East London Radio is a social enterprise and radio station that gives people the pathway into radio through training and mentoring. With studios located across the four east London boroughs of Waltham Forest, Hackney, Newham, and Tower Hamlets, and with support from radio industry professionals and local MPs, East London Radio is set to be the most diverse and inclusive radio station covering an area of 3.3 million people.
In East London there is no community based radio station that is fully inclusive of everyone. We believe that having a radio created by everyone for everyone helps us to better appreciate and welcome the diversity within our community. East London Radio provides training in a variety of ways and actively encourages more experienced volunteers to mentor those with less experience. Volunteers have the opportunity to learn about; presenting, research, production, office administration, social media, audio editing and much more. Young people who have benefited from radio training provided from Aaron & Ian have since worked in a variety of roles at Absolute Radio, Global Radio, Bauer Radio, SKY Sports, SKY News, 5 News, BBC and LBC. |
Soulfulized is presented on East London Radio on Saturday afternoons by Fitz(roy) Andrew. Fitz is a native east Londoner, born in Hackney and raised in Waltham Forest, and has been a confirmed and non-convertible 'soulhead' since his teens thanks to the influence of the active soul club scene in east London and Essex in the late 70s and early 80s.
Whilst he has had a lifelong interest in the music, Fitz is relatively new to the world of radio presenting. His first outing was in 2011, fronting a weekly two-hour show on community station Helix Radio using the handle 'DJ Soulfuleyes'. A slight twist on this provided the name given to his ELR show. Fitz has always believed that soul music is a broad church, and this is reflected in the mix to be heard on the show. This is based on a unashamed preference for independent artists, whether unsigned, self-publishing, or affiliated to small independent labels around the world. Particular props will be given to UK artists who deserve greater exposure and recognition. So there is jazz, funk, gospel, boogie, reggae and retro-soul all there to be heard. The show aims to stand as living proof that good soul music is alive and well, honouring the influence of the 1960s-1980s classic era alongside the innovations and roots typified by the best of the contemporary 'neo-soul' movement. |