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 British voices.

The conversation explores the musical DNA of the genre, from jangling guitars and melodic basslines to distinctive vocal delivery and observational storytelling, alongside the social and political backdrop that shaped the era. They discuss key bands including Blur, Oasis, Pulp, Suede and Elastica, as well as the influence of The Smiths, Madchester and rave culture.

Alexis and Jude also reflect on Britpop’s relationship with class, identity, Cool Britannia and authenticity, alongside the movement’s lasting influence on British music today.

Whether you lived through the era or are discovering it for the first time, this is a fascinating introduction to one of Britain’s most iconic musical movements.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 20th century.

They unpack disco’s musical DNA, from four-on-the-floor rhythms to orchestral production, and trace its journey from underground spaces to global phenomenon. The episode also explores the cultural and political forces that shaped disco, its pushback in the late 1970s, and its lasting influence on house, hip-hop and modern pop.

Featuring artists such as Donna Summer, Barry White and Chic, this is a rich and revealing introduction to a genre that continues to move people across generations.

Whether you know disco well or are discovering it for the first time, this is your starting point.

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

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 music, the stories behind its most iconic sounds, and how genres like samba, bossa nova and MPB have travelled far beyond Brazil to influence music around the world.

Featuring insights into artists including Antônio Carlos Jobim, João Gilberto and Elis Regina, this episode is a vibrant and accessible introduction to one of the most sophisticated and expressive musical traditions in the world.

🎧 Listen now: podfollow.com/1730508421

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

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, vulnerability and rebellion, this episode gets to the heart of what made grunge so powerful.

They also examine the cultural impact of the movement, its sudden rise into the mainstream, and the tensions that came with it, as well as the role of women in shaping the genre and its legacy today.

Featuring key artists including Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Hole and Mudhoney, this is a compelling introduction to one of music’s most raw and influential genres.

Whether you know grunge well or are discovering it for the first time, this is your starting point.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 reveals how boundary-pushing creativity has continually reshaped what music can be.

They discuss the mindset behind experimental music, its relationship with technology and innovation, and why it continues to challenge how we listen and think about sound.

Whether you are completely new to the genre or looking to understand it more deeply, this is a fascinating introduction to one of music’s most innovative and far-reaching worlds.

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