Author: Bradley Martinez

Straight from the design boards within New Balance HQ, the New Balance WRPD Runner aims to blur the lines when it comes to retro running inspiration and modern design. Continuing their exploration within traditional craftsmanship, NB seamlessly blend this with the latest technology to make sure this newest silhouette for a conceptual design that has the legs to last.

With a sculptured aesthetic with a minimalist approach, we headed out to East London to meet Justas Silkauskas, founder of Autotelic Objects. Much like New Balance, Justas brings a modern day approach to a traditional craft. Much like the full length Fuelcell within the WRPD Runner, Justas uses these modern technologies to enhance the traditional craft of ceramics to create unique everyday objects. Everyday objects that when using creates special experiences to the holder.

From initial doodles on paper, to 3D printed variations to test and perfect designs, Justas only then takes to the method of Slip Casting. We catch up with him to better understand this process and how he’s developed these methods to suit his craft

Footpatrol: Hey Justas, thanks for letting us come down and visit the studio today. First and foremost, how’s your year been?

Justas Silkauskas: It’s been a dynamic and creative year for me, filled with exciting projects and collaborations. I’ve been pushing the boundaries of my craft and exploring new designs.

FP: For those of our audience who may not be aware, could you give us an insight into you and the world of ‘Autotelic Objects’?

JS: “Autotelic” is a term that embodies the essence of self-driven purpose and intrinsic motivation. In my creative journey, “autotelic” encapsulates my philosophy—a personal drive and intrinsic motivation that brings fulfillment and meaning to my craft. For me, it signifies a deep passion for creating art for the sheer joy of it, propelled by an internal desire to delve into innovative techniques and challenge the limits of traditional craftsmanship. The outcome is a collection of unique and meaningful objects that represent the essence of my creative exploration.

FP: What we found unique about you and your work was your processes. We feel like you’re blending modern technologies with an old traditional craft. From paper with hand drawn designs, 3D printing methods and then clay. 

How do these processes benefit your work? Does it allow you to create more obscure objects?

JS: Combining these processes allows me to experiment with different materials and techniques, pushing the boundaries of what’s traditionally possible. The synergy of old and new methods enables me to create objects that are not only visually intriguing but also functionally unique. It opens up a realm of possibilities for creating truly distinctive and obscure pieces.

FP: It’s great to see people teaching and perfecting self-taught skills like you and slipcasting. Could you give us an insight into this method?

JS: Slipcasting is a technique I’ve honed through self-teaching. It involves pouring liquid clay into molds, allowing for the creation of intricate and detailed forms. The process allows me to reproduce designs with precision, giving each piece a consistent quality while maintaining the handcrafted essence.

FP: How has the transition been from self-taught to having products sold and available in some very notable stores? A bit surreal?

JS: The transition has been incredibly rewarding and, yes, a bit surreal. Seeing my creations on shelves in renowned stores is a testament to the dedication and passion I’ve poured into perfecting my craft. It motivates me to continue evolving and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

FP: What’s some of the difficulties when it comes to this method? Does it come down to the mould itself, the slip or is it like most crafts they all need to be in sync to be perfect? 

JS: Each step in slipcasting requires meticulous attention. The mold design, the consistency of the slip, and the casting process all play crucial roles. Achieving perfection requires a harmonious balance of these elements, and any deviation can pose challenges. It’s a delicate dance that demands precision.

FP: The thing with all of your designs is that they all seem to have a functional element as well as an aesthetically pleasing design. Is this a must for you when it comes to sitting down and thinking of the next concept or can looks sometimes take lead over function?

JS: Functionality and aesthetics go hand in hand for me. I believe that objects should not only be visually appealing but also serve a purpose. The challenge lies in finding the perfect equilibrium between form and function, creating pieces that are not only beautiful but also enrich the user’s experience.

FP: What’s the next design you’re aiming to come up with or shall we stay locked to your socials…? 👀

JS: ​​I’m always exploring new concepts, and you can definitely stay tuned to my socials for exciting updates. There are some innovative designs in the pipeline that I can’t wait to share with the world.

FP: So we’re with you today to celebrate the launch of the New Balance WRPD RNR in the brown/black colourway. What drew me to you and this silhouette was the sculptural aspect of the midsole and the curves. It reminded me of your Pourer. 

Is there anything else away from ceramics that you’d like to apply your design skills?

JS: Ceramics will always be at the core of my work, but I’m intrigued by the idea of exploring design in different realms. Whether it’s collaborating on unique designs or venturing into other materials, I’m open to expanding the horizons of Autotelic Objects.

FP: I think that’s it from us… A huge thank you once again for allowing us to come down and document you and your work. It’s been a real insight to see the combination of technologies and traditional handcrafted techniques come together. 

JS: Thank you for visiting! It’s been a pleasure sharing my creative journey with you. I look forward to more exciting projects and collaborations in the future.

Footpatrol: We tend to leave this last question up to our interviewee to share anything they have coming up or to share some inspiration to our audience 

JS: Keep an eye out for upcoming releases and collaborations. I draw inspiration from the world around me, and I encourage everyone to find beauty in the intersection of tradition and innovation. Stay curious and keep creating.

Last week, we had the pleasure of hosting our second disability history month event alongside, Open Book and Two Times Elliott. Dubbed, Inclusive Access 23. 

Featuring a fantastic line up of panelists that consisted of, Carly Tait, Richard Whitehead MBE, Amy Conroy and Ashley Archer. Our conversation focused around the topic of Disability Within Sport, with the aim to discuss how we can be more inclusive, look after your wellbeing and help encourage the next generation to participate in any form of physical activity.

It was a privilege for everyone at Footpatrol to host this event for the second year in a row and we hope to keep the momentum going into 2024, and keep pushing our all inclusive community at the forefront of these conversations. 

If you couldn’t make it, don’t worry! We got the recap right here for you below…

Renowned for its groundbreaking technology and a rich history rooted in the pursuit of excellence, Vibram has not only transformed the world of outdoor and athletic footwear but has also left an indelible mark on the fashion industry. 

Vibram’s story begins in 1937 when Italian mountaineer Vitale Bramani faced a tragic climbing accident in the Italian Alps. Determined to prevent such tragedies in the future, Bramani set out to create a sole that could offer superior traction on various terrains. In 1938, he founded Vibram, a portmanteau of his own name and “bramare,” an Italian word meaning “to crave” or “to yearn.”

Bramani’s invention, the Vibram Carrarmato, revolutionised the industry by introducing a lug sole with durable rubber compounds. Over the years, Vibram continued to refine its designs, collaborating with outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and footwear manufacturers to develop soles that delivered exceptional grip and durability.

At the heart of Vibram’s success lies its commitment to technological advancement. The company’s relentless pursuit of excellence has led to the development of high-performance rubber compounds and innovative sole designs. The Vibram FiveFingers, introduced in the early 2000s, marked a paradigm shift in minimalist footwear, providing a unique and natural feel while maintaining the protection and grip Vibram is renowned for.

Vibram’s Arctic Grip and Megagrip technologies have further solidified its reputation for unparalleled traction. Arctic Grip excels on icy surfaces, making it a game-changer for winter footwear, while Megagrip provides outstanding grip on wet and dry surfaces, catering to a wide range of outdoor activities.

Beyond its roots in outdoor and athletic footwear, Vibram has also had its fivefinger toes dipped in the fashion industry. The distinctive appearance of Vibram soles has become a design element in its own right, embraced by fashion designers seeking to infuse their creations with a touch of performance and functionality.

High-end fashion brands and avant-garde designers have collaborated with Vibram to create statement pieces that seamlessly merge style and performance. The juxtaposition of Vibram soles with luxury materials and cutting-edge designs has resulted in unique and eye-catching footwear that blurs the lines between function and fashion.

The streetwear scene, in particular, has embraced Vibram as a symbol of authenticity and performance. Sneaker collaborations featuring Vibram soles have become highly sought after, appealing to consumers who value both aesthetics and functionality in their footwear.

Vibram’s journey from the slopes of the Italian Alps to the forefront of the fashion world is a testament to its unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence. The brand’s rich history, coupled with its cutting-edge technology, has not only transformed the outdoor and athletic footwear landscape but has also permeated the fashion industry, influencing the design ethos of high-end brands and captivating the imagination of fashion-forward consumers.

Closing out ’23, we’re teaming up with ASICS for an end of year celebration to ask what ‘Sound Mind, Sound Body’ means to you.

At the heart of Footpatrol is our diverse community. We continuously look to find avenues that give back and on this occasion we need your help!

Who was that person that went above and beyond to help you this year? Has someone stood out and done great things for your community? Let us know.

Head over to our recent Instagram post and make sure to tag them in the comments. They could be in with the chance of joining us for a private end of year dinner at Silo.

Speaking of Silo… Last week, we headed out to Hackney Wick to visit the Silo team. World renowned for their methods, they took us behind the scenes to get a greater understanding of what makes Silo so special. What makes them special we hear you ask? Imagine opening a restaurant and ‘Not having a bin’. Well this is something artist Joost Bakker wanted to explore with Silo’s chef and owner Douglas, creating the worlds first zero waste restaurant. Bringing you along for the journey, we wanted to promote a healthy mind and body and ask the question of sustainability and health.

Now back to the ASICS mantra of ‘Sound Mind, Sound Body’. We’ve celebrated many conversational topics this year, from disability awareness to mental health and wanted to continue by exploring this idea with you, the community.

Footpatrol: Team Silo, thanks for hosting us down at the restaurant today to meet the team ahead of our community give back dinner with ASICS to celebrate ‘Sound Mind, Sound Body’. Could you give our audience an introduction to Silo and what makes it such an innovative space within the food industry?

James, Silo: Thank you so much for coming to visit, we are really excited to be collaborating!

Well, Silo is a restaurant without a bin. This statement has become our guiding principle, forcing us to work backwards in eliminating waste from our food system. We create everything on the menu from ingredients in their whole form, cutting out over-processing and dood moles, whilst preserving the integrity of the ingredients we treasure. The restaurant is in constant evolution as a consequence.

Footpatrol: So as you’re aware, we’re down at Silo celebrating our community and those who have particularly helped others throughout the year. Inline with ASICS, we’re exploring the idea of ‘Sound Mind, Sound Body’, a mantra they’ve had since their early beginnings and stay true to to this day.

Could you and the team give us your interpretations to the idea of ‘Sound Mind, Sound Body’ and how you look to create this within your everyday life?

James Pritchard, Restaurant Manager: The interconnection between mind and body is undeniable. The rhythm and different shift types working in hospitality really make you realise that. Eating healthy food allows the body to get its nutrients but also for us to feel good and this is reflected in how clearly we think and process information, especially as I get older, this is more and more true. In recent years, I have discovered yoga and meditation and i am a better person for that. Mental Health is something more and more talked about and nearly as much as physical health nowadays but really they go hand in hand on lots of levels.

Katya Lukina, Front of House: For me, the priority is keeping a sound mind because then everything else will follow. When my mind is overstimulated and stressed out, I can tell my body is in the same gear; my abdomen tenses up and I get pulled into not so helpful habits like eating junk food. Being at peace in your head makes it so much easier to navigate through life in a more healthy way. I find it that I tend to have fewer cravings and appreciate doing things that require more discipline. But equally, sometimes all it takes is a walk around the park to clear the mind. So I guess it’s a two-way street really.

Eloise Pontefract, Head of Drinks and Sustainability: Working in hospitality, it has never been more important for me to consider Sound Mind, Sound Body, and keep these in balance with each other. We work long, often late hours so it is hugely important to prioritise rest and relaxation. On my days off I like to spend time in the kitchen cooking something tasty which I think nourishes mind as well as body. Myself and my colleagues have been going to a community sauna once a week before work which is amazing for clearing the mind and soothing tired muscles (shout out Hackney Wick Community Sauna!). I also find the cycle to and from work helps to clear my mind of any worries or stresses from the day. I think spending time in nature is really important for my mental health so I try to do this as much as possible, even in London.

Sophie Black, Floor Manager: Having a sound mind and body is intricately connected with others when you work as part of a restaurant team. I feel so lucky to be surrounded by caring individuals who all do their best to uplift one another on days when a sound mind is harder to maintain! That being said, during a busy week of restaurant activity lots of people need your attention and it can sometimes be tricky to feel grounded as an individual. I’ve found that it helps to start my days off with an exercise class that holds a lot of my focus, like yoga or boxing.

Julia Kuniewicz, Front of House: The body and the mind are physical vessels for the human experience. The food on our plates is a representation of whole universes interacting with each other — charged with networks of connection, intergenerational wisdom and reserves of energy. Eating it is just another way to practice, to connect and to be. Silo’s ethos is exactly that food is friendship, environment, and the world, always in motion and interconnected. To feel sound in my body and mind over food is to embody and honour those connections.

Also joining our lineup of incredibly creative women who are more than a sneakerhead, we have sneaker artist Stella Stockbridge. 

We got up close & personal with Stella, the self-taught portraiture artist  who’s forever pushing the boundaries on what sneakers are and what they can be, we got to learn more about her love for graffiti and street culture.

“I choose sneakers as my canvas because I just love them so much, they allow me to express myself in ways I don’t always feel I’m able to verbally.

I feel like the industry is becoming more inclusive slowly, but there still needs to be a lot of work. There’s so many brands that don’t do inclusive sizing and there’s not very many female designers on internal teams, so I’d like to see a lot more of that, and I hope the future will be a little bit more female dominated.”

We asked Stella what brands could do to level the playing field a bit more… “I just feel like there should be more opportunities for females to get involved, like the amount of sneakers I see that are made for women that are just not what women want at all. I feel like we need to have female input in designs and go back and let them be part of the process from the beginning.

I feel like the future will become more inclusive and diverse, and I really hope there’s more creativity that’s gonna be involved within the sneaker community. I definitely see it going that way.”

We asked Stella which designers or brands are exciting for her at the moment: “I just got my first pair of Helen Kirkham shoes and I love them so much. I got the GEL-LYTE IIIs I think they are, and I opened them and I was like, oh my god, I love them so much, they’re so creative and so unique, and I really wanna see more of that kind of stuff in the industry.

It just feels nice to be heard and represented in the community and to see someone that’s had similar experiences to me and (also looks like me!)

When it comes to those who inspire me in the community, I love Nicole McLaughlin’s work. It’s just really cool and so creative. I think Helen Kirkum’s gotta be on there as well of course. And my friend Mel, (@mlcka) she does these really cool sneaker sculpture creations, and it’s just crazy – and I feel like the industry’s just gonna get more and more creative.

I’m more than a sneakerhead because I bring colour and creativity to the game, and allow everyone to express themselves with their sneakers.”

For fall 23, we embrace the nostalgic vibes of the early 2000s with our latest collaboration with PUMA, focusing on the Velophasis silhouette. This latest coming together pays homage to the ‘Y2K’ fashion trend that emerged in that era, blending various styles from sleek and minimalistic to outright outlandish.

The Footpatrol x PUMA Velophasis merges futuristic design elements with a modern runner silhouette, capturing the essence of the Y2K trend. From a futuristic colour palette of metallic silver and icy blue hues, the heavy use of translucent material and squishy gel branded heel logos (inspired by the inflatable furniture craze of the late 90s/early 2000s), or the reflective under-layers beneath the air mesh panels, all elements add to the attention to detail.

To enhance the early 2000s aesthetic, we went a step further by creating visuals reminiscent of console game demo discs found in computer game print magazines (complete with nostalgic menu button sound effects). The visuals are a trip down memory lane which includes an old school menu system categorised into Metal, Gel, and Ice elements, come together with a soundtrack that transports you back in time.

Shop tehe PUMA x Footpatrol Velophasis in-store and online here!

Since 2018, there has been a skunkworks division within Nike known as ISPA. Every year, their mission is to come up with creations built around the idea of ‘Improvise, Scavenge, Protect and Adapt’.

Aimed at blurring the lines between performance and lifestyle, ISPA always aim to deliver a functional and practical offering. This can even bring a sense of ‘progress over perfection’ in the aim to highlight areas like sustainability. Like the ISPA Link Axis, the design is built of only three parts. All these are cleverly linked together via the lacing system and heel tab to create a zero glue sneaker with each part recyclable.

To celebrate their FW23 collection, we hopped on a plane to Sweden to meet up with artistic creator, Jimmy Söber, otherwise known as Formbark. With the huge rise in outdoor trends, his work has become super relevant in the sense of blurring the lines between art and the outdoors. With a ‘improvise, scavenge, protect and adapt’ aesthetic, we tasked Jimmy with creating 6 bespoke outfits to highlight each of Nike ISPA’s latest designs.

Check out the latest from ISPA online here!

Footpatrol: Hey Jimmy, huge thanks for joining us at Footpatrol to celebrate the ideas of Nike’s ISPA division with your Formbark identity. For those of our audience who aren’t aware of your page, could you give us a bit of an introduction to yourself and your work?

Formbark: Hey, thanks for having me! Well, I’m an artistic creator who explores the relationship between nature and man, the organic and synthetic, the grown and the created. Based in the Swedish countryside I spend a lot of time in the woods. I’m forever mesmerised by the multitudes of scale, making me appreciate the natural world not as a mere backdrop but also for our human existence. We can’t be too grateful for getting to be a part of.

For the past year, my focus has been on garment and fabric based outfits, modelled by myself. Common for all my work no matter the discipline, there is always a great influence and presence by nature. This is where I find most of my inspiration. I tend to bring that into whatever I’m trying to create with interesting combinations between materials, textures, shapes and colours. Making these outfits, I bring in lots of natural raw materials to get a wider aesthetic and symbolic toolbox. And also, I just love moss.

FP: What steered your work in the direction of creating these outfits, and composing these looks?

Formbark: Well, a while back I made a couple of sculptures out of sticks, moss and scraps of fabric. I made small scale garments and gave them little accessories which turned them into character like figures emerging from the same universe as most of my previous work.

It reminded me of character creation in games. Choosing what pieces of armour to match, how to dye them etc, it’s something I’ve always really enjoyed. That combined with an ever-present interest in clothes made me want to explore if I could create characters in another way, with more possibilities and greater freedom when it comes to the parts of which they consist. Because that’s what they are to me: characters. It’s not just composing an outfit, it’s creating a character, who in the best case will carry a healthy amount of mysticism with it. Evoking the beholder’s curiosity as to who this is and what they might be up to. Questions I never have any answers to, but really enjoy pondering.

FP: ISPA, Improvise, Scavenge, Protect and Adapt… That’s Nike’s breakdown for this skunkworks like division but what do those words mean to you and how do they connect to your work? 

Formbark: All of those things are actually a really big part of my way of working. Scavenging maybe the most prominent in this case. All the natural materials I gather myself from my surroundings whilst a lot of garments and fabrics are things I’ve randomly come across when least expecting to. Aside from those found items, I also work a lot with things from my own wardrobe, meaning there is a great amount of improvising and adapting as well.

Working with what I have to hand whilst still trying to create something exciting but that is an aspect I really enjoy. It forces me to be creative in another way. Now the ideas are sparked by my findings, rather than that I get an idea and then acquire what I need to realize that idea. In addition to being an enjoyable process, it is also a way to inspire the protection of our resources, to make do with what we have and utilize it to its full potential. All of this extends to my way of life in general, making it a very natural approach to my work for me.

FP: When it comes to foraging for your materials, we imagine it to be quite an enjoyable part of your work? The not knowing of what you’ll find or discovering something new that might take your work in a different direction, is that correct or is it actually a challenging piece to the puzzle?

Formbark: Foraging for all the natural materials like moss, sticks, bark is definitely one of the most enjoyable parts of this process. Like you say, the element of not knowing what to expect and being open to that surge of inspiration when you find something, and just following that not knowing where it will lead you. There are also endless ways to view nature. Whether it’s large or small, as long as you keep looking you’ll always be amazed and surprised. That said, it can definitely be challenging as well. Trying to reinvent how to make use of certain materials without it feeling repetitive can be really hard, but then again, it forces me to be creative and pushes my imagination.

Another challenging aspect is deciding whether to take or leave any given piece of nature. Because in the end, everything is already in its right place, and for me to rip something out of that perfect picture is something I morally struggle with constantly.

FP: When looking at Formbark, we notice you’re more than just your garment creations but actually more of a multidisciplinary artist. From intricate figurines to paintings, they all have a similar feel to what you do now. Did each one inspire the next step?

Formbark: Yes, they all very much inspire each other. Progression in one discipline might help me find new ways of doing things in another. However, I don’t see it as steps along a linear path of progression, but rather as several parallel paths. Sometimes you might find something alluring in the distance and to get closer to explore, experience and experiment with that, you may have to switch paths. Sometimes a path is blocked, so in order to progress you’ll have to choose another one for a bit, and then maybe come back to the original path later on. So yes, a lot of back and forth between different paths that are all kind of traversing the same universe.

FP: So, you’re currently based out in the Swedish countryside, not too far from Stockholm. I’d be intrigued to see what your creations would look like if you were to visit different areas of the globe. Is this something you’ve thought about doing or does the Swedish countryside stay true to what Formbark is? 

Formbark: It’s not something I’ve given any thought to actually, not until now anyways. As I mentioned earlier, there are endless ways of viewing and framing nature, so I feel there is still so much potential and the more I look, the more I see. In a way, the nature around here is what I identify with the most, having spent so much time in it, making it feel like the obvious choice for my work.

Here I know what grows when and where. I see the changes from year to year and have formed a relationship with this environment that feels deeply personal, making it something I feel confident working with. But I’d love to broaden my horizons in this aspect. Again, a lot because it would open up new practical possibilities for my work, but also because it would undoubtedly spark further inspiration and appreciation for the sometimes unfathomable, overwhelming and mind-bending beauty of nature.

FP: So, when we came over we brought with us a mixture of ISPA silhouettes that included a number of intriguing options. From the Universal, Mindbody and the Link, what did you enjoy about creating designs for each one?

Formbark: Well, all of the silhouettes are right up my alley, except for maybe the coloring on the Link though I think that is also why I enjoyed working with that shoe the most.

I had an opportunity to do something in terms of colours that I don’t think I would have ever done otherwise. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to pull it off, but I’m happy with the way it turned out. When it comes to the Universal, I really like the weird organic vibe they have! The low, wide profile really planted it firmly on the ground, a super combination with skinny legs. Add to that the slipper-like feel and the colours, they were a treat to work with. As for the Mindbody, they are just a perfect match for the aesthetics I’m going for. It was nice to be able to have shoes to build the rest of the outfits on, something to give me direction when creating these characters, especially such unique shoes with great diversity between them.

FP: Out of the outfits you pieced together, did you have a particular favourite? 

Formbark: That’s hard to say! There’s always some parts of an outfit that I’m happy with, and others I wish I’d done differently. I might like a colour scheme or certain organic details but regret the way I did the layering, or how I’ve combined materials. Some of that stuff is hard to see when just putting the outfit together but might reveal itself when looking back at the pictures. In this case though, I really like the big hat, as well as the maroon Universal outfit. The moss turban really had something too. Especially since it wasn’t something I hadn’t planned for, but just something that turned out that way.

FP: Well, I think that’s it from us at Footpatrol Jimmy. A huge thanks once again for hosting us at your house and for taking the time to sit down with us and share a bit more with our audience. Do you have any words of wisdom that someone may have told you one day that you’d like to pass on to our audience who may be pursuing a career within the world of art?

Formbark: Anytime! And thank you for setting all this up, it’s been great!

I don’t know. I’ve never tried to pursue anything, as far as art goes, and I think that might be as close to wisdom I’ve ever gotten on the subject. To just do what you want and like to do, and for that sole reason, is to me the only way to approach the process. That will also enable you to create something truly personal, and that is when art gets really interesting.

One thing we always say about Frequent Players is how we aren’t bound by any genre and that’s one thing we aim to stay true too. Gearing up to the end of ’23, one of our final Frequent Players Guest Mixes of the year continues that trend.

Last week, Daniel Young popped by the shop to pay us a visiting whilst over from Ireland and we made the most of this opportunity to deliver Guest Mix 46 and show him around some of the record shops that are on our doorstep. Catching up over a coffee, we learn more about where this passion for music and collectable things come from and how Balearic music is the way forward for his live shows and this latest mix.

Footpatrol: Yes Dan, thanks for joining us at Footpatrol for our latest Frequent Players Guest Mix. Let’s kick things off with probably the most important question, how are you?

Dan Young: I’m great thanks – always nice to pop over to London. So good to catch up with you guys and thanks so much for asking me to be involved. 

FP: I guess we should discuss music whilst we have you here… I always like to understand where your first memory of music comes from. I always find music is one of those things that can take you back to certain moments in your life, do you have a stand out memory growing up that kick started this love of music?

DY: If you ask my family, I’m sure they’ll tell you it was getting a copy of Seal – Kiss From a Rose (from Batman Forever – S/O Val Kilmer), but I’m not sure it’s been the driver for my interest! 

I wouldn’t say I grew up in a massively musical household but my mum did play a lot of Spanish guitar music – think Gypsy Kings – we’ve always kept it Balearic in East Belfast.

I went through different phases as everyone does, I loved the Kevin and Perry soundtrack and at some point, I’m pretty sure 50 Cent changed my life. During what I would call my formative years, I was playing football with an older crowd and they were putting me onto things like Unkle, Fabric mixes and streetwear. This was my gateway to going out, meeting new people and from it all I just got a real bug for music and I continued to find my way from there.

FP: Whilst we had you over in London, we made sure to take you to a couple of stores close by to Footpatrol. It’s great to see people still rifle through vinyls and it’s definitely picked back up in fashion in recent years but what is it for you that makes listening to vinyl so important?

DY: I’ve always been a collector of things, I like tangible stuff – I think it’s a personality thing. I love being able to revisit collections of things I have years later. It’s an opportunity rediscover inspiration.

With vinyl though, there’s something amazing about getting into a shop and rifling through the racks. Either looking for something obscure or simply how I’d choose a bottle of wine, a great sleeve. 

I wouldn’t call myself the most technical DJ either. I think for me what I enjoy about vinyl is more about the process of selecting and the sound of the tunes themselves. I do still play digital and I really enjoy it however, I just love the buzz of records, picking them out in the build-up to any sort of set and seeing how people respond on the day. For example, if your head is moving, I’m happy.

FP: Before delivering your mix, we relistened to your ‘Balearic Breezes to Melodic Explorations’ mix on your Mixcloud and noticed that genre was a common theme. What is it about this genre that’s got you hooked?

DY: Unfortunately I didn’t experience the whole Balearic beat phenomenon in Ibiza, but I just love everything about it. I love how some people have accidentally became Balearic icons. People like Chris Rea, Carly Simon and Marti Caine for example.

Also, if you try hard enough you can put anything under the Balearic umbrella. It’s that freedom and perspective that I love. I wouldn’t say this is the most Balearic selection I’ve put together but it feels on brand. For example, I always try to play some Dub and traditionally it’s not a staple in a Balearic set but I hope it’s what makes my selections a little bit different. I’ve been recommended so many songs by people that I probably didn’t think fitted into my rotation but have now become go-to’s.

I think Maccas (whose Frequent Players mix is also a cracker) mantra hits the nail on the head, “Balearic… but not too Balearic”.

FP: Aside from your mix, what’s five songs on your radar right now that our audience should check out?

DY: The mix was made up of a lot of new pickups, songs I forgot I owned and records I always pack when playing. Here’s five that I’ve recently picked up and have been featuring in the rotation.

Coyote – Lonely (Magic Wand)

Marcelle Moncrieffe – Take Me There (Athens of The North)

Deborah Glasgow – My Thing (Melodies International)

Moving Still – Sidi Mansour (Dark Disku)

Brian Auger – Night Train To Nowhere (THANK YOU)

FP: We see you DJing down at Sound Advice Records, seems like it has a great sense of community going on. How is the music scene out there in Ireland?

DY: Unbiased opinion incoming… The scene here in Ireland is incredible. There are lots of issues around licensing and spaces but what people do despite those challenges is really amazing.

I’m super lucky that Marion (owner of Sound Advice/Class DJ/Scene icon) has let me play records there a good few times. She’s been a massive supporter of me from the beginning and a big reason why I am where I’m at today. People like Marion are key to creating an inclusive environment to which everyone can feel a part of. Not just within Belfast but also further afield. 

Playing records has introduced me to people I’ve always respected. To name drop a few, Marion, JC (DJ/Booker at Bullitt Hotel and maybe the nicest man in Ireland) and Mark Reid (Head Honcho of Touch Sensitive Records) here in Belfast and my favourite DJ/producer Moving Still (who has released on labels like CWPT and has an incredible boiler room set) from Dublin. All of which I’d call pals now, which is great.

There are so many amazing DJs, producers, and club nights in both Belfast and Dublin and I’m in a lucky position to be based between them both. If anyone is ever in Belfast/Dublin, fancies a pint and a recommendation about what’s on – give me a shout!

FP: Where would you like to take your DJing? Can you see yourself performing more? We think you need to get on to NTS for a cheeky guest slot…!

DY: haha, I think anyone listening would spend the show trying to work out what I’m saying instead of what I’m playing. Stations like NTS are a huge inspiration to me and are probably more aligned with my process of DJing. I still love the club as a punter, but to DJ in, give me a record shop, studio or nice wine bar any day!

I always find it weird to think of myself doing more than I am currently, or even what I’ve done to date. I probably played my first solo set about two years ago, and since then I’ve been given some amazing opportunities. From warming up for Macca, Moving Still and being asked to record something for you guys, all of which are miles away from what I set out to do.

These last few years have been filled with some incredible moments. I’m really excited about what is to come next. I’m getting married in April and for our honeymoon, we’re heading to Japan so I’m hoping to try and play somewhere during the trip. That would be a real bucket list moment. 

FP: Having followed each other for what feels like decades now, I’ve always known you as someone who appreciates good design and music so it’s great to see you kickstart your ‘Iris Magazine Store’. Could you tell us a bit more about this venture? 

DY: I think Iris is the thing that has been the most natural in my life, probably because I get to run it with my fiance Aoife. Going back to my point about collecting things, Aoife is the same. We’ve both collected magazines for years (of all genres too) from Popeye, Gentlewomen, Disco Pogo and more. Iris was born out of a lack of access to what we love in Ireland, we wanted these magazines to be accessible to everyone and maybe introduce some of those titles to a new audience. It’s not really work for us, it’s something we’re both so passionate about. It also feeds our magazine habit.

FP: Well, thanks once again for taking the time to sit down with us and deliver your mix. We tend to leave this last question as an open one, a chance to let our audience know of anything you’ve got coming up or any words of wisdom that have helped your along the way so the floor is yours…!

DY: Nice one, thanks again for having me. I always wanted to start DJing before I did, and just didn’t feel confident enough so I think an important message for anything you feel unsure of, is to just go for it. You’ll find people are more supportive than you think. Other than that, keep an eye out on @irismagazinestore on Instagram for your magazine fix and @danielyoungfleh to see where you can catch me for some tunes and a pint of Guinness this Christmas.

Already a year on from when we launched Inclusive Access ’22, we’re back for round two. Continuing in similar fashion, we’re on the mission to encourage and normalise conversations surrounding disabilities. It became wholesome occasion that brought to light many topics that were either misunderstood, unspoken or both. As we promised last year, this conversation will not stop there.

Staying true to our word, we introduce ia23. Our aim? To continue pushing the industry and community to become an even more inclusive space, a space for everyone. For this, we’ve once again teamed up with both OPEN BOOK and Two Times Elliott.

This years topic of choice is one very close to the Footpatrol team, sport. A frequent topic that came up last year, and with the Paralympic Games 2024 being hosted in Paris, we felt this was the perfect opportunity to widen this conversation. With an amazing series of panelists on hand to promote the conversation, we’d love for you to join us and join in. If you’d like to join us for another night to remember, please send your RSVP to RSVP@footpatrol.com. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible confirming your attendance. Please note we will be limited in capacity and apologise in advance.

At the Footpatrol Run Club, you could say we’re use to our heart rates being tested. Whether it’s racing in the Oxford Half Marathon or taking part in the Amsterdam Marathon, things tend to be a lot more faster paced. Last week however, things were a little different. Teaming up with HOKA, we put on our first ever wellness walk.

We’re constantly being told how our mental health is important however, we feel it’s a subject people are still afraid to talk about. We wanted to break that mould. That’s where we wanted to encourage the idea of conversation. With HOKA team member Jhon on hand, we were also joined by two wellbeing advocates in Jimmy Watkins and Samo White. Each one took a moment to show courage, open up and share their story and promote a topic of discussion. From identity to community, from addiction to gender. We discussed in our own ways how each topic has effected us whether it be big or small and how we can promote change.

A huge thank you to everyone who came down and participated. It was a wholesome morning spent on Hampstead Heath with the rain dampening no spirits. With that said, a special shoutout to the Tor Ultra GORE-TEX. That upper and chunky midsole meant for zero slip ups!