Scenes

With the sales of chess boards increasing by 400% in 2020, it’s safe to say the sport is on the rise amongst younger generations. We spoke to Phil Makepeace, a professional chess coach and ex-professional player, about the sports gender gap, its funding and the monumental influence of ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ on the chess world.

Kostie and Ruby are joined by Craig Santicchia,  a gaming and eSports enthusiast, who started his career at the worlds leading esports brand Fnatic. helping shape the future of sports entertainment. Now running his own company, Wolfpad Gaming - who support brands, agencies and rights holders on all things gaming & esports.

Lennie and Ruby are joined by Dr. Matt Lodder, a lecturer, curator and author of artist history, who specialises in body art and tattooing, who takes them through his journey into academia, his incredible debut book ‘painted people,’ get a glimpse into history through tattooing, discuss what Gen Alpha’s relationship to the art form might look like, and how changing your body changes your relationship with the world. Dr Matt Lodder online: Instagram Book: Painted People Podcast: Beneath The Skin Other Links: Franko B Ron Aithy Lal Hardy  Madeline Altman Samuel O’reilly Aimee Crocker Joe Carstairs Marlene Dietrich Bang Bang Sutherland mcdonald Jessie Knight Tattooed mummies from Siberia  Soundtrack: Moss Gatherer - One Truant Online: @TruantLondon / Website / Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn

Lennie and Ruby are joined by sports photographer Duncan Nicholls, who takes them through his journey from banking to photography, the power of 'flow states', limitless mentalities, the secrets behind elite performance and his desire to leave a lasting impact. Duncan is a London based creative specialising in lifestyle and sports photography and motion. He has worked with some of the World’s finest sports people - from olympic gold medalists, to world record breakers, world cup holders, super bowl winners and major champions. On top of that he creates award winning short films about individuals and subcultures pushing themselves beyond the limit of what we perceive to be humanly possible. Duncan Nicholls online: Website / Instagram / Good Planets Films: Wali The Speed Project Other Links: 1% for the Planet Soundtrack: Moss Gatherer - One Truant Online: @TruantLondon / Website / Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn

Lennie is joined by Lenny and Sophie from Sister Midnight who share what life has been like since they decided to create a community benefit society, the impact of grass root venues, southeast London’s unique music scene and the importance of funding in culture. Sister Midnight online: Website / Instagram / Twitter / Youtube Recommendations: Grants/Funding Cultural Recovery Fund, Arts Council Power to Change Boosting Community Business London Fund Co-Operatives UK Community Shares Company National Lottery Community Fund South East London Culture Solidarity Tapes Steam Down at Matchstick Piehouse The Ivy House leather.head The Fox and Firkin Corsica Studios Carpet Shop Peckham Charities MASS Action Soundtrack: Moss Gatherer - One Truant Online: @TruantLondon / Website / Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn

Will Abell, co-founder of Ostrich Records and a key player in the UK jazz scene, discusses the vibrant culture of jazz and its evolution. He shares his personal journey into record collecting and how jam sessions foster community and creativity. Will emphasizes jazz as a medium for personal expression, breaking down the myth of its inaccessibility. He highlights the genre's influence on various styles, from hip-hop to metal, and gives recommendations for jazz albums and events to explore, encouraging listeners to dive into this dynamic music culture.

Almass Badat, a multidisciplinary creative known for her work with Netflix and the BBC, dives deep into the complexities of the transgender community in India. She shares insights from her documentary on the hijra community and discusses her journey of self-discovery in India, confronting family expectations and embracing her queer identity. Almass also highlights the importance of creativity through travel and her innovative podcast, 'What Is This Behaviour?' This conversation is a celebration of gender fluidity and the vibrant South Asian cultural scene.

Douglas Dare, a talented musician and drag performer, takes listeners through his journey of blending melancholic music with vibrant drag artistry. He shares insights on growing up on a Dorset farm, the playful nature of drag, and its evolution in mainstream culture. Douglas contrasts the organic growth of his drag career with his serious music, discussing the balance between the two. He reflects on the transformative rituals of becoming a drag persona and the importance of humor in drag names. Lastly, he recommends 'Young Mungo' for its powerful themes of gay youth.

In this captivating discussion, drum and bass legend Andy C, co-founder of RAM Records, reflects on his three-decade journey shaping the genre. He shares how discovering 'Radio Babylon' ignited his passion for breakbeats and recounts the evolution from pirate radio to global stages. Andy discusses the challenges of COVID on the music scene and celebrates the joy of reconnecting with live audiences. He also looks ahead, predicting a bright future for drum and bass and its emerging talent, fueled by a passionate underground following.

Lennie is joined by contemporary artist Alice Von Maltzhan, who takes us on a journey through temporality, the environment, her practice with the medium of paper, life in the art world and the importance of reframing the way we experience our surroundings. Alice Online: Website/ Instagram Recommendations: Film - Wendy Book - The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham Museums - V&A, British Museum, Science Museum Soundtrack: Moss Gatherer - One Truant Online: @TruantLondon / Website / Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn