Music Made Us

BIMM Berlin’s Sami van Hasselt interviews folk singer-songwriter Fenne Lily about passion intertwining with music, avoiding wealth and fame, and embracing integrity and originality.

BIMM Institute Manchester’s Dani Murden interviews IDER as the pair reflect on their journey from adolescent Cornish folklore to ‘f*** it’ genre-fluidity in the big city.

BIMM Institute Manchester’s Caleb Allport interviews rapper Jelani Blackman about where his love for music came from, his 'turbulent' career, and the "big things" that lie ahead.

Here BIMM Institute Brighton’s Caitlin Webb interviews Master Peace on taking indie to strange new places, self-expression, and exposing vulnerability in his work to make it truly unique.

Singer-songwriter Oscar Lang candidly speaks about his Million Little Reasons, why music matters so much, how he got here and all the moments in between in this interview with BIMM Institute Manchester’s Taylor Duffy.

Zambia-born, London-based melodist and songwriter Sam Dotia sketches out his artistic journey and the influences that shaped him and a generation in this interview with BIMM Institute Manchester’s Joakin Clary Niemi Junkola.

BIMM Institute Manchester’s Nathan Evans interviews Talk Show as they discuss embracing the unique, relishing the stage and fighting through financial struggle to make music.

BIMM Institute Birmingham’s Jessica Brett interviews Amelia Kidd of The Ninth Wave about taking an emotional approach to music, how the band has developed over time, and refining their sound.

BIMM Institute Berlin’s Hedda Delin interviews Walt Disco about symbolising the queer band that late Gen X missed out on, and how music has taken them to where they are today.

Piper Hewitt-Dudding, aka Dilemma, discusses her musical influences, the impact different places can have on creativity, and changing her performing name. Discover more.

BIMM alumnus and guitarist Gaetan Judd explores his position as a young up-and-coming Black musician growing up in London. Find out more.

Read Bhav Soor's story. The Music Journalism student from BIMM Institute Birmingham explains the influence of bhangra on her family and her life – thanks to the influence of her father and his bhangra roots. 

Find out how singer-songwriter OURAA got into music, and discover her playlist for Black History Month.

Ellie Ashford, studying Vocals at BIMM Institute Birmingham, explains how she is influenced by rock/metal artists – and the effect of female artists on her own material. Discover more.

BIMM Institute graduate Emanuel J Burton pens his thoughts for Black History Month. Discover more.

Darius Zaltash explores the effects that his background, the Black Lives Matter movement, and moving from Brighton to Birmingham have had on his music. Find out more.

Mercy Sotire pens "It's Not All Celebrations: Africa is Bleeding" for Black History Month - and the 60th year of Nigeria's independence. Read her thoughts.

Sophia De’Mendonça, a non-binary artist and student moving into their final year at BIMM Institute, explores their musical journey. Discover their story.

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

Filipa Lobo Gaspar explores her music influences from around the world, as well as the photographers who spark inspiration for her as a photojournalist. Find out more.

Alex O’Connor discusses the inspiration behind his debut single ‘Greta Thunberg,’ as well as the importance of protest art. Discover more.

Graduate Punit Kavia tells us how a chance encounter with a mobile phone changed the course of his life – and made him question his racial identity. Read now.

Music Production student Jamie Peterson explains how being diagnosed with Asperger's gave him a life that's fuelled by music. Discover more.

"I love painting pictures with words." Julienne Ivars tells us what inspired her route into music, why she chose to study Songwriting, and what drew her to Brighton. Discover more.

"During my childhood, my inspirations were artists like Avril Lavigne and Alanis Morissette." Chiara Magrini tells us what inspired her route into music, why she chose to study Songwriting, and what drew her to Brighton.

"A good song with relatable lyrics can bring all different kinds of people together through shared experience." BIMM student Lani Stephens tells us what inspired her route into music, why she chose to study Songwriting, and what drew her to Birmingham.

"I just wanted to test myself and get out of the Covid rut I was very much in." BIMM student Anna Savage tells us what inspired her route into music, why she chose to study an MA, and what drew her to Dublin. Find out more.

"Your voice is the most personal instrument you could play." Insa Schumann tells us what inspired her route into music, why she chose to study Vocals, and what drew her to Hamburg.

"I wanted to become the best version of myself in not only the thing I loved but also the thing I needed to do." BIMM student Nils West tells us what inspired his route into music, why he studied Songwriting, and what drew him to Hamburg. Find out more.

"I am going to continue to work extremely hard to be one of those inspiring role models for the younger generation." Guitar student Nyah Purnell lets us in on what sparked her passion for music – and what she hopes for the future of the industry. Discover more.

"I would say my parents really helped me gravitate towards being a musician." Find out who inspired Luc Garrett the most when it came to starting his Songwriting journey.

"I don’t think I would be interested in a career in music without being able to write it myself." BIMM student Daria Kickler tells us why she studies Songwriting above anything else. Find out more.

"I continue to be inspired by new and different people every week." Discover who inspired Music Production student Jacob Powlett on his route into music.

"I needed to do what I wanted, on my own terms." Find out what it is about music that drives Songwriting student Marnie Burt.

"I always thought London was great for me musically because of its history and all the genres and styles it hosts." Discover what drew Songwriting student Hazel Smith to London.

"Not only is Brighton the founding college for BIMM, but it is also a seaside town with a strong music culture." Music Business student Hazel Smith tells us why she chose to study in Brighton. Read now.

"It is difficult to hide what is really going on inside of you when you sing." Find out why BIMM student Elinor Madeland chose to study Vocals.

Curtis Cooper, a Music Journalism student at BIMM Institute Manchester, explores whether the social and political unrest of Covid-19 will give birth to a ‘third summer of love’. Join him as he looks back through past 'summers of love' in 1967 and 1988.

Bethan McConnell – digital editor, live photographer and Founder of Safe and Sound – relays her personal experience in the industry, usually as the only female live photographer and young person in her working environment. Read her story.

Sami van Hasselt, a Songwriting student at BIMM Institute Berlin, tells his story of bringing a community together through music and his band Sector 5 during the first lockdown in Berlin. Read his experience.

Taylor Duffy, a Music Marketing, Media and Communication student at BIMM Institute Manchester, takes an in-depth look at the important connection between music and mental health. Discover more.

Daniel Tsourekas, a first-year Music Marketing, Media and Communication student at BIMM Institute Manchester, explores the connection between music and emotions – from Plato to the likes of J. Cole.

Punit Kavia explores how music has given him and others a voice, a platform, and power during turbulent episodes and fractious world events. Read more.

James Kendall, Course Leader, BA (Hons) Music Marketing, Media & Communication, explores how political decisions and a changing society gave birth to acid house and rave in the UK. Discover more.

Alumna Kym Thomas revisits one of her BIMM research projects to explore Negro Spirituals from the 1800s as a coping mechanism for slaves, as well as their ongoing influence through Gospel music to this day.

Joel McIver, Author and Music Journalism Module Leader, examines how a world-dominating stream of Hip Hop emerged from a certain cataclysm. It’s 28 years since one of the greatest moments of civil disobedience in American history – the 1992 Los Angeles riots. Find out more.

Writer Lesley Chow explores how black women ruled a decade of British music – and why they shouldn’t be forgotten. Find out more.

Experienced events industry professional Matt Gotel reflects on a turbulent life in the events industry: his personal difficulties, how COVID has affected his career, and what he’s doing to overcome this life-changing obstacle. Read more.

Rocco Kayiatos is a writer, podcaster, performer, organiser and media/marketing whiz. Read his piece on finding music as a teenager, how he sees it as a tool that saves lives, and it helped him become the first openly transgender man to release an album. Find out more.

Lewis was previously the Assistant Manager of Reprezent Radio. 107.3 FM - The Sound Of Young London. Here, he explores how music organisations and charities can transform young people's lives. But, how do you get the opportunity? Discover more.

Charlie is a DJ on Amazing Radio and presents the 'Audition Show' every Monday from 7 pm UK time. Here, he explores the potentially life-changing power of radio. Read more.