Interviews - UD Music

Artists, Featured, Interviews, Talent House, What's On | 26 October 2026

Introducing… Shelbee Tee

Shelbee Tee is an R&B singer-songwriter who can find the pocket on any beat – grime, Afroswing, dancehall, UK funky – and still sound unmistakably like herself. From Flames Collective to the Incubator Programme and beyond, Shelbee’s bringing the vocal heat…

Events, Featured, Interviews, Talent House, What's On | 20 October 2026

What’s On… The Big Black British Chat, Sat 24th Oct @ Talent House

The Black British Hall Party (BBHP) turns two this Saturday, 24th October, and is marking it with The Big Black British Chat, an alternative take on the party, at UD’s very own Talent House. We caught up with founder, sociologist and DJ Xt1ana to find out how a debate on X turned into a free, sold-out party centring contemporary Black British culture…

Artists, Featured, Flames Collective, Interviews | 22 September 2026

Introducing… Rio Sterling

With the promise of new music this October, Rio talks with UD Music about a handful of his favourite Croydon haunts, putting on his best show in the midst of his worst month, and the opportunities UD Music and Flames Collective have created, allowing his sterling talent to shine silver bright…

Artists, Featured, Interviews, Long Read, Music | 28 August 2026

Introducing… Dia Day

From Italian opera and post-hardcore to neo-soul and rap, Croydon storyteller Dia Day talks wearing her heart on her sleeve, finding her voice and turning diary entries into debut album Letters to L…

Artists, Featured, Interviews, Talent House, What's On | 18 August 2026

Introducing… Jacob Storey

Coming up through the rigamarole of musical theatre, the rite of passage of YouTube copyrighting jumpscares, and now the expansive and uplifting arms of the UD Incubator programme, Jacob Storey has a tale to tell through the enchanting medium of dark-pop-R&B, and we’re all listening with open ears…

Artists, Featured, Flames Collective, Interviews, Talent House | 22 September 2025

Introducing… lina sounds (Flames Collective)

Meet lina sounds, an indie pop loving R&B artist who’s a core member of UD’s Flames Collective. Having wowed audiences, performing alongside the likes of RAYE, Sasha Keable, Cian Ducrot, James Vickery, Hillari and more, in our new series, we go behind the scenes to get to know the Flames Collective members that make up the coolest vocal ensemble in the UK…

Artists, Featured, Flames Collective, Interviews, Talent House | 8 September 2025

Introducing… Emre (Flames Collective)

Flames Collective have been wowing audiences, performing alongside the likes of RAYE, Sasha Keable, Cian Ducrot, James Vickery, Hillari and more. In our new series, we go behind the scenes to meet the Flames Collective members that make up the coolest vocal ensemble in the UK. First up, meet indie pop purveyor, emre…

Artists, Featured, Flames Collective, Interviews, Talent House | 2 September 2025

Introducing… Diya Sohi

Meet Diya Sohi – singer, actor, performer, and rising star redefining what it means to be a triple threat. With bold vocals, genre-blending soundscapes, and a self-directed career, she’s forging a new path in UK R&B. Elsa Monteith reports…

Artists, Featured, Interviews, Long Read, Talent House | 21 August 2025

Introducing… Nicole Blakk

Having recently completed an Artist Residency at UD’s studios, it’s time to get to know Nicole Blakk. With a voice that shifts seamlessly between melody and rap, Nicole Blakk has been steadily carving out her own lane in the UK music scene. From viral moments on TikTok with DJ AG and Red Bull Mic Flex to performing on stages at SXSW and Glastonbury, she’s shown she can hold her own whether online or live in the flesh. Laura ‘Hyperfrank’ Brosnan finds out more…

Artists, Events, Featured, Interviews, Talent House, What's On | 19 May 2025

Introducing… Reptile B

A regular standout at UD’s Open Mic nights, Reptile B has kept pushing forward—despite an industry that still puts barriers in front of out, Black queer artists. As a recipient of UD’s Free Yard initiative and a name that’s lit up multiple UD stages, he was the obvious choice for our spotlight artist as we team up with TRENCH Magazine for the first-ever SXSW London…

Artists, Featured, Interviews, Long Read, Talent House | 29 April 2025

Introducing… ManLikeKofi

Hailed as the self-proclaimed prodigal son of UD, ManLikeKofi remains a steadfast feature of the ecosystem, an artist, producer, and architect designing sonic cathedrals across digital platforms and through expert production. Driven by faith and the enduring power of practice, ManLikeKofi talks with Elsa Monteith about going viral with gospel, the importance of investing in a quality live performance, and what 10,000 hours of commitment to your artistry can bring you…

Interviews, Podcast, Talent House | 25 March 2025

Be Unstoppable Podcast: Episode 12 with Riki Bleau

The 12th episode of the Be Unstoppable Podcast, recorded at UD, is now available for your listening (or watching) pleasure, as host Ben Wynter goes head-to-head with music industry legend, Riki Bleau…

Interviews, Podcast, Talent House | 6 March 2025

Be Unstoppable Podcast: Episode 11 with TK, Manager & Co-Founder, Finesse Foreva

The 11th episode of the Be Unstoppable Podcast is now available for your listening (or watching) pleasure, as host Ben Wynter goes head-to-head with TK, Manager & Co-Founder of Finesse Foreva…

Events, Featured, Interviews, What's On | 4 March 2025

Introducing… Araba Ackon aka Rabba Wisdom

Having announced her Nucleus Exhibition, taking place at Island Bikes on March 27th, UD meets visual artist, Araba Ackon aka Rabba Wisdom…

Artists, Featured, Interviews, Music, Podcast, Talent House | 11 February 2025

UD x The Be Unstoppable Podcast with Ben Wynter

The Be Unstoppable Podcast, recorded at UD’s state-of-the-art studios, is back for 2025 with more insight and inspiration as host Ben Wynter dives into the transformative journeys of inspiring figures from music, media, tech, sports, and finance…

Artists, Featured, Interviews, Level 4, Music, Talent House | 20 January 2025

Introducing… Smichington

At once a wholly mysterious artist and a musician with a clear vision and identity, Smichington has commanded a listenership despite having released no music, pioneering his sound in the halls, studios, and stages found at the UD Talent House, to high acclaim. Elsa Monteith talks sonics with Level 4 graduate, Smichington…