A Quick Catch Up With Mix Mag's Weekend Editor Niamh Ingram...
Niamh is next up on our ApeCast Series talking about all things music, podcasts & journalism.
She is the Weekend Editor over at Mixmag working on long read features for recent publicised music events, labels & festivals, her most recent articles includes chats amongst Sally C, Big Miz & Nyra.
Alongside that the Leeds based broadcaster curated a self-hosted podcast series named Belta which you may be familiar with artists like Man Power & Effy have been welcomed on the podcast, primarily focusing on DJs, producers and general fellow Northerners related to dance music…
Niamh talks about how she got into the industry at MixMag, in hope of inspiring others too…
Hey Niamh! It's great to get you on our ApeCast series! Let’s jump right in and tell us all who is Niamh?
Thanks for having me! I’m Niamh, and the best way to describe myself in a nutshell is a digital nerd who loves storytelling through words, visuals and music. I DJ - typically techno-influenced soundscapes, but I’m partial to anything with a good bit of energy behind it - and I’m a freelance writer, currently Mixmag’s Weekend Editor, also doing various features, copywriting and digital work for a range of publications and clients. I also present, on radio but also - and perhaps more namely - on my podcast Belta, entirely produced / hosted / you name it by me. It showcases folk in electronic music from our neck of the woods with a new episode going live every other week. It is quite literally my baby, ha!
You studied a Digital Media degree in Leeds, what inspired you to go down the underground music route?
As cliche as it sounds, I’ve always been into music. I’m classically and theoretically trained and have listened to all genres thanks to my parents being into (and taking me to see live) such a range of sounds. They also lived in Manchester for a bit which definitely had an influence! When I was 16 I really kicked onto listening to electronic, more underground sounds, with the heavier bits resonating the most (probably because I listened to a lot of rock and punk with my Dad growing up). I’ve always written and growing up would forever be making magazines or writing blogs and stories. When I started university I attended a talk by Jemima Skala (who at the time had the job I now have at Mixmag). That really inspired me to unite my two loves, and by studying Digital Media alongside working I’ve been able to apply critical perspectives in all avenues of what I do from selecting music I play to the people’s stories I tell (and through what medium I articulate them).
You are Weekend Editor for Mixmag & have written many articles for other platforms like Pioneer DJ.. Do you have any advice for female/non-binary DJs/journalists wanting to get their ‘foot in the door’ in the underground music scene?
Up north we say that shy bairns get nowt and it is SO true! When I wanted to try and move from outside the uni journalism bubble (which in itself is so valuable) into a more digital, get-paid-for-work space I reached out to Seb Wheeler who at the time was Head of Digital at Mixmag and everything snowballed from there. He was so valuable in offering advice and even lending an ear — I still love him to bits now. Do not be afraid to reach out to folk, 99% of the time people are more than happy to give a helping hand, and I still do today for all aspects of my work!
Top 3 musical / journalistic influences?
This is hard! First that comes to mind is Ellen Allien. I was behind the decks with her at Awakenings last year and the fangirl feeling was strong, I admire her so much. Journalism wise, Annabel Ross is phenomenal. The way she tells a story is exquisite. I also love Jyoty — although I play a different vibe to her, the atmosphere she brings to dancefloors and her musical ability is second-to-none, and her digital presence is absolute genius. There’s so many more folk I could tell you, I literally have a list on my phone of people who I find inspirational.
Niamh's Mix is now available to listen over on our SoundCloud.