Making Conversation with Grant Brydon

For this episode I spoke to musical adventurer Biig Piig, as she was preparing for the release of her debut mixtape Bubblegum. At the end of last year the nomadic artist joined me at Levi's Haus of Strauss to discuss moving into a new home, making music that connects with humanity, and navigating chaos in an upside down world. If you enjoy this episode then please subscribe on your preferred podcast provider, and please check out my book Life Lessons from Hip-Hop which is available now from all good booksellers. ---------- @biig_piig @GrantBrydon ---------- Artwork by @chanylbtc Music by @jonphonics ---------- Buy my book ‘Life Lessons from Hip-Hop' here: geni.us/LifeLessonsFromHipHop

For this episode I spoke to my friend Mireille Harper, editorial director, writer, authenticity reader, communications consultant and the editor of my own book Life Lessons from Hip-Hop. She recently joined me at Levi's Haus of Strauss in London to talk about going viral with her Instagram post “10 Steps To Non-Optical Allyship” in 2020, the role of authenticity reading, how words can be harmful and working towards a more diverse publishing industry. ---------- During this conversation Mireille kindly signposts the following people and programmes that are working to make a difference in the diversity of publishing: Sofia Akel - Free Books Campaign https://www.freebookscampaign.co.uk Lemara Lindsay-Prince https://www.instagram.com/lemelp Africa Writes https://africawrites.org Leonie Annor-Owiredu & Hannah Lee - Words We Write Festival https://www.wordswewritefestival.com Babes In Development - https://www.barbican.org.uk/take-part/communities-neighbourhoods/communities-in-residence Hope Nbada - https://instagram.com/blackbookbitch ---------- @mireillecharper @GrantBrydon ---------- Artwork by @chanylbtc Music by @jonphonics ---------- Buy my book Life Lessons from Hip-Hop here: geni.us/LifeLessonsFromHipHop

Welcome to season two of Making Conversation with me, Grant Brydon. I've been sitting down with some of my favourite artists and thinkers to discuss creativity and life, for this fortnightly podcast. For this episode I spoke to ELIZA, the North London musician behind A Sky Without Stars, an immersive slow-burning soul album that she wrote during the pandemic and shared with us earlier this year. ELIZA recently joined me at Levi's Haus of Strauss in London to talk about music as a vessel for human connection, the paradox of creativity and commerce, and how she's finding ways to reconnect with nature. ---------- @elizalovechild @GrantBrydon ---------- Artwork by @chanylbtc Music by @jonphonics ---------- Buy my book ‘Life Lessons from Hip-Hop' here: geni.us/LifeLessonsFromHipHop

Welcome to season two of Making Conversation with me, Grant Brydon. I've been sitting down with some of my favourite artists and thinkers to discuss creativity and life, for this fortnightly podcast. For this episode I spoke to Haviah Mighty, a rapper, producer and recording artist from Toronto who won the 2019 Polaris Music Prize with her breakthrough album 13th Floor. Last year she followed up with the Stock Exchange mixtape, which won a Juno Award. She recently joined me fresh off the plane at Levi's Haus of Strauss in London to talk about maintaining balance through the ups and downs of success, and how she hopes to implement change through the power of being her authentic self. ---------- @haviahmighty @GrantBrydon ---------- Artwork by @chanylbtc Music by @jonphonics ---------- Buy my book ‘Life Lessons from Hip-Hop' here: geni.us/LifeLessonsFromHipHop

Welcome to season two of Making Conversation with me, Grant Brydon. I've been sitting down with some of my favourite artists and thinkers to discuss creativity and life, for this fortnightly podcast. I'm thankful to have some incredible guests lined up to talk to in the next few months, and am looking forward to sharing these interviews. For this first episode I spoke to Murray Matravers, a singer, songwriter and the frontman of easy life, an eclectic group that are pushing sonic boundaries and redefining the British indie band. Ahead of the release of the band's second album MAYBE IN ANOTHER LIFE… we caught up at Levi's Haus of Strauss in London to discuss anxiety, how to create a culture of vulnerability in a group of men, Murray's relationship with being a leader and more. If you enjoy this episode then please subscribe on your preferred podcast provider, and please check out my book Life Lessons from Hip-Hop which is available now from all good booksellers. ---------- @easylife @GrantBrydon ---------- Artwork by @chanylbtc Music by @jonphonics ---------- Buy my book ‘Life Lessons from Hip-Hop' here: geni.us/LifeLessonsFromHipHop

For this episode I spoke to singer, songwriter and producer Dijon. The LA-based artist has been doing his best to stay as proactive as possible during the pandemic. In May he released his latest solo project ‘How Do You Feel About Getting Married?’ alongside his first production credit for Charli XCX’s ‘pink diamond’, the opening track from her latest album ‘how I’m feeling now’. And last month he dropped ‘mothership coming’ a collection of experimental music on Bandcamp, with all of the proceeds going to support the Black Woman’s Blueprint, The Okra Project, NAACP, Afrorack and Black Lives Matter LA (https://lilithsbrood.bandcamp.com/releases). We caught up over FaceTime from his home in Highland Park, where he was very candid about his creative journey so far, and how studying literature and underground hip-hop would lead him on a quest towards making music that feels necessary. ---------- @dijondijon_ @GrantBrydon hello@GrantBrydon.com ---------- Artwork by @smithsmithsmithsmith Music by @kiina_dd

For this episode I spoke to Atlanta rapper Deante’ Hitchcock. Deante’ has been making a name for himself over the past few years. Starting out with viral freestyles recorded in his car, he soon began attracting attention with projects like 2016’s Good and last year’s Just A Sample 2. He put in work to promote his music on the road, joining acts like Rapsody, 6LACK, JID, Wale and Jidenna on tour, and ended up with an invite to DreamVille’s legendary Revenge Of The Dreamers III sessions last year. Deante’ appears on ‘PTSD’ for which he received a Platinum plaque and a Grammy Nomination. Now he’s released his anticipated debut album BETTER via RCA Records and we caught up on FaceTime while he drove around Atlanta on Friday afternoon to talk about the album, how he’s coping with quarantine and his journey so far. ---------- @deantevh @GrantBrydon hello@GrantBrydon.com ---------- Artwork by @smithsmithsmithsmith Music by @kiina_dd Photography by Justin Dunningan

For this episode I spoke to rapper, producer and multi-instrumentalist Kota the Friend. The proudly independent artist has been making waves over the past few years, with his blend of uplifting, relatable raps and jazz-influenced production. Having built a following through his self-directed Lyrics to Go YouTube series, he released his debut album Foto and toured extensively last year. Not letting the lockdown hold him back, we caught up for a conversation as he prepares to drop the follow up Everything this week. Recorded via Facetime from his home in Brooklyn, we discuss his musical background playing in bands, his new album and creative freedom. ---------- @kotathefriend @GrantBrydon hello@GrantBrydon.com ---------- Artwork by @smithsmithsmithsmith Music by @kiina_dd

For this episode I spoke to singer, songwriter and producer Lolo Zouaï. Born in Paris and raised in San Fransisco, Lolo Zouaï came up writing songs, making beats on her laptop and listening to Bay Area rap before moving to New York where she’d take her career to the next level. Finding a creative partner in producer Stelios, she released her debut album ‘High Highs to Low Lows’ last year. A generational voice, she’s developed a rapidly growing global fanbase and spent most of 2019 on the road. Next year she’ll join Dua Lipa on the rescheduled Future Nostalgia tour. Recorded via Facetime from a friends house in LA where she’s currently isolating, Lolo and I discussed production, the specificity of her song-writing, how she keeps a healthy mindset and more. ---------- @lolozouai @GrantBrydon hello@GrantBrydon.com ---------- Artwork by @smithsmithsmithsmith Music by @kiina_dd

For this episode I spoke to Bay Area DJ, Noodles. Born in San Francisco, Noodles learned to DJ from her father using disco and funk vinyl, before getting into French electronic music and her native Hyphy sound. She moved to Boston to start her career as a stylist with legendary streetwear site Karmaloop, before being introduced to Kehlani who convinced Noodles to take a chance on becoming her DJ in 2015. Since taking the gig and returning to the West Coast, Noodles has established herself as a globally renowned selector, headlined two tours of her own and played a Las Vegas residency last year. Recorded via Facetime from Noodles’ home in LA, we talk about how she’s adapting to the Covid-19 pandemic through live-streaming, and shares some insight into how she’s become a charismatic and beloved DJ who inspires her audience beyond the music. ---------- @noodz @GrantBrydon hello@GrantBrydon.com ---------- Artwork by @smithsmithsmithsmith Music by @kiina_dd

For this episode I spoke to singer, songwriter and producer Dave Bayley. Dave is the lead singer and producer of Glass Animals, who were in the middle of a US tour when the Covid-19 pandemic hit. They packed their stuff into a van, returned to London and have adapted quickly to the lockdown - keeping themselves and their fans entertained through a bunch of creative projects including a series of covers, film nights and an open source website that allows fans to use elements of Glass Animals work to spark their own creations. Recorded via Facetime from Dave’s studio, we talk about how creativity is helping him cope with the pandemic, his roots as a producer, and how collaboration has inspired him to be more personal with the band’s new material. ---------- @GlassAnimals @GrantBrydon hello@GrantBrydon.com ---------- Artwork by @smithsmithsmithsmith Music by @kiina_dd

For this episode I spoke to singer, songwriter and producer Orion Sun. In the midst of this global pandemic, she has released her debut album ‘Hold Space For Me’, a vulnerable and emotive collection of songs that’s suited to soothing listeners in uncertain times. In conversation she’s as open and honest as in her music, and in our interview, recorded via Facetime from her home in Philadelphia, we discussed the theme of self-isolation that was already present in her work, her self-sufficient approach to making art, and how she’s worked on overcoming struggles with doubt. ---------- Orion Sun: @cloudgem @GrantBrydon hello@GrantBrydon.com ---------- Artwork by @smithsmithsmithsmith Music by @kiina_dd Polaroid by @khufunajee

For this episode I spoke to Sade Lawson. Sade works as part of the management team behind FKA twigs, co-owns consultancy agency Cozy Global alongside her close friend Mahaneela and manages dancehall DJ Lil C. During our conversation she recalls her career so far and describes how curiosity and a passion for learning new skills has lead her on a constantly evolving journey through the music industry, where she’s worked in a variety of roles from running the door at clubs, directing music videos, DJing parties and marketing at major labels. She’s a great example of someone who’s built a career based on her passion, following her creative interests and not being tied down by a traditional career path. ---------- @SadeLawson @cozy.global @GrantBrydon hello@GrantBrydon.com ---------- Artwork by @smithsmithsmithsmith Music by @kiina_dd

For this episode I spoke to singer, producer and multi-instrumentalist BenjiFlow. The day before the release of his debut EP, ‘BENERGY’, we sat down to reflect on his story so far. The timeless sound that exists on tracks like ‘Deep End’ and ‘Can’t Lose’ is the product of a musical development that’s taken his entire life, from learning classical piano as a kid and playing almost every instrument at church, to recording grime tracks as a teenager and broadening his influences when he went to college. He discusses how these experiences have made their way into his music and live shows, how going against the grain is paying off and why making music is freedom. ---------- @BenjiFlow @GrantBrydon hello@GrantBrydon.com ---------- Artwork by @smithsmithsmithsmith Music by @kiina_dd

For this episode I spoke to Diva Jeffery and Alex Headford of musician duo Jadu Heart. Last year they released their debut album 'Melt Away' and we sat down to discuss their unorthodox origin story, the expansive lo-fi mythology they’ve created around their music and how that evolves as they grow as artists. We also got into the anxiety that comes with writing and releasing music, and what ultimately drives them to overcome the pressure. ---------- @JaduHeart @GrantBrydon hello@GrantBrydon.com ---------- Artwork by @smithsmithsmithsmith Music by @kiina_dd

For this episode I spoke to singer, guitarist and producer Omar Apollo. A first-generation Mexican-American, Omar grew up in South Haven, Indiana and taught himself to play guitar and make beats on YouTube. He began to generate buzz online in 2017 with his soulful debut single ‘Ugotme’ which blew up on streaming services. And he followed up with two independently released EPs, ‘Stereo’ and ‘Friends’, in 2018 and 2019 consecutively. I sat down with Omar the day of his sold out London show at Heaven in December, to discuss his journey so far. ---------- @OmarApollo @GrantBrydon hello@GrantBrydon.com ---------- Artwork by @smithsmithsmithsmith Music by @kiina_dd

For this episode I spoke to R&B duo dvsn. Comprised of singer Daniel Daley and producer Nineteen85, the Toronto natives have released a pair of cult classic albums ‘SEPT. 5th’ and ‘Morning After’ via Drake’s OVO Sound. After touring relentlessly for the past few years, the release of their third album is finally drawing closer. We met up at their label’s London offices at the end of last year, while they were putting the finishing touches to the record, for a rare in-depth conversation. Across 40 minutes they talk about their earliest experiences making music, how they first began working together, why they’ve taken their time in revealing more about dvsn over the years, and how they’ve had to learn to dedicate time for self care. ---------- @dvsn @workinonmykarma @nineteen85_ @GrantBrydon hello@GrantBrydon.com ---------- Artwork by @smithsmithsmithsmith Music by @kiina_dd

For this episode I spoke to photographer Vicky Grout. Vicky is known for her documentation of London’s music scene through portraits that capture her subjects relaxed and full of character. She’s shot a diverse range of artists from both sides of the Atlantic including Stormzy, Jorja Smith, Smino, Doja Cat, Amine, slowthai, Virgil Abloh and Joe Kay. We discuss her career so far; from her first experiences taking photos to working with brands like Nike and shooting that infamous photo of Skepta during a party at Ace Hotel. She speaks on everything from being self-taught, to photo etiquette and why it’s been important for her not to be pigeonholed. ---------- @VickyGrout @GrantBrydon hello@GrantBrydon.com ---------- Artwork by @smithsmithsmithsmith Recorded at Keakie.co.uk Music by @kiina_dd

For this episode I spoke to vocalist, songwriter and producer Tom Tripp. We talked about his journey from being a bedroom producer releasing songs on SoundCloud while working retail jobs, to releasing his breakthrough track ‘Aurelia’ on NAO’s Little Tokyo label, performing with Mura Masa at Coachella and the creative process behind his latest EP, ‘FLAG’. Tom also discusses the peaks and troughs that come with a creative career, and how therapy helped him to reconnect with his purpose as a musician. ---------- @TomTripp @GrantBrydon hello@GrantBrydon.com ---------- Artwork by @smithsmithsmithsmith Recorded at Keakie.co.uk Intro: Tom Tripp - TAM Outro: Tom Tripp - Check

For this episode I spoke to grime MC, Manga Saint Hilare. Manga came up as part of the legendary Roll Deep crew, but over the past few years has been building his own fanbase as a solo artist with 2017’s ‘Outbursts From The Outskirts’ and last year’s ‘Outsiders Live Forever’. We talked about the difference between being known and having fans, building a brand that’s true to self and knowing the difference between the things that influence you and the things that you should make. ---------- @MangaSaintHilare @GrantBrydon hello@GrantBrydon.com ---------- Artwork by @smithsmithsmithsmith Recorded at Keakie.co.uk Intro: Manga Saint Hilare - Fear No One Outro: Manga Saint Hilare - Outsiders Prayer (feat. Cas Jones) ---------- Note: The several references made to a new project throughout our chat are regarding Manga's forthcoming solo project 'Make It Out Alive', and should not be confused with his Murkage Dave collab project 'We Need To Look After Us', which was recorded in the weeks after this podcast.

Welcome to Making Conversation with Grant Brydon, a podcast about music, creativity and careers. For this episode I spoke to DJ and promoter Oh Annie Oh. Annie was born in Korea, grew up in Toronto and moved to London for university with dreams of becoming a fashion designer. However she fell in love with the city’s club and music scenes and began working in the music industry while promoting and DJing on the side. Now a full time DJ she runs her NightDreams parties and has monthly shows at Rinse and Foundation FM. We spoke about the different approaches she takes to playing in clubs and on the radio, and how she’s had to constantly step out of her comfort zone in order to progress with her career. ---------- @OhAnnieOh @GrantBrydon hello@GrantBrydon.com ---------- Artwork by @smithsmithsmithsmith Recorded at Keakie.co.uk Intro/Outro music by @kiina_dd

Welcome to Making Conversation with Grant Brydon, a podcast about music, creativity and careers. For this episode I spoke to photographer and co-founder of PLACES+FACES, Ciesay. He took some time out of his busy schedule between throwing sold-out parties to preparing for the release of his latest clothing drop to share his journey so far, including growing up between Gambia and London, the importance of travel in his work, building the relationships that have allowed him candid access as a photographer and how he’s been able to make a successful business out of his lifestyle - and the things he’d likely be doing whether he was getting paid for it or not. ---------- @Ciesay / @placesplusfaces @GrantBrydon hello@GrantBrydon.com ---------- Artwork by @smithsmithsmithsmith Recorded at Keakie.co.uk Intro/Outro music by @kiina_dd

Welcome to Making Conversation with Grant Brydon, a podcast about music, creativity and careers. For this episode I spoke to creative consultant and one half of Bossy LDN, Dhamirah Coombes. I’d recently bumped into Dhamirah while I was considering a crossroads in my own career, and she put me onto an article about the advantages of generalising - and working across several interests - over specialising - and focussing on one thing - as a creative professional. I think she’s an amazing example of that, having juggled a number of her interests across her ever evolving career - including, but not limited to, make-up, photography, DJing, events management and PR. We spoke about the role of a creative consultant, taking the dive from a stable job and regular income to go freelance, learning how to manage her time and being an introvert in the music industry. ---------- @DiddyCoombes / @DhamirahCoombes / @BossyLDN @GrantBrydon hello@GrantBrydon.com ---------- Artwork by @smithsmithsmithsmith Recorded at Keakie.co.uk Intro/Outro music by @kiina_dd

Welcome to Making Conversation with Grant Brydon, a podcast about music, creativity and careers. For this episode I spoke to rapper, singer and producer Ragz Originale. Last year Ragz put out his debut album ‘Nature’ which was one of my favourites of the year, and still one that I recommend to people on an almost weekly basis. He’s an incredibly diverse producer and vocalist who makes timeless music that is rooted in feeling and doesn’t sound like anyone else. Ragz is also at the centre of the Mini Kingz collective, which features a line-up of similarly exciting, genreless artists including Oscar #Worldpeace, Cartae and BenjiFlow. We talked about the evolution of taste, building a movement, mentorship, the importance of artist development and his ambition to create a trust fund for black female creatives. ---------- @RagzOriginale @GrantBrydon hello@GrantBrydon.com ---------- Artwork by @smithsmithsmithsmith Recorded at Keakie.co.uk Intro/Outro music by Ragz Originale

Welcome to Making Conversation with Grant Brydon, a podcast about music, creativity and careers. For this episode I spoke to singer and producer Baby Rose. She recently released her debut album ‘To Myself’ as well as making an appearance on ‘Self Love’ with Ari Lennox and Bas after sneaking into DreamVille’s 'Revenge Of The Dreamers III' sessions at the beginning of the year. We talked about growing up in Fayetteville, North Carolina, learning to produce and engineer her own songs, and losing most of her recorded music during a break-up. Luckily she had already sent a set of 10 songs to her management, which became the album that’s brought her to London where last night she supported Snoh Aalegra at a sold out show at Shepherd’s Bush Empire. ---------- @BabyRoseMusic @GrantBrydon hello@GrantBrydon.com ---------- Artwork by @smithsmithsmithsmith Recorded at Keakie.co.uk Intro/Outro music by Baby Rose