Image via Nike
The crew at Radar Radio are finding new ways to tell the story of London's music scene.
As the undisputed champion of London's new sounds, few are better placed to deconstruct the capital's club scene right now but instead of doing it on air, Radar took to the streets and ran a route of the city's most iconic venues.
As part of their partnership with Nike for London: ON AIR, a crew of Radar's leading names including Ralph Hardy and Martha led a running group from King's Cross to Radar's HQ in Islington via Scala, Turnmills, Fabric, Barbican and Plastic People.
We spoke to Martha about this new form of storytelling and the relationship between music and exercise.
When did you first become interested in running?
I started to run at the beginning of last year so I’m still pretty new to it compared to some people. I never thought I’d be a running person, because in school I just hated that kind of thing but I think when you discover something for yourself it’s a lot more exciting.
How big a part of your life has running become now?
I run every weekend. If I can’t run then I’m miserable.
Have you got any regular spots in London that you like to run through?
I run in Peckham because I’m from South East London. The best path is Peckham Rye because there’s always so much stuff going on and there’s a good amount of running groups there who do lots of park runs. Although, I do like to do a solo run on a Saturday and clear my head.
Talk to me about the idea behind Radar Radio’s run this week.
The Radar family came down to London: ON AIR and gave a motivational speech – to get everyone hyped – and then we ran to Radar HQ in Old Street. It’s going to be a route that covers the places in London that are significant to music and club culture, places like Fabric and Barbican.
Of all these places on your route – Fabric, Barbican, Scala, Turnmills, Plastic People – which holds special significance to you?
Fabric is really important to me. In terms of the climate in London, everyone is super pleased to have it back and it really was quite a scary time when there was no Fabric. In terms of how life is for a young DJ in London, Fabric is where you want to play and for my peers at Radar, Fabric is goals. I’m actually playing at Fabric on Sunday for the first time so this is a great way to build up to that.
How important is music to you when you run?
I like to listen to mixes when I run. I use my runs as a chance to catch up on my friends’ shows from Radar because it’s a good time to properly listen to what’s happening. My job is finding music but I think when I’m running, I’m listening to it in a different way – not in a curatorial way like I usually am, but just to enjoy it.
Is there any sort of music that you find it easier to run to than others?
Grime is actually the one. I always thought grime might be a bit too amped for me while I’m running but it turns out 140bpm is the rhythm of choice for a run.
To celebrate Air Max Day different running communities have been hosting session from London: ON AIR studio throughout the week. Find out more here about the Nike Air VaporMax which drops tomorrow.
