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
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- Update frequency
- every 6 days
- Average duration
- 30 minutes
- Episodes
- 22
- Years Active
- 2024 - 2025
Season 2 - Episode 10: Blues
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 Bri…
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 …
Season 2 - Episode 7: UK Garage
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 evo…
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 soun…
Season 2 - Episode 4: Folk
Season 2 - Episode 3: Emo
Season 2 - Episode 2: Drill
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 roo…
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 secon…
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 A…
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 doe…
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 monumenta…
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 a…
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 ja…
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 Sho…
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 internatio…
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 Billb…
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 bring…