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.
As a result of a two-week collaboration project, Reform Radio presents a valentines day special. But not as you may expect.
Good Vibes Friday is a fruitful hour of musical madness. Including messages of self love and care, the secrets of valentines, the madness of online dating, and the trials and triumphs of sisterhood.
Get ready to have your awareness expanded with Access Consultants. With a team of amazing and diverse young creators, you’re in for a solid hour of informative and entertaining content.
Dive into the perspectives of the younger generation with Gen Now. A group of young people from Manchester talk on the evolution of lifestyle, culture, music, politics, fashion & trends in this one hour radio show.
They have invited some exciting guests to join the conversation, including Emmanuel Jal and Manchester based artists Sandi Glowe, Kashi 47, Baby Flxcko & Anamelia. The group also stepped out of their generation and connected with Sara and Colin from our sister station, Sonder Radio. The two stations, Reform and Sonder, came together to understand and learn from one another.
Taste of Tomorrow explores the future of learning, creative spaces and artistic direction. The show investigates these themes through spoken word, music, discussions, podcasts and short stories.
Granada Television became famous for its ground-breaking creativity and ambitious ideas. To kick off the series is Episode 1 which focuses on the studios on Quay Street and three specific characters…
EP2: Let’s Go On a Tour
Granada Studios is a slightly mythical place. The big red letters on the studio roof beaming across Manchester City Centre invites curiosity.
Inspired by the Granada Studios Tour, episode 2 takes the listener around the building to find out more about where the magic takes place.
EP3: From Quay Street to the World
The final episode of Tales from Granadaland dives into some of the studio’s game-changing programmes and maverick ideas. The listener will also peek BTS of the nation’s favourite soap and learn about Granada’s influence on music across the world.
Awakened Roots is a show based around identity. Identity mainly in relation to the Longsight community, the Manchester Literature festival and MCR creative spaces.
“Go With The Flow?” is a variety show featuring comedic plays, discussions, stories, music, quiz shows, and games provided by Manchester’s young talent.
The show explores themes of being free-spirited and following crowds. Should people follow current trends or find their own path?
“Drive your dream” is a live show that combines music, humour and stories from young dreamers.
Jamie and Demetrius are the hosts of this episode. The two interview artists and entrepreneurs, exploring what motivates them to keep chasing heir dreams.
The show also features two interesting podcasts on how build a life and a career in something you’re passionate about, music created during the course and live music performances on the day.
