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BEHIND THE SCENES: IN FOCUS – CONTENT & SOCIAL MEDIA (FUNDED BY ESF & SKILLS FOR GROWTH)

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.

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Manchester studio launches new service for aspiring artists, supported by Reform Radio students.

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: 

  • 12hrs Access to Studio Time [Dry Hire]
  • Member Discounts on Media Production 
  • Member mailing list / Newsletters
  • Member discount events
  • Competitions & Offers
  • Radio Play opportunities 
  • Stage performance opportunities 
  • Placements & collaborative opportunities 
  • Network & structure 

Check out the Studio88 website here!

If you want to get involved in any of our creative courses, drop us an email at projects@reformradio.co.uk.

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Black British Female: The Remixes

Hello! We are the 2023 cohort at Reform Radio’s exciting In Focus: Content and Social Media program. This is a fantastic digital content creation program aimed at uplifting people through the education of practical experience in digital content creation.

The course is funded by the Skills for Growth & European Social Fund.

Our team, Owen, Inna, Dara and Eleanor not only learned about digital content creation but also got the opportunity of delivering a social media campaign for Manchester’s rising soul star, Yemi Bolatiwa. In collaboration with SHAR, DJ Sappo and Harry’s Method she has released an eclectic remix EP of her song Black British Female.

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.

An Anthem, A revolution

Yemi Bolatiwa’s musical journey has been an enriching and organic process, fuelled by her passion for empowerment, positivity, identity exploration, and resilience. Through her music, she seeks to address socio-political issues and foster relatability among her listeners. With the release of “Black British Female” (BBF) and its accompanying remix EP, Yemi aims to create a powerful emotional connection with her audience and make her music a captivating experience that goes beyond mere listening. As she continues to collaborate and evolve, Yemi Bolatiwa’s unique voice and messages will undoubtedly resonate with a diverse audience, inspiring and empowering individuals along the way.

If you want to get involved in any of our creative courses, drop us an email at projects@reformradio.co.uk.

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BEHIND THE SCENES: POSITIVE FREQUENCIES (FUNDED BY MAES)

Positive Frequencies returned in full force, inviting a group of participants to turn inwards and create outwards. Funded by Manchester Adult Education Service, this incredible project welcomes individuals to set their focus onto their well-being and self-care practice. From sessions on imposter syndrome, to post-COVID life, our attendees are encouraged to use the likes of creative writing, songwriting and more to check in and express their emotions healthily. To share the wisdom and insight they had built throughout the course, our participants created a radio show for the Reform Radio airwaves. Listen to it below.

We caught up with Divine to see how the project went and what they plan to take from it moving forward into their everyday lives.

Introduce yourself (name, pronouns, and what you’re up to at the moment/hobbies etc).

Divine: My name is Divine Neza. I use she/her pronouns. At the moment I’m doing art therapy, textiles – creating my own bag. In my free time I like reading and watching funny videos.

How do you think your friends would describe you in three words?

Divine: I think my friends would describe me as funny, genuine and intellectual.

What’s your favourite thing to do to make you feel good/as a form of self-care?

Divine: My favourite thing to do as a form of self-care is binge watching Friends. It was a special interest of mine growing up and having episodes play in the background makes me feel safe. 

Did you have much experience of using writing in your well-being practice already? If so, what’s your favourite element of this or what have you enjoyed about trying it for the first time?

Divine: I have lots of experience in writing to express myself but very little practice within my well-being. I really enjoyed switching my perspective on my approach to writing, as a tool for promoting a healthy well-being as opposed to just a way to vent negative feelings.

What prompted you to get involved in our Positive Frequencies course?

Divine: The recommendation by referral enlightened me on the potential benefits of doing a course like this. Especially given my mental health and life’s circumstances at the moment, Positive Frequencies seemed like a great opportunity to utilise my skills in a manner that would really help me. 

Let’s throw it back to your first day on the course versus now, tell me a bit about your first impressions/feelings/emotions in comparison to how you feel now. What has changed?

Divine: Initially I was super nervous. I was incredibly anxious beforehand for numerous reasons, mainly not even to do with the course. Upon first impressions, I was worried I would feel excluded and confused as the first few sessions were over Zoom and the lack of real-life interaction made me very hesitant to connect with people. Once the first session took place and the course went on, many (if not all) of my anxieties around the course subsided. Dan, Tito, Lola, Adele, Autumn and any other staff I met/interacted with over the time were so kind, informative and inclusive. Reform Radio felt like a safe space. After completing the course, I feel confident in myself and my ideas. Positive Frequencies was the first time I’ve been honest about my autism with a group of new people and I’ve come away feeling very proud for staying true to myself. I’m not as nervous to enter new spaces without masking, because my experience on this course has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone.

What will you take from the Positive Frequencies course moving forward & what are your plans from here onwards?

Divine: Moving forward I will definitely be taking the lessons on imposter syndrome, comfort zone anxiety and goals vs values with me. I’ll be consolidating that advice to better my well-being and my writing skills. My plans from here are to learn more creative skills and to develop the talents I already have by working on my confidence in other areas.

What’s one piece of advice/knowledge you’ve received regarding well-being through the course which you’d pass onto somebody else?

Divine: To attain true fulfillment one must align their life with their values. A life based on your values and principles will bring you far more joy than one based on achieving arbitrary goals. 

If you’d like to find out about our future courses at Reform, get in touch with our lovely Projects Team on projects@reformradio.co.uk.

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BEHIND THE SCENES: DJ SESSIONS (FUNDED BY MAES)

What a couple weeks we’ve had! Over the past two weeks, Reform Radio has been home to our ever-growing DJ sessions programme, funded by MAES, with over twenty participants. Throughout the course, our participants have had hands-on experience behind the decks, learning how to beatmatch and blend, alongside sessions focused on self-promotion and sourcing gigs. We had DJ collective Do As You Please helping to facilitate the course, alongside some visits from GigPig and Genre Music throughout the week. To close the project, all of our incredible participants played a live set at Manchester venue The New Cross to an in-person and live-streamed audience.

We chatted to participants Jess and Jonathan to find out more about their journeys on the course and their wider plans on the DJ scene from here.

What are your names, pronouns, and current interests?

Jonathan: My name is Jonathan, I go by any pronouns, and outside the course I’m working on my career as a visual producer.

Jess: I’m Jess, my pronouns are she/her. I currently help run a comedy club in Northern Quarter. Apart from that, I love meditating and painting.

How would your friends describe you in 3 words?

Jonathan: Smiley, committed and passionate

Jess: Ambitious, laid-back and motivated

If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

Jonathan: ‘Love In Your Meditation’ by Dezarie

Jess: It would have to be ‘Back Out of Hell’ by Meatloaf – it was the first album I knew all the words to when I was a kid and I probably still know all the words now! Every song is such huge tune so you can solidly rely on it.

Did you have much experience in DJing before and what’s your favourite thing about it?

Jonathan: I had no experience at all. But my favourite thing about being on the course has been getting behind the decks and just doing it – you learn more and more by the minute.

Jess: I have a controller at home but it has literally never seen the light of day so I didn’t really have much experience at all. However, my favourite thing about DJing has been finally getting to grips with the decks and learning different techniques, like blending songs and figuring out which tracks work alongside one another.

What prompted you to get involved with the DJ Sessions?

Jonathan: Personally, I feel like I have a vast knowledge on music of different genres and more generally I have a massive passion for music. I play the keyboard, I love singing and dancing, so I felt like I had the potential to be a sick DJ! I also felt that by learning to DJ I would have the opportunity to promote underrepresented artists from my hometown and community.

Jess: I have wanted to DJ for a while and I’d tried to learn by watching videos online but I think I’m better learning by doing. When I saw Reform were holding an in-person DJ Course, it was the perfect opportunity to get practising in the space. I had also done a Podcasting Course here before so I knew it was a great place with great people.

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? 

Jonathan: I definitely feel more confident overall and I’ve made great progress with learning about BPM and queuing tracks. Now, I’m focusing on blending and what effects I can use in my practice.

Jess: I know how much I love DJing now – it’s so much fun! I’m still not 100% confident but I have definitely got to grips with what I’m doing in terms of blending tracks, and I feel like I have an ear for when it’s right for tracks to come in now.

Do you have any role models on the DJ or general music scene that inspire your practice?

Jonathan: An obvious one has to be KAYTRANADA, but also Kabza De Small, who is an amazing amapiano DJ.

Jess: A general big inspiration in my life is Annie Mac – I would listen to her radios shows all the time. She’s the person that got me into dance music. But, all round, I just love seeing female representation on the DJ scene, it’s inspiring.

What’s your go-to genre to DJ?

Jonathan: Amapiano. I’ve been listening to it since 2019 and the genre has expanded so much over that time so there’s so much range within it now.

Jess: Definitely dance music.

Who would your dream B2B be? 

Jonathan: KAYTRANADA, of course.

Jess: I have to go big and say Chemical Brothers.

What will you take from the DJ course moving forward & what are your plans from here onwards? 

Jonathan: So next I want to start organising playlists of different genres, and I want to apply for some opportunities with the guests we had in to start playing live.

Jess: I just want to have fun with it really – I’m hoping to keep practising at home and see where it goes. I’m not really a planner so we’ll see what happens.

If you’d like to find out about our future courses at Reform, get in touch with our lovely Projects Team on projects@reformradio.co.uk.

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BREAKING BARRIERS: AUDIO STORIES OF HOPE & RECOVERY (FUNDED BY MAES)

In case you missed it, last month we ran our very first Radio Drama course. Taking participants on a journey through soundscaping, voice acting, drama and radio, this two week project was a blast – kindly funded by MAES.

Throughout the course the group worked on creating their very own audio drama pieces that were put together into a radio show that was broadcast on the Reform Radio airwaves. Below you can take a look at the bios each of our participants created and find out more about the inspirations for the work behind this incredibly vast project.

Listen back to the full show below, or click on the segment titles to hear the specific pieces on Soundcloud.

999 – created by Zack

“Hi. My name’s Zack. I’m the writer, director & co-star of the following audio drama, ‘999’. The production process was more stressful than I’d hoped it would have been, running into multiple creative blocks & creating multiple concepts/stories before settling on using a script I’d written a few years ago.”

The content of this drama piece contains scenes that some may find disturbing & covers themes of death, family trauma, loss, traumatic experiences at work & therapy.

Reform Radio · 999 – Zack

I Am Averill – created by Max

‘I Am Averill’ follows a person who is struggling in life. You are put into Averill’s shoes and thrusted into some of the experiences Averill faces on a day to day basis.

Reform Radio · I Am Averill – Max

Secrets of a Teenage Trainwreck – created by Tyrone

Set in 1991, ‘Secrets of a Teenage Trainwreck’ is a short story about a young man named Ben Wheeler and the frustrating dynamic he has with his family. The piece is a large satirical take on late 80’s/early 90’s family sitcoms which stays faithful to the music, lingo and media of the era.

Reform Radio · Teenage Trainwreck – Tyrone

Asymmetrical Sincerity – created by Danny

This piece asks provoking questions; should we tell our closest friends the honest truth? What is sincerity and how can we balance this important quality with tact and sensitivity? 

Reform Radio · Asymmetrical Sincerity – Danny

Heartbreak – created by Mory 

Have you ever been through heartbreak? Mory explores what it means through this piece of spoken word.

Reform Radio · Heartbreak – Mory

Addiction: Sweet Miss Habit – created by Jack

Lost in a world of vice and chance, Vic is a gentleman taken in by the wicked wiles of the alluring Miss Habit. Looking to fill the void in his heart with the rush of gambling, he’s soon found that he might not be able to keep up with Habit’s harsh demands. His friends tell him to leave her and find another way to live his life, but will he be able to hold his nerve and drop Habit for good?

Reform Radio · Addiction Sweet Miss Habit – Jack

To find out more about our future projects, you can get in touch with our lovely Projects team at projects@reformradio.co.uk who can give you a hand with getting onboard.

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BEHIND THE SCENES: PODCASTING COURSE (FUNDED BY MAES)

After two weeks of brainstorming, team work, and bringing their creative audio visions to life, our Podcasting Course (kindly funded by MAES) has drawn to a close. From the chatting about the French Revolution, to getting their children behind the mic, this project’s participants have covered a whole lot of ground through their audio journeys to put together their final collective experiential podcast, Push The Button.

Listen to the full show below.

We chatted to one of the course’s participants, Martha, about their time on the course and where they’re heading next.

Can you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your hobbies and interests?

I’m Martha. My pronouns are she/her and my main hobbies are running, and writing poetry and blog posts.

How would your friends describe you in 3 words?

Goofy, creative and thoughtful.

If you could only listen to one podcast for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

This is a tough question because there’s so many. I think it would probably be ‘What’s Upset You Now’. It’s two comedians just chatting about the little things that annoy them in life – it’s really silly and they make it hilarious to listen to.

What prompted you to get involved with the Podcasting Course?

So I’d just moved to Manchester and I was looking to reset. The course sounded like the perfect option to give me a new routine and I was really wanting to get into more media-related stuff so I thought this sounded like a great starting point. I was also really hoping to meet some new like-minded people.

Did you have much experience in audio/podcasting before? If so, what’s your favourite thing about it?

I had done a little bit a few years ago but it was very basic stuff and all self-taught so it’s been nice to learn everything properly and fine tune my skills. My favourite things about podcasting are definitely the presenting and talking elements.

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 expect to enjoy the editing aspects as much as I have actually. Also over the time of the course, I’ve got a lot more into the routine of the days and that’s been really beneficial to me more generally with the structure of my life to be honest, from waking up and resting. I was also quite apprehensive about the course more generally, I didn’t know we would learn about equipment and editing softwares, for example, which has proven to be SO helpful.

What will you take from the Podcasting Course moving forward & what are your plans from here onwards? 

Ideally, I would really like to continue the podcasting journey I’ve started here beyond Reform, and I’d like to find more media related roles to get stuck into.

What’s your go-to podcast to listen to after a long day?

I think it would have to be ‘The Girls Bathroom’ – it’s a great gossipy podcast and I love hearing about other peoples’ problems so I know I’m not alone.

If you could have anyone on your own podcast as a guest, who would it be and why?

I think it would have to be my mum. We already have so many in-depth chats but I would love to be able to record them and refer back to them in times of need.

If you would like to get involved or find out more about any of our projects, please drop us an email at projects@reformradio.co.uk. 

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BEHIND THE SCENES: IN FOCUS PODCASTING (FUNDED BY ESF & SKILLS FOR GROWTH)

After seven weeks of incredible talent, creativity and teamwork, our In Focus: Podcasting course has come to a close. This programme was delivered in partnership with Greater Manchester Combined Authority, part of Skills For Growth initiative and funded by European Social Fund. This time round we welcomed a collection of audio-enthusiasts to the space to work on production, editing, script-writing and MORE in progression towards launching their own podcasts. With a helping hand from our award-winning Audio Production Team, our participants gained hands-on experience in the likes of interview technique, publishing, and guest sourcing, not to mention brainstorming podcasting ideas altogether.

We caught up with two of our participants, Joss (he/him) and Lauren (she/her) to find out more about what they got up to and where they’re going from here.

1. Please can you tell us a little bit about yourself? What do you do? What are your interests & hobbies?

L: I am a cancer-specialist nurse, working and living in Manchester. I have two feral children, aged 6 and 2 and a half who keep me on my toes. I am also married to a nurse and between us we love travelling, seeing the world, eating good food and drinking wine (me, not the kids haha)

J: I am the Lead Carbon Consultant for Net Zero Group.

3. Why did you want to join this In Focus course?

L: So I saw the course on one of my community Whatsapp group chats and as soon as I saw it, I knew I wanted to take part. As a nurse, you come across and meet so many incredible people and there are some very funny situations you find yourself in. I think we have the ability to find light in the dark and I was really keen to do this course to share our stories of how we balance everyday life and work, and the challenges we face whilst doing so.

J: I was feeling pretty lost with my work, and I was desperate for a creative outlet, so it was perfect timing for me when I came across the advert for the course. I already have a radio show but I felt like my ideas were more appropriate for a podcast so it was the perfect opportunity.


4. What interests you about podcasting and audio in general?

L: I absolutely LOVE podcasts. I listen to them on the school run, I listen to them on the way to work and I love how accessible they are and how varied they can be.


5. What’s your favourite aspect about podcasting/audio?

L: This is probably a new-found favourite as I’d never really done podcasting before, but it’s definitely recording and editing. It’s something I never thought I’d be capable of doing but I’m loving the process and learning.


6. When and how did you realise that you wanted to be involved with podcasting/audio?

L: I don’t think I ever knew until I saw the advert for the course, but seeing that made me realise there was an idea inside me that I really wanted to create and this has been the best opportunity to do that.

J: I saw the poster for the course, it looked bright and interesting, but it also seemed like quite a comprehensive course. This really appealed to me and I realised it literally started the following week so I didn’t have time to think about it – I just went for it.


7. What have you gained from this course?

L: The list is endless. I’ve gained a new set of friends, some amazing technical skills which have allowed me to create something I love that I will hopefully share with the world soon, and I gained the confidence to do something way out of my comfort zone.

J: I’ve gained all the skills I knew I needed to podcast but I just planned to pick them up along the way, but now I have them all under my belt to go.


8. What’s your biggest aspiration for creating or working in audio/podcasting?

L: I really want to create a successful podcast about nursing. I feel like I have something quite unique to offer to the podcasting world.


9. Where do you see yourself after this is all finished?

L: Probably super busy! I have so many ideas whizzing around about what I want to create, and hopefully it will be out there soon – watch this space.

J: I already had some ideas in the mix but I’m going to use what I put together for this course as a kick-off to create the fully formed podcast now! Obviously, I’ve built some momentum now to do this alongside work but it would also be fun, now I’m part of the podcasting and audio community to explore this professionally. Also because I work in sustainability, we’re often communicating about climate change, and what others are doing and sharing messages. So there’s a lot of scope to bring audio into that line of work too.

We can’t wait to see what this pair and other participants have up their sleeves moving forward from here! Don’t forget if you would like to get involved or find out more about any of our projects, please drop us an email at projects@reformradio.co.uk.

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BEHIND THE SCENES: MUSIC COURSE – APRIL (FUNDED BY MAES)

Last week, our April’s edition of Music Course (kindly funded by MAES) finished on a real high with a live radio show, showcasing our incredible participants’ range of talent and skills. This time round, the group channeled their collective creativity to form Space Odyssey, a show centred on their diversity as individuals and their shared love of quality tunes.

We caught up with Kathy to chat about her experience over the past two weeks at Reform, and where she’s going from here.

Can you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about what you’re up to at the moment?

Hey, I’m Kathy (she/her/they/them) and I’m currently spending most of my time working on a setting up a community radio station for a market in Birmingham. When I’m not here, that’s what you’ll find me doing!

If your friends had to describe you in three words – what do you think they’d be?

Weird – that’s definitely what comes out their mouth the most: “you’re weird” – and probably fun and kind.

If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

This is the hardest question ever – I like too many albums. If I had to choose an artist, it would be Nina Simone. Anything by Nina Simone moves me, so probably a greatest hits of hers.

What prompted you to get involved in the Music Course?

Funnily enough, I didn’t actually think it was a music course – I thought it was radio and production vibes. Then when I got here they said “you’re going to make a song”, but it has actually been really good to step outside of my comfort zone and push myself to share my own creative work with others, rather than facilitate others.

Let’s throw it back to your first day at Reform versus today, tell me what has changed about your first impressions, your thoughts, feelings and more.

Initially I was really hesitant, I had no idea what song I wanted to make and whether I could. But this place has taught me the importance of sharing rubbish things, and stuff you might feel embarrassed about. I’ve shared some really embarrassing work in this room, and it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done, because it loosens you up and reminds you that it’s okay to make mistakes as it’s all part of the creative process.

What else will you be taking from the Music Course moving forward?

It’s made me want to make more, create more, share more, and honestly make more rubbish things so I can figure out what I actually want to achieve. It’s made me really appreciate my own creative process, because we’ve had free reign to embrace our own way of doing things and be non-linear with our processes.

What’s your go-to genre to listen to after a long day?

That really depends on the type of long day I’ve had. But I think it would have to be 90s entrance, to sing along to and let go of the day. Or even massive fairground tunes that you hear on rides to blast out if people have really annoyed me.

Last question, if you could meet any artist who has ever lived on this planet, who would it be and why?

Wow, that’s a massive question. Bob Marley has really taught me a lot about being a good human, but I think it would have to be Stevie Wonder – what a huge inspiration.

Listen to the full show below.

If you would like to get involved or find out more about any of our projects, please drop us an email at projects@reformradio.co.uk. 

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Behind The Scenes: In Focus Radio (Funded by ESF & Skills For Growth)

Our In Focus: Radio recently wrapped up in late February. During this course, participants learned about audio production, presenting, music sequencing, research and interview skills, recording, editing & sound design, industry advice and knowledge on BBC systems. 

We caught up with Nadya, one of the participants on the course to see how they got on.

Please introduce yourself/name/pronouns?

My name is Nadya Vella, my pronouns are she/her. 

Please can you tell us a little bit about yourself? What are your interests? What are your hobbies?

I’m a Canadian DJ based in Manchester. My hobbies obviously include music and fashion too. Yeah, to be honest, outside of my day job I am working on lots of different things to do with music and otherwise I am a simple girl. 

What interests you about radio and audio in general?

Well, something that interests me about it is that on a global scale you are connecting to people and things you know very little about, but can enjoy at the same time. I love the elements of music, which also feels universal as you don’t necessarily need to speak the same language to understand. I enjoy the intricacies of radio, you may have one person talking but a whole team of people are there producing it. So with this course, it was really nice to kind of see that unfold for me and grasp all the different elements involved. 

What’s your favourite aspect about radio/audio? 

Yeah, I guess it’s that idea of connection and of course the platforms. I think with the kind of radio stations like Reform, for me, and even like the BBC, I do really love that aspect of freedom and self-expression that you can have with showcasing things that touch you, or you think is fire. It’s really nice to be able to just put yourself out there in a way that is safe and you are able to share things that are important to you. 

When and how did you realise that you wanted to be involved with radio/audio?

When I was Year 8, in school in Canada we had optional classes. I took TV & Radio, because I thought it sounded easy and interesting. It focused on video editing, how to run a radio show and about its structures. It was a light overview of a full production. Me and my friends then kickstarted our junior high radio show. So its all kind of continued on since then. I got deeper into my craft with age and time, especially my DJing and as I put more time into it, radio became an obvious route.

What have you gained from this course? 

What systems the BBC use, how things are correlated between people working and making sure they get paid for tracks and audio. I enjoyed learning about the Reaper software. I noticed that having a relationship with your producer can really elevate your radio shows.

What’s your biggest aspiration for creating or working in audio/radio?

I would love to do a BBC 1 Residency and I know there have been Canadians that have done it, but I’d love to show up for East Africa as well and to be a representative on a platform like the BBC would be amazing. 

Where do you see yourself after this is all finished?

On a beach! Also I do hope my radio show becomes tighter, maybe with new connections I have made through this course, new opportunities may arise and I am hopeful that they will. I would like to collaborate with these same like minded individuals to push ourselves to the forefront of what a good radio show looks like.

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Behind The Scenes – In Focus: Content & Social Media (Funded by ESF & Skills For Growth)

We are Toju, Mike and Nat – participants of the latest In Focus: Content and Social Media course which just finished and we are thrilled to share some exciting insights with you! We worked on a creative brief to produce a social media strategy for a local clothing designer, Rhea Barry, who has just released her new collection.

About the Course 

The In Focus: Content and Social Media was a comprehensive 7-week course designed to help individuals gain practical experience in digital content creation. Delivered by Reform Radio’s experienced Content & Marketing Team and industry experts, this programme was amazing at helping us develop our skills in marketing, video, and photography.

The course consisted of structured modules, covering topics such as social media and marketing strategies, analytics, trends, and audience development, planning and implementing a social media marketing campaign, and working from briefs to developing concepts. We also learnt the basics of filming and concept production, including creating short-form videos for different platforms like TikTok and Instagram, and editing and post-production.

The course was funded by the Skills for Growth & European Social Fund.

Our Group worked on a project for a local fashion designer as a part of the programme.

In Focus Participants Toju, Mike and Nat

Rhea B is a clothing designer and seamstress based in Cheetham Hill, Manchester. She is the one woman show behind ‘RB Funky Creations’; clothing company boasting one-of-a-kind and small-batch pieces all designed, cut, sewn and packaged by Rhea herself.

Rhea

Known for her signature ‘woodland fairy’ aesthetic, as well as her use of creative up-cycling, Rhea’s online platform has garnered an impressive following on social media platforms.

Rhea B champions the philosophy of ‘Slow Fashion’ and wastes absolutely zero fabric. She sources materials from end of line fabrics, charity shop items and eBay deadstock as well as some locally sourced new fabrics.

To mark the drop of her new collection, Reform Radio were lucky enough to host Rhea B at the station to meet her, shoot some of her clothing, and ask her some questions about her process.

Rhea handmakes new collections with drops every couple of months. They are all one of a kind or small batch pieces ranging in sizes Xs-3XL. Rhea works from her Manchester studio and designs, cuts, sews, packages and posts everything herself. She uses a mix of new fabrics, end of line and recycles old clothes to create her designs, so everything is unique. 

Purple Pixi Drop is a mix of tops, skirts and accessories. Running theme of the collection is a focus on trimmings, lace up detail and beaded fringing. Merging the colour purple with all the shades and textures that are made when Rhea combines lace, mesh velvet and stretch jerseys (always focused on comfort as well!). Rhea also saves all the scraps from cutting out the designs and uses these to create her patchwork gloves and panels so nothing is wasted. 

Images from the shoot

If you want to get involved in the next In Focus: Content & Social Media course, drop us an email at projects@reformradio.co.uk.

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BEHIND THE SCENES: MUSIC COURSE (FUNDED BY MAES)

The latest Music Course finished with an absolute bang, wrapping up with a live radio show showcasing every participants’ production. This group definitely brought versatility and energy, with genres spanning from heartfelt indie rock to euphoric downtempo afrobeat.

We sat down with Peter to get glimpse into his experience for the past 2 weeks!

Can you please introduce yourself?

My name is Peter, and I’ve been part of a music course at Reform Radio where they help you become an artist and develop your sense of art.

Who inspires you as an artist?

Who inspires me the most? I would probably say an African artist named Davido. They create African type Afrobeat music. I grew up listening to that type of music a lot, so take a lot inspiration from that.

What are you favourite genres?

Hip-hop, Afrobeat and … maybe classical? I listen to a lot of orchestral music from movie soundtracks.

What was your knowledge on music production before the course?

I would say I had a decent knowledge because I had previous experience in producing music. So it’s not like I had no sort of clue what I was doing. Obviously you always need help in certain things, but the basics I had.

Why did you decide to join the course?

I’ve always had an interest in music. It was more of a hobby and I didn’t know whether to take it seriously. So I was like, ‘Let’s try this out.’ And if it goes well, who knows? Who knows what might happen after.

I also joined for the environment and to develop my sense of style, because back when I used to make music, I just created whatever seemed good in the moment. I wasn’t focusing what might be unique to me.

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?

The first day was exciting. You’re looking forward to the challenge in a way. People are really welcoming, they care about how people are feeling. And two weeks on, with the show coming up, I felt a different kind of excitement. You’ve put in the work and waiting to see whether the hard work has payed off.

Finally, what was the most memorable moment from the course?

We played a warm up game called Empire where you have to build your own empire. I won and I’m still the Emperor to this day…!

You can listen to the full project show below!

If you would like to get involved or find out more about any of our projects, please drop us an email at projects@reformradio.co.uk. 

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Get Started with Radio: Prince’s Trust

This January we welcomed an amazing group of young people to Reform as part of the Prince’s Trust ‘Get Started with Radio’ course. With just one week to master the skills of researching, interviewing, editing and presenting on a live radio slot, its fair to say the whole group killed it!

We hope the participants who took part had as much as fun and joy we had. To watch them so quickly bond, create and prepare for the work that they produced has been an impressive journey.

Watch the round-up video below to see highlights of the week:

Not to mention the range and quality of content they produced, smashing it live in the Reform studios and airwaves! Don’t take our word for it, check out their work below.

Listen back to the live radio show below:

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Science and Industry Museum X Reform: Sounds of the Industrial City

We have collaborated with the Science and Industry Museum, where a group of young people created soundscapes inspired by the industrial sounds of Manchester. ​
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They listened to the sounds of historic machinery, in the Textiles Gallery, which once filled Manchester’s factories. Then they recorded sounds from the city’s current and developing industries. Creating the soundscapes you can listen to below:

Soundscape A

Modern Manchester
by Dale, 2022

The sounds of a workers commute in the present day.

Listen to the weekend walk to work along John Dalton Street in central Manchester. The streets are alive with shoppers, the roads busy with buses and commuters.
 
Soundscape B

Footsteps of Change
by Zuri, 2022
 
This recording was inspired by the Industrial Revolution. It was the first time human behaviour began significantly changing the landscape and ultimately beginning the climate crisis we now live in.
 

The story begins with sounds reminiscent of the nature Manchester was once home to. Then the ominous footsteps of humans signals the start of the Industrial Revolution.
 
Soundscape C

Manchester’s Music Industry
by Jaden, 2022

Inspired by the sounds of creatives repurposing derelict industrial buildings to create the now renowned Manchester music industry.

Listen out for throwbacks to Manchester’s musical past and discover the sounds of its future.

Soundscape D

We are still losing our hearing
by Jesús, 2022
 
Curious about the impact of noise on workers’ health and their rights during the Industrial Revolution. This knowledge drew parallels to problems experienced in present times.
 

This recording highlights workplace caused hearing loss. It’s a problem which occurred in the Industrial Revolution and persists as an issue for workers in the music industry today.
 
Soundscape E

Wheels of Change
by Omar, 2022
 
Focusing on the transport workers used to get to work.

Starting with the sounds of trains in the Industrial Revolution and progressing to the sounds of commuters moving across Manchester in present times.
 
Soundscape F

Machine Made
by Ffion, 2022
 
Interested in the evolution of technological innovations the workers of Manchester have experienced.

Discover the sounds of what would have been cutting edge in the mills. Then progress to some familiar sounds of the technology which fills our workplaces and homes.

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Behind The Scenes: Podcasting Course (Funded By MAES)

The last Podcasting Course of 2022 has just wrapped up and what an amazing 2 weeks it has been. For those not familiar with this programme, it’s a 2-week course in which participants learn the ins and outs of podcasting, focusing on audio, scriptwriting and recording, ultimately working towards creating their own live radio show. We caught up with 2 participants Dani and Astrid to chat about their journey at Reform and their future plans!

ASTRID

Describe yourself in 3 words.

Dani: Informative, efficient, and quiet.

Astrid: Dedicated, adaptable, friendly.

Please can you tell us a little bit about yourself? What are your interests? What are your hobbies?

Dani: I am a multi hobbyist myself. I like to learn new things whenever I can. Keeps my brain active. I am fascinated with audio, character design, mixology, writing, video production, especially films and everything about fashion.

Astrid: I just graduated in English Literature from University of Manchester. I’m interested in Film, TV and want to break into this industry. Ideally, I’d eventually write but I am happy to do research now and learn behind the scenes. Maybe even factual shows. So yeah, this is part of the reason I started this course. 

When and how did you realise that you want to be in media?

Dani: I started wanting to make media back in year one. Year two, when my school sort of introduced me to the idea of acting and stage performing, it hooked me immediately. It was then that I spent the rest of my life working either in some form or another with media creation. Growing up alongside YouTube from a young age, that sort of opened the doors for the whole idea of media creation and it all just branched out into many media formats. It’s interesting to me, specifically voice sightings really interest me. I want to get back on the camera whenever I can, live broadcast, stage shows etc.

DANI

How did you hear about Reform & the Podcasting Course? What prompted you to get involved? 

Dani: I heard about Reform through my work coach at a Job Centre and they all said: “Hey, we saw you were a creative mind. And there’s this radio taster session happening in September. Would you like us to sign you up for it?” And it’s during this, I heard about Podcasting Course and thought, yes, this is more me and aligns better with my interests.

Astrid: I actually found out about this course through a Facebook runners group CV page. Upon reviewing other people’s CVs and seeing their experience etc, I noticed Reform listed as a creative course. Once I looked into it, I was like, this is perfect for me to get started. Not only can I learn creative skills, but also for free as well. I was excited to get started.

What were you working on in particular for these past 2 weeks?

Dani: We’ve spent a lot of time preparing for our live radio show. My segment focuses on the culture and history of drinks, mixology. I think it’s important to respect this.

Astrid: My project is a bit of a weird one! I decided I would do a word a day but change it, so I would do a dialect a day. I wanted it to be fun, light hearted and not too serious. And yeah, looking at how people know about it, relate to it or feel 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?

Dani: I came in and expected to be a lot more quiet than I’ve been because normally in a lot of temporary education settings, there’s very little for someone like myself to really be outspoken. But since the course, I have made a couple mates and we’re going for a drink tomorrow after the course. I have gelled well with the participants and everyone else and this is rare for me. Socialising can be hard for me, but in a weird cosmic twist it has really worked out!

Astrid: To start with, we didn’t get into the content making part as we were learning theory, which now, makes so much sense because everything has fell into place. It’s nice to have someone over my shoulder as I create because the pointers are helpful. I’ve enjoyed being creative in Reform. It feels like a very safe environment. I’ve struggled with anxiety around my own creativity. I am working my way through this though and finding ways to feel comfortable and confident in my own work.

What is one thing you have learnt from the course that you will take home with you?  

Dani: I can’t expect to be so quiet all the time. It’s important to vibe with what is in the room, and most of the time, it will vibe back.

Astrid: I have learnt how easy it can be to make your own podcast. And software required to do this, is free! And has reminded me how possible things are even on a smaller scale. Like, I can make a podcast with just an iPhone and my own laptop.

What are your goals after the project?

Dani: Find a job. Mostly to keep up studies in different fields, keep in contact with people on this course and make a podcast, maybe even just for myself.

Astrid: Leave my waitressing job and get working creatively. I want to sit down, when I have time, and write either a film or play, I’m unsure what it will be yet, but it’s been a goal for a long time so I will begin that soon.

You can listen to the full project show below!

If you would like to get involved or find out more about any of our projects, please drop us an email at projects@reformradio.co.uk. 

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BEHIND THE SCENES: ADVANCED DJ SESSIONS (FUNDED BY MAES)

November 2022 welcomed the first ever instalment of DJ Sessions for experienced DJs. Last Friday the course finished with a bang, bringing together and shining a light on all the artists with a high-energy showcase!

This two-week advanced course invited seasoned Disc Jockeys to take their craft to next level. Learning advanced digital & vinyl DJ techniques, getting support on their promo assets, and strengthening their network. All working towards grabbing more gig opportunities!

We spoke to Omar, a participant from this session who started their DJ journey with our beginners DJ Sessions course!

Please introduce yourself…

My name is Omar Bala. I’ve been going through this DJ course, which is massive. I studied sound engineering and over the past few years, I’ve been mostly spending my time doing hospitality work. I met lots of musician friends through that, and they introduced me to a lot of new genres I’ve never heard before, which excited me about DJing. 

What are your hobbies and interests?

I’ve always been interested in arts. I studied interior design for three and a half years, a year of industrial design, then three and a half years of graphic design. My biggest passion was photography since 2008. I became obsessed with it. I participated in a lot of workshops, exhibitions, and facilitated a course on graphic design and photography while I was living in Malaysia before moving to Manchester.

I paused [creatively] due to a lot of reasons. I kind of disconnected from myself for a very long period and couldn’t really get creative in any way until very recently.

Describe your personality in 3 words! 

Fluid, dynamic and ever changing.

If money wasn’t a thing, what would you like to be doing full time? 

I’d be making art. Also helping people to be more in touch with themselves and fitting with what they want to be.

What prompted you to get involved with DJ Sessions?

A friend of mine knew about this course and mentioned it. He took a Radio Course before and told me about what kind of an organisation Reform is and what kind of courses they do. It seemed really interesting and suitable for me.

DJing is something that I never imagined actually getting into but I’m so glad that I did.

How did you first get involved with DJing? 

Reform Radio! I DJ’ed for the first time [at the beginners DJ Sessions course]. It was the first time I ever touched a deck. I was nervous throughout, to be honest. But, as I learned more, my confidence built up slowly. The facilitators helped me massively in this department. They gave me constant guidance and also some encouragement and validation, which really helped.

What’s your favourite thing about DJing?

Lifting people’s emotions up with the music that you play. It just connects people. It’s similar to why I love cooking for people. It brings them together, connects them, puts them on the same level, and good things happen.

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 still experienced some anxiety today at the final showcase. It’s something constant for me. I struggle with making mistakes even though I know everybody makes mistakes. First day I was astronomically nervous. Today I was much less, like 5% of that. But yeah, I gained a lot of confidence. I also was socially a bit more open today in comparison to my first day where I was completely shut.

What was the most memorable moment from the course?

I would say the showcase. The beginners course had a bigger group with music that varied to a ridiculous degree. This time the group was a bit smaller, which helped with the flow of learning.

I also learned a lot more than the beginners course, even though I didn’t know anything when I attended that one!

But the most memorable moment from the advanced course, I’d say were the tips and guidance from Gregor and Niall, and the two sessions where musicians came to show us their skills, like the fundamentals of vinyl scratching and the basics of music production.

If you would like to get involved or find out more about any of our projects, please drop us an email at projects@reformradio.co.uk. 

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BEHIND THE SCENES: MUSIC COURSE (OCTOBER)

The latest instalment of our free Music Course has just wrapped up and what an interesting two weeks it’s been. Participants have worked hard for the last while, trying their hands on creative song making, learning and preparing a radio show and putting these new found abilities into action, live on the airwaves of Reform Radio.

If you haven’t heard of Music Course, it’s a two-week programme generously funded by Manchester Adult Education Service, which focuses on radio and music production, including songwriting and creative writing.

We had a chat with some of the young people who took part to find out their most memorable moments, musical inspirations and goals for the future. Keep reading to find out more.  

PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF…

My name is Jake and I’m 23 years old.

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF. WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES OR INTERESTS?

I have been studying music, well, since I was 16 – I went to Music College and then went on to study music at University level. In college I was able to get out there and play with live bands and things like that.

I made some really good friends and we made music together as well and from that point on, I just sort of realised that music was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life really – there’s a level of excitement to it. I never thought of doing anything else.

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT MUSIC COURSE AND WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO GET INVOLVED?

So I heard about Reform Radio through the Job Centre, my work coach referred me to Reform Radio, who signed me up. I met Naomi and Conall, they were really great and knew I wanted to get into music production roles.

IF MONEY WASN’T A THING, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE DOING FULL TIME?

I would love to just make music and play my music for people to hear, share and just spread the love.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU HAVE LEARNT FROM THE COURSE THAT YOU WILL TAKE HOME WITH YOU?

One thing I’ve learned from doing this course is that no matter where you come from, what background you have and your level of experience, music production is attainable.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AFTER THE PROJECT?

Well I want to get back into making music. I want to just keep going for it because this is what I was meant to do. So I’m not too sure where I see myself in a few years, but I do know I’m going to carry on trying to improve and get better at music.

To listen to the full show that the group worked on together, please click down below.

If you would like to get involved or find out more about any of our projects, please drop us an email at projects@reformradio.co.uk. 

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BEHIND THE SCENES: RADIO COURSE (AUGUST) 

Our two-week digital broadcasting course kicked off last month, inviting young people across Manchester to learn about all things producing, presenting, scripting, live broadcast and more. This programme was kindly made possible by Manchester Adult Education. 

Participants came together to learn how a working radio environment functions and equip themselves with the skill set to pursue their dreams of finding careers in digital broadcasting. 

We caught up with one of the participants to chat about their experience. After studying Film at the University of Central Lancashire, 27 year old Zack Khan from Manchester has since aspired to work within the TV or Film industry. We had a chat to find out a little bit more about Zack, why he joined Radio Course and his goals for the future. 

Please can you tell us a little bit about yourself? 

My name’s Zack and I’m from Manchester. I’ve been back and forth between Manchester, Preston and Pakistan over the past ten years. After moving to Preston for University and then dropping out, I decided to come back to Manchester and live in Oldham. 

Film has always been a huge part of my life and my childhood dream was always to grow up and work in the film industry. That’s partially how I ended up here! 

How have you heard about Radio Course and what prompted you to get involved? 

My work coach at University had received a call out about the course and reached out to me asking if I wanted to get involved. I never expected to be doing anything in radio but I thought, why not!? 

If money wasn’t a thing, what would you like to be doing full time? 

As a kid, it was always film and TV. During lockdown, I tried podcasting for a couple of months. It was mainly about films and entertainment, such as what’s going on in the industry and film news. It was called the Mad Bat Podcast which was a mix of our two favourite films: Mad Max and Batman. 

Is there anything you were involved in before joining Radio Course that you would like to share? 

After I finished college, I took a gap year before University and went back to Pakistan for a year and did a couple of months of work with an independent film-maker who mainly made adverts. 

I think he was shooting an advert where my dad worked at the time. My dad had spoken to him and said something along the lines of ‘my son is really interested in this, could you potentially take him on as a volunteer?’. It was pretty cool and he got me really involved in it.

When and how did you realise that that is the thing you wanted to do? 

I used to have one of those old TVs that had a built-in VCR player, my mum got me loads of VHS tapes so a lot of my childhood was spent in my room watching movies. Seeing what you could do in those worlds, the possibilities and the lack of restrictions really excited me. I never imagined that I would be doing radio or podcasting but I’m glad I have some experience in these things now. 

I remember getting into podcasts during my gap year when the app showed up on my phone after an update and I was like ‘what’s this?’. My go-to podcasts are The NoSleep Podcast which is an anthology series of horror stories, and ‘The Last Podcast on The Left’ which is a dark comedy, true crime podcast. 

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?

Before I walked through the door, it was a very tense and nervous experience. I’m usually not the type of person that does well in social situations, especially after the last couple of years of Covid and lockdown. Essentially, the moment I walked in there was a very calm, inviting and supportive environment which easily set those fears aside. 

Anxiety popped up here and there, mainly from doing creative writing exercises. I would worry in my own head ‘I don’t know if I can do this’, but I largely managed to overcome these feelings thanks to Alex and Naomi who were really supportive and patient. They got involved and offered help. It was a very cohesive environment. 

What is one thing you have learnt from the course that you will take home with you?  

I learnt a lot of technical stuff such as operating the equipment, recording and monitoring mic levels on the drops. I feel like I will carry these skills on with me even if I don’t get into film. They are great skills to know for editing Youtube videos, which I have some experience with. 

What are your goals after the project? 

One goal is to work on areas that I have personally struggled with over the past two weeks. For example, the anxiety that I talked about. I have a habit of second-guessing myself and stopping myself from doing stuff. 

Something that caught me off guard was that when doing creative work, it often requires you to be vulnerable to some degree. That’s something I’ve had in mind and thought maybe I should let myself be vulnerable and not be so closed off. 

When Covid started I was living on my own. A few years of living by myself and then lockdown made me really closed off and I didn’t have much opportunity to go out and interact with people. Being on this course has taught me I really do need to start opening up again, especially in this line of work it’s really beneficial. 

To listen to the full show that the group worked on together, please click down below.

If you would like to get involved or find out more about any of our projects, please drop us an email at projects@reformradio.co.uk. 

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blog Featured Projects The Prince’s Trust

BEHIND THE SCENES: TAMESIDE FUTURES (AUGUST)

Our podcasting course Tameside Futures just wrapped up, inviting participants to the 4C Community Centre in Ashton for a two-week Bootcamp which is kindly made possible by the  Prince’s Trust and Tameside Council. 

Following the Bootcamp, four weeks of additional support are offered such as CV and interview prep, well-being and extra creative sessions that help young people in Tameside connect with local employers. 

During this August’s workshop, a wide range of employers such as Brother, Take 1 Scenic, The Village Hotels and Eve Studios joined us, allowing for a wide range of interviewing activities. 

If you’re not familiar with these businesses, let’s tell you a little bit about them. Take 1 Scenic is a creative construction company, working across theatre sets and beyond. The Village Hotels are a chain of hotels across the UK, with prime locations in places such as Aberdeen, Swansea and Manchester. Eve Studios offer mixing, mastering and recording services and, last but not least, Brother is a technology company supplying some big names in the industry. 

Listen back to the live radio show they worked towards to find out more about what went down. 

To get involved with any of our free courses, please email projects@reformradio.co.uk

Categories
blog Featured Projects Projects The Prince’s Trust

BEHIND THE SCENES: MANCHESTER FUTURES (JULY)

Our podcasting course Manchester Futures just wrapped up. If you’re unfamiliar with MF, it’s a 6-week course that provides bespoke support to young people aged 16-25 looking for work, kindly made possible by The Prince’s Trust. 

With the goal of working towards a live radio show the group immersed themselves into the digital world and got to business.

This time, employers joining us were Fuzzy Duck, Brighter Sounds and The British Red Cross. Let’s tell you a little bit about each of them. 

Fuzzy Duck is a company that works across the realms of design, film, animation and other means of creativity to craft much-loved stories. The kind of stories that one doesn’t forget or the kind that gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling. They’ve worked with BBC Bitesize, CBBC’s Blue Peter, the Science Museum in London and the National Trust to name a few. 

Brighter Sounds is a creative music charity which helps music creators, leaders and industry professionals through creative projects, residencies, training and events. Over the years, they have connected those working with them with established artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Bugzy Malone and Everything Everything. 

And, last but not least, the British Red Cross is a humanitarian charity aiming to help those in crisis, in the UK and the rest of the world. Currently, they are offering advice, support and schemes to help those affected in Ukraine, as well as offering advice on Climate Change and what we can do as individuals to prevent further monstrosities. 

Participants such as Kate, who aspires to make their own podcast post workshop on philosophy and cinematography, chose to explore the British Red Cross as they wanted to learn “insight into the humanitarian industry”. Bartender Gabriel Hackman agreed that it was “really informative”, adding that he chose Red Cross because he was “intrigued by the panel about climate change” that the charity discussed. 

Others like part-time fundraiser George Edwards went with Fuzzy Duck out of a keen interest in the film production industry. During his time at University, George received training in Radio commercials and would love to make his own radio show exploring plays, due to his “love of theatre”. 

Although no previous broadcasting experience is required to join the course, individuals such as Amina had dabbled in a podcasting course funded by the Prince’s Trust in the past. During Manchester Futures, she built up her confidence and said: “I would actually love to make my own podcast about personal development or confidence building”. 

As with all of our workshops, we strive to create and maintain an environment of ease, where anyone can join and be their authentic selves with no judgement. It’s great to see when that pays off and people involved such as Amina leave feeling confident and ready to boss their next move. 

To hear more from the group behind Manchester Futures, you can tune into the radio show they scripted and produced themselves called ‘Shut Up and Listen’. During the show, they chat about neurodiversity, potatoes and game shows. 

Listen now.

If you’re interested in applying for the next workshop, please drop an email to projects@reformradio.co.uk to find out more.