Music Made Us

Our #MusicMadeUs campaign explores, discusses and celebrates what music means to people, how it’s impacted our world – and how it’s made us who we are today. 

BIMM Graduate, Hip-Hop DJ and Off Licence Magazine Brand Manager, Matt ‘Brickcellphone’ Leppier shares how music has been a driving force in his life – and made him a recognisable figure in Brighton’s music scene.

Who are we without music?

We truly believe in music’s ability to make a positive change, transform lives, push boundaries, create communities and ultimately shape who we are. If this is something you believe in too, read, watch and listen to the impact music has made on people’s lives – and join the conversation.

The importance of music is virtually ineffable. It reacts to, comments on and influences so many aspects of our world, such as our identity, society and politics, and technology. It has done throughout the history of music and will continue to do so for as long as people create and champion music.

Music made us

 

Identity

For current BIMM BA Hons Songwriting student Felix, music has given him a chance to heal and take life at his own pace.

‘I feel like I need to write songs, in order to exist in the real world.’ – Felix

The power of music is undeniable. Our taste in music is so much more than a fleeting fashion statement. Music can be at the very heart of who you are as a person, how you interpret your emotions and the big wide world around us. Here, we look at songs about identity and discover just how important music can be for marginalised members of our communities.

"A Product of Persistence" - Donna Missal

LA-based singer-songwriter Donna Missal talks about being unapologetic as a woman in the music industry, and the importance of being visible as an LGBTQ+ musician.

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Channelling My inner Diva - Andrea Di Giovanni

Performance graduate Andrea provides a candid glimpse into the formative years and musical journey which led to self-discovery and empowerment.

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Music, Aspergers and Me - Jamie Peterson

Music Production student Jamie explains how living with Aspergers led to the discovery of his true calling.

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SOCIETY AND POLITICS

A very special panel came together at Rough Trade East to discuss the question: is protest music dead? The panel featured legendary artist, DJ and film director Don Letts, Simone Odaranile of the Go! Team, Space of Black Futures and host Dr Jennifer Otter-Bickerdike.

“You have a responsibility as a musician to push the boundaries and if you aren’t doing that then why bother?” – Space of Black Futures

Whether to provide a social commentary of history’s most pivotal moments or to stoke the fires of progress, people have always used music to reflect their environment. Here, we delve into the world of protest music, discovering the people and themes behind the music.

How Grime Music Made Me - Punit Kavia

Graduate Punit Kavia tells us how a chance encounter with a stolen mobile phone changed the course of his life.

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Addressing Climate Change Through Music - Alex O’Connor

Music Business student Alex discusses how the burning of the Amazon Rainforest inspired his debut single release, as well as how protest art can open people’s eyes and ears to global issues.

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Technology

Throughout history, new music technology has changed the way we listen to it and how we create it, from cassette tapes to CDs and streaming. Technology has allowed people to get creative, follow their passions and reach wider audiences. We talk to people whose lives were made through progressions in technology – and where they believe the future of music will take us.

DJ Yoda: "A Time of Quantity or Quality?"

Dr Jennifer Otter-Bickerdike speaks to DJ, producer and AV artist, Duncan Beiny aka DJ Yoda. Toghether, they talk about technology in music, the future of streaming and releasing music.

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Adam Neely: "The Smartest Musician On Earth"

Dr Jennifer Otter-Bickerdike speaks to Music educator and commentator Adam Neely, who has amassed nearly 1 million subscribers through his YouTube channels, video essays, vlogs, compositions and more.

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How Has Music Made You?

Tell us about how music has shaped your life using #MusicMadeUs on social. 

Whether it’s a particular track, album, genre, artist, band or your own creativity and passion for music that’s affected you, we want to hear your story. 

#MusicMadeUs

Music made us