In this episode of Toasts & Jams, we welcome ILLAMAN: rapper, MC and frontman of genre-bending London band PENGSHUi, whose career has taken him from the underground UK hip-hop and drum & bass scenes to stages and festivals around the world.

ILLAMAN takes us through his journey in music, from meeting his childhood hero Goldie and the unlikely origins of the PENGSHUi name, to the chaos and adrenaline of life on stage, including one particularly memorable 15-foot stage dive.

But behind the energy and humour is a much more personal story. We talk about mental health, neurodivergence, sobriety and the role music has played in helping him understand himself and navigate some of the more difficult periods of his life.

ILLAMAN reflects on giving up alcohol, letting go of ego and discovering a new sense of clarity and connection as a performer, as well as the importance of honesty, both in his music and in life.

It’s an open, funny and deeply personal conversation about music, identity, mental health, self-discovery and finding a healthier way to do what you love.

ILLAMAN's song: • Peter Tosh - Legalize It (Audio)

ILLAMAN'S links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Sbyn...

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@mr_illaman?_r...

IG: @MR_ILLAMAN

Big thank you to The Collective Acoustics: https://www.tcacoustics.co.uk/

Toasts & Jams links: https://linktr.ee/toastsandjams

Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6gf...

Produced, recorded and edited by Allan Brothers Films and Alex Catt: https://www.allanbrothersfilms.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Toasts & Jams, we welcome Harry "Reeps One" Yeff, artist, voice pioneer and creative technologist whose work sits at the intersection of human expression, artificial intelligence and performance.

From his beginnings as a world-renowned beatboxer to collaborating with leading researchers and institutions including Harvard, Harry has dedicated his career to exploring the limitless potential of the human voice and what it can teach us about creativity, technology and ourselves.

We talk about neurodivergence, finding belonging through art, the future of AI, voice technology, creativity and why human expression will always remain at the centre of innovation. Harry also reflects on stepping away from touring, preserving voices for future generations and how technology can help us become more creative, rather than replace us.

It's a fascinating conversation about curiosity, identity, creativity and the future of what it means to be human.

Harry's song:

Venetian Snares – Szamár Madár

https://youtu.be/2PBeKzVhWHY?si=nay9GS8QLqhSF70Y

Harry's links:

Reeps100

https://reeps100.com

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/reepsone/

Big thank you to The Collective Acoustics:

https://www.tcacoustics.co.uk/

Toasts & Jams links:

https://linktr.ee/toastsandjams

Spotify Playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6gff6dFVOoYlPrm8zhTsXA

Produced, recorded and edited by Allan Brothers Films and Alex Catt.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Toasts & Jams, we welcome Matt Dosa, a North London based visual artist whose work spans murals, abstract painting, prints and public art.

Emerging from a graffiti background, Matt has developed a distinctive visual language that blends bold colour, instinctive mark making and large scale composition. His work sits between street culture and contemporary abstraction, often exploring ideas of place, community and creativity.

We talk about Matt's journey from painting in public spaces to creating murals and large scale artworks, the role London has played in shaping his perspective, and why following your passion often matters more than following a plan.

The conversation moves through creativity, community, resilience and the importance of sharing your work. Matt reflects on working with people who don't see themselves as artists, the power of public art to bring people together, and a life changing accident that shifted his outlook on life.

It's a wide ranging conversation about creativity, instinct, community and finding your own path.

Matt's Song:

Hold On – Foreign Beggars & Skinnyman

https://youtu.be/hnYvKLFjdjw?si=Cw_O1BbP4xEltJEI

Matt’s links:

https://www.mattdosa.com/

https://www.instagram.com/matt.dosa/

Toasts & Jams links:

https://linktr.ee/toastsandjams

Spotify Playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6gff6dFVOoYlPrm8zhTsXA

Produced, recorded and edited by Allan Brothers Films and Alex Catt.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We talk about Josh’s journey into music, from discovering drum & bass at a young age through Shy FX and pirate radio culture, to learning confidence through DJing and finding creative identity while studying at art college.

The conversation moves through ADHD, therapy, self medication, childhood anger and the complicated relationship between creativity and chaos. Josh reflects on confidence, escapism, emotional baggage and the different ways people learn to manage themselves while navigating creative industries.

It’s an honest and wide ranging chat about music, identity, mental health and the experiences that shape creative people behind the scenes.

Josh’s drink of choice:

English Breakfast Tea

Josh’s Song:

Shy FX & T Power – Feelings

https://youtu.be/a8girPCgHE0?si=4ZC5iIvh4Opgsdjv

Josh’s links:

https://www.instagram.com/joshparkinson/

https://itsjoshparkinson.com/

Big thank you to The Collective Acoustics:

https://www.tcacoustics.co.uk/

Toasts & Jams links:

https://linktr.ee/toastsandjams

Spotify Playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6gf...

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Toasts & Jams, we welcome Louis VI, musician, producer and artist whose work moves through hip hop, jazz, soul and a deep connection to the natural world.

We talk about Louis’ journey through music, from growing up in London listening to Dizzee Rascal, Nas and Kanye West, to discovering writing through the Roundhouse and finding his own voice as both a rapper and producer.

The conversation moves through identity, diaspora, creativity and the role nature now plays in his work. Louis reflects on Dominica, field recordings, indigenous knowledge and why reconnecting with the sounds of the natural world can be so powerful for our minds, bodies and communities.

It’s a thoughtful and wide ranging chat about music, memory, family, nature and the importance of listening more closely to the world around us.

Louis's Song:

• Learn

Louis's links:

/ itslouisvi

Subscribe to be the first to know about the next exhibition

https://www.natureaintaluxury.com

Big thank you to The Collective Acoustics:

https://www.tcacoustics.co.uk/

Toasts & Jams links:

https://linktr.ee/toastsandjams

Spotify Playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6gf...

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Toasts & Jams, we welcome Steven Camden, also known as Polarbear, poet, storyteller and one of the UK’s most distinctive spoken word voices.

We talk about Steven’s journey through performance and storytelling, from early poetry slams and chaotic workshop experiences to developing a voice that connects across audiences and spaces.

The conversation moves through the strange and often surreal world of live poetry, the rules, or lack of them, and how those environments can shape you creatively. We also get into the evolution of artistic expression, from raw, unfiltered ideas to more considered storytelling, and how creativity often grows through experimentation, discomfort and play.

It’s a wide ranging chat about finding your voice, embracing the unexpected and learning how to communicate ideas that actually land.

Steven’s song choice:

https://youtu.be/7nxWP9BhI7w?si=D1oFiQ39WrquH7Yv

Steven's links:

www.bearstories.org

Big thank you to The Collective Acoustics:

https://www.tcacoustics.co.uk/

Toasts & Jams links:

https://linktr.ee/toastsandjams

Spotify Playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6gff6dFVOoYlPrm8zhTsXA

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Toasts & Jams, we welcome Olivia — a photographer known for capturing honest, human moments that go beyond the surface.

We talk about Olivia’s journey into photography and how her personality plays a central role in her work, from embracing her quirks to building trust quickly with the people she shoots.

The conversation moves through what authenticity really means in a world of polished content, the balance between analog and digital approaches, and why real, lived experiences still carry something you can’t fake or recreate.

We also get into the importance of connection, instinct, and creating an environment where people feel comfortable enough to be themselves — plus a brilliant story about photographing Harry Kane and the determination it takes to capture something genuine.

It’s a wide-ranging chat about creativity, people, and finding the real in everything you make.

Olivia’s Song Choice:

https://youtu.be/clXS_1NJC_Q?si=K8RxVe-teBa9Zu1G

Olivia’s website and Instagram:

oliviarosephotography.co.uk

https://www.instagram.com/oliviarosegarden

Produced, recorded and edited by Allan Brothers Films and Alex Catt

Big thank you to The Collective Acoustics:

https://www.tcacoustics.co.uk/

Toasts & Jams links:

https://linktr.ee/toastsandjams

Toasts & Jams Spotify Playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6gf...

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.