places around Manchester. I am loving the fact we have all been able to come together and create something together. It’s an opportunity we wouldn’t have had if we weren’t on the course.
N: The theme of misfits has been a great lens to look at things through. My audio piece is about mental health as it’s Mental Health Awareness Month. Much of the time, mental struggles can alienate people and make us feel a sense of otherness. In reality, we can often bond over these emotional struggles. It’s been nice to come into a safe space and have open conversations about this.
ME Blair
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?
H: I’m so happy I stuck with the course. To begin with, I was really apprehensive about doing the icebreaker tasks; it made me feel like I was on my first day at school. But I recognise now that those tasks were there to get us to where we are today – creating together. I’ve loved working with everybody.
N: I was nervous at the start of the course to work in a smaller group. Being creative is vulnerable. Now, I feel a lot more confident sharing my own ideas with people. I believe this will translate into my everyday life too. My confidence is so much bigger in backing my own ideas and putting them out there.
Hanad
If you could have any guest on your own radio show, who would it be and why?
H: There’s loads of people I’d love to have on my own show. However, to pay homage to my favourite host of all time, I would have to say Graham Norton. It would have to be him so I could pick his brain and learn about how he got to where he is today.
N: Someone with a nice voice – maybe, Joanna Lumley. I’d also love to have both of my grannies on air.
What’s your go-to radio station to lock into?
H: Mine is LBC if I want to listen to chatter, or Capital Extra for music.
N: BBC Radio 1Xtra.
Fionn (left) & Funkę (right)
What will you take from the Radio Course moving forward & what are your plans from here onwards?
H: Definitely a newfound, or reaffirmed, confidence and self-belief. I need to find creative spaces, or make these spaces myself if I can’t find them. I’m going to work with Reform to get some employment and funding application support.
N: It has given me drive to keep creating. I want to stop waiting for opportunities to come to me and go searching for them myself. Next up for me is continuing to work on a devised theatre piece called ‘Look What We’ve Done’ in Manchester.
It’s time to meet the last two finalists of our Soundcamp 2024 cohort. After taking part in our Soundcamp bootcamp back in February, this duo were selected alongside six of their peers to join us for a further six months of artist development sessions. The eight participants have received direct mentorship with industry pros including Layfullstop, Jack Kong and Werkha, alongside honing in on their craft in a series of creative workshops. All attendees are working towards an evening of exclusive performances at The Blues Kitchen on the 15th of May. Grab your free tickets here.
Meet Alpha Twang and HAZZU below.
Alpha Twang
Hey I am Alpha Twang. I am a producer, I make electronic music and I also DJ as Summer’s Groove. You can find me on Instagram at @alpha_twang and you can find my music on all streaming platforms.
How would you describe your music to someone who’s never heard it before?
I would say it’s storytelling with sound. I want to evoke feelings and take listeners on a journey.
What prompted you to get involved in Soundcamp and what are you hoping to achieve from it?
For me, I have spent the last few years as a bedroom producer. I saw Soundcamp as an opportunity to transition into live performance and to find ways to get my music out to larger audiences. The showcase on the 15th of May will be the perfect way to express my journey since starting to produce in 2019.
Where did your journey with music begin?
I started to produce within Ableton in 2019. Before that, I always knew I wanted to do something with music but I never felt like I could because I didn’t have any training in it. Between 2019 and 2020, I started teaching myself a lot through music forums, YouTube and Reddit. I started to notice myself really improving so I began working with other artists. Since then, I have done some residencies, some sound design commissions and now I am here at Reform doing Soundcamp.
Describe your creative process from starting to finishing a track.
One thing that I love about electronic music is that there isn’t a right way to go about it. I usually go into a project with it as a complete blank slate. I will watch a tutorial video first to see what area of production I want to explore through this specific track. I start experimenting and then hours of chaos begin. About halfway through the process, everything starts to coalesce into something and I hone in on that until I have a finished track.
Who are the main inspirations/influences for your sound and aesthetic?
My biggest influence in terms of music production is Arca. She showed me new portals of what you can do with electronic music, like using textures and creating three dimensional sounds. Flying Lotus is another one, and composers like Philip Glass, Hans Zimmer, Mica Levi, John Hassell and more.
If you could collaborate with anyone on a track, who would it be and why?
I think at this point in my career, I would love to work with a lot of the queer and upcoming electronic artists I know. For example, blood of aza, or Andras 2020. It would be a joy to work with these friends of mine from all of over the world. We all found each other through Arca’s Discord server in 2020 and we created multiple mixtapes together for charities with Arca herself. It’s called MUTANTS MIXTAPE; I recommend checking it out. But yes, I truly see these friends of mine as the future of electronic music.
What are your biggest goals/plans for your music in the future?
I would love to lean into sound production for movies and video games. However, I would also love to work with live instrumentalists. I am a huge classical music fan so it would be amazing to hear my work played by an orchestra. I also hope to continue honing in on the themes I’ve started exploring through my music, like identity, Manchester, and existing in the city as a Black person.
HAZZU
My name is HAZZU and you can find me on all streaming platforms. I was raised in Spain, I’m originally from Senegal, and now I’m in Manchester.
How would you describe your music to someone who’s never heard it before?
People always describe my music as ‘a vibe’. I would also describe it as short and intense at the same time.
What prompted you to get involved in Soundcamp and what are you hoping to achieve from it?
I just want to grow as an artist. Music is my way of coping with both the good and bad in life. As an artist, I hope to personify all of these feelings and my journey. From Soundcamp, I think I will just go higher and higher on the road to being the best I can be.
Where did your journey with music begin?
My dad used to play Akon in the car, anywhere we’d go. I was instantly drawn to it as a kid. From then on, I fell in love with music. When I was about 10, I started writing short poems and four bars of words. I just kept going until I was able to write a full song. The first time I stepped into a studio was 2021 to record my first ever track.
Describe your creative process from starting to finishing a track.
It depends on how my day goes really. To create the beat itself, I will usually buy one thats already made, or I’ll head to YouTube and work from there. My writing process is very mixed. I usually start with the hook and build up from there.
Who are the main inspirations/influences for your sound and aesthetic?
I really like R&B music so some artists that inspire me include AKON, Ne-Yo, and Danny Brown.
If you could collaborate with anyone on a track, who would it be and why?
Currently, I would say Nemzzz. He’s originally from Manchester and we actually went to the same high school. I think my artistry can fit into any project so I definitely think it would work. Nemzzz’s music is something you can instantly vibe to, like mine.
What are your biggest goals/plans for your music in the future?
I just want to make an impact on people, no matter how small. I guess, when I’m not here anymore, I want to be able to reflect and know I have helped people.
Grab your free ticket to see Alpha Twang & HAZZU alongside the rest of the Soundcamp cohort live at The Blues Kitchen on the 15th of May here.
Over the course of two weeks, participants for our acclaimed Music Course hopped into our series of workshops to create and collaborate. Funded by MAES, the programme walks attendees through the likes of musicproduction, social media and creative writing. Throughout the project, our participants worked on their own tracks to be debuted on Reform Radio in a one hour radio show.
Listen back to the show below.
We chatted with Jack and Yorusa who took part in the course about what they got up to, their musical influences, and where they’re heading from here.
Introduce your name, pronouns, and what you get up to in your free time.
Y: I’m Yorusha, my pronouns are she/they, and in my free time I really enjoy spending time with my friends and family, writing and reading, and watching films.
J: My name is Jack. My pronouns are he/him. I love music in all forms, whether it’s listening, creating or producing. I also love watching art-house movies and exploring Manchester.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Y: Curious, conversational and humorous.
J: I would say determined, aloof and open-minded.
If you were stuck on a desert island and could only listen to one record, what record would you want to have with you and why?
Y: NAO’s ‘For All We Know’.
J: It would have to be Lady Gaga’s ‘Born This Way’. It’s the best pop album of all time.
Did you have much musical experience before the course? What’s your favourite thing about making music?
Y: I had a bit of experience with music and performing live. I really love performing and I spend a lot of time around artists too. Sometimes, I’m not creating music, I’m just having conversations about it with other creatives. It’s nice to have an idea and losing yourself in the creation. There’s so much chaos, and boundless possibilities in making music. You never know what is going to come out of you.
J: I’ve been involved in music for the past 12/13 years. I started producing when I was in secondary school when I should have been doing my homework. Since then, I have released some compilations and worked with some labels. I’ve mostly produced dance music, but I have also started to explore songwriting more recently. My favourite part of creating music would have to be getting the idea in your head down securely. Music is another language. It’s so freeing to be able to express an idea through it.
What prompted you to get involved with the Music Course?
Y: I really wanted to learn how to produce. I feel like you’re expected to know how to do so much as a musician these days. I was eager to learn about production more thoroughly, and also get to grips with technical terminology to be able to communicate more effectively with other creatives.
J: I wanted to get more experience in areas out of my comfort zone, like songwriting and lyricism. But, more specifically, I wanted to return to Reform. I recently did the Classical Connections project here and it was the most nurturing environment. I was ready to come back and embrace all of that again.
Let’s throw it back to your first day at Reform versus now, tell us a bit about your first impressions/feelings/emotions in comparison to how you feel now. What has changed?
Y: My skill set has definitely increased. I was experienced in music making, but I have learnt so much about the work that surrounds releasing music, such as promotion and marketing. I have the know- how now if I wish to take music further.
J: I think the main thing that has developed through my time on the project is my connection with others on the course. You start off knowing nobody, and now I have built such strong bonds with everyone. We all have a special connection now; we bonded over something we love.
Do you have any musical role models that inspire your practice and why?
Y: My friends. Even those around me in the room on the project. It’s been inspiring seeing how everyone has created music differently and noticing their differing approaches.
J: I really admire SOPHIE as a trans producer and DJ. Her music is so beyond anything my brain can comprehend and I’ll never forget her legacy. Daft Punk also inspire me with their clever use of sampling and their ability to build such a futuristic sound. We still don’t hear music like theirs now. Prince’s general artistry is also phenomenal.
When writing new music, where do you begin with the process and what inspires you to make a new track?
Y: It often happens for me when I’m just humming to myself. Either this, or I’ll be reflecting on a conversation I had and considering what I would’ve said. Once I’ve secured the words, I will start forming verses and rhymes here to build a bigger feeling and emotion in a track.
J: I tend to just get sporadic ideas coming to my head and I will quickly record them as voice recordings. When an idea comes to me, I see it as a gift and I know it’s fleeting so it’s important I get this down to log it. However, when I am producing dance music, going to the club is so inspiring to me. Being surround by that sound and space allows me to receive creative energy to then transfer into my own work.
What will you take from the Music Course moving forward & what are your plans from here onwards?
Y: I think it’s given me a lot of confidence. It’s made me feel like music is realistic for me to pursue in my journey. I am ready to push boundaries and make music of my own. I’d also love to do my own live shows and use movement in these sets.
J: An encouraging environment is priceless; that’s what I will take with me. I’ve learnt that being surrounded by positivity and support is vital to my progression. I’m really grateful to have been able to attend this project. Now, I’m keen to collaborate with other songwriters and producers to help them flesh out their ideas as well as my own.
We’re back to introduce you to two more of our Soundcamp finalists, funded by Youth Music, in partnership with Thirty Pound Gentleman. In case you missed it, we kickstarted our 2024 Soundcamp programme back in February, inviting thirty participants into Reform to take part in a two week bootcamp. To support them with their music creation, we had industry pros Layfullstop, Jack Kong and Werkha in the space. From production support to providing their musical ears, the trio gave our attendees an array of great advice to take with them.
Eight of our participants were chosen to continue their journey on Soundcamp, through our six month mentorship initiative. These finalists are joining us every week for focused artist development, musical workshops, and a dedicated space for their creative practice. Meet Ishola & Sarah, two of our artists, below.
Known Konopka
I’m Sarah Konopka, also known as Known Konopka. My pronouns are she/her. I produce techno-house music and I’m also a DJ. You can find me on SoundCloud and on all social media.
How would you describe your music to someone who’s never heard it before?
My music is a journey. It starts off emotional and then you’re on a high by the end of it. It’s my job to change your emotions through listening to my tracks.
What prompted you to get involved in Soundcamp and what are you hoping to achieve from it?
I came to Reform’s other courses, like Music and DJing. I had never received so much acknowledgement for my music and creations before. It was only then that I realised I could actually do Soundcamp. I was ready to receive more feedback and get input from professional mentors. All of my music prior to this, I had done completely on my own. I taught myself through YouTube tutorials and videos online. Already, I am noticing the difference from the 1-2-1 support I am receiving, learning about what equipment is actually out there, and what opportunities are out there. From the project, I hope to achieve getting my music in the right places and hands to make progression happen. I also just want to perform; it’s my favourite thing to do.
Where did your journey with music begin?
My need to create music has come from my need to express and shift my own personal difficulties. I like to think that people can hear this through my work and relate to it and feel heard. Music helped me and I hope my music can help others too. I’ve been listening to house since I came out of the womb. However, I couldn’t sing at all. I could dance, but I never knew I could translate this into actually making music myself. After buying my first DJ decks at the age of 18, I started mixing tracks that I hadn’t heard anyone mixing together before. I delved into DAW and downloaded some free softwares and I soon realised the beat and rhythm I had from dancing, could then be translated into mixing. This is where it all began.
Describe your creative process from starting to finishing a track.
It’s always different depending on the track. I don’t put pressure on myself to create because I trust it’ll come to me. For example, this Soundcamp track came to me at 4am. I couldn’t sleep and I kept hearing this specific noise in my head. So I tried to mimic this on my keyboard and then started building the track from there. It’s a really natural process, which keeps me up at night.
Who are your main inspiration/influences for your sound and aesthetic?
Fred Again is definitely a huge inspiration for the sound I am trying to achieve and wanting to take people on an emotional journey. He also taught me that there’s no rules in music and you can produce however feels right for you. I also like Dom Dolla and, of course, Peggy Gou. However, I’d also say Harry Styles is a huge inspiration for me. Not genre-wise, but he inspires me in knowing I can be whoever I want to be. He empowers me to be myself and be the unique person I am.
If you could collaborate with anyone on a track, who would it be and why?
I have two artists in mind. The first one I’d say is Cat Burns. Her music is so emotional and moving so it makes a good fit with the sort of stuff I create. But then also Aitch. He would bang on a house tune, we’re both from Manchester and it would be amazing to produce a song for him.
What are your biggest goals/plans for your music in the future?
I want to be at Parklife, and I want to be at the Warehouse Project. That’s where my music would be best suited and received. One day, I will be there.
Ishola
My name’s Ishola, my pronouns are he/him, and you can find me on Instagram and TikTok at @isho1a.
How would you describe your music to someone who’s never heard it before?
I would describe my music as a fusion of past and future hip-hop. I draw heavy inspiration from both the UK and the US scenes. My music is something you can vibe to as you’re walking through the city, but also blast out of your speakers on a late night drive down the motorway. I like to think my music can fit any kind of scenario or environment.
What prompted you to get involved in Soundcamp and what are you hoping to achieve from it?
I was looking for more opportunities to grow my network in the music industry after leaving university, where I studied music production. I’m an engineer and a producer, but this comes from me being an artist myself. When I found out about Soundcamp, I thought it would be the perfect chance to meet new creatives, meet like-minded people who I can grow with, and meet individuals who can guide me and keep me on the right path. I have confidence in my own abilities, but it’s also nice to gain the approval and validation of professionals in the industry. Working with the mentors has really helped me tackle imposter syndrome. It has also offered me useful insights, nuggets of knowledge, and has allowed me to absorb their experiences.
Where did your journey with music begin?
I’ve been doing music since I could walk. I vividly remember coming home from school one day and my parents saying I needed to learn an instrument. So I decided to take up the piano, and progressed through graded exams. As I got older, I felt restricted by classical training and I was exposed to more methods of expression through music. For example, I discovered music production and technology. My mind was blown and I fell back in love with music. I’m really grateful that learning the piano laid the foundations for me to grow musically and really explore it. The journey is only just beginning now.
Describe your creative process from starting to finishing a track.
This question is a bit too linear for me. There’s no start and no end in the creative energy. A song can start from me walking around town listening to bossa nova, subconsciously listening out for samples. It could also start on the bus, writing random lyrics. I feel like I’m constantly drawing inspiration from things around me to influence different areas of my creative practice. Then I can piece these little creations together. Some lyrics I wrote last week could fit a beat I made today; a song comes out of the universe. There’s no start and end; it’s the cycle of music.
Who are your main inspiration/influences for your sound and aesthetic?
One of my biggest inspirations is my father. He was an old school man and grew up through the golden ages of mankind from the 60s to the 80s. He was really into fashion and I was brought up around that so it naturally rubbed off on me. The music from those eras, like Marvin Gaye, Prince, and Luther Vandross, combined with the greats of the early 2000s impacted me. The music I create today takes from these times, as well as the new wave of hip-hop, like Lancey Foux and Skepta. On the other side of the ocean, we have A$AP Rocky, Lil Yachty, and more. There’s a plethora of people within Black music that I am constantly motivated by.
If you could collaborate with anyone on a track, who would it be and why?
In the UK, it would have to be Skepta. This is simply because of his notoriety, the work he has done, and the respect I have for him. What he represents as an individual – fearlessness, complete and utter confidence in his craft – is hugely inspiring to me. I’m also loving what Lil Yachty is doing. He is the perfect bridge between underground and mainstream hip-hop. It would be a blessing to be introduced to these two individuals’ audiences.
What are your biggest goals/plans for your music in the future?
Besides the obvious goal of touring internationally, I would love to get into scoring. It would be magical to compose music for fashion shows. Being respected as a composer as well as a hip-hop artist would be incredible. I have massive respect for Tyler, the Creator and the way he has made the crossover between being an artist, to being a reputable composer. It would be beautiful to move listeners’ emotions and manipulate individuals into feeling certain things with my music.
Grab your free ticket to see Known Konopka & Ishola alongside the rest of the Soundcamp cohort live at The Blues Kitchen on the 15th of May here.
Soundcamp 2024 is well on its way, funded by Youth Musicand in partnership with Thirty Pound Gentleman. We held a two week bootcamp in February, with over thirty aspiring musicians in the Reform Radio space collaborating and working on their crafts. Throughout the bootcamp, they received support from our exclusive mentors, Layfullstop and Jack Kong.
Following our bootcamp, eight participants were selected to take part in Soundcamp’s six month artist development programme. Each week, in the lead up to our Soundcamp Showcase on the 15th of May, we will be introducing you to two of our selected finalists. This week, get to know kaoti and DREIXSS below.
kaoti
My name is kaoti, my pronouns are they/them. You can find me on all streaming platforms and on Instagram as @kaotiiii.
How would you describe your music to someone who’s never heard it before?
You’re in for a ride and you’re about to have your ears blown off by this beautiful chaos. My music is like popping candy, or a pinball machine in your head. It’s full of heavy bass that you can screw your face at and lots of break-beats and drums to move to. There’s lots of high flute and twinkly sounds to balance out the low frequencies too. In the lyrics, you can expect anything from heavy rap to soft poetry. We have it all in the kaoti-sphere.
What prompted you to get involved in Soundcamp and what are you hoping to achieve from it?
I got involved in Soundcamp because, simply, I love making music. It was an amazing opportunity to even get to attend the Bootcamp. I’m hoping to understand the industry better, get myself out there more, find people that vibe with my sound, and make new musical friends. I’m a big believer in trade. I want to trade energy and creativity with new creatives and see where it takes me.
Where did your journey with music begin?
Like any small pop punk kid, I wanted to be Avril Lavigne. I wrote some very angsty and angry lyrics. Then, I started to mash up songs together and make videos singing them when I was as young as 10. It all started there.
Describe your creative process from starting to finishing a track.
Sometimes it starts with me freestyling over a beat; other times I will have a funny phrase and shape a whole song around it. I’m also a big fan of concept pieces. For example, I wrote a song about my pink car last week. My creativity comes from so many different places, but it always ends up going through the motions of trial and error to create a full song. Currently, I start with a beat and then go on a spiritual process of acknowledging what sounds and, then, words feel right. This process has really improved my freestyling abilities too. After this, I will go back and fine tune the track. I’m really enjoying the journey of seeing what comes out of me, working independently, and listening to myself before sharing my work for feedback.
Who are the main inspirations and influences for your sound and aesthetic?
It’s hard to put my sound in a box and it has qualities of a huge range of music I listened to growing up. My attitude is inspired by punk and rock music heavily. My rap is actively inspired by Eminem and Tyler, the Creator. However, I also love drum and bass and higher BPM music to get moving to, alongside hyper pop and glitch-core artists like Grimes. There’s a huge fusion of sounds and inspirations within my music.
If you could collaborate with anyone on a track, who would it be and why?
I would have to collaborate with Tyler, the Creator and experience working with him. Ashniko and I could also smash a track together, or even Cookie Monsta.
What are your biggest goals/plans for your music in the future?
I know I’ve mentioned Tyler a lot, but I would love to follow in his footsteps of combining fashion, art, film and more. It would be a dream for my music to expand to form a whole world of creativity – the ‘kaoti-sphere’.
DREIXSS
My name is Idreiss, also known as DREIXSS. My pronouns are he/him and you can hit me up on any streaming platforms out there to hear my music.
How would you describe your music to someone who’s never heard it before?
I would just describe it as ‘DREIXSS’. I’ve picked up influences from music I listen to and the music my parents brought me up on. I like to think of my music as a collection of timeless classics.
What prompted you to get involved in Soundcamp and what are you hoping to achieve from it?
I heard about Soundcamp through Kong, one of the mentors on the project. He was really encouraging and it filled me with confidence to get involved. When I looked further into Reform Radio and what they did for the community, I was even more keen to be part of Soundcamp and share the room with such talented people. I am really hoping to use this time and involvement with Reform to build a strong foundation to move onto big things.
Where did your journey with music begin?
When I was a kid, my parents used to play the classics – my mum was a massive George Michael fan, and my dad was a proper Ministry of Sound raver. They shaped my ideas of music. It all started out with me singing in choirs as a kid, but it never felt like the real me. I liked singing, but I didn’t like what I was singing. I started listening to garage and DJ music and then I discovered R&B, rap and trap. It’s been a journey so far, and it doesn’t look like it’ll be slowing down any time soon. I’m excited to see where it ends up going.
Describe your creative process from starting to finishing a track.
As a creative process, it all starts off in a similar way – I have to connect with the music. It might start with a line in my head and then I’ll start building it from there. Or I will find a beat I love and start writing lyrics to this. It simply just has to start with something I connect with and I’m feeling.
Who are the main inspirations and influences for your sound and aesthetic?
Obviously I have inspirations, but I like to think I am an individual and I am true to my own unique sound. I’ve been very influenced by Ne-Yo and Usher, but I also love the UK scene. Bugzy Malone is another great example of someone I appreciate. I love what he addresses through his music and the messages he shares. I hope I can form a community of people that resonate with my work like he has.
If you could collaborate with anyone on a track, who would it be and why?
I’d have to go with D-Block Europe. What they’ve built all by themselves and by being their unique selves is hugely inspiring to me. I love their music and I love the community they’ve made so organically.
What are your biggest goals/plans for your music in the future?
My biggest goal is getting as many people to hear my music as possible, building a solid fanbase and foundation for my future in the industry. I want to walk down the street and hear people playing my music out their cars. I want DREIXSS to be heard by as many people as possible.
Grab your free ticket to see kaoti & DREIXSS alongside the rest of the Soundcamp cohort live at The Blues Kitchen on the 15th of May here.
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.
Since January, we have been holding weekly digital content sessions as part of our Digital Natives course, funded by Brighter Sound. Over the ten week project, we invited ten people aged 13 to 25 into the Reform Radio space. Our in-house Content and Marketing team delivered sessions on the likes of social media, content creation, interview techniques, and more. Over the course of the project, our participants put the skills they were learning into practice. To draw Digital Natives to a close, they showcased their work to the group and a selection of industry professionals.
We chatted to Essence, one of our attendees, about her love of content creation and what the group got up to throughout the programme.
Introduce your name, pronouns and what you get up to in your free time.
I’m Essence A and my pronouns are she/her. I like to watch film and TV in my spare time. Following this, I love talking about it with my friends and family about its possible themes or meanings.
If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Bubbly, creative and optimistic.
What prompted you to get involved with Digital Natives?
I was prompted to get involved with Digital Natives through my placement with the Young Film Collective at HOME. Once I read more about the opportunity and what I’d learn, I immediately wanted to be a part of it.
If you could create any piece of content for yourself or an organisation, who would you want to work with and what content would you produce?
If I were to make digital content for myself, other than making film, I’d probably make a YouTube channel to talk about my favourite films or to vlog the process of me making films. I’d probably want to start a magazine of sorts too, to hold as a space for these conversations to continue. If I were to work with someone else, I’d love to work with Dazed magazine. They’re so cool and visually pleasing. Or I’d work with the film magazine Little White Lies for their unique and niche style of producing film reviews.
What’s your favourite thing about making digital content and why?
With making digital content, you’re able to be creative to the fullest extent and be true to your personal style. You can be who you want to be and reach vast audiences that relate to your unique personality or content. Possibilities are endless with digital content and that’s why I love it.
If you could interview anyone on-screen, who would it be and why?
I would love to interview Issa Rae if I could. However, I’d love for this to be less of a journalistic interview and more of a conversation over dinner. She is an artist and industry professional that I look up to a lot in my own journey to creating film and TV. I feel like it would be not only a fun time because she’s a funny person, but I’d learn a lot from her many years of experience.
Let’s throw it back to your first day at Reform on the Digital Natives course versus now. Tell us a bit about your first impressions, feelings and emotions in comparison to how you feel now. What has changed?
I didn’t really know what to expect from the first Digital Natives meeting, but I knew it would surround social media content and developing those skills. I feel like I achieved that assumption and learnt more about shooting content, cameras and editing too. Also, I know more about what works and digital trends, and how to work effectively as a team.
What will you take from Digital Natives moving forward & what are your plans from here onwards?
I’m taking the editing and social media filming tips from this course, using them in future projects and possibly the start of my YouTube channel. I plan on making content, writing film and hopefully directing more in the future.
To find out more about our future projects, reach out to our Engagement team at projects@reformradio.co.uk.
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.
We hopped into 2024 with another round of our renowned DJ Sessions with our friends Do As You Please, funded by Manchester Adult Education. Over the past two weeks, a group of participants, eager to jump behind the decks, have been learning the ropes of beatmatching, blending and more. Our partners, GigPig, also joined us for a session all about gig-sourcing and self-promotion. Closing the project, our attendees put their new skills to the test in our celebratory showcase.
We caught up with two of our participants, Milo and Suse, to find out more about their time on the course and where they’re heading from here.
Introduce your name, pronouns, and what you’re up to at the moment outside the course.
M: My name’s Milo and my pronouns are he/him. Before Christmas, I was working in a corporate job which I really wasn’t enjoying, so I left and decided I wanted to get stuck into more fulfilling activities I actually wanted to do.
S: Hey, I’m Suse, my pronouns are she/her, and, at the moment, I am working in a club. I love working in a music-immersed environment.
What prompted you to get involved with the DJ Course?
M: I joined the DJ Course on a whim, to be honest. When I left my job, I started looking at creative opportunities I could take up. I was DJing a bit before as a hobby and I wanted to start taking the steps to getting a career in something I am actually passionate about.
S: I had seen one of the Creative Practitioners, Adele, DJing and she’s a huge inspiration to me so I was really keen to work with her on the course. Also, I am Portuguese, and, in my culture, music is so centred around community and acts as a love language we speak. DJing feels so universal to this.
What do you love most about DJing?
M: DJing is such a mindful and therapeutic activity. It’s so nice to lose yourself in it and get in the zone.
S: I really love the techniques and effects you can use when DJing, like blending. It’s training for the brain and I’ve loved picking these up gradually.
Did you have much experience in DJing before? What’s one stand out thing you’ve learnt at Reform?
M: I have a controller at home and me and my friends used to do DJing at home for fun. So, I’ve been mostly self-teaching myself for a while. A stand out thing I’ve learnt is definitely the backspin trick on the decks; I don’t think I would have ever attempted that unless I’d come on the course.
S: In the pandemic, I bought a small DJ deck and thought I’d try it out. I ended up uploading a female drill mix to my Soundcloud. Then I just got super busy with university work and stopped DJing as much. I promised myself I’d get back into it, so I have.
How would you describe a DJ set of yours in three words?
M: Energising, uplifting, and dancey.
S: Global music, dancey and nostalgic.
Do you have any role models in the music scene that inspire your DJing practice?
M: I have some favourite DJs, of course. But I guess the people that have really inspired my practice have been my friends through university that got me hooked on DJing. The collaborative environment we created allowed us to make mistakes and be really open-minded when it came to our craft.
S: I really love Uncle Waffles, and I grew up listening and taking inspiration from Disclosure – I have always loved house music. I also love DJ Chaise from the local scene. I think Uncle Waffles is probably my biggest role model, however, due to them platforming South African culture and that’s what I hope to do for my culture too.
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?
M: On the first day of the project, I was really nervous for what was to come – especially finding out we had a showcase ahead in which we’d have to perform in front of people we didn’t know. But now, I feel so much more confident with the support of the Creative Practitioners and my peers. Also, it is so nice to be working in an environment that makes you feel like pursuing your goals is realistic and possible. I actually feel like I could be a DJ now.
S: My first interaction with Reform was at a one-day workshop, but I was super invested in the courses and the work Reform were doing. I was delighted to be able to join the DJ Sessions. From day one, things have been great and insightful. As the course has gone on, I have really felt my skillset grow.
What will you take from the DJ course moving forward & what are your plans from here onwards?
M: I’m really keen to take the motivation and inspiration I’ve gained through the project with me and really push myself to keep pursuing my hobbies and passions. I’m looking forward to hopefully getting some DJ gigs locked in to play.
S: I’ve been trying different courses and hobbies, but DJing has really stuck with me. I really want to start uploading some of my mixes to social media and get some gigs booked in.
If you could DJ at any festival, event, or place in the world, where would it be and why?
M: I’d have to start here first and play The White Hotel. It’s home, it’s not too big so you’re nice and close to who you’re playing for, and the room is always full of people who are actually there for the music.
S: I would start off with Parklife. I’ve worked there as a bartender over the years, but experiencing that as a performer would be incredible. Of course, it would be amazing to perform in my home country, Portugal, too.
If you could do a b2b DJ set with anyone, who would it be with and why?
M: I would have to say Gerd Janson. I think he’s a really consistent DJ and the Godfather of DJing.
S: I think it would be with DJ Chaise. She is amazing and I feel like we have similar energy so the set would be contagious.
If you want to find out more about our future projects, drop us an email at projects@reformradio.co.uk to get involved.
Over the past six weeks, we’ve been joined by a remarkable group of participants for our Positive Frequencies course. Funded by MAES and The Manchester Social Prescribing Development Fund, this programme is led by our Well-being Manager and trained psychotherapist, Dan. Throughout the project, our participants tried the likes of journalling, creative writing and more to express themselves in a safe place.
We caught up with one of our attendees, Devika, to find out what she got up to and what she’ll be taking with her upon completing Positive Frequencies.
Please can you introduce yourself, your pronouns and what you’re up to at the moment outside of the course.
Devika: Hey, I’m Devika, my pronouns are she/her and I’m currently in a transition period, so I’m using my time to taste new things and develop skills. I had such a great experience doing Positive Frequencies, that I’m now enrolled on Reform’s Radio Course too.
How do you think your friends would describe you in three words?
Devika: Talkative, dramatic and funny.
What’s your favourite thing to do to make you feel good/as a form of self care?
Devika: As someone who struggles to switch off, I’ve been practicing self care by simply taking time to rest. If I need to engage myself, I’ll read and research self-development based subjects, but in a comfortable space.
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?
Devika: I hadn’t really thought about the intersection between writing and well-being before, even though I’m interested in both subjects. I’ve really enjoyed the discussions surrounding wellness and how different people articulate their experiences in different ways. Each session has provided me with extensive ‘food for thought’.
What prompted you to get involved in our Positive Frequencies course?
Devika: I’ve known about Reform Radio for a couple of years and been admiring the work they do from afar. As someone who is trying to figure out her next steps, I thought what better opportunity than to get involved in a course and learn some skills that could change the trajectory of my career.
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?
Devika: On the first day of the course, I didn’t know what to expect. I hadn’t really done anything like this before so I didn’t know how to respond to people’s experiences. As the sessions went on, this radically changed. Positive Frequencies has been such a safe space for myself and others to learn, unlearn and relearn.
What will you take from Positive Frequencies moving forward & what are your plans from here onwards?
Devika: I’ve learnt that being in thought-provoking discussions is an energising experience. It has made me want to look into conducting facilitation myself. Some of the topics and themes we covered have also inspired me to build a life coaching business. I’d like to say a massive thanks to Reform Radio and everyone involved for helping me think more creatively.
Listen to the radio show put together by the participants of Positive Frequencies here.
If you like the sound of our Positive Frequencies course, find out more about the project here. You can also reach out to our lovely Engagement team on projects@reformradio.co.uk to find out about our other courses.
We’ve wrapped up another two incredible weeks of DJ Sessions at Reform Radio, with our good friends Do As You Please, funded by MAES. Over the course of the project, our participants have been getting hands-on experience in beatmatching, self promotion and more. It’s been a lively time in the space throughout the programme, with all of our participants building their own unique sets and styles behind the decks. The project closed with a brilliant celebratory showcase, for all of the new DJs to share what they’d been working on.
We have already witnessed some remarkable successes from the project’s cohort since they completed this collection of sessions. Our participants have been getting stuck into playing sets around Manchester, with support from our partners GigPig, the city’s live music marketplace app. Meanwhile, we were delighted to hear an individual from the project who had been unemployed for two years, following mental health struggles, neurodiversity access barriers and a history of offending and substance abuse has since been offered a job.
Their support worker stated: “I genuinely believe that without this course, [he] wouldn’t have had the confidence to attend his job interview independently and secure paid employment. It gave him a purpose, got him back into a healthy routine, reduced his social isolation and helped equip him with the necessary skills to succeed in life”. We pass on our huge congratulations to this participant, and we can’t wait to hear where their course-mates end up heading following the course.
In the meantime, we got to know Scott and and Bola who took part in the course to find out their favourite things about DJing and what their plans were moving forward from here.
Tell us your name, pronouns, and what you enjoy getting up to in your free time.
S: My name is Scott, AKA DJ Tez, and my pronouns are he/him. In my free time I play a lot of football as a Manchester United supporter, and I produce and listen to a huge range of music.
B: My performance name is Bolli Bubbles, my pronouns are she/they and I’m non-binary. I love listening to music and I go to the gym a lot.
How would your friends describe you in 3 words?
S: I would say definitely loyal and caring, but I can’t think of a third one!
B: For me, I would say effervescent, uplifting and chaotic.
If you’re heading to a DJ set, what’s your favourite genre to go and see and why?
S: Definitely house music.
B: I love going to see techno, disco, and specifically Italo-disco.
Did you have much experience in DJing before? If so, what’s your favourite thing about it?
S: Most of my experience was computer-based virtual DJing where I was able to do everything automatically behind a keyboard. So this has been a new challenge, learning to do everything myself behind the decks. My favourite thing about DJing is finding new combinations of tracks to blend. I love it when you blend two tracks you’d never think to combine, but then you do and they work amazingly together.
B: I didn’t have any experience directly in DJing, but I spend a lot of time dancing and experiencing music from that point of view. My favourite thing about learning to DJ has been understanding which tracks work together side by side in a set, rather than just playing any songs I like.
What prompted you to get involved with the DJ Course?
S: I wanted to refine the skills I had already built through virtual DJing and be able to translate those into real life. I also have a lot of DJs in my family who inspired me to get involved.
B: I have a lot of experience in dancing, performing and attending and holding events. So the natural progression for me was to learn how to DJ so I have it under my belt for working in this industry.
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?
S: I’ve learnt so much more about finding the right time to drop the music and feel much more confident performing the skills I would have previously done on my computer automatically.
B: A lot of the things I would do when I dance makes sense now. I’ve really learnt to feel the music, and trust the beat of it to know when to blend.
What will you take from the DJ course moving forward & what are your plans from here onwards?
S: I can’t wait to apply the practical skills I have built in real life scenarios. Moving forward, I would love to go and play at events as a DJ personality all over the place. I don’t want to based in one city; I’d love to get to a point where I get invited to specific locations to play.
B: I really want to keep people moving and play sets that get people dancing. I am super eager to travel with my work and experience new places through my DJ practice.
Do you have any role models on the DJ/music scene that inspire your practice and why?
S: In terms of the way he manages the crowd and the decks, I would have to say James Hype.
B: DJ Paulette, for sure. I also am a big fan of a DJ called LEXII, who always dresses incredibly and is a model come DJ.
What’s your favourite tune to close a set with?
S: I don’t think I could choose a singular song because it depends so much on the crowd and how they’re feeling. It’s impossible to choose one record – there’s so many I love.
B: Right now there’s a song I’m loving, it’s a Brazilian remix of a disco song and I’m hoping to close my set at the showcase with this track.
Who would your dream B2B be with?
S: Either James Hype or The Martinez Brothers.
B: I recently saw a DJ in Berlin and he closed the Horsemeat Disco. It was jivey, loud, bangy disco tunes and I was thinking how insane it would be to do a B2B set with him.
Find out about our future projects here. If you like the look of any of them, drop our lovely Engagement team an email at projects@reformradio.co.uk.
Our High Rise project, kindly funded by Manchester Adult Education Service, has come to a close. Over the course of three weeks, participants have been supported through a journey of creative writing, in progression towards creating a radio drama piece, surrounding themes of gentrification and life in high rise buildings. You can listen back to the final radio drama pieces on the show below.
The group were also visited by Louise Wallwein MBE, award-winning Manchester poet, playwright and performer, who delivered a poetry session to the participants and aided them with their creative process.
Following the participants debuting their radio dramas on Reform Radio, we caught up with Joanna & Emma to chat about their experiences on the course and where they’re heading from here.
Please can you introduce yourselves, some of your hobbies and what you’re up to at the moment
J: Hey I’m Joanna, my pronouns are she/her, and outside the course I take part in amateur dramatics and I’m a massive fan of wild camping.
E: I’m Emma and my pronouns are she/her. I love creative writing in my free time. I also do a lot of drawing which I’m hoping to start doing some commissioned work with.
Describe yourself in three words
J: This is so difficult. I would have to say bubbly, personable and creative
E: Resilient, friendly and creative
What prompted you to get involved in the High Rise course?
J: I was already interested in Radio anyway so coming along to Reform was really appealing. I also thought it would be a great opportunity to put pen to paper on some of my creative ideas I had been having but not cracking on with.
E: After a series of personal struggles, I was ready to get back out there and kickstart my creativity again. I was ready to meet some new people too.
Did you have much experience in creative writing prior to the course? What is your favourite thing about it?
J: My favourite thing about creative writing would be how much you get to learn in the process which allows you to put a piece of work together that exist outside of your previous realm of knowledge.
E: I love the spectrum of things you can address through creative writing; it is completely boundless.
What is your favourite book or poem you have ever read?
J: I think everyone has a book from when they were a child that they still feel attached to and remember as their favourite. In this case, for me, my favourite book is ‘The Voyage of the Arctic Tern’ by Hugh Montgomery.
E: The only one I can think of is ‘Blood Ties’ by Sophie McKenzie.
If you throw it back to your first day at Reform, verus now, how have your feelings and first impressions changed?
J: I’m really impressed that these courses even exist, to be honest. I think as I’ve progressed through the project I’ve been continuously surprised at the quality of its delivery and the amount of care and well-being support you guys offer to participants too. It’s an incredible initiative which encourages young people to really create something they are proud of .
E: I got in touch with Reform months ago regarding their courses and I didn’t realise the longevity of support I was going to receive. The lovely team still keep in touch with things I may want to get involved with, but I also know I will always have someone to turn to if I need a chat or assistance.
Where do you guys find inspiration for your writing or creativity generally?
J: I am really inspired by continental philosophy. It provides a lot of inspiration for the the things I end up creating, writing and painting.
E: I listen to a lot of music whilst I create, which usually leads my creative process. Mitski is a personal favourite of mine.
What will you take from the High Rise course moving forward?
J: Hopefully some great friends as we’ve all really enjoyed meeting each other and hanging out. I’ve also found that the course has really helped me with breaking my writers block, alongside my struggle with bringing ideas to fruition, so I hope to use the tasks that aided this in my everyday practice.
E: I also hope to take some incredible friends from the course, but also potential collaborators to utilise in the future. I have also learnt how to prioritise workload well and manage timings better so I hope to take this skill with me moving forward.
To find out more about our future free creative courses, get in touch with our lovely Engagement team on projects@reformradio.co.uk.
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.
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.
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.
Darrius, Samantha, M1LLZ, Meg, Kao (from left to right)
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
Darrius
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.”
Pretty Trixx
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.”
M1LLZ
Samantha Mae
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:
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.
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.
Eleanor, Dara, Owen, Yemi, Inna (from left to right)
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.
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.
