Seaweeds and singing don’t normally make for natural bedfellows, but then Juliet Brodie is no normal choir leader. 

As a ‘seaweed celebrity’, Juliet is not only an esteemed scientist at the Natural History Museum, but also runs its choir and combines these passions with her nature-inspired compositions Seaweed Song and A Walk In Winter - both of which feature. 

In this documentary, you’ll hear why the choir has meant so much to her and her choir mates - who are also esteemed scientists - this past year, but also why it’s the moments between the music and dodgy Zoom connections that make their coming together as a choir matter most.

Sing A Song Of Seaweed

The importance of protest has always been an essential part of the democratic process in the UK, and now with a new Police and Crime Bill being passed, that right is under threat. 

This documentary takes you into the heart of two events of the 20th Century where protest was never more vital. Author and historian David Rosenberg discusses The Battle Of Cable Street of 1936 and the challenge to Moseley’s British Union of Fascists in London’s East End; while Senior Lecturer in Modern British History at Goldsmith’s University Dr. John Price talks about the Battle Of Lewisham, which saw local communities stand against the National Front’s uprising in 1977; and Jan Nielson, of Unite Against Fascism talks about her experiences at the Battle of Lewisham, and the importance of protest in the modern day. 

This programme explores why the battles in the wider war against injustice and oppression must continue - especially in light of the new bill.

Image taken at the Battle of Cable Street mural, London.

Battles In A Longer War

A programme I made about anti-racism in music, to coincide with the anniversary of the Rock Against Racism march and gig of 1978.

With anti-racist and anti-fascist songs from Millie Small, The Fall, John Coltrane, Dead Kennedy's, Laurel Aitken and more.

Also includes the recollections of Sharon Toone, who remembers being a 16 year old punk growing up in Ladbroke Grove in the 70s, and being at the 1978 march which went from Leicester Square to Victoria Park in Hackney. 

Oh and tucked at the end is the documentary Battles In A Longer War I made about the importance of protest

NonDef Radio | Music Against Racism

Many people pass by the river Thames and pay it no mind, but for London's mudlark community it's a place to escape the noise of the city and make an intimate, sometimes spiritual connection with the past through the items they find. 

In Lost in the River we hear from Mike Webber, a Thames archaeologist, on why the river and its contents has been a constant source of comfort and inspiration throughout his life; and Liz Willis, a jeweller who takes inspiration from the items she finds along the foreshore, creating pieces which join us with the past and the future. 

Music from Harold Budd. 
Main image by Roni Horn.

https://www.instagram.com/mikedwebber/
https://www.instagram.com/lizwillisjewellery/

Lost in the River

Come with us as we explore the world of Dr. John – the incredible influences that make up the sound of the New Orleans voodoo-tinged, psychedelic, soulful, funky, musician who sadly died a couple of weeks ago.

The music speaks for itself and there’s a whole cast of characters, including Professor Longhair, Jelly Roll Morton, Allen Toussaint (!!!), Irma Thomas, Louis Armstrong, Randy Newman AND MORE. They’re all incredible with fascinating stories to tell.

NonDef Radio | The World Of Dr. John

Radio MA at Goldsmiths alumni, now audio editor and producer creating original documentaries and helping others with theirs.

Stuart Beckwith

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