Rapper J.Chambers’ new song ‘Sirens’ examines media negativity and the challenges that young people of colour experience as they attempt to move up the social ladder.
Coming from a Jamaican family, there’s a nod to his heritage in his music. J.Chambers draws influences from reggae and UK rap, to pull together a thought-provoking soundscape. In doing so, his music often delves deep into themes of cultural identity and racial equality.
‘Sirens’ is no exception.
The idea for the track plays a on story from Greek mythology. The sirens were said to be a distracting force that would lead ships off course and into destruction.
J uses this metaphor to symbolise the dangers that young black people face as they navigate through life – with those dangers referring to perceived threats of police brutality and internalised media negativity.
ADVERTISEMENT
J.Chambers
Speaking about the release, J said: “Sirens is a song about liberation and freedom, realising that our freedom can only come from focus. But also, sirens is about the distractions and obstacles we have to overcome to get there. It has a dual meaning and is probably one of my personal favourites from the upcoming LP.”
The song, featuring Dutch reggae collective Dei.3avu, is taken from J’s upcoming LP Escape The Kingdom which drops on 26 February. The LP forms an autobiographical piece that provides an insight into the challenges of growing up Black and British.
ADVERTISEMENT
Originally from Blackley in North Manchester, he’s been known to refer to himself as “the token black kid”, because of the largely white-British working-class area.
Credit: Kenny Brown
But fast forward to 2021 and he’s driving change and conversation around race in the community.
Now a leader of Manchester’s BLM movement, J has found a space to express his passionate yet political side – and he’s a force to be reckoned with.
ADVERTISEMENT
Political nuances are articulated through much of his work. Previous tracks such as Kill The Noise alongside Jahkiri, makes particular references to Grenfell, the Tories and conspiracies. J is not afraid to say what a lot of people are thinking.
Escape the Kingdom out 26 February
Not only is J a musician, but a spoken word poet too – and you can also hear this in his rhythmic style.
In honour of Black History Month back in October, J was invited onto Blue Peter to perform a specially written poem.
Speaking about hate, change and freedom, the powerful tribute was a celebration of identity and showed young people why using your voice matters so much.
Despite a history of activism and a back-catalogue brimming with successful tracks and performances alongside big names (including an unexpected visit from Kendrick Lamar nonetheless), J manages to remain modest and humble. But regardless of that, his music and poetry speak volumes.
ADVERTISEMENT
Listen to Sirens here and stay up to date with J.Chambers on his socials:
Eurovision 2025 final to be screened live in cinemas across Greater Manchester
Emily Sergeant
The grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest is to be screened live in cinemas across Greater Manchester next month.
Following the success of the previous two years, initially starting back when the internationally renowned televised event was held on British soil in Liverpool in 2023, cinemas up and down the UK are, once again, set to come together to celebrate 2025’s edition of the major night in the music calendar by hosting the ultimate viewing events.
The epic Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final on Saturday 17 May will be broadcast live on BBC One, and streamed into more than 100 cinemas nationwide – including several in Greater Manchester.
Distributed by CinemaLive, the live stream events will allow Eurovision fans to gather under one roof and share in the unbeatable experience of celebrating the brightest and boldest music party of the year on the big screen.
The Eurovision 2025 final will be screened live in cinemas across Greater Manchester / Credit: CinemaLive | Krists Luhaers (via Unsplash)
You may remember that Switzerland is hosting Eurovision this year, following the nation’s well-deserved victory at the 2024 contest with the song ‘The Code’ performed by Nemo.
But thanks to these live stream events, you won’t need to make the trip to Basel to get in on the action, as you’ll just need to nip down to your nearest participating cinema instead.
Not only will the long-awaited final of the show be streamed live onto the big screen in 5.1 surround sound, but fans are invited to bring their Eurovision parties from the front room to the cinema instead, as organisers say fancy dress is ‘heavily encouraged’, as are enthusiastic sing-alongs too.
Speaking ahead of the event next month, John Travers from distributors CinemaLive, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the BBC to bring Eurovision’s grand final live into cinemas across the UK for the third year in a row.
“There’s simply no better way to enjoy the biggest night in music than in a cinema.”
Tickets are now live and available to book at your local cinema here.
Some of the participating Greater Manchester cinemas include Vue Manchester Printworks, Everymans in Manchester city centre and Altrincham, The Light in Stockport, and Cineworld in Didsbury, among others.
Featured Image – EBU
Audio
A new theatre show based on the Oasis and Blur rivalry is heading to Manchester
Daisy Jackson
No one sits on the fence in the great ‘Blur or Oasis’ debate – and now one of music’s greatest rivalries will be brought to the stage in a brand-new theatre show.
Heading to Manchester next year will be the brand-new comedy play, The Battle.
Audiences will take a trip back to 1995, when Britpop heavyweights Blur and Oasis were battling it out on the airwaves – and throwing more than a few jibes at each other along the way.
The Battle follows that moment in time where both bands – one our beloved Northern brothers, the other that clean-cut art-school band from the South – released singles on the same day.
The ensuing ‘battle of Britpop’ saw rivalries flare, friendships fracture, and a media mania that defined the era.
Highlights of the play will include the Brit Awards, the war on the charts, and legendary personalities.
The Battle promises ‘filthy language and razor-sharp dialogue in this cut-throat new comedy that puts you right at the heart of the feuding, the fame, and the fallout’.
The Battle is the debut stage play from screenwriter and Sunday Times best-selling novelist John Niven, and will be directed by Matthew Dunster.
John Niven said: “1995: a time long before music splintered into a billion different Tik Tok feeds. When music was so central to the culture that two pop groups could dominate the entire summer, the evening news and the front page of every newspaper in the country.
“We’re going to take you back there. I’ve never written for the stage before, and it has been an absolute blast to do so for the first time with a producer as supportive as Simon and a director as talented as Matthew.”
Director, Matthew Dunster, added: “I remember the Battle of the Bands. I remember the charts that week. Music mattered.
“I remember being in my twenties in 1995. What a wild time. Full of energy, naughtiness and hilarity. Just like John Niven’s play.
“I’m so delighted to be working with John on such a punchy, hilarious and revealing comedy about two of the best bands of all time, Blur and Oasis.”
Producer, Simon Friend, continued: “Throughout my sister’s teenage years, she had an enormous poster of Damon Albarn on her wall, and I remember her falling out with friends over which band they loved more.
“Ever since, this story has been in the back of my mind, and I was delighted that John Niven agreed to write it because there is no more qualified or hilarious chronicler of this world, and combined with Matthew Dunster directing, we have a fearless team recreating the sweaty mid-‘90s carnage of The Battle of Britpop.”
The Battle will make its world premiere in Birmingham next year before heading out on an extensive UK tour, including a run of shows here in Manchester.
The Battle will be at the Opera House Manchester between 17 and 21 March 2026.
Tickets go on general sale on Friday 2 May at 10am – grab yours HERE.
Hannah Starkie -
12th February 2021 
