We’re back to introduce you to two more of our Soundcamp finalists, funded by Youth Music, in partnership with Thirty Pound Gentleman. In case you missed it, we kickstarted our 2024 Soundcamp programme back in February, inviting thirty participants into Reform to take part in a two week bootcamp. To support them with their music creation, we had industry pros Layfullstop, Jack Kong and Werkha in the space. From production support to providing their musical ears, the trio gave our attendees an array of great advice to take with them.

Eight of our participants were chosen to continue their journey on Soundcamp, through our six month mentorship initiative. These finalists are joining us every week for focused artist development, musical workshops, and a dedicated space for their creative practice. Meet Ishola & Sarah, two of our artists, below.

Known Konopka

An image of a blonde female doing symbols with her hands, wearing sunglasses and a black puffer jacket.

I’m Sarah Konopka, also known as Known Konopka. My pronouns are she/her. I produce techno-house music and I’m also a DJ. You can find me on SoundCloud and on all social media.

How would you describe your music to someone who’s never heard it before?

My music is a journey. It starts off emotional and then you’re on a high by the end of it. It’s my job to change your emotions through listening to my tracks.

What prompted you to get involved in Soundcamp and what are you hoping to achieve from it?

I came to Reform’s other courses, like Music and DJing. I had never received so much acknowledgement for my music and creations before. It was only then that I realised I could actually do Soundcamp. I was ready to receive more feedback and get input from professional mentors. All of my music prior to this, I had done completely on my own. I taught myself through YouTube tutorials and videos online. Already, I am noticing the difference from the 1-2-1 support I am receiving, learning about what equipment is actually out there, and what opportunities are out there. From the project, I hope to achieve getting my music in the right places and hands to make progression happen. I also just want to perform; it’s my favourite thing to do.

Where did your journey with music begin?

My need to create music has come from my need to express and shift my own personal difficulties. I like to think that people can hear this through my work and relate to it and feel heard. Music helped me and I hope my music can help others too. I’ve been listening to house since I came out of the womb. However, I couldn’t sing at all. I could dance, but I never knew I could translate this into actually making music myself. After buying my first DJ decks at the age of 18, I started mixing tracks that I hadn’t heard anyone mixing together before. I delved into DAW and downloaded some free softwares and I soon realised the beat and rhythm I had from dancing, could then be translated into mixing. This is where it all began.

A blond female stood confidently looking at the camera in sunglasses. She is wearing a black puffer jacket and graphic t shirt.

Describe your creative process from starting to finishing a track.

It’s always different depending on the track. I don’t put pressure on myself to create because I trust it’ll come to me. For example, this Soundcamp track came to me at 4am. I couldn’t sleep and I kept hearing this specific noise in my head. So I tried to mimic this on my keyboard and then started building the track from there. It’s a really natural process, which keeps me up at night.

Who are your main inspiration/influences for your sound and aesthetic?

Fred Again is definitely a huge inspiration for the sound I am trying to achieve and wanting to take people on an emotional journey. He also taught me that there’s no rules in music and you can produce however feels right for you. I also like Dom Dolla and, of course, Peggy Gou. However, I’d also say Harry Styles is a huge inspiration for me. Not genre-wise, but he inspires me in knowing I can be whoever I want to be. He empowers me to be myself and be the unique person I am.

If you could collaborate with anyone on a track, who would it be and why?

I have two artists in mind. The first one I’d say is Cat Burns. Her music is so emotional and moving so it makes a good fit with the sort of stuff I create. But then also Aitch. He would bang on a house tune, we’re both from Manchester and it would be amazing to produce a song for him.

What are your biggest goals/plans for your music in the future?

I want to be at Parklife, and I want to be at the Warehouse Project. That’s where my music would be best suited and received. One day, I will be there.

Ishola

A man in a floral beige shirt, with sunglasses on, looking to the side. The image has an orange filter over it.

My name’s Ishola, my pronouns are he/him, and you can find me on Instagram and TikTok at @isho1a.

How would you describe your music to someone who’s never heard it before?

I would describe my music as a fusion of past and future hip-hop. I draw heavy inspiration from both the UK and the US scenes. My music is something you can vibe to as you’re walking through the city, but also blast out of your speakers on a late night drive down the motorway. I like to think my music can fit any kind of scenario or environment.

What prompted you to get involved in Soundcamp and what are you hoping to achieve from it?

I was looking for more opportunities to grow my network in the music industry after leaving university, where I studied music production. I’m an engineer and a producer, but this comes from me being an artist myself. When I found out about Soundcamp, I thought it would be the perfect chance to meet new creatives, meet like-minded people who I can grow with, and meet individuals who can guide me and keep me on the right path. I have confidence in my own abilities, but it’s also nice to gain the approval and validation of professionals in the industry. Working with the mentors has really helped me tackle imposter syndrome. It has also offered me useful insights, nuggets of knowledge, and has allowed me to absorb their experiences.

Where did your journey with music begin?

I’ve been doing music since I could walk. I vividly remember coming home from school one day and my parents saying I needed to learn an instrument. So I decided to take up the piano, and progressed through graded exams. As I got older, I felt restricted by classical training and I was exposed to more methods of expression through music. For example, I discovered music production and technology. My mind was blown and I fell back in love with music. I’m really grateful that learning the piano laid the foundations for me to grow musically and really explore it. The journey is only just beginning now.

A man in a floral beige shirt, holding his sunglasses, looking into the camera. The image has an orange filter over it.

Describe your creative process from starting to finishing a track.

This question is a bit too linear for me. There’s no start and no end in the creative energy. A song can start from me walking around town listening to bossa nova, subconsciously listening out for samples. It could also start on the bus, writing random lyrics. I feel like I’m constantly drawing inspiration from things around me to influence different areas of my creative practice. Then I can piece these little creations together. Some lyrics I wrote last week could fit a beat I made today; a song comes out of the universe. There’s no start and end; it’s the cycle of music.

Who are your main inspiration/influences for your sound and aesthetic?

One of my biggest inspirations is my father. He was an old school man and grew up through the golden ages of mankind from the 60s to the 80s. He was really into fashion and I was brought up around that so it naturally rubbed off on me. The music from those eras, like Marvin Gaye, Prince, and Luther Vandross, combined with the greats of the early 2000s impacted me. The music I create today takes from these times, as well as the new wave of hip-hop, like Lancey Foux and Skepta. On the other side of the ocean, we have A$AP Rocky, Lil Yachty, and more. There’s a plethora of people within Black music that I am constantly motivated by.

If you could collaborate with anyone on a track, who would it be and why?

In the UK, it would have to be Skepta. This is simply because of his notoriety, the work he has done, and the respect I have for him. What he represents as an individual – fearlessness, complete and utter confidence in his craft – is hugely inspiring to me. I’m also loving what Lil Yachty is doing. He is the perfect bridge between underground and mainstream hip-hop. It would be a blessing to be introduced to these two individuals’ audiences.

What are your biggest goals/plans for your music in the future?

Besides the obvious goal of touring internationally, I would love to get into scoring. It would be magical to compose music for fashion shows. Being respected as a composer as well as a hip-hop artist would be incredible. I have massive respect for Tyler, the Creator and the way he has made the crossover between being an artist, to being a reputable composer. It would be beautiful to move listeners’ emotions and manipulate individuals into feeling certain things with my music.

Grab your free ticket to see Known Konopka & Ishola alongside the rest of the Soundcamp cohort live at The Blues Kitchen on the 15th of May here.