It gave me the confidence to be the face of Beats Bus
When I first applied for the Spokesperson Network, Beat Bus was still in its early days. I didn’t really know what I was doing when it came to funding or social media. I was just starting out, with a lot of passion but not much structure. I knew that if Beats Bus was going to make a difference, I had to step up and become its voice. That meant polishing my skills, learning how to communicate better and being ready to speak with confidence.
As a performer, I was used to being on stage, but public speaking is completely different. When I’m performing as Redeyefeenix, I’ve got the music behind me and other people on stage. When you’re standing on stage alone, talking about your experiences, it’s just you. That can be intimidating. I wanted to learn how to handle that, how to use my voice in a new way, and that drew me to the programme.
The training helped me reach new audiences
One of the biggest takeaways was the social media training. I already had accounts, but I didn’t really know how to use them effectively. The sessions helped me understand how to build an audience and communicate what we do in a clear way. That changed everything.
Since then, I’ve recorded loads of vlogs, written blogs and even built my own website to promote my speaking work. I don’t think I’d have had the confidence or the know-how to do that without the programme.
Public speaking gave me a new kind of stage
The public speaking training taught me how to connect with an audience, project my voice and hold my presence in the room. I had a habit of filling space with “ums” and “errs”. Now I know how to pause, gather my thoughts and get people’s attention.
And I’ve put those public speaking skills into action. I’ve delivered around ten speeches now, to really different audiences, in prisons, universities, at festivals, and to business leaders, NHS chief executives and community groups. I’ve also been on several panels.
It gave me exactly what I was hoping for – and more
From the start, the programme gave me what I needed and a lot more. I met incredible people, all doing inspiring work in their communities. I still speak to many of them now, years later. That peer network was massive for me. It’s easy to feel like you’re doing this work on your own, trying to make change from a small corner. We’ve supported each other, shared advice and collaborated on projects. Being surrounded by people who understand what you’re doing, who share the same drive, it really lifts the weight a little bit.
Sounddelivery Media are still in our corner
The Sounddelivery Media team has continued to support us well beyond the training. They’ve sent over funding opportunities and advice. That’s how we got our first major grant with the Paul Hamlyn Foundation Ideas and Pioneers Fund. That really got the ball rolling for us.
It’s not just a programme, it’s wraparound support. You apply thinking it’s about media and storytelling, but you also get a community, practical advice and a sounding board for all the challenges that come with running an organisation.
All the doubts you have – put them aside and apply
To anyone thinking about applying, I’d say this: all those doubts you have about whether you’re ready or good enough, put them to one side and go for it. Be open to the challenge. You’ll come out of it a stronger, more confident version of yourself. You’ll be more capable in your role and more certain of your voice.
And when you’re on the programme, soak it all up. Listen to the other brilliant minds in the room. You get back what you put in, so give it your all.
It didn’t just build my skills — it built my belief
Looking back, I honestly don’t think Beats Bus would still be going if I hadn’t done the Spokesperson Network training. It taught me how to approach everything from different angles and with more confidence, like social media, media interviews, vlogs and blogs. It showed me why all of that matters to be able to stand strong and sustain what we do.
The programme didn’t just build my skills; it gave me belief. It taught me how to use my voice to inspire others and to open doors for the next generation.
About the Author
Stephen Arnott, known as Redeyefeenix, is a hip-hop emcee from Hull and Founder of Beats Bus Records. Beats Bus Records is a multi-award winning social enterprise with a mobile recording studio for outreach work to discover young talent, and teach the history of hip-hop to communities in Yorkshire and the Humber, particularly those with limited access to the arts.
Steve’s dedication to community work earned him an award from the official Zulu Nation. Steve also works with Sounddelivery Media, Joseph Rowntree Foundation and is a graduate of the SSE.