Start Here

ABRSM Start Here Podcast
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Start Here

Are you country music curious? Do you want to dip your toe into bhangra or jazz, but just aren’t sure where to start? Let the ‘Start Here’ podcast be your guide…   ‘Start Here’ is a brand-new podcast series brought to you by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM). Hosted by pianist, composer and producer Alexis Ffrench, each week ‘Start Here’ invites you on an entertaining and thought-provoking exploration through different musical genres, with special guests sharing their love and recommendations on where to start your musical journey. Expect unexpected and informative conversation in episodes spanning Grime and Classical to Musical Theatre, and Stadium Pop. To explore more from ABRSM please visit www.abrsm.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 10H AGO

    Season 2 - Episode 3: Emo

    This week, Start Here dives into the raw emotion and anthemic sound of Emo music. Alexis Ffrench is joined by Amy Fleisher Madden—founder of the legendary independent label Fiddler Records and author of NEGATIVES, a photographic archive of the Emo scene. Together, they explore the roots of Emo, from its underground beginnings to its explosion in the early 2000s, shaping a generation with its confessional lyrics and powerful melodies. Plus, they unpack Emo’s surprising legacy in modern pop music—including how Taylor Swift’s songwriting carries the emotional honesty and storytelling traditions of the genre. Whether you grew up with Emo or are just discovering it, this episode unpacks the emotion, energy, and influence of a genre that refuses to fade. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    39 min

  2. MAR 5

    Season 2 - Episode 2: Drill

    This week, Alexis Ffrench takes a deep dive into one of the most raw and expressive genres in modern music: Drill. Joined by writer and youth specialist Ciaran Thapar, they explore the roots of Drill, from its origins and social context to its signature bass-heavy sound and global influence. Together, they unpack the artistry behind the genre, its evolution—especially within the UK—and where to begin if you're new to Drill. Whether you're a long-time listener or just curious, this episode offers an essential guide to understanding the power and presence of Drill music today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    37 min

  3. FEB 26

    Season 2 - Episode 1: Drum & Bass

    What better way to kick off Season 2 than from Alexis diving deep into the world of Drum & Bass with Sweetpea, a powerhouse of the genre known for her diverse sound and dynamic DJ sets.  From its roots in the UK’s underground rave scene to a global phenomenon, they explore everything from the origins and evolution from Jungle music, through to some advice for up-and-coming artists looking to break through in Drum & Bass, along with recommendations on where to start for those new to the genre. This episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to understand the rich history and fresh energy of one of the most exciting genres in dance music. Explore more from ABRSM at www.abrsm.org  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    33 min
  4. Start Here - Season 2 Trailer

    TRAILER

    Start Here - Season 2 Trailer

    ‘Start Here’ is a podcast brought to you by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM). Hosted by pianist, composer and producer Alexis Ffrench, the show returns for an exciting second season on Wednesday 26th February, 2025. Exploring different musical genres each week and taking listeners on an entertaining and thought-provoking exploration, ‘Start Here’ features special guests and well-known artists who share their love and recommendations on where to start your musical journey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    2 min
  5. Episode 10: Musical Theatre

    04/10/2024

    Episode 10: Musical Theatre

    Rounding off the series, we dive into one of the most divisive genres out there: Musical Theatre. West End star Shanay Holmes is the perfect bridge between die-hard fans and sceptics, and she joins Alexis to unpack the allure and evolution of her genre. Holmes also shares her inspirational journey, from unconventional beginnings to soaring on stage. Discover the essence of great musicals, the performance demands, and the vibrant community it cultivates — and make sure to stick around to get a taste of Shanay’s incredible voice (accompanied by Alexis of course).  Explore more from ABRSM at www.abrsm.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    41 min
  6. Episode 9: Stadium Pop

    04/03/2024

    Episode 9: Stadium Pop

    In the summer of 2023, Beyoncé and Taylor Swift ignited a global frenzy with their colossal stadium tours, dominating headlines and economies alike. But amidst the spectacle, questions loom: What does this mean for the future of pop? Can any act from the streaming era ascend to their heights? This episode, Alexis Ffrench delves deep with pop critic Shaad D'Souza, exploring the essence of stadium pop, its evolving sound, and the emergence of a new pop middle class.     Explore more from ABRSM at www.abrsm.org  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    33 min
  7. Episode 8: Hip-Hop

    03/27/2024

    Episode 8: Hip-Hop

    We're diving deep into the genre that is at the heart of global culture: Hip-Hop. Joined by esteemed DJ Semtex, renowned host, and author of "Hip Hop Raised Me", Alexis explores the genre's monumental impact over its 50-year journey. From its humble NYC origins to becoming a billion-dollar industry, Hip-Hop has reshaped music, fashion, and beyond. With Semtex's infectious passion and unparalleled connections, we unravel the genre's evolution and its enduring influence on the world stage.  Content flag: DJ Semtex uses a racial slur in the context of a very personal, formative story at 08:27 - 10:50 — if you would rather not hear this, please skip past this point or enjoy one of our many other episodes.  Explore more from ABRSM at www.abrsm.org  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    33 min
  8. Episode 7: Bhangra

    03/20/2024

    Episode 7: Bhangra

    Bhangra is responsible for one of the most iconic floor fillers of all time, the instantly recognisable ‘Mundian To Bach Ke by Punjabi MC. But Bhangra is no one-hit wonder — there is a rich culture and community that thrives around this genre to this day. This episode, we are journeying through the Bhangra sound with the help of Rav & Dee — better known as Panjabi Hit Squad. DJs, producers and pioneers of the Desi Beat sound, they formed in 2002 with a mission to bring music from the east, mix it with beats from the west and get people dancing. Together, we unpack the origins of the genre in the Punjab region, how the sound evolved within immigrant communities here in the UK and what is next for the Bhangra scene.    Explore more from ABRSM at www.abrsm.org  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    42 min
See All (15)

Trailers

About

Are you country music curious? Do you want to dip your toe into bhangra or jazz, but just aren’t sure where to start? Let the ‘Start Here’ podcast be your guide…   ‘Start Here’ is a brand-new podcast series brought to you by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM). Hosted by pianist, composer and producer Alexis Ffrench, each week ‘Start Here’ invites you on an entertaining and thought-provoking exploration through different musical genres, with special guests sharing their love and recommendations on where to start your musical journey. Expect unexpected and informative conversation in episodes spanning Grime and Classical to Musical Theatre, and Stadium Pop. To explore more from ABRSM please visit www.abrsm.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    ABRSM Start Here Podcast
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © ABRSM Start Here Podcast
  • Show Website
    Start Here

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