Student Pages Podcast

Host Izzy welcomes back Tom Ball to discuss his upcoming classical-crossover single "Boy Scientist," recorded with LIM and London Voices at Abbey Road and releasing August 12.

The track is part of a classical crossover genre, recorded in the renowned Abbey Road Studios with the London Voices ensemble. Tom shares his journey with the single, crediting his collaboration with the musical collective LIM and composers Ron J. Danzinger and Christina Teenstan. 

The creative process began last year when Tom first collaborated with LIM on a project titled "Timeless," which achieved significant success, reaching number one on the UK classical charts. This experience was pivotal for him, leading to further invitations to work on additional songs, including "Boy Scientist," which he describes as a charming love song capturing the excitement of new relationships. 

Beyond his musical endeavors, Tom is an ambassador for Diabetes UK, driven to raise awareness for type one diabetes, a condition he has lived with since being diagnosed at age eight. Initially reluctant to engage in the diabetes community, his perspective shifted after forming a partnership with his manager, Jay James, whose son was recently diagnosed with the same condition. This personal connection propelled Tom into advocacy, highlighting the importance of community and shared experiences in managing a lifelong condition like diabetes.

In the latest edition of the student pages spotlight series, host Izzy interviews British Actor Kieran Bew, who reprises his role as Hugh Hammer in the highly anticipated third season of "House of the Dragon." Kieran expresses his excitement about returning to the show and feels privileged to collaborate with a talented cast and crew.

He highlights the enjoyable atmosphere during script read-throughs, noting how the excitement of gathering new and familiar cast members creates a party-like environment. Kieran reflects on his connection to the character Hugh Hammer, describing the role as a fit due to the various elements he has encountered in his acting career. He differentiates between reading the character in the book and the evolving portrayal revealed through the scripts, emphasizing the discovery process involved in adapting his performance to the show. The process involves drawing on personal experiences, such as being a father and being married, which he believes enhance his characterization.

He also appreciates the depth of talent within the British acting community, crediting institutions like Lambda for the incredible training he received alongside skilled actors. Kieran acknowledges the consistent drive for excellence he witnesses among peers across various years and the expansive casting opportunities available as actors develop over time. This commitment to honing their craft and the dynamic nature of the acting industry contributes to the vibrant landscape of talent he is proud to be a part of.

For our latest Student Pages spotlight interview, Jayden sits down with LA pop-punk sensation Chloe Star to discuss her latest release GAMES. She expresses enthusiasm about creating four upcoming tracks, which were primarily recorded with a live band in New York and Nashville. Chloe describes the process of making music as both inspiring and fun, noting that sharing her work with the world feels like a magical moment after investing so much effort. 

She likens releasing a song to taking care of a baby, highlighting the challenge of determining when to stop refining a piece and allow it to reach listeners. Chloe emphasizes the significance of her music, which draws from diverse experiences, including love, heartbreak, addiction, and disappointment. Collaborating closely with producer Alan Markley and fellow writers during her two-week New York stint provided a rich environment for creativity, allowing her to express these complex emotions. 

For Chloe, songwriting merges therapeutic exploration with artistic expression, an essential interplay that facilitates processing various aspects of life while fostering her love for music. She regards this creative outlet as invaluable, underscoring its role in helping articulate thoughts and feelings that are otherwise difficult to express. Overall, her passion for writing and performing shines through as she prepares to share her latest work with the audience.

In this episode, BEKS talks about her latest single "Nice Try," the newly written anthem "Terf Werk" addressing microaggressions toward the trans community, upcoming Melodrama remixes, and her experience as a guest judge on Drag Race Down Under vs The World.

She also shares her journey from writing jingles and touring as a punk rocker to forging an independent solo career, her influences, creative process, and advice to young artists about valuing fans, centering yourself, and going where you're celebrated.

For our latest spotlight series episode, we caught up with trio Yee Loi, comprised of siblings Rose (19, guitar and vocals), Matilda (17, drums and vocals) and Don Don (15, bass) from Liverpool. In this lively discussion hosted by Jayden Robinson, the band Yee Loi, featuring members Rose and Matilda, introduced their new single titled "Down in the Bunker." This song originated from a creative process led by Matilda, who shared an unusual, humorous story stemming from a vacation experience in a notably unpleasant Airbnb.

The foul odor in the house inspired a running joke about a fictitious character, "Uncle Giuseppe," imagined as a rotten Italian relative hidden within the walls. Matilda developed this quirky concept into the song's narrative, revolving around a goth girl bullied by popular peers. The story unfolds with a dark comedic twist, revealing that the goth girl resides in a bunker with her deceased uncle and eventually kills one of her bullies, taking the body to join her uncle. The lyrics reflect a blend of gothic horror and absurdity, making it both frightening and amusing. The band highlights the uniqueness of drawing inspiration from bizarre imaginative experiences rather than solely from personal, deep-seated stories.

This refreshing approach showcases their creativity, emphasizing that not all songs need a profound emotional backdrop, especially given their relatively short time on Earth. The conversation ultimately celebrates the diversity in songwriting, mixing personal and fantastical elements to engage listeners.

Host Uche caught up with Sola Guinto to disucss her new single "Bonkers" and its influence on her creative process. Sola explains that each release allows her to explore her artistic identity more boldly and gain confidence, noting the importance of fan responses to her music. She describes her approach to songwriting as capturing moments that are unique and allowing them to exist independently while still contributing to her overall evolution as an artist. Sola emphasizes the need for creative freedom and the exploration of possibilities, balancing serious themes with humor in her work. 

She reflects on her inspiration, attributing it to real-life experiences and observations of society. By examining her own life and the shared reality, she aims to create music that resonates emotionally. Guinto expresses a desire to push her experiences to extremes, using her art as a form of catharsis for her mental health amidst the complexities of the world. Ultimately, she seeks to engage with the challenges of contemporary life through her music, inviting listeners to explore these themes alongside her.

In the latest episode of the Student Pages Spotlight series, host Izzy interviews Maya Lane, discussing her new single "Cherry Stains and Dumb Flings." Maya shares that the song was inspired by a tumultuous period in her life, where she experienced both significant career advancements, such as touring Europe and performing at major shows, alongside personal challenges like moving out of her childhood home and staying in various temporary living situations.

The lyrics reflect a bittersweet mix of nostalgia and acceptance, capturing the complexity of wanting to return to a past state while recognizing that it cannot be replicated.

Maya also recounts her performance at the prestigious Roundhay Festival, where she opened for artists like Louise Capaldi, emphasizing the significance of this opportunity for her career. She expressed excitement about being part of such a historic event, performing in the same venue that has hosted legendary artists like Michael Jackson and Prince. This experience marked a personal milestone for Maya as she appreciated the recognition for her hard work and the chance to play at an iconic location.

In this episode Izzy sits down with actor Maxim Wrottesley to discuss returning as Ser Lorent Marbrand in House of the Dragon, his lifelong love of fantasy, and how adapting the books for TV changes characters and storylines. They cover the Battle of the Gullet, on-set choices, and what fans can expect from the rest of the season.

Max also shares his acting origins, challenges of the industry like self-tapes and financial instability, advice for aspiring actors, and the joy of working on high-quality productions.

Host Izzy chats with sibling duo Alt Blk Era about their upcoming album—an evolution of the Raven Mortal story with more rap and electronic influences—plus their festival comebacks at Splendour and 2000 Trees and the whirlwind of supporting Pendulum on tour.

The creative process has evolved since they began releasing music in 2022, allowing them to better understand their sounds and collaboration methods. The relationship between members as sisters enhances their confidence, particularly when facing performances at significant events like Splendour Festival and 2000 Trees. They acknowledge that their individual music tastes differ, suggesting that if they were to pursue solo projects, their music would likely diverge significantly, blending their unique influences into the cohesive sound of Alt Blk Era. Their collaboration stands as a testament to the combination of their favorite genres, which is evident in their music and appreciated by listeners.

The episode explores their creative process, family support, handling online hate, and practical advice for young artists: start creating, experiment, and make the industry work for you.

In the latest episode of the Student Pages Spotlight Series, hosted by Izzy, features a return visit from Sydnie Christmas, discussing her newly released single "Lean On You," which is part of her upcoming album. Collaborating with notable figures like Paul Meehan, known for his work with One Direction, Sydnie reflects on her songwriting journey that started at the age of 11. She expresses surprise at discovering her own voice and the depth of her experiences.

The songwriting process has been particularly impactful, culminating in a collection of songs that resonate deeply with her life’s experiences, especially following a recent breakup that initially inspired a wave of creativity. Despite the emotional challenges, she emphasizes that this period has also brought continued optimism into her life, reflected in her music. "Lean On You," alongside other tracks, draws from her new, positive relationship, marking a transition towards a brighter perspective in her songwriting.

Sydnie articulates the notion that albums serve as time capsules, capturing various stages of life, including both joy and sorrow. She believes that her current musical output adds a touch of happiness to a world that can often feel heavy. Moreover, she identifies a particular love for anthemic songs that uplift and connect listeners, illustrating her intent to create music that resonates in a communal way, motivating and inspiring her audience to embrace positivity.