An Interview with Ica Headlum
of the Creative me Podcast
Leopard Arts co-editor Naomi Christie recently sat down with Ica Headlam, the mind behind the Creative Me podcast. Every week Ica explores the work of an individual or a group, covering topics from local hip-hop to glass blowing. You can find the Creative Me podcast, as well as how to support the show, through its website.
What were the things that were were happening in Aberdeen/your life that made you want to start a podcast?
Back in early 2016 I took part in a programme with the Creative Learning Team called SLAAC (Sustaining Life As A Creative) I was fortunate to have met some really interesting and talented people. There was also a lot of events, showcases and pop-up events happening here and there across the city at the time as well. Which no doubt inspired me to move forward in documenting this through a podcast.
What are the unique qualities of podcasting that lend themselves to promoting the arts?/Would you consider podcasting an art form?
I see podcasting as a form of audio archiving, something you can always look back on in terms of how one’s practice has developed over the years. It can also be seen as an immediate tool of self-promotion for current projects. Maybe I’m biased in saying this but I do see podcasting as an art form it’s something that you work away at, you learn new skills, you pick up on social cues from guests and it’s a continuous learning process.
Obviously 2020 was a very tumultuous time but hopefully the end is in sight. You’ve been active throughout all of this, what have been the highlights of the past year on Creative Me?
For me it has been several things that stand out for me. Creating and forming new professional working relationships with organisations like Look Again Festival Team, City Moves and Northlands Creative. I would also say that being on the list of nominees for the British Podcast Awards (Listener’s Choice Award) was also something that makes me look back on how far the podcast and everything else I’ve done has come.
Where do you think Aberdeen cultural life is right now? What do you think the art scene in Aberdeen will look like post-pandemic?
It’s interesting because from what I’ve seen last year there has been a massive shift for local artists and creatives to push their work online more so than ever whether that be doing live chats, hosting network events via Zoom or using the time made more available to us to take their work to the next level. But what remains positive is that people continue to support and amplify each other’s voices as much as possible within our community of artists and creatives.
I think that post pandemic we will see new ways of networking, creating opportunities for ourselves and exhibiting our work. 2020 has shown us that as artists/creatives we are inventive and resilient in Aberdeen. So, I definitely look forward to what will happen in the years to come.
Are there any special plans in Creative Me’s calendar for 2021?
Previously I never tried to make fixed plans with the podcast. But now going into its 4th year I definitely want to continue to explore the opportunity to do commissioned podcast episodes like I did last year as a means of promoting a creative organisation or business. I’ve already been compiling a list of artists and creatives I want to interview this year. With all my other commitments I want to have a clear plan in sight of how realistic it is for me to record new conversations whilst also committing to my time with my family, full time work, running a small business and a Community Interest Company. I’m hopefully that I’ll be able to provide more interesting conversations to those who follow the podcast.
An Interview with Ica Headlum
of the Creative Me podcast.
Leopard Arts co-editor Naomi Christie recently sat down with Ica Headlam, the mind behind the Creative Me podcast. Every week Ica explores the work of an individual or a group, covering topics from local hip-hop to glass blowing. You can find the Creative Me podcast, as well as how to support the show, through its website.
What were the things that were were happening in Aberdeen/your life that made you want to start a podcast?
Back in early 2016 I took part in a programme with the Creative Learning Team called SLAAC (Sustaining Life As A Creative) I was fortunate to have met some really interesting and talented people. There was also a lot of events, showcases and pop-up events happening here and there across the city at the time as well. Which no doubt inspired me to move forward in documenting this through a podcast.
What are the unique qualities of podcasting that lend themselves to promoting the arts?/Would you consider podcasting an art form?
I see podcasting as a form of audio archiving, something you can always look back on in terms of how one’s practice has developed over the years. It can also be seen as an immediate tool of self-promotion for current projects. Maybe I’m biased in saying this but I do see podcasting as an art form it’s something that you work away at, you learn new skills, you pick up on social cues from guests and it’s a continuous learning process.
Obviously 2020 was a very tumultuous time but hopefully the end is in sight. You’ve been active throughout all of this, what have been the highlights of the past year on Creative Me?
For me it has been several things that stand out for me. Creating and forming new professional working relationships with organisations like Look Again Festival Team, City Moves and Northlands Creative. I would also say that being on the list of nominees for the British Podcast Awards (Listener’s Choice Award) was also something that makes me look back on how far the podcast and everything else I’ve done has come.
Where do you think Aberdeen cultural life is right now? What do you think the art scene in Aberdeen will look like post-pandemic?
It’s interesting because from what I’ve seen last year there has been a massive shift for local artists and creatives to push their work online more so than ever whether that be doing live chats, hosting network events via Zoom or using the time made more available to us to take their work to the next level. But what remains positive is that people continue to support and amplify each other’s voices as much as possible within our community of artists and creatives.
I think that post pandemic we will see new ways of networking, creating opportunities for ourselves and exhibiting our work. 2020 has shown us that as artists/creatives we are inventive and resilient in Aberdeen. So, I definitely look forward to what will happen in the years to come.
Are there any special plans in Creative Me’s calendar for 2021?
Previously I never tried to make fixed plans with the podcast. But now going into its 4th year I definitely want to continue to explore the opportunity to do commissioned podcast episodes like I did last year as a means of promoting a creative organisation or business. I’ve already been compiling a list of artists and creatives I want to interview this year. With all my other commitments I want to have a clear plan in sight of how realistic it is for me to record new conversations whilst also committing to my time with my family, full time work, running a small business and a Community Interest Company. I’m hopefully that I’ll be able to provide more interesting conversations to those who follow the podcast.