Sophie, Juicy Fruits

"I'm so appreciative of Kitchen Radio and the opportunities they have provided. I started out a radio newbie, and I've been helped to learn the ropes through a number of different ways. There was a great workshop ran by kitchen radio and NTS that I took loads from, mainly the confidence around speaking on air. They also provided a follow up resource which reinforced the learning around what can make 'good radio' and this helped lots too. I have also met loads of lovely people, and the community aspect is really prominent. Kitchen radio have also provided opportunities to DJ at local events, which is also really welcomed and can often lead to further opportunities. Overall, I think they are fab and I'm so grateful to be involved in the kitchen radio community."

Leo, Pasta La Vista

"We have all heard the devastating numbers regarding closure of live music and creative spaces across the UK. Sheffield sadly seems to have been hit particularly hard. So many creative projects I've had the pleasure of playing music in all over Sheffield have closed their doors over the last few years - DINA, Dorothy Pax, Mondo Radio, Theatre Deli, The Leadmill, and so many more. Music is about appreciation and exploration, and while playing tunes in clubs and bars is an amazing experience, there is always the necessity to play music the crowd has come for. Carving out a niche where you can play whatever music you want is an incredibly challenging thing to do in this environment with the closure of smaller DIY community spaces. But, it is an incredibly important thing to be able to do too. Kitchen Radio gives creative people a space to dive into all the amazing and weird and wonderful music and stories out there, and share them with a rapidly expanding community. In a time where community, connection, and creativity are more precious than ever, a place like Kitchen Radio is entirely priceless."

Kian, Behind the B Sides

"I’ve always been passionate about music, and I knew I wanted to move closer to that world in a professional sense. Luckily, I got the chance to join Kitchen Radio as a producer back in October.

When I first joined, I had zero knowledge of radio production or how a station actually runs day to day. That could have been intimidating, but the whole ethos at Kitchen Radio is incredibly warm and welcoming. Connor and Sash encourage people like me (without experience) to get involved and learn by doing. I spent my first month shadowing co-owner Connor, who showed me everything that goes into live broadcasting from running streaming software, managing studio equipment to creating promo content and keeping shows running smoothly.

After that first month, I was trusted as a key holder for the studio and started running full days of broadcasting myself, which felt huge. In doing so I have had the pleasure to meet so many interesting artists and show hosts from Sheffield. And it’s not just about radio — the station also runs events to raise funds, so I’ve been getting hands-on experience with event planning and delivery too, which has given me another angle on how the music industry works behind the scenes. I also host my own show, which has been one of the best parts of the whole experience. Here I have full control to display my love for music, and it’s helped me develop skills in scriptwriting and music journalism.

The radio station fills me with a great sense of purpose and to be able to have a creative outlet like this is special. I feel sure I want to work in the music industry and now I have some really great experience and connections to go and do that.

Kitchen Radio really is a community in every sense. I feel so passionately about what Connor and Sash have built and I know others feel the same. The sense of community is tangible, and the opportunities they give people trying to break into radio and music are massive. From a listener’s point of view, it’s also such a great place for music discovery. Even as I’m writing this, I’ve got Kitchen Radio playing in the background and I’m being pulled into new genres and tracks I’d never have found otherwise. It’s pretty special.

I love being a part of and a fan of Kitchen Radio and I hope it stays around for a long time!"