Author: Bradley Martinez
Before we get into it… thank you, thank you and thank you. A Huge thank you needed for all of you who joined us and helped us celebrate our 20th anniversary exhibition ‘The Blueprint’.
After the unfortunate postponement last month, the start of this month saw us take over Soho with a throwback to twenty years of Footpatrol. A look back at past collaborations and some sneaky looks at some upcoming bits, we enjoyed a wholesome weekend with old faces, new faces who all come together to create the community.
Take a look below at a recap of the weekend and don’t forget to let us know your favourite part!
As you are all aware by now, Frequent Players is our music division within Footpatrol. Our way of exploring the world of music and bringing the community closer to those emerging within the scene.
For our latest Frequent Players feature, we’ve teamed up with Sons of Craft, a design lab who claim ‘craft is their religion’. They too have started to explore the world of music with thanks to their record label Sounds of Craft. This felt like the perfect opportunity to explore our two worlds and explore their world and their artists.
Next up, we speak with Haruna who sits down with Footpatrol to discuss life, modelling, and of course DJing. Take a further read below and don’t forget to check out the latest Frequent Players mix that’s now live!
Footpatrol: Hey Haruna! We like to kick off all our interviews with the simple question of how are you?
Haruna: I am good thank you! It’s been quite a busy day today actually, but yeah, I am good can’t complain.
FP: So for people who don’t know what you are and what you do, for our Footpatrol audience, could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Haruna: My name is Haruna, I am a model, DJ, and producer, I was also doing styling before but decided to put all that energy into myself.
FP: When did your passion for DJing/ producing all start for you?
Haruna: I have been producing music from sixteen years old because I started music in school. I did music technology, function is always part of it, even through studying, it gave me time to grow as a creative. At the time there was a certain big Rick Ross song that was out and I found out about the guy who made the beat in his bedroom on the same pro beat equipment that I had and then I was like to myself ‘why don’t I try’ and from then I was always practicing. I then started doing modelling but I used DJing to promote my sound as it gives you an identity and I think it goes hand in hand in hand.
FP: So you see yourself as a whole brand, in the way you DJ and produce?
Haruna: More an artist than a DJ because there are DJs who are sound selectors, they pick the best bangers like its radio. I do that but in my own way, otherwise, you can probably book the next guy.
FP: Listening to your mixes, we love the way you use the Afrobeat and Amapiano sound, as well as the Hip-Hop beats, what has inspired your unique sound?
Haruna: I was inspired by listening to my favourite DJs and artists like Selection, JL, Kaytranada, and Sango – all these people have picked a certain pocket of the world that they are interested in and they dived into it and made that sound. I am also into a new artist called Hagan, check him out! He’s Ghanaian and picks out the sound that he really likes. Therefore, I really wanted to produce a sound that I like and a sound that is easy listening for everyone. I would say my beats are quite ambient but also hard-hitting on the lower ends as well.
FP: Do you think the music you play reflects your own identity or your background?
Haruna: Yeah, it really does reflect my identity. As an African and my style is quite eccentric and how I dress also comes into play with that.
FP: In terms of DJing, what is your biggest accomplishment so far?
Haruna: I would say, when I started out in DJing, I really tried to fit into people’s lineups from the start and it wasn’t really working. I would say the achievement for me was the fact that I put on my own event with Nightlights and I got to open for one of my favourite artists called Flohio, I have always been listening to her, so to actually to DJ for her and to open was quite an accomplishment – that was a big thing for me.
FP: That is a massive accomplishment, especially starting out in this DJing game! So you have also had your fair share of modeling gigs, being a model for 4 years, so how do you think the modeling world and your DJing / producing world mix?
Haruna: No matter what you do, in all creative things you are putting yourself forward as an individual. As a model, photographer, and stylist you are putting yourself forward, so I learned some of the fundamentals of who I am in modeling and I had to apply it to other creative stuff that I am doing. I learned a lot from it.
FP: So let’s talk a little more about your accomplishments such as being a part of Hackney’s very own Subtle Radio station, how did this opportunity come about?
Haruna: Subtle radio is really good, I met Hannah at a video shoot and I was styling it and she also had a radio station, she let me know about it but I wasn’t DJing at the time. So they were one of the first people I thought of and I was also on Balamii at the time and they said that they would like to have me on. They are really good at giving me tips on being a DJ in a different way that I didn’t know and opening myself into that world. I never saw myself as a presenter but there you have to speak on the mic when you are DJing and that’s their style of radio station. They are all presenters and really great DJs, so it was new to me but I am open to trying new things. Subtle radio was like a new challenge for me.
FP: What other challenges do you think you have faced becoming a new and upcoming DJ/ Producer?
Haruna: When producing music, the organisation part of it, from the idea – to the start of the song – to mastering, the whole thing can be challenging especially as a producer. Because I am doing more than one creative medium, sometimes I can get imposter syndrome because you are stepping into their world, their music artists and they know you as a model. Some people could question would you’re trying to do, a little bit of imposter syndrome that I don’t have now, but I think at the start, it was a bit hard.
FP: Haruna, it has been a pleasure speaking to you! We would also like to dedicate this last question for you to sign off on, whether it is getting our Footpatrol audience excited about something, a message of positivity, whatever you like!
Haruna: I would say dive into all parts of yourself creatively and try out new things, try to see who you are as a person. Step out of your comfort zone because when I started DJing I went to see sets of genres I wouldn’t listen to, to see how DJs play, I listened to some Techno – I don’t like Techno but I learned new things about how those Techno DJs play. Stepping out of your comfort is something that you should try to do every day, that’s when everything gets good!
Back again! Nearing the end of 2022, Jordan brand are planning on ending the year with a bang it seems. With the much sought after launch of the Air Jordan 1 ‘Lost & Found’, they’re ready and waiting to introduce their next offering.
With help of Atlanta based retailer and frequent collaborator, Jordan hit up A Ma Maniére for a wintery take on the fan favourite Air Jordan IV. Boasting a plum like upper in a luxuriously soft suede, this latest AJ4 comes equipped with signature details that featured on their past collaborations. For example, the quilted satin lining and off white midsole screams this colder time of the year.
Who’s going to try add this one to the collection?
PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO READ THE BELOW!
The LONDON IN-STORE draw CLOSED!
All online draws will now be housed over on the Footpatrol Launches app which can be downloaded here.
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above forms. These WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
In-store winners will be contacted via email informing them of their win. Within this email winners will be given a set of dates in which they much collect their win from our London store To collect, you will need to provide the winning email and a valid government approved photographic ID. This much match the name on the winners email. NO ONE will be eligible to collect on the winners behalf. Failure to provide this, or failure to collect within the given dates will result in failure to purchase your win.
The collaboration between Crocs and Salehe Bembury continues to deliver the goods. With fresh new colour ways continuing to show face throughout 2022, we now have the forth and final iteration from this latest pack of releases. Now a household name within both streetwear, art and music, the Pollex Clog is another eye-catching silhouette within the Crocs line up.
Crafted from foam, the fit is moulded into an unorthodox fingerprint design – its daring exploration of form is one that is reminiscent of Salehe Bembury’s signature branding. Concaved perforations throughout continues the theme of authenticity as well as keeping things ultra-lightweight. Paired with an adjustable heel strap for added personalisation, while underfoot, the part translucent outsole unit signs off the design with supreme durability made with everyday terrain in mind.
PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THE BELOW!
The London in-store draw is now CLOSED!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above forms, these WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
In-store winners will be contacted via email informing them of their win. Within this email, winners will be given a set of dates in which they must collect their win from our London store. To collect, you will need to provide the winning email and a valid photographic government ID matching the winners name. NO ONE can collect on the winners behalf. Failure to provide this, or failure to collect within the given dates will mean failure to purchase your win.
Born in Finland, Karhu are nowhere near finished! Built on quality and attention to detail, these are just a couple of reasons why this Finnish brand are loved worldwide.
With the upcoming cooler months, Karhu look towards their proud outdoor legacy with the introduction of the Fusion XC. With that retro runner aesthetic absolutely nailed down, they opt for a more modern functionality that’s been inspired by several models throughout their archive including the ’96 Fusion AP.
Going back to those words of ‘attention to detail’, the outsole is an updated and remained version of their signature T-Profile lug pattern for complete traction and stability. Built with HydroGuard, a breathable, waterproof membrane that’s been designed to keep your feet warm, and dry the Fusion XC arrives in a trio of outdoor inspired colour options that will help them slip into your winter rotation.
Shop the latest from Karhu in-store and online here.
HELEN KIRKUM X ASICS X FOOTPATROL LAUNCH SHOE TO MARK FOOTPATROL 20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
HELEN KIRKUM is working with Asics for the second time as a continuation of the first Crafts for Minds project which launched in February 2022. This is a handmade in-house collaboration, in partnership with Footpatrol to mark their 20th anniversary with 20 exclusive, limited edition sneakers. Each pair is completely one-of-one and unique; as with all HELEN KIRKUM products, the bespoke nature of the sneakers is paramount and each pair has its own collaged pattern created from ASICS offcuts. The sneakers are crafted using 5 key ASICS silhouettes as a base; GEL-LYTE III, GEL-NANDI OG, GEL-PRELEUS, GEL-KAYANO 14 and the GEL-KAYANO 5 OG. Each of the deadstock pairs have been customised with a collaged ASICS logo; a key element of each pair.
Each pair will be raffled off, with the proceeds from the sales going to the charity Young Minds.
The patches are created from off cuts from HELEN KIRKUM and ASICS’ previous project – on the centre of the ASICS logo, customers can see the piece that was cut out from the previous collaboration, where the centre of the logo was cut away – a unique way to connect these projects together, and a thread that runs through these collections. The fragmented logo is split across each of the 20 pairs, so each pair shares pieces from the same sneaker. Also embedded within the design are off cuts from the Footpatrol one-of-one sneaker HELEN KIRKUM created for their 20 year Blueprint exhibition.
HELEN KIRKUM’s take on each iconic silhouette features a vibrant patchwork toe box framed with neon blanket stitch, fractured logos and limited edition embroidery details. 1 of 20 pairs created for the exclusive Garage Sale Launch, celebrating 20 years of Footpatrol. Each pair in the collection has its own unique collage of materials creating 20 distinctly individual pairs.
As you are all aware by now, Frequent Players is our music division within Footpatrol. Our way of exploring the world of music and bringing the community closer to those emerging within the scene.
For our latest Frequent Players feature, we’ve teamed up with Sons of Craft, a design lab who claim ‘craft is their religion’. They too have started to explore the world of music with thanks to their record label Sounds of Craft. This felt like the perfect opportunity to explore our two worlds and explore their world and their artists.
Next up, we speak with Lolade to learn more about her venturing into the world of music, smashing her first set and Glastonbury and of course, dropping Frequent Players our latest guest mix.
Footpatrol: Thank you so much for spending the time with us Lolade. We always like to kick things off with the nice easy question of, how are you?
Lolade: I’m doing great, thank you! The weather is lovely, autumn is my favourite season. I’ve been really busy lately which I quite like, but I’m looking forward to winding down at the end of the year.
FP: For our community members that haven’t had the pleasure of listening to your mixes. Could you give us an overview on how things started for you?
Lolade: Well, depends on how far back you want to go! When I was 10, I was abruptly sent to boarding school in Nigeria. I felt completely out of place there and when I moved back to London three years later, I felt even more out of place, like I didn’t quite fit in anywhere. As a result I spent a lot of my teens at home, immersed in mid 00s internet culture, mainly on MySpace where I was exposed to all sorts of music. Most of it was quite different from what I typically listen to now, but that period helped me form a very broad taste in music.
In my later teens I was listening to a lot of edm, not in nightclubs (at the time the only clubbing I knew of was trekking to Mayfair in high heels and tight dresses – decidedly not for me) but while doing cardio. I used to do body fitness competitions so I was constantly in the gym.
I somehow hadn’t crossed paths with more niche electronic subgenres until I made a friend in my early 20s who was obsessed with psy trance. Completely obsessed. He played Infected Mushroom all the time and I took a liking to it. Over time I started exploring more electronic music on my own, came across an amazing dj set on YouTube and completely fell in love. It felt like I had entered a new world and I was hooked. I was constantly listening to mixes and searching for music. I started going to local events, usually on my own at first as I didn’t know anyone else at the time who enjoyed this music. Eventually I made a lot of friends, some of whom were DJs who taught me the basics.
Fast forward a number of years – During the first lockdown in 2020 I started making public Spotify playlists, one of which gained a fair number of followers. Around summer 2021, I decided to finally start mixing all my favourite tracks together and bought myself a controller. I started sharing mixes on Soundcloud that winter and here we are now!
FP: Now we know you are big into hard house, trance and electronic. Where does the fascination stem from?
Lolade: I’ve always liked music that feels quite otherworldly. Even prior to getting really into electronic music, I’ve always been into musc like that. I love techno for this exact feel. Particularly deep, hypnotic techno.
There’s something deeply meditative and healing about dancing to good techno with a good crowd. A friend of mine compares it to the rituals of indigenous tribes dancing to the beat of a ceremonial drum, putting everyone in a trance-like state. I’m Nigerian (Yoruba) so in a more modern context this immediately reminds me of the live Fuji music the aunties and uncles would go wild for at the later hours of weddings and hall parties. My uncle is actually a Fuji artist, so perhaps my love for strong percussive kicks is in the blood!
That said, I don’t typically stick to one genre. Playing different genres that don’t throw off the energy or rhythm too much adds a fresh shot of colour and energy. I love the spacey vibe of trance and the tooly, old school sound of hard house.
FP: There are some insane venues all over the world that come to mind when I think of those genres. Has there ever been a place you’ve always wanted to do a set in?
Lolade: Corsica studios was one of the first clubs I went to for techno music. I remember the night perfectly – I had just moved to a new area, just gotten out of a relationship and was in a deep rut. One night, on a spur of the moment, I bought myself a ticket for a Discwoman event happening at Corsica Studios and went alone that night. I had such an incredible time and made lifelong friends that night. Playing there would feel like coming full circle!
FP: So we have come to meet at Hidden Sounds Record Store. What makes this your favorite spot above the rest?
Lolade: I spent a lot of time at Hidden Sounds when I first moved to the area and was looking around for places to spend my lazy weekend afternoons. It’s a gorgeous space and everyone there is super friendly. Their record selection is great too. Be sure to grab a coffee from Ursula!
FP: Congratulations on playing your first Glastonbury set this summer, could you tell us a little about that?
Lolade: Glastonbury was incredible! It was actually my first time going to Glastonbury and never in a million years did I expect to be playing there. I was watching Megan Thee Stallion perform and ran off halfway to do my set. It was quite far away from all the main action but it was a super fun set where I went for darker and heavier music than I would usually play. Everyone was super energetic and I loved that I had the freedom to play whatever I wanted. A really fun night!
FP: Lola:de, it has been such a pleasure to meet you. Before we let you go, we like to give all our interviewees the chance to sign off the interview with anything they’d like to share or a message of positivity. So by all means take it away!
Lola:De: Don’t be afraid of doing things alone 🙂
PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THE BELOW!
The London in-store draw is now CLOSED!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above forms, these WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
In-store winners will be contacted via email informing them of their win. Within this email, winners will be given a set of dates in which they must collect their win from our London store. To collect, you will need to provide the winning email and a valid photographic government ID matching the winners name. NO ONE can collect on the winners behalf. Failure to provide this, or failure to collect within the given dates will mean failure to purchase your win.
PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THE BELOW!
The London in-store draw is now CLOSED
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above forms, these WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
In-store winners will be contacted via email informing them of their win. Within this email, winners will be given a set of dates in which they must collect their win from our London store. To collect, you will need to provide the winning email and a valid photographic government ID matching the winners name. NO ONE can collect on the winners behalf. Failure to provide this, or failure to collect within the given dates will mean failure to purchase your win.
Puma team up with Australian brand ‘Perks & Mini’ taking inspiration from the Brazilian Amazon with a BIO/VERSE theme. The collection has everything from apparel to footwear with tones of green, lavender, copper and purple each applying itself to the outdoors. P.A.M has remixed classic silhouettes to create unisex attire.
The BIO/VERSE theme merges the real-world environment with experimental designs transforming things such as Puma’s Nano rider into a hiking silhouette. With over 20 styles there’s various pieces each continuing the Brazilian Amazon vibe mixing urban sports wear technology and ecology, between nature and culture.
