Start Here

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 the sound to its many modern subgenres and global influence. They discuss the DNA of metal, its sense of identity and community, the power of distortion, and why the genre has long offered a space for emotion, release and belonging. The episode also looks at metal’s relationship with trauma, rebellion and vulnerability, its crossover with genres like hip-hop and electronic music, and where the sound is heading next.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or completely new to the genre, this is your starting point for understanding one of music’s most passionate and powerful worlds
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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.
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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.

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.
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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.
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