Start Here
ABRSM Start Here Podcast
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 13, 2024 • 33min
Episode 6: Jazz
Jazz’s influence can be felt in almost all popular genres today — dance music, hip-hop, even pop. But the genre itself can sometimes seem inaccessible. Why? Alexis unravels the enigmatic allure of jazz with the remarkable Yazz Ahmed, a trailblazing trumpeter and composer. Yazz invites us into the vibrant world of contemporary jazz, a world where innovators, rather than traditionalists, reign supreme. From Arabic influences to electronic experiments, her music and tastes transcend boundaries, and she is brimming with surprising, accessible recommendations to start your own listening journey. Explore more from ABRSM at www.abrsm.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 6, 2024 • 34min
Episode 5: Country
How is country music changing with the times? Broadcasting legend Bob Harris joins as the guide through the intricate landscape of country music. With his extensive experience hosting The Country Show on BBC Radio 2, Bob offers unique insights into the genre's evolution and its impact on both sides of the Atlantic. From timeless icons like Dolly Parton to modern trailblazers such as Kasey Musgraves, Bob's interviews and advocacy have shaped the UK's relationship with Nashville. As Alexis delves into what defines ‘real’ country sound and the inclusivity of the genre, Bob's wisdom sheds light on the diverse voices shaping its future. Explore more from ABRSM at www.abrsm.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 28, 2024 • 40min
Episode 4: K-pop
From PSY’s megahit Gangnam Style in 2012 to BlackPink headlining Coachella in 2023, Korean pop, or K-pop, has gone global over the last ten years. So, what is the secret behind the genre’s international success? We dive into the 360-degree appeal of K-pop — the aesthetics, the choreography, the fandom and of course the music itself — with the help of podcaster and journalist Vivian Yoon. Alexis and Vivian unpack the multifaceted world of K-pop, diving headfirst into the sonic landscape to track down the illusive musical element that underpins the genre. Explore more from ABRSM at www.abrsm.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 21, 2024 • 30min
Episode 3: Afrobeats
Is Afrobeats the sound of the future? Already huge across Africa, Europe and here in the UK — the infectious genre has also enjoyed more recent success in the US. Afrobeats acts are topping the Billboard Hot 100, selling out Madison Square Garden and collaborating with huge pop names like Selena Gomez, Drake and Justin Bieber. Alexis sits down with Christian Adolfo, journalist and author of A Quick Ting on Afrobeats — the first ever book on modern Afrobeats — to find out where this genre came from, how the sound has evolved and where it’s headed. Explore more from ABRSM at www.abrsm.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 14, 2024 • 38min
Episode 2: Classical
Alexis is on home turf as he dives into the world of classical music with organist and social media sensation, Anna Lapwood. Anna is a fierce advocate for the genre and has done incredible work bringing classical music to new audiences — both through her viral TikToks as well as her activities creating opportunities for musicians of all backgrounds. They get into the tricky business of defining classical music, how to make the genre more accessible to fans and musicians, and guide listeners on where they can start their classical listening journey. Explore more from ABRSM at www.abrsm.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 14, 2024 • 36min
Episode 1: Grime
From tabloid fodder to revered art form, Alexis navigates grime's journey over two transformative decades. Joined by grime enthusiast Jeffrey Boakye, author of Hold Tight: Hold Tight: Black Masculinity, Millennials and the Meaning of Grime, they explore the evolution of the genre’s sound, from its DIY roots to commercial acclaim and collaborations with global icons. With infectious enthusiasm, Jeffrey shares his encyclopedic knowledge, guiding listeners on where to begin their grime adventure. Join them as they unlock the vibrant history and musical essence of one of Britain's most influential musical genres. Explore more from ABRSM at www.abrsm.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 24, 2024 • 1min
Start Here Trailer
Let the ‘Start Here’ podcast be your guide to different music genres Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
