Students team up with Chronicle on music podcast

THE team with Steve Holt (centre) - left-right Sara Hadfield, Jordan Hand, Zophia Halaczak, Simon Smedley, Coral Povey, Lewis Mafia, James Laye, Adam Lawton

STUDENTS from Oldham College’s Performing Arts department have joined the Evening Chronicle in an exciting new music project.

Working with Chronicle music writer Simon Smedley, media students will create a monthly news podcast, live on the Chronicle website from today.

Initially named “Sounds like Smedders” - Simon’s Twitter name is “@Smedders1966” - the first programmes features an interview with Steve Holt, singer with Oldham band Inspiral Carpets and front-man of the Rainkings.

Filmed in the state of the art studios at Oldham College, Simon and Steve spoke about the latter’s 2015 exploits with the Carpets and the current resurgence of his side project the Rainkings.

Simon said: “It was great for me and the students to try putting together a podcast we all hope will prove popular.

“I’d like to thank Steve for sparing his time to get involved with the pilot. It’s a bit raw round the edges, but the possibilities are almost endless. The explosive state of the music scene in Oldham at the moment means I’ll should never be short of characters to interview, so long may this link-up continue.”

John Eccles, digital production manager at the college, said: “The strength of working with industry partners enables students to experience first-hand the importance of hitting deadlines and making a series, rather than one-off programmes. It’s something very few students get the opportunity to do.”