Rephonic
Artwork for Start Here
Hip-Hop
Drum & Bass
Emo
Dance Music
UK Garage
Folk Music
Opera
Reggae
Blues
Grime
House Music
Djing
Dubstep
Disco (music Genre)
EQ50
Drill Music
Music Scene
The Sound Of Being Human
Freddie De Tommaso
Techno

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 ... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes31Founded2 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
EducationMusic

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Artwork for Start Here

Latest Episodes

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 ... more

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 undergroun... more

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 sha... more

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 mu... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Ana Matronic
Musician and historian of disco
DJ and host
Episode: Season 3 - Episode 7: Disco
Patrick Forge
Musician, DJ, Brazilian music expert
Self-described Brazilian music expert
Episode: Season 3 - Episode 6: Brazil
Kate Hutchinson
Radio presenter, journalist and writer
The Guardian, The Observer, The New York Times
Episode: Season 3 - Episode 5: Grunge
Joe Muggs
Dubstep aficionado and journalist
Mixmag, other broadsheets
Episode: Season 3 - Episode 3: Dubstep
Jumoke Fashola
Celebrated broadcaster, singer and actress
Episode: Season 3 - Episode 2: Gospel
Sophie K
Radio presenter, podcast host and metal expert
Independent media / metal scene
Episode: Season 3 - Episode 1: Heavy Metal
Mikey Demus
Guitarist for Skindred
Skindred
Episode: Season 3 - Episode 1: Heavy Metal
Giles Robson
Legendary blues harmonica player and internationally recognized blues artist.
Chicago's Alligator Records
Episode: Season 2 - Episode 10: Blues
Freddie De Tommaso
Award-winning opera singer who has gained recognition across Europe's stages and made his debut at number one on the Classical Albums Chart.
Episode: Season 2 - Episode 8: Opera

Host

Alexis Ffrench
Pianist, composer and producer

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 9 ratings
  • What a delight

    Fantastic podcast hosted by an engaging and knowledgeable host with an infectious love of music. Guests have been great representing the musical cosmos. There are quite a few genres and artists I will be reappraising thanks to this little beauty. I love the episodes where he plays piano and gets his guest to join in. Surely more seasons, a longer format and maybe a few specials on a composer or band - Mozart and the Prodigy? Or maybe a classic album or two? Either way, keep them coming!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JamPalm
    United Kingdoma year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Engaging host with obvious music passion and depth of knowledge.
Guests bring wide-ranging perspectives across genres.
Great mix of storytelling and music recommendations that feel accessible.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#185
United Kingdom/Music

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Season 3 - Episode 7: Disco
Q: Where should beginners start their disco education?
Begin with foundational artists and producers who defined disco's sound, such as Barry White and Barry White's Love Unlimited Orchestra, then explore the broader scene through Gamble and Huff's orchestration and early 70s disco records; also listen to influential disco-era tracks by Donna Summer, Giorgio Moroder, and collective labels that shaped the genre's dance-floor appeal.
Season 3 - Episode 2: Gospel
Q: elevator pitches. Why should people listen to gospel music?
Gospel connects body and soul universally, transcending background, and its energy can move listeners, enlighten them, and anchor a sense of community and personal experience.
Season 2 - Episode 9: Arena DJ
Q: What are the barriers to entry within the DJ community?
Gender disparities, the cost of equipment, and the previous male-dominated perception of DJing and production have historically impacted accessibility.
Season 2 - Episode 9: Arena DJ
Q: How does your background inform your choices as a DJ?
Manami's exposure to various musical styles in Bristol and London has shaped her distinct sound and ability to connect with audiences.
Season 2 - Episode 9: Arena DJ
Q: What defines an Arena DJ and why should people listen to them?
An Arena DJ brings people together to share an euphoric experience while experiencing music on a club sound system, which enhances the visceral connection compared to listening through headphones.

Audience Metrics

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Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Start Here

What is Start Here about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show centers on accessible introductions to a wide array of musical genres, from blues and reggae to opera and UK garage, through conversations with musicians, producers, and scholars. Each episode pairs a host with experts and artists to discuss history, culture, and practical entry points—often with artist recommendations for newcomers. Across recent seasons, the mix of performers and academics highlights a mission to demystify genres, celebrate diversity in sound, and provide listeners with clear paths to begin exploring new styles. A notable strength is its breadth and guest variety, offering both performer stories and scholarly context, which can be especially appealing to curious, music-loving listeners and industry professionals ... more

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How many subscribers and views does Start Here have?

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Which podcasts are similar to Start Here?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Start Here:

1. Word In Your Ear
2. Oh God, What Now?
3. The Rest Is Entertainment
4. Desert Island Discs
5. The Rest Is Politics

How many episodes of Start Here are there?

Start Here launched 2 years ago and published 31 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Start Here?

Recent guests on Start Here include:

1. Ana Matronic
2. Patrick Forge
3. Kate Hutchinson
4. Joe Muggs
5. Jumoke Fashola
6. Sophie K
7. Mikey Demus
8. Giles Robson

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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