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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House music changed dancefloors forever. But beyond the four-on-the-floor rhythm lies a genre built on soul, community, liberation and musical innovation.
In this episode of Start Here Podcast, Alexis Ffrench is joined by DJ, producer and broadcaster Kwame Safo, also known as Funk Butcher, to explore the origins, sound and global influence of House music.
Together, they trace house music’s roots from Chicago’s Warehouse and pioneers like Frankie Knuckles through to the UK rave scene, Afro House and Amapiano. They discuss the genre’s deep connections to disco, jazz, gospel and Black musical traditions, alongside the role house music has played in community, identity and cultural expression.
The conversation also explores the musical DNA of house, from hypnotic rhythms and sampling culture to vocals, piano house and the lasting influence of DJs and producers across generations.
Whether you are already immersed in house music or discovering it for the first time, this is a joyful and insightful introduction to one of the world’s most influential dance genres.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
7 Sept 2026
Season 3 - Episode 9: Punk
Punk was loud, fast, confrontational and impossible to ignore. But beneath the chaos was a movement that changed music, fashion and culture forever.
In this episode of Start Here Podcast, Alexis Ffrench is joined by Guardian journalist and critic Alexis Petridis to explore the origins, sound and legacy of Punk.
Together, they unpack the roots of punk in 1970s New York and Britain, the rise of bands like the Ramones, Sex Pistols and The Clash, and the DIY ethos that reshaped modern music culture.
The conversation explores punk’s stripped-back musical language, its relationship with politics and protest, the influence of fashion and youth identity, and the artists who carried its spirit far beyond the original movement.
Whether you know punk intimately or are discovering it for the first time, this is a fascinating introduction to one of music’s most disruptive and influential genres.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
6 May 2026
Season 3 - Episode 8: Britpop
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 (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
4.6 / 5
10 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 27 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
28
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
67
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