Start Here

In this episode of Start Here Podcast, Alexis Ffrench is joined by music journalist and author Jude Rogers to explore the rise, sound and cultural impact of Britpop. Together, they unpack how Britpop emerged in 1990s Britain as a reaction to grunge and American alternative music, becoming a defining cultural movement built on guitars, regional identity, sharp songwriting and unapologetically Briti...

In this episode of Start Here, Alexis Ffrench dives into the world of Disco with DJ, musician and historian Ana Matronic. Together, they explore a genre that is far more than glitter and dancefloors. From its roots in rhythm and blues and underground club culture to its role in community, identity and liberation, disco emerges as one of the most powerful and influential musical movements of the 20...

In this episode of Start Here, Alexis Ffrench explores the richness, rhythm and global influence of Brazilian music with DJ and broadcaster Patrick Forge. From the foundations of samba to the intimacy of bossa nova, they unpack a musical culture shaped by African, European and indigenous influences, and one that continues to evolve today. They explore the rhythmic DNA that underpins Brazilian musi...

In this episode of Start Here, Alexis Ffrench dives into the raw, emotional world of Grunge with journalist and broadcaster Kate Hutchinson. Together, they explore the origins of grunge in late 1980s Seattle, unpacking how a small scene of misfit musicians created a sound that would go on to redefine rock music. From distorted guitars and stripped-back instrumentation to themes of alienation, vuln...

In this episode of Start Here, Alexis Ffrench explores the world of Experimental music with author and broadcaster Elizabeth Alker. Together, they unpack a genre that is often difficult to define, but hugely influential across modern music. From early pioneers working with tape machines and found sound, to the ways experimental ideas have shaped artists like The Beatles and beyond, this episode re...

In this episode of Start Here, Alexis Ffrench dives into the world of Dubstep with journalist and author Joe Muggs, exploring a genre that transformed from a small South London scene into a global musical force. Together, they trace dubstep’s origins in Croydon, drawing on UK garage, drum & bass and Jamaican sound system culture, and unpack the sonic DNA that defines the genre — from deep sub-...

In this episode of Start Here, Alexis Ffrench explores the rich history, spiritual power and enduring influence of Gospel music with celebrated broadcaster, singer and actress Jumoke Fashola. Together, they unpack gospel’s roots in African musical traditions, folk song, hymnody and the African American church, tracing how the genre became a vital force in community, worship and musical expression....

Season 3 of Start Here begins with a loud and uncompromising dive into Heavy Metal. Alexis Ffrench is joined by radio presenter and hard rock and metal expert Sophie K, alongside Mikey Demus of Skindred, to explore a genre that is far more nuanced, emotional and wide-ranging than many people might expect. Together, they unpack the origins of metal, from Black Sabbath and the early foundations of t...

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 s...

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 acas...

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, c...

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 th...

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 ho...

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...

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...

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...

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 conf...

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 be...

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...

‘ 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’ feat...

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 perf...

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 p...

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...

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...

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 supre...