BBC SOUNDS’ AUDIO LAB PROGRAMME W/ MIA THORNTON

In case you missed it, we are a Production Partner on this year’s BBC Sounds’ Audio Labproject. Audio Lab is a top class training opportunity. It aims to amplify the next-generation of podcast producers and audio creatives. As part of this year’s programme, we are supporting young creator, Mia Thornton, to bring her podcast idea to life. We thought it would only be right to introduce her properly so keep reading to find out more about her work and where you can listen to it.

Please can you introduce your name pronouns and a little bit about your hobbies and interests?

My name is Mia, but most people call me Mimi, and my pronouns are she/her. Hobbies and interests? That’s a hard one, I’m boring but busy. I guess, overall, I have an interest in discovery. Whether it’s self discovery or world discovery, I really enjoy exploring and learning. It could be through music, fashion, food, writing, travelling. Ultimately, I just really enjoy discussions and exchanging stories and experiences with people.

How did you first find out about the AudioLab programme and what made you want to get involved?

A friend of mine sent the application link to me and said ‘this might be perfect for you’. After reading through it, I realised that she was 100% right. I’d heard of Audio Lab before but hadn’t applied. However my current work contract at the time was coming to an end so I was looking for something new. I already had some experience in podcasts and audio/digital production before, but most of it had been self-taught. Audio Lab seemed like the best way to get industry experience whilst also being able to create.

How was the application process? Can you tell us a bit about your journey from applying for the programme and where you are now?

The application process was different to any job I’ve applied for before. You had to do the usual ‘why you’re the right person’ type application, but you also had to create a demo of what your episode would sound like. For me, this worked in my favour, because I already had a clear idea of what I wanted to convey. It was really fun to get creative so early on in an application. But, it also made me even more invested in my idea. I actually told myself that even if I didn’t get the job, I would create the series myself anyway. It’s good job I got it, as I’m not sure I would’ve had the discipline otherwise!

Although the podcast and content I’m working with now is a lot more in depth, structured and has more logical thought behind it, the core message and sound remains the same. I’m essentially telling stories that are being woven together by great music. 

Tell us more about your podcast – what has inspired its creation?

My podcast is about Black British music, but from a different perspective. I’ll be looking at genres that are loved by Britain, but not always associated with the Black artists who have contributed to them. Classical, punk, dance, folk and pop are what we’ll be exploring.

The idea was something I had been sitting on for a while but I never really did anything with it. It came from a feeling of frustration with constantly seeing the same stories of Black people being told repeatedly. There often doesn’t seem to be space in mainstream media for stories that sit outside of the ‘norm’ or the mainstream when it comes to Black people. 

I was also really interested in how that is also manifested in how we view music. A lot of my friends are musicians or DJs and I’ve often seen them overlooked because they create or play music that doesn’t sit within the predictable lines of blackness. I wanted to be able to tell the stories of the people who are insanely talented, but because they don’t fit into this idea of what Black people ‘should’ be, their work isn’t given the credit it deserves. 

What has been your favourite thing about the process of creating your podcast so far?

So far, I’ve just really loved speaking with all the different contributors whose voices will be featured in the podcast. It’s been so inspiring to hear so many different stories and to meet and speak with people who I wouldn’t usually cross paths with. 

Have you learnt anything about yourself through the AudioLab process so far? If so, tell us more.

I’ve learned to be more accepting of myself. You’ll probably hear it in the podcast, but it’s been a journey for me to unlearn my own stereotypes and biases that I’ve had towards myself. 

It’s been quite eye-opening and also empowering to confront the beliefs I’ve internalised and to recognise how they’ve influenced me, or held me back. Overall, it’s really encouraged me to embrace who I am (how cliché, yuck!), but I think by doing this, it adds a depth to the stories that I want to tell in the podcast. But, I guess you’ll have to listen to really get what I’m talking about… 

Who is your favourite Black British artist?

Right now, my favourite artist is probably Mansur Brown – his music is literally perfect for any and every situation. I don’t really need to say any more, go listen and then you’ll understand. NAQI Vol 2 is my favourite album of his, but they are all fire.

What are your plans post-podcast creation? Do you want to keep creating audio content or do you have other things in your plan?

I’m not really sure, I’m really just enjoying where I’m at right now. I’d love to create more audio content, but because my journey into this hasn’t been linear, I don’t really expect my journey after it to be either. I’d like to explore more roles within the music industry, but then I’d also like to sell all my belongings and travel the world for a year – I guess what’s meant for me will be!

Mia’s podcast will be out in early 2025 and available to listen to on BBC Sounds. From her concept, story-telling, incredible guests and more, we can assure you that you won’t want to miss out on it.

Stay tuned for more Audio Lab news over on our Instagram and LinkedIn.