Belta

This episode of Belta is with Manchester-based DJ and producer Meltx. We covered all sorts in this episode: from perceptions of hard techno, to embracing your truest self and feminity, to experiences on the dancefloor and beyond. I learned a lot in this one about the scene she is involved in and some super interesting outlooks on life, and I know you will too.Find Meltx online here.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

This episode of Belta is with Van Damn. He is an absolutely class producer and DJ hailing from Scotland, and has many what I'm going to call ‘side quests' through the stellar b2b podcast and design work.We spoke about plenty in this episode - from his various DJing endeavours, to Scotland and bigging up the local and making music for YOU. We gossiped til the ends of the earth if I'm honest, so I'd grab a cuppa for this one.Find Van Damn online here.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

This episode of Belta is with Tony y Not. Born in Germany and now living in North America, specifically NYC, she is a stellar DJ and producer who weaves between soundscapes of upbeat rhythms, funny builds, dark synths and acid tinged disco.I've been wanting her on Belta for a while now, and we've finally made it happen! We spoke about mental health and invisible illness in the music industry, something very close to both of our hearts, plus many more: think learning to produce on Youtube, her lil Couzin S friend that pops up, and quite literally travelling the world. Find Tony y Not online here. Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

This episode of Belta is with Talina. Originally from Manchester and now based in London, she's a sensational presenter, radio host and DJ who holds down regular shows on Rinse FM, has hosted Boiler Rooms, and runs her own podcast South Asian Overground. Naturally we spoke about all of that, her absolutely instrumental and incredible efforts to talk about mental health and build open narratives around it, getting into presenting when you're not from a ‘hub' and plenty more. She's also a hardcore Manchester United fan... so that dominated a heap towards the end. Spoiler: she can tell the future. :DFind Talina online here.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

This episode of Belta is with Denham Audio. Originally from London but at this point an adopted Northerner having moved to Sheffield and never looked back, he's been all over the place recently. Look no further than his 23 date tour that spanned Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand...We covered heaps in this episode and had such a class, chilled out conversation. Highlights include the mighty Sheffield, of course, and his determination to engage with the community, his genre fluidity, his collective and label Club Glow and what he'd do if he was an early career producer wanting to share his first tracks today. We even touched upon his dabbling in being a film star…!Find Denham Audio online here.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

This episode of Belta is with Danny Howard. Originally from the North West, he's most widely known for heading up Friday nights on BBC Radio 1. We spoke about that, but also all sorts beyond this: from growing up in the North West, how he stays literally sane whilst spinning so many plates (did I mention he also runs a label?), the responsibility of a tastemaker and... Nando's black cards. :DThere's also a guest question from a familiar face to both Belta and Danny...Find Danny online here.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

This episode of Belta is with La La. She's a sensational DJ, producer and label head from Scotland.It feels really full circle getting her onto Belta, as it's nearly three years since I wrote a little piece on her in DJ Mag. We spoke about so much: from her homeland of Scotland - it's Belta, after all - to navigating a music career as a woman, rebelling against pressure, doing you and growing organically… AND her two labels and stellar productions.Find La La online here.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

This episode of Belta is with Rinzen. The half-North American, half-Japanese producer and DJ has just shared his new album ‘Bend To The Light' curated on the background of a really fun, sci-fi and futuristic concept, and hopped on to Belta to chat to me all things working with some massive labels, his obsession with creative and workflow inspiration and making the transition from a music journalist to full-time producer and DJ. Find Rinzen online here.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

This episode of Belta is with Alan Dixon. He's originally from the North East - from good old Darlington - and is a cracking DJ, producer and labelowner who creates proper uplifting, anthemic and feel-good tracks. He's worked with some of the top names in the business including Defected/Glitterbox, Three Six Zero and Keinemusik.This was a super fun episode in which we spoke about all sorts – from building a career in the music industry, to signing to labels, to - of course - our shared home roots and working in music whilst based up north. Find Alan online here.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

This episode of Belta is with Bklava. The Lebanese-Northern Irish artist is a stellar musician, vocalist and DJ, recently announcing a long-awaited mixtape. They're also founder of label, party, and overall banging platform Spin Sugar, which intends to promote female and non-binary artists with the aim to influence young women to join the music industry and close the gender gap. In this episode, we spoke about her independence as an artist and her ongoing creative evolution, being a listener versus a DJ, her Lebanese and Irish heritage, and how her now-label Spin Suga all roots in academia.Find Bklava online here.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

This episode of Belta is with Habgud. He's a producer and DJ from Nottingham and has recently relocated to Manchester. Often found playing a variety of techno and percussive soundscapes, Habgud has played at clubs including The White Hotel and Tresor and also runs label Burned At Both Ends. He's also just kicked off a new project; but more on that when you listen!In this episode we discussed what it's like to run a vinyl-only record label in 2024 – and the realities of running a label more broadly - expectation vs reality of touring (inclusive of a week stuck in Europe) and his relocation to Manchester, amongst plenty more.Find Habgud online here.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

This episode of Belta is with Cicely.  Originally from a town not far from Newcastle, she is a multifaceted creative and an exceptional photographer and DJ, who now bases herself in London. She lives by the phrase ‘shy bairns get nout', and I do the exact same, so with that alone I knew she had to come on for a chat...We covered SO much in this episode including her photography and music career, her keenness to spotlight working class creatives, mental health, and just going for it. We also mentioned her recent accidental meeting with going viral…!Find Cicely online here.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

This episode of Belta is with founder and director of PR agency Electric Shores Publicity and artist manager Jenn Nimmo-Smith.Catching up with Jenn the week a lot of the music industry rose from their festive break-induced slumber, we touched on all sorts: from her various job roles, the reality of working for yourself, funny (albeit tedious!) memories from her vast experience in music, and her decision to move back to her home of Glasgow.Find Jenn's Electric Shores online here.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

This episode of Belta - the first for 2024, hello! - is with Salford's Ghoulish.  A lad born and bred in the North West, he's just released his debut EP ‘Weekends Goodwill' via Skream's IFEEL label and has played some huge gigs lately, including fabric and Warehouse Project.We covered heaps in this episode: of course, we spoke about his beloved Salford, as well as the current UK clubbing landscape more broadly. We also touched on his new massive EP, bringing his parents to the rave and the big old discourse on imposter syndrome.Find Ghoulish online here.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

This episode of Belta is with Nyra. Originally from Sheffield - and with odes to the steel city throughout his artistry - he's a DJ, producer and labelhead, who is unapologetically doing things on his own terms.We spoke about his iconic imprint Canoe as it celebrates its 20th release, his residency at Adonis, and his love for his home of Sheffield. We also spoke about changes in the music industry over the years, his break from music to become a professional cyclist, and get reflective. Find Nyra online here.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

This episode of Belta is with Jacklyn. From Newcastle, she is a stellar techno DJ, having played at major clubs including Tresor Berlin and De School in Amsterdam.This episode covers a real mix, from the healing properties of music and its power to express, making people feel something with music, and her international upbringing and developing her career in Newcastle. Find Jacklyn online here.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

This episode of Belta is with Isle of Skye-via-Glasgow's Ros T. He's a producer and DJ who has gone from strength to strength, forming his sonic identity as a concoction of house, disco, indie, soul and more.In this episode, we spoke about the rich music culture in the Isle of Skye, music as a consistent source of reliance and the importance of openness when it comes to consuming music, too – amongst plenty more.Find Ros T online here.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

This episode of Belta is with Jordan Nocturne, from Belfast, Northern Ireland. He is an exceptional producer and DJ, with the two very much ingrained into his DNA. We spoke about those formative days of his career, the importance of DIY culture - and withstanding cliquiness - as well as his party The Night Institute. In prime Belta fashion, we went through some tracks he's loving right now, and I got a guided tour of Belfast. Find Jordan online here.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

This episode of Belta is with Rory Masson, based up in Aberdeen, Scotland. He's an industry head in electronic music, founding RARE Club - which runs weekly parties across Scotland's most loved venues including Tunnels, Le Cheetah, Sub Club and SWG3 - and co-directing Cultivate Festival, the North East of Scotland's biggest electronic music festival. He cut his teeth back in the day throwing infamous house parties and afters in his Aberdeen student house, and to this day still throws parties which originate from a place of passion.In this episode, we spoke about a range of topics, including industry perspectives on some of the most relevant topics in electronic music right now, his renowned afterparty roots and DIY culture. He gave some insightful knowledge into events management, too; it's certainly a must-listen for budding, but also established, promoters alike. Rory also shared his ultimate night out in Scotland with me, and as I write this, am booking the next train to get up there for a dance...Find Rory online here and Cultivate Festival online here.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

This episode of Belta is with Manchester-based artist Samuel Kerridge.Musically, he takes a rather post-punk approach to techno, and has done for over a decade. What with becoming an integral part of Regis's iconic Downwards imprint which marries broken techno with snarling metal-influenced punk, he's also released seven EPs and five albums.In this episode, we spoke about what Samuel likes to refer to as the 'no nonsense north', his hybrid DJ sets, authenticity in music and the importance of having a variety of outlets to prioritise yourself. There's heaps more in there too; it's a real packed episode.Find Samuel online here.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

This episode of Belta is with the Scottish man of the moment, Ewan McVicar.His Ministry of Sound cut 'Groove Thang' is taking summertime dancefloors by storm, with residencies announced in both Glasgow and Newcastle. What with a Rinse FM and BBC Radio 1 residency, selling out shows left, right, and centre plus his own festival — he's got a fair bit going on.We also really got to know the real Ewan; it's a bumper episode.Find Ewan online here.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

This episode of Belta is with the boys behind Aberdeen-born, now Glasgow-based, DJ and production duo t e s t p r e s s.We spoke about their immense Boiler Room - and its crowd - their love for rap, eurodance and trance, upcoming single ‘U' and of course, their beloved Scotland. Look no further, these lads have your next night out in Glasgow or Aberdeen sorted...Find t e s t p r e s s online here. Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

In this episode, I spoke to the brilliant Ammara. She's based in London, but her first release was on northern label Trick, so I thought it would be fun to have her on for a chat about that process of breaking through – alongside heaps of other things, of course!Besides her production work - and new single with Ministry of Sound - we spoke about self-expression through fashion, dealing with misogyny, and her favourite dancefloor moments.Find Ammara online here.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

Today's episode of Belta is with Liverpool-based Sophia Violet. She's a DJ and producer in her own right, and also 1/4 of popular group Girls Don't Sync.We spoke about her crazy last few months (and those upcoming), maintaining a work-life balance - and doing so with Type 1 Diabetes - and the nightlife of her beloved Liverpool. We also spoke about wild crowd moments, her forthcoming productions and how music is quite literally in her DNA!You can find Sophia online here.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

This episode of Belta speaks to North-East based Man Power, realname Geoff Kirkwood. He's a bit of a legend up in the region, working under the Man Power alias, alongside Bed Wetter and MPX. In this episode, we spoke about accessibility within electronic music spaces, his plethora of projects, platforming the North East and doing music for the true love of it – amongst plenty more.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

Today's episode of Belta is with Manchester-based Rudosa. He's a stellar techno DJ with an ethos dedicated to platforming and helping upcoming artists through a variety of initiatives and schools he runs – alongside his own groovy, hard hitting output.I sat down with Rudosa and we spoke about all sorts: from the current state of techno, to renting out Pikes, to battling with self-comparison whilst also chatting about our favourite techno tunes and his multitude of side project. He's a busy man! Find Rudosa online here.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

Today's episode of Belta is with producer and DJ Effy. Originally from the North West - near Blackpool - and now based in London, she is truly one of a kind in the high energy, emotionally driven music she delivers through her productions and how this translates onto the dancefloor We spoke about her upbringing in the North West, music production as a cathartic form of art and the issue of gender in the music industry. In true Belta form, we also discussed our favourite coastlines of the UK and pride for your hometown! Don't say this podcast isn't unique...Find Effy online here.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

Today's episode of Belta is with vocalist, producer and DJ lau.ra. Originally from the midlands, her parents are from good old Middlesbrough, so I'm super keen to chat a bit about her experiences up here.I sat down with Laura and besides this neck of the woods, we spoke about THAT BBC essential mix, the demands of social media in a modern day and of course got right into chatting all about production, writing music and the importance of being as creative as you possibly can. Find Laura online here.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

This episode of Belta is in conversation with Azzecca.Based in Chicago, North America, she's garnering heaps of critical support and success with her releases which effortlessly blend house and techno whilst also running women-friendly party Dirty Disco. We spoke about her ‘bad bitch, sad bitch' musical flow, her love for rock music, weirdest moments she's experienced whilst playing a set and she shared all about her favourite Chicago clubs. Oh - and we spoke cat memes.You can find Azzecca online here.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

This episode of Belta is in conversation with Matt Guy.Matt shot into the psyche of many a music journalist, broadcaster and clubber through his massive track ‘Set My Mind Free', and his production output is showing no signs of slowing down.I sat down with Matt and we spoke about everything: from crying on the dancefloor (for good reasons, of course) to his love for 90s rave sound and how this translates into the music he creates.You can find Matt online here.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

This episode of Belta is in conversation with journalist Aneesa Ahmed.Aneesa is a freelance journalist, having worked at Mixmag for over a year and is now based in Sheffield whilst studying a masters degree in journalism. She's written for NME, done plenty for Mixmag (including a cover story) and is part of The Guardian's Scott Trust Scheme.We spoke about the nitty gritty ins-and-outs of being a journalist, the many routes you can get into the industry - cliche hint: just start writing! - and our favourite parties up north. We also discussed how media industries need to be better in terms of equality and diversity, and shouted out some mega folk and DIY teams who are paving the way.You can check out more of Aneesa online here.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

This episode of Belta is in conversation with ABSOLUTE..Although based down South, half of his family are Scottish, and this guy has a special love for the place, its people and jaw-dropping scenery.We spoke about the power and cathartic energy that music can provide, finding his people in a sleepy coastal town (and how to find yours), plus how he's levelling up his artistry in the most unique ways. We also touched on embracing your true self, and his contributions to queer dance scenes.You can check out more of ABSOLUTE. online here.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

This episode of Belta is in conversation with Schak.A North East lad through and through, the producer and DJ has hit the ground running with mega track 'Moving All Around'. Yet whilst on the surface the success has been astronomical, the years of graft, patience and hard work he's put into his craft is clear as we talk throughout the episode. We spoke about the togetherness felt in the North East and support from pals such as Ben Hemsley and Patrick Topping, the beauty of writing music you truly love, and the surge in popularity of uptempo sounds such as Mákina. Of course, we also spoke about that one time he ended up on Sky Sports News after a pop-up rave at St James' Park.You can check out more of Schak online here.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

This episode of Belta is in conversation with Arielle Free.A true pocket rocket from Scotland, Arielle can be heard across the BBC Radio 1 airwaves, bouncing around the decks whilst playing a mega DJ set, or found running her 'Free Your Mind' brand. She's got it all going on, and is a true self-proclaimed music nerd and proud.Catching up with Arielle in the final episode of Belta before Christmas, we spoke about the talent coming from Scotland right now, the importance of supporting other women in the industry and her escapades whilst recording said massive podcast over the previous five years.You can check out more of Arielle online here.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

This episode of Belta is in conversation with KUBA.Based in Manchester, he's a truly innovative soul and extremely talented producer and vocalist who embodies creativity in all of his endeavours and escapades.Catching up with KUBA days before his new single ‘NY2003' dropped, we ended up having a really insightful chat about creativity as a concept, the sense of overwhelm you can feel as a new artist and staying in your own lane. We touched on a lot of inspiring habits and perspectives, so it's definitely a thought-provoking edition.You can check out KUBA's Instagram here.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

This episode of Belta is in conversation with Lydia Laws.Based in Whitley Bay in the North East, she's a music publicist and is founder of the immensely successful Lydia Laws PR, having with clients such as Sasha and Last Night On Earth, Blond:ish, Trick label, and Virgin EMI records to name a few. Catching up with Lydia following her return from Amsterdam Dance Event, we spoke about what her job actually entails, the beauty of doing your own thing and she took me on a rundown of her ideal night out in Newcastle. She also gave some incredibly interesting advice for DJs and producers who are trying to get themselves known in the industry.You can check out Lydia's website, which contains a free guide for folk wanting to learn the ropes with navigating the industry as a DJ / producer and a full list of her services, here.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

This episode of Belta is in conversation with Avision.Based in North America, more specifically New York, he's a DJ and producer who plays techno-centric music although isn't afraid to dabble in a variety of sounds to suit his crowd's needs. For the first episode back after a short break, we spoke about feeling pigeonholed as an artist, why open mindedness is so important in music and his love and inspiration drawn from his musical family. I also got some insight into baseball. Don't tell me this isn't a well rounded podcast.You can follow Avision on Instagram @avision to keep up to date with what he's got going on.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

The final episode of Belta Season 1 sees Sarah Story get involved. We chatted about first nights out, the bright lights of Middlesbrough, and concocted our own playlist to welcome summer.Sarah has progressed from smaller stations to hosting the Future Dance show on BBC Radio 1, and simultaneously DJs, having been a resident at Warehouse Project in 2021. She gave plenty of wisdom, and great nuggets of information for those of you having some organisation issues with Rekordbox!Follow Sarah online at @sarahstoryFind Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

This episode of Belta is in conversation with UKG and bass producer and DJ, Sammy Virji. Pretty much an adopted northerner, we discussed making it onto the FIFA soundtrack, creating DIY Instagram filters, and how to balance life on the road as a DJ - an equal life is a good life, friends…You can follow Sammy on Instagram @sammyvirji to keep up with what he's got going on.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

In this episode I spoke to Kintra, which consists of twin sisters Frankie and Jozette. Based between Glasgow and Newcastle, the pair are originally from Dundee in Scotland and are rapidly garnering a name for themselves with their unique sets in which they incorporate Jozette's violin playing into the mix. We recorded this back in January and were still buzzing from the return of clubs in Scotland!We had a chat about their highlights, such as playing all over the globe to massive festival audiences, to why psytrance is quite simply, the one. Whether you agree or disagree with that, I'll leave you to decide...Find Kintra online @kintramusicFind Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

The fourth episode of Belta sees Solardo join Niamh for a chat, which was recorded whilst the lads were on a brief touring break.They discussed all sorts: from how to get guestlist for life, to their production process, to how to *really* get your music signed. Spoiler: it's wild.Follow Solardo online at @solardosoundFind Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

For the second episode of Belta, I spoke to producer and DJ Melé. The Liverpool born-and-based artist sat down to chat for an hour before he jets off to travel and play across the world.We spoke about spotting celebrities in the crowd wearing cowboy hats, who is *actually* going to win the league and playing football in Beverly Hills with some particularly famous faces.You can follow Melé on Instagram @mele to keep up with what he's got going on.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

For the second episode of Belta, I spoke to producer and DJ Meg Ward. Based between Leeds now, she did a stint in Newcastle and her name is cropping up across massive festival and event lineups such as Annie Mac's Lost and Found and Boardmasters.We spoke about tearing up the LS6 basement parties, had a brief geography lesson (seriously), playing a DJ set when all the crowd wants is Pop Smoke and just how class the North East is…You can follow Meg Ward on Instagram @meggyward to keep up with all of her goings on.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

Gracie T is a secondary school English teacher by day, and DJ by night (or, whenever they're not in a classroom).  Currently based in Sheffield having grown up in a small town in the North East, she's a founding member of collectives The Beatriarchy - a platform for underrepresented artists - and Daytimers, a collective of selectors and producers of South Asian heritage who aim to showcase their community's talents on their own terms.We spoke about playing Boiler Room, Tik Tok bangers and the bizarre super-strength people that appear at raves (trust us on this one). You can follow Gracie T on Instagram @djgraciet,  find Daytimers here, and The Beatriarchy here.Find Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre

Belta is a new audio series, where host Niamh Ingram chats to the people in the electronic music sector smashing it right now from the north. Each episode is no standard interview: Belta will dig deep and go, unfiltered, behind the scenes of what you see (and hear) day-to-day.-Belta is hosted, produced and coordinated by Niamh IngramMusic: Music: ‘Ascent' by MetreFind Belta online at @beltamedia and Niamh at @n_iamhingram. Music: ‘Ascent' by Metre