Start Here

Start Here

By ABRSM Start Here PodcastEducationMusicMusic Interviews
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Start Here episodes

  • Start Here - Season 3 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 third season, now with full video episodes alongside the podcast.


    Exploring a wide range of musical genres, Start Here invites listeners and viewers on an entertaining and thought-provoking journey into the sound, culture and stories behind the music. Each episode features special guests and artists who share their insights, influences and recommendations on where to begin your musical exploration.


    From Heavy Metal to new and unexpected genres, Season 3 promises fresh perspectives, deeper conversations and more ways than ever to experience the music.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    2 min
  • Season 2 - Episode 10: Blues
    In the last episode of the season on Start Here, Alexis Ffrench explores the enduring power and raw emotion of Blues music with award-winning harmonica virtuoso and singer Giles Robson. Together, they delve into the genre’s deep-rooted origins, how Blues has evolved differently in the UK and the US, and why it continues to resonate so profoundly with the human experience.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    29 min
  • Season 2 - Episode 9: Arena DJ

    In this episode, Alexis Ffrench explores the evolving world of the arena DJ with rising star Manami—a classically trained artist whose high-energy sets and eclectic influences have taken her from Bristol’s underground scene to major UK stages.

    Together, they delve into what it really takes to build a DJ career today, how to develop a unique sound, and the powerful relationship between performer, crowd and space. Manami also reflects on the persistence of outdated views in the industry—especially around gender—and why it’s time for a shift in how we talk about DJing and production.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    29 min
  • Season 2 - Episode 8: Opera

    What makes opera so powerful—and why does it still resonate today?


    In this episode of Start Here, Alexis Ffrench is joined by international tenor Freddie De Tommaso, a rising star who’s breathing new life into opera’s timeless tradition. From his chart-topping recordings to his unforgettable last-minute debut at the Royal Opera House, Freddie shares what fuels his love for performance and how the operatic voice can still shake the soul—and society—in the modern day.


    Together, they explore the unique power of the operatic voice, the discipline behind the craft, and opera’s enduring ability to move audiences across generations. This is a conversation about legacy, storytelling, and why opera might just be more relevant now than ever.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    26 min
  • Season 2 - Episode 7: UK Garage
    This week on Start Here, Alexis Ffrench dives into the infectious energy and genre-defying legacy of UK Garage with one of its most versatile figures, Flava D. In this episode, Alexis and Flava D unpack the core components of Garage, pay homage to key influences like Craig David and Todd Edwards, reflect on the genre’s explosion in the late ‘90s and early 2000s. Plus, Flava D shares insights on how to break through today as a DJ or producer, and why Garage music still resonates so strongly with audiences around the world. Whether you’re two-stepping already or just discovering the scene, this is your gateway into the bold and brilliant world of UK Garage.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    29 min
  • Season 2 - Episode 6: Reggae

    On this week's epsiode of Start Here, Alexis Ffrench chats to Aleighcia Scott and Lloyd Bradley for a fascinating deepdive into reggae. In this deepdive into the genre, you'll hear how reggae has evolved and its influence on the music we listen to today. We hear about the vast range of music that it includes: ska, rocksteady and beyond. We hear about the stories that speak through reggae, and how the sound has evolved over time. If you love reggae or you're completely new to the genre, you'll love this week's discussion!


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    34 min
  • Season 2 - Episode 5: Gaming

    This week on Start Here, Alexis Ffrench ventures into the immersive world of video game music with legendary composer Robin Beanland. With a career spanning decades at Rare, Robin has shaped the sound of some of the most iconic games of all time, from Killer Instinct and Conker’s Bad Fur Day to the award-winning Sea of Thieves.


    Together, they explore how gaming music has evolved from simple 8-bit melodies to sweeping, cinematic scores that enhance storytelling and gameplay. Robin shares insights into his creative process, how music shapes player experience, and the unique way Sea of Thieves uses music dynamically within its open world. Whether you’re a lifelong gamer or just curious about the artistry behind game soundtracks, this episode reveals why gaming music is one of the most innovative and powerful forms of composition today.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    29 min
  • Season 2 - Episode 4: Folk
    This week on Start Here, Alexis Ffrench explores one of the oldest and most enduring musical traditions—Folk music. Joining him is esteemed journalist and broadcaster Jude Rogers, who has spent over a decade reviewing Folk music for The Guardian and brings a wealth of knowledge on its history and evolution. Together, they uncover why Folk music has lasted for centuries, evolving across generations while staying rooted in storytelling and community, and how its influence continues to shape music today. Whether you’re drawn to its rich history or discovering it for the first time, this episode is a fascinating look at a genre that has always had something to say.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    30 min
  • 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
  • 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.

    38 min

About Start Here

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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…