Reform’s first program as an independent production company was broadcast on 19th October 2016 on BBC Radio 2. The program was a full length documentary presented by Welsh singing legend Max Boyce. The show explored the horrific events of the Aberfan disaster which happened 50 years ago on the week of broadcast.
More specifically, as an ex miner and choral singer himself, Max took a very personal look at the Ynysowen (Aberfan) Male Choir. The choir was formed in the village in the wake of the tragedy and still remains strong to this day.
Part of Reform’s strategy as a CIC is to develop the next generation of radio and digital professionals to gain new experience and open up new revenue streams for themselves. For this documentary we reinvested our production budget into supporting our DJs, and Kelvin Brown to develop his first professional radio production.
Thanks to the support and guidance from Nija Dalal-Small.
If anyone has an idea they are keen to develop please email podcasts@reformradio.co.uk
Produced by Kate Cocker and Broadcast on BBC 1Xtra on 12 November 2017, this specially commissioned programme featured three young people, Duke, Sophie and Michael who were currently engaged in projects at Reform Radio.
A documentary-style show was created in order to follow the young people who had all of experienced of growing up in care, and to explore the role that creativity played in these young people’s journeys and its importance in helping them seek careers.
Working with 1Xtra, the young people were set the task of creating a new piece of work that they would have to perform live at a BBC outreach event at MediaCity. The documentary follows them as they prepare and perform at this event.
True to our values, we wanted this programme to serve as a vehicle for positive change for those involved, so much of the production budget was spent on providing the young people with mentors, who continue to work with them to this day. Kate met with the young people regularly and asked them to keep audio diaries to ensure they were happy with how the process was developing. She went above and beyond in ensuring the young people were aware of what they were embarking on and she gave them full editorial control of the final piece to ensure this.
The documentary was chosen for Radio 4’s Pick Of The Week, but more than that, the legacy of this documentary has been felt by all the participants. Duke now has a support network so he can continue his life in music and Michael has launched his own radio station specifically for care leavers. Sophie is consulting for the BBCs Tracey Beaker and has just one a place on the prestigious Lloyd’s School for Social Entrepreneurs Programme; developing a creative workshops business to help former sex workers.
The program was presented by current BBC 1Xtra daytime presenter Yasmin Evans, who is originally from Manchester and it has been specifically commissioned as part of 1Xtra’s outreach work in the area ahead of 1Xtra Live.
With the support from Audio Content Fund, we were able to team up with Hit Radio Pride to create Tough Talks, a show where people in the LGBTQ+ community relive and reflect on a tough talk from their past.
In these intimate and revealing chats you’ll hear from them and the person they had the conversation with, covering topics such as gender, sexuality, and identity. Hits Radio Pride is the UK’s first national LGBTQ+ radio station from a major broadcaster.
Here are the first three episodes of Tough Talks below – listen to all episodes at planetradio.co.uk .
Episode 1: Rachel & Norah
Rachel, who is a transgender woman from Manchester, chats with her 83 year old Mum, Norah. They reflect on the moment Rachel told her mum about her true identity and how they moved forward from that conversation.
Episode 2: Alfie & Rachael
Alfie, who is a transmasculine person, chats with their partner of 8 years, Rachael. They reflect on the moment Alfie told her they were questioning their identity, and how it changed their relationship.
Episode 3: OneDa & Kyle
OneDa, who is a rapper from Manchester, talks with her childhood best friend Kyle. They look back on the moment she told him she was a lesbian woman and how religion had stopped her from coming out earlier.
BuddyLine is a series of intergenerational telephone conversations between people from the Sonder Radio Community of over 60s and the Reform Radio Community of under 28s. Taking advantage of the technology available to us, the conversations were recorded from each of their homes during isolation.
Through these honest conversations, our listeners enter into an intimate and genuine meeting between two people who would not otherwise interact in everyday society.
We will match people with stories that will enlighten both the listeners and each other, and demonstrate that isolation does not have to be isolating, and can create long-lasting friendships.
Buddyline was set up in order to help combat loneliness during these tough periods of self-isolation. Our aim is to improve wellbeing through the power of communication by pairing two complete strangers and starting a regular phone conversation. Let have a look into some of these conversations!
Episode 1: Racheal and Stevie
Over the next hour, you’ll hear our first pair, Rachel and Stevie talk about many topics- from Gender Identity to Eurovision!
Episode 2: Kitty and Graham
In this episode, Kitty and Graham discuss family history during the Second World War and the power of social media.
Episode 3: Olivia and Sarah
Our next pair of callers, Olivia and Sara, explore all sorts of topics – from their experiences as women growing up in different periods, to guessing what the other might look like!
Episode 4: Tony and Michael
In this episode, Tony and Michael dig into reggae music, their life ambitions, and the value in talking to new people.
Musicals, lockdown, Lebanon and The Care System…Sounds enticing? The cohort from Get Started with Podcasting Programme stewed up a melting pot of ideas and creativity in their hour long radio show.
The first-ever all-female MC collective coming straight from the North. HERchester is a Manchester Female Collective made up of 7 Strong Manchester MC’s.
Massive thanks to Arts Council England for funding and all the talented female MCs in the collective.
Reform launched their Cypher project in May 2019 which focused on bringing female MC’s from Manchester together to work alongside multitalented Oneda towards a Cypher. In the process the collective was born.
In the video below, we catch performances by OneDa x The Mouse Outfit and HERchester ladies from the 2019 Manchester International Festival.
Reform Radio launched a pilot project, focusing on finding Female MC talent. Due to a lack of woman coming forward and a lack of gender diversity, we developed a pilot project with support from Arts Council England to respond to this.
This Project gave female MCs across Manchester the chance to work side by side with OneDa. We Followed the emerging Female MCs over the time period of the project, watching them transform from strangers into HERchester.
Rhythm Lab is an opportunity for up and coming artists to team up together to produce original tracks.
Remote Rhythm Lab 2020
Remote Rhythm Lab is a project in which we have partnered Manchester based artists with four artists from around the world, challenging them to explore virtual methods of collaborating and creating music. The project was made possible with support from Arts Council and Jägermeister.
The four tracks were released on Friday 19th June 2020 on Bandcamp – 100% of all Bandcamp and Rhythm Lab’s share of sales on the day were donated to NAACP Legal Defence Fund in support of the BLM movement. You can listen to these tracks on Bandcamp and Spotify.
Each of the artists involved have documented their experience, offering an insight into how music production can transcend borders. The image above is a still from episode 3 from music producer Imaginary Part who spent lockdown residing in Yorkshire.
EPISODE 1: Angel Bat Dawid & Berry Blacc
Chicago based composer, clarinettist, pianist and vocalist Angel Bat Dawid paired with vocalist and hip-hop/Jazz producer Berry Blacc.
Despite the physical distance between them, their creative spirits clearly aligned in their emotive encapsulation of the current moment with their tribute to ‘George FLoyd’
EPISODE 2: Contours & KMRU
Contours – whose sound explores the spaces, rhythms and textures that sit between House, Jazz, Afro, Latin, broken-beat and Hip Hop – will collaborate with KMRU, a field and sound artist, producer based in Nairobi renowned for his evocative electronic music.
Watch how they overcame the distance beteeen them of over 6000 miles, to create a bridge between their musical worlds, resulting in ‘Portals’
If you want to see the other episodes for this project, head to reforms youtube channel here.
Rhythm Lab Volume 1 2018.
The original Rhythm Lab in 2018 took five pairs of musicians and producers into the studio to give them the space collaborate.
Episode 1 : Denis Jones and Luke Leadbelly
The Ninja Tune affiliated Denis Jones partnered with exciting new bass influenced producer Luke Leadbelly.
Episode 2: Sam Healey and Feral Mittens
During day two, prolific jazz man Sam Healey met with experimental noise maker and experienced collaborator Feral Mittens.
For more episodes, head on over to the Reform Radio Youtube Channel here, and once gain head to Bandcamp or Spotify to listen to the tracks produced!
Co-Lab Theory is a collaboration project, creating trios out of eight upcoming artists paired with eight different music industry mentors and eight varied visual artists. Made possible by support from Jägermeister and Arts Council England, each trio created an exciting, original audio-visual work.
Industry mentors involved with the project include the pioneering production duo Swing Ting, internationally renowned creative Mr Scruff and spoken word artist Malik Al Nasir, mentee of the late Gil Scott Heron.
The project has provided a fantastic opportunity for young, upcoming music and design talent to learn from experienced music industry professionals as well as reap the rewards of being associated with such renowned creatives, profile-wise.
With the project now complete, the tracks and audio-visual pieces have been released by Rhythm Lab and Reform Radio. You can listen to all the tracks on Bandcamp and all other major platforms.
If you want to get a glimpse into the production process, head over to our Youtube channel to watch the Co-Lab Theory documentary series!
Escape the four walls you’ve been confined to for months with Masks Off, Breathe Out – a show hosted by a variety of creative Manc-based minds from all (socially distanced) walks of life.
From music to literature, from comedy to technology, this is the antidote to your isolation, the cure to your boredom.
AudioFORM was a 12-week project, kicked off by Annie Mac and delivered by Reform Radio, that provided room to breathe and a gateway into the wonderful world of podcasting and audio production.
Masks Off, Breathe Out showcased six brand-new short productions created by an eclectic bunch of sound geeks. Each team was given just 72 hours to come up with their very own innovative podcast, from concept to execution.
AudioFORM was part of GM Fast Track’s #FastTrackFund, and was supported by Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport & Lancashire Skills Hub.
Soundcamp is a Youth Music programme started back in 2018. The project had a week of music taster sessions with Jenna G,Werkha and Danny ‘Falz’ Fahey.
The 8 Breakthrough Artists selected during the taster session were supported to develop as artists over a period of 12 weeks. Artists were given the opportunity to improve their performance and music business skills, and showcase all of this at one of Manchester’s most iconic music venues, Night & Day.
They have gone on to develop skills with mentors, and we hope to take the programme into a third year, alternative provision for those not in other mainstream music focused opportunities.
Have a listen to this incredible showcase of talent here.
Soundcamp Virtual Bootcamp – November 2020
In Soundcamp (2020), our artist development and mentoring programme, funded by Youth Music and delivered in partnership with Thirty Pound Gentleman, returned online from 23rd November for it’s initial week-long boot-camp.
Watch the video below to catch a sneak peak of what happened in this quite literally jam-packed week of creative and musical energy that was being pinged back and forth through Zoom.
The Bootcamp marks the start of this project, a search to cultivate sixteen of Manchester’s promising artists, to be inducted as the second cohort guided down the pathway to success through this breakthrough artist scheme. We welcomed into the meeting loads of exciting & promising talent, including some familiar faces, as well as some new faces.
Along with them was the return of our partners TPG & the lead facilitators, instructors & mentors Jenna G (top left), Danny Fahey (top right), Werkha (middle left), Anna McLuckie (middle right) & Adam Seymour (bottom centre).
Through their expert guidance and knowledge offered, participants were shown the ropes to the various aspects of the music industry and business and the most promising talents will be chosen by them to join the mentorship programme.
During this initial week they were also joined by some special expert industry guests who delivered a taste of some of the expert and guidance with the various areas the full mentorship is set to guide artists through, including:
Aly Gillani, EU Label Rep @ Bandcamp & Co-Founder of First Word Records
OneDa, Rapper, Songwriter & Lead Vocalist for The Mouse Outfit
Tom Northey, Director of Con Brio Creative Consultancy
Sophie Bee, Head of Entertainment & Programming @ Escape To Freight Island
Abnormal Sleepz, Rapper, Writer, Producer & DJ
Mike Burgess, Music Industry Advisor @ Sound With Mike
As you might be able to tell, in spite of the constraints of conducting things remotely, there was an incredible display of the work that the artists had been able to create during their final showcase, which would be the final way for them to be selected in the final 16 of the next round. It’s safe to say that anyone would not envy the position that Jenna, Danny, Anna & Adam find themselves in right now, given the sheer level of talent on show. Even during these strange times, the future is as bright as ever.
Soundcamp: The Artist Vs COVID
As part of Soundcamp 2020, our artist development program run in partnership with Thirty Pound Gentleman funded by Youth Music Charity, we aired a special show that was produced as a part of the project:
“As a response to 2020’s global pandemic we thought it was an important measure to discuss the devastating impact that Covid has had on the gig economy and in particular freelance artists and musicians. We brought together a variety of emerging and established artists to a virtual roundtable discussion to share information and experiences, to help us better navigate the current situation.
Listen to the show back in full below by clicking on the show image!
Reform have been awarded a successful funding bid for Youth Music’sIncubator Fund call out, to run a project which will support 5 emerging artists with the unique development opportunity to take on roles at an independent record label for 6 months. Specifically our Record Label and Artist Development Platform, Rhythm Lab Records.
Led by expert Music Industry advisor and educator, Mike Burgess, with support and mentoring from other industry experts, they’ll gain career-defining skills, working collaboratively across key music industry functions to source, develop, manage, promote & market 5 new commercially successful tracks. This will provide a clear snapshot of the roles and responsibilities of music executives and a deeper understanding of the realities and risks artists will experience during their careers.
This project has been developed in consultation with dozens of early career artists and informed by Youth Music’s Blueprint For The Future Report into under-representation and barriers within the music industry. With this being the specific focus of the Incubator Fund and of ours as an organisation, the project will focus on recruiting people from less advantaged socio-economic backgrounds; from suburbs; women; transgender and non-binary people; Black, Asian and ethnically diverse artists; disabled and neurodivergent artists.
Open Forum is an hour long radio show that brings together a melting pot of artists, experts and those that just want a good old chinwag about that months Open Forum topic.
This six part series funded by Audio Content Fund was originally broadcast on Gaydio and Reform Radio in 2019 and 2020.
In every episode participants explore a new theme through the medium of debate and artistic performance. The discussions have been guided with the help of two master presenters, Gaydio’s resident DJ Dean McCullough, and singer songwriter Jenna G.
The Open Forum series has dissected countless topics, from the concept of home to the meaning of sex. Scroll down to get an idea of what each episode entails.
Episode 1: IDENTITY
What does identity mean to you? Is it something you can change? Participants explore the realm of identity from a personal point of view, exploring topics such as heritage, race, DNA, and the prevalence of prejudice and privilege.
The first edition of the series welcomes live performances from rapper and producer Superlative, singer songwriter Bolatito Von May, and artist Flow.
Superlative, rapper and producer
Episode 2: SEX
Episode 2 takes the opportunity to shine a light on the topic of Sex for Wolrd AIDs day. In this edition a group of young people came together to talk about sex and the risks it can pose, with AIDs and the contracting of HIV being one of them.
As well as a lively discussion, we have two extremely moving performances from theatre maker Nathaniel J Hall, who contracted HIV the first time he had sex. The episode gives us a chance to hear his story and learn about the dangers of unsafe sex, but also celebrate the work of the NHS as well as modern science, which has dramatically improved the prognosis of those with HIV.
Nathaniel J Hall, theatre-maker, writer, performer, producer and HIV activist
Through this edition, we are able to remember those that the world has lost, and encourage people to test regularly and keep taking these life saving medicines.
Episode 3: HOME
The third instalment of Open Forum hones in on the vast theme of home, tackling issues of homelessness, the environment and immigration.
In this edition, Open Forum showcased music from IORA, BOA and Emmanuela Yogolelo, and spoken word from Scarlett Rose. The show also features advice from our resident psychotherapist Dan, as well as information about housing and homelessnes from De Paul UK.
Boa, member of the female MC collective Herchester
IORA, Electronica Pop/folk Artist and resident at the Roundhouse in London
Dan, Reform Radio’s resident psychotherapist
Episode 4: RELATIONSHIPS
Episode 4 creates a space to dissect the topic of relationships. Discussion explore healthy and unhealthy relationships, and the importance of fostering relationships with ourselves as well as with others. Participants also look to the future to discuss the influence of science on relationships, and how far they think it could go.
This month’s edition includes music from Anamelia and Queen Tamika as well as spoken word from Emma Johnson and Sophie Silver. This show also features advice from our resident psychotherapist Dan!
Anamelia, Singer songwriter and rapper
Queen Tamika, rapper, Singer songwriter, and member of the MC Collective Herchester
Episode 5: WOMEN
In light of International Women’s Day, episode 5 explores the vast theme of Women. Participants discuss the role of women in society, the history of women, women and sex, the portrayal of women in the media, as well as the most recent #MeToo movement. The show explores what is means to be a woman with perspectives from women, transgender women, men, non – binary, gender fluid, sons, daughters, mothers and fathers, family, friends and colleagues.
Music from Queen Tamika, Boa, comedy from Rachel Fitzsimmons and some sax from jazz musician, Helena Summerfield, guided the listener through episode 5. Once again, the show also features advice from our resident psychotherapist Dan.
Helena Summerfield, Saxophonist, teacher and resident DJ at Reform
ShortaFORM is a program that works with young people 18-30 to develop short form media and creative digital skills. The project is delivered with Shorta TVand Manchester Studios.
With a mix of expert advice and placement opportunities from partners from the BBC, Bearded Fellows, The Presenter Coach, Crocodile Media, Ashgate Hospice, Sonder Radio, Enterprise UK and more – the talented cohort have been equipped with the skills to excel in the creative industries.
The ShortaFORM participants were given the task of each finding an interviewee from the Manchester community that fits the criteria of being extraordinary but ordinary.
Not only were the young people given the opportunity to interview their chosen interviewee in a studio space, but they were also given guidance from industry level professionals for the whole production process, from planning to distribution. Check out the instagram page the 2020 ShortaFORM group created to get a sneak peak into the amazing pieces they made!
AudioFORM is a 12-week training programme focusing on all aspects of audio production including; podcasting, sound design, production, studio engineering, editing and radio drama.
AudioFORM is part of the #FastTrackFund and is supported by Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport & Lancashire Skills Hub.
Eligibility for GM Fast Track AudioFORM is as follows:
Aged 19+
In-work, unemployed for 12 months or less or looking for work e.g. returners, graduates, self-employed etc.
A resident of Greater Manchester or Lancashire.
Not already participated in a Digital Fast Track Funded Course.
In addition to the above eligibility criteria we are looking for 50% female learners on each course and a cohort that reflects the ethnic diversity of the local area.
The training is led by Reform Radio – winners of Gold at Audio Production Awards, who have experience in producing audio content for BBC, Audio Content Fund, Hits Radio and many more. Participants will also each receive a Rode NT-USB microphone for use during the project and for their own use beyond the project.
Have a listen to Masks Off, Breath out (Below), a show created by this AudioFORM’s participants, which showcases a wide range of topics. From music to literature, from comedy to technology, they have the antidote to your isolation, the cure to your boredom.
Scroll down to see some of the amazing industry professionals that were invited to help guide the AudioFORM participants!
Axel Kacoutié
Axel Kacoutié is a multi-award-winning audio artist and poet who’s been working with sound, music and words to challenge the familiar and revive the magic in the mundane. His work has featured on the BBC, Channel 4, NOWNESS and the Barbican. He is also the Sound Designer and theme composer for the Guardian’s daily news podcast, Today in Focus.
Kate Cocker
Kate Cocker is the voice behind one of Amazon’s Top 10 Rated Flash Briefings: “Everyday Positivity”. With 20 years experience in the radio and audio industry, she founded “The Presenter Coach” to help people be confident, comfortable and creative when they speak in public – whether that be on stage, on screen or indeed, on a podcast.
In her previous roles at the BBC and in Commercial Radio Kate became an expert in creating engaging audio delivered authentically through gripping storytelling, intricate sound design, and coaching the presenters to be the best “them” they could be. Kate now coaches broadcasters and business leaders alike to be authentic and impactful communicators and is one of the production brains behind podcasts like The Eggchasers Rugby Podcast, Humans Of Business with Charlotte Pearce and Badass Women’s Hour.
Mel Harris
Mel Harris is Managing Director of Sparklab specialising in drama production for radio and other audio platforms. Sparklab Productions are an audio production company who create audio stories and content for companies, charities, the arts sector and all the BBC audio networks. Mel Harris worked within the BBC as a radio drama producer for 12 years, ran BBC Writersroom (North) for 5 years and set up her own successful audio production company more than 10 years ago. She has produced and directed many hundreds of audio programmes, both drama and documentary and been appointed as executive producer on many other indie productions. She regularly acts as executive producer for a number of companies including Holy Mountain and Savvy Productions.
The show covers music, famous DJs, a not so secret love for Harry Potter, thinking out loud about disability, Formula One and a journey through the Bass Time Continuum.
‘Still Thinking’, a podcast collective that is still thinking about thinking…still.
A group of young people came together to collectively dive into the world of podcasting, learning new skills and joining forces to create radio show. The lockdown hasn’t stopped them from sharing some ideas and stories through Reform’s very own airwaves.
This project was sponsored by MAES and Reform Radio.
A group of young people came together to share their experiences of growing up in care.
Creative Listening is a show that platforms the many slices of creativity that the young people have to offer. Alongside these segments is a rich Round Table discussion which dives into first hand experiences of growing up in the system of care.
Sound spark is a project created to ignite your curiosity by showcasing the identity of content and people.
Sound Spark explores multiple topics. Common misconceptions of Gaming, discussions around Cultural Diversity, Research, True Crime Stories and a discussion about the Art of Tea. One thing that all of these topics had in common was the passionate young people who wrote, recorded and edited them.
This show was created by a group of young people from Greater Manchester virtually in lockdown.
The show includes a round table discussion hosted by Manchester rapper Oneda, covering topics such as Covid-19, the BLMmovement and Leadership in the UK.
A World United also dives into music, discussions, and spoken word pieces created during sessions. Finally the group ask each other the question “How can we become a world that is more united?”
Rhythmshawe Festival reimagines the conventionally quiet space of the library, inviting Wythenshawe Forum Library visitors to try out songwriting, beat-making and DJing.
A group of young people from Manchester planned and delivered this project for Manchester International Festival’s Festival In My Neighbourhood series and Manchester Libraries’ Creative Spaces programme.
If you missed this wholesome festival don’t fret! We have a 2 hour radio show that will transport you right in the middle of this joyful micro-festival. Live music performances, dancing, radio broadcasts, and a special Stories in Sound section where everyone plays their favourite tune and shares the meaning behind their chosen song.
