Industry Professionals on Networking and Career Growth
Empowering the Next Generation of Creatives
In this special podcast episode, Rekordshop brings together leading voices from the creative industry to share stories, strategies, and inspiration with the next generation of artists, musicians, and changemakers in Northampton.
Meet the Industry Professionals
From a YouTube channel launched in 2017 to becoming a cornerstone of Northampton’s grassroots music scene, Leon Denton, known to many as Lionidas, is the visionary behind Lay It Down — a platform that’s empowered countless emerging artists across the region.
What began as a passion project quickly evolved into a lifeline for local talent. With little to no spaces dedicated to rap and open mic events in Northampton at the time, Lay It Down filled a crucial gap — offering artists a safe, welcoming space to perform, network, and grow their craft. Monthly shows at The Lab became the heartbeat of the local hip hop community, eventually expanding to stages at The Garibaldi Hotel, The Black Prince, and even The Roadmender.
But Lionidas didn’t stop there. His work with major local festivals — including Pig & Applestock, Kaya Festival, Umbrella Fair, FamFest, and the Wall Games UK show (which featured 8 local artists supporting UK rap icon Dirty Dike) — showcased his relentless drive to elevate regional talent.
Leon and his team at Lay It Down have also used their platform for social good, supporting initiatives like the @off_the_streets_nn campaign, and playing a key role in events following the Knife Angel’s tour of Northamptonshire.
His contributions haven’t gone unnoticed. Lay It Down has won the Best Local Event/Initiative award at the Local Music Awards NN, and Leon was named a “Local Hero” by AIM UK, selected by @connor.aon. On top of that, Leon now hosts Lay It Down Radio every Saturday from 4–6 PM on @inspirationfm_northampton, keeping the community plugged into the freshest local sounds.
Whether it’s mentoring the next wave of artists, championing social causes, or curating festival stages, Leon Denton is more than just a music figure — he’s a cultural architect in Northampton.
We’re honoured to have featured Lionidas in our Community of Practice series — a testament to how DIY platforms like Lay It Down can change lives, one mic at a time.
Our featured guests are dynamic creatives who are making waves in their fields—from music production to event curation and digital storytelling. Each guest brings a unique perspective, sharing both their background and current roles, as well as their connection to Rekordshop or the wider creative community.
Jay Faded has quickly become one of Northampton’s most distinctive voices in the electronic music scene. With a sound that fuses the warmth of vintage house grooves with innovative, modern electronic production, Jay Faded is a true testament to artistic evolution and creative passion.
Hailing from Northampton, Jay Faded has built his reputation on a deep love for dance music and an ear for infectious rhythms. His journey into the world of electronic and house music reflects both his local roots and the broader influences of classic club beats and contemporary innovation. His work resonates not only with local enthusiasts but also with an international audience that can’t resist the urge to get up and dance.
Jay Faded’s production is characterized by its distinctive ability to blend nostalgia with forward-thinking sound design. Tracks like “Way You Move”, “Fruit Punch”, and “Gulag” showcase his mastery over catchy melodies, punchy basslines, and rhythmic energy that spurs both movement and emotion on the dancefloor. Each track is meticulously crafted to evoke the golden days of house music while also pushing the boundaries with fresh, contemporary twists. This duality makes his productions timeless—a nod to classic club culture, yet unmistakably new and exhilarating.
At Rekordshop’s Community of Practice, we celebrate artists like Jay Faded, whose dedication to craft inspires creativity across the board. His journey from local club gigs to producing tracks that resonate on platforms like Spotify is a powerful example of how innovation, authenticity, and perseverance can change the musical conversation. Jay Faded shows us that staying true to your artistic vision while evolving with your sound is the key to both personal and community growth.
In every set and track, he invites the next generation of house and electronic musicians to learn his methods, challenge their creative limits, and contribute to a scene that thrives on collaboration and constant evolution.
What We Discuss:
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Rekordshop’s Impact
Honest reflections on how Rekordshop has helped shape and support young talent through music-focused spaces and community-driven projects. -
The Power of Mentorship
Insight into how knowledge-sharing and mentorship play a key role in creative growth and career development. -
Networking in the Creative Industry
Real-world tips and advice for building meaningful connections, navigating events, and growing your network authentically. -
Personal Career Journeys
Candid conversations about each guest’s path in the industry, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the lessons they’ve learned.
🔗 Resources & Recommendations
Our guests also share valuable resources and give shoutouts to tools, platforms, and organizations that have helped them—and that can help you, too. They offer thoughtful advice for anyone looking to break into or grow within the creative sector.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here
Closing Remarks
Thank you to our incredible speakers and everyone who tuned in. We hope this episode sparks ideas, connections, and creative energy.
Let’s keep the momentum going:
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Stay connected with Rekordshop on socials
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Look out for upcoming events, workshops, and open mic nights
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Do you have feedback or a question? We’d love to hear from you!
Together, we’re building a future where creativity thrives and community leads.
Follow the journey of Jayfaded and Lay It Down:
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Jayfaded: @jayfadeduk
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Lay it Down: @layitdown_nn
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On 1 Jayfaded Record Label: @0n_1uk
Join Rekordshop’s community of practice for creatives in Northampton and gain insights, inspiration, and strategies from the brightest voices in the industry. Tune into this special podcast episode and get to know the next generation of artists and musicians!
