As four Hull-based artists and bands—Jodie Langford, Chiedu Oraka, Fiona Lee, and O’Phantom—prepare to perform at The Great Escape festival, it’s important to shine a light on the vital role that grassroots organisations like The Warren Youth Project have played in nurturing their talent and building the foundation of their careers. For over 40 years, The Warren has supported young people in Hull through creative opportunities, mental health support, and pathways into music and performance. These four acts are powerful examples of that impact.
Jodie Langford
Jodie’s journey with The Warren spans nearly a decade. Initially engaging with the service through its mental health and youth programmes, she found her artistic voice during a collaborative project between The Warren and Independent Venue Week. Her spoken word and writing talents were given new form when she began experimenting with music, supported and encouraged by Warren Records and its current lead, Scott. Since then, Jodie has developed into one of the city’s most exciting spoken word/electronic acts and now works on staff at The Warren—giving back to the same community that empowered her.
Chiedu Oraka
Now a leading figure in Hull’s music scene and a powerful voice for the North, Chiedu Oraka began making music in The Warren’s studio. Even after aging out of the youth bracket, he continued to return, citing the welcoming and supportive environment as crucial to his growth as an artist. His story, as referenced in his recent speech in Westminster, shows how early access to a creative space helped shape his identity and set the stage for his national success. The Warren’s team remembers having to “chuck him out”—though, as they put it, it was “the friendliest chucking-out you’ve ever seen!”
Fiona Lee
Singer-songwriter Fiona Lee’s early performances took place not on grand stages, but in The Warren’s snack bar. Through its open mic nights and regular community gigs, Fiona found both an audience and a platform. Her first music release came via Warren Records in 2017, long before she received broader recognition. These early steps, taken in a safe and encouraging environment, helped her grow in confidence and skill as a performer.
O’Phantom / Dan Mawer
While O’Phantom as a band haven’t used The Warren’s services directly, frontman Dan Mawer credits Warren Records as instrumental in launching his music career. His first ever project, La Bête Blooms, was supported by The Warren, guiding him through the process of recording and releasing music for the first time. Dan recalls the value of their expertise in helping him navigate the early stages of becoming an artist. The Warren also facilitated an acoustic live session and provided rehearsal space—giving him practical support that led to more gig opportunities. “I couldn’t be more thankful,” says Dan, who jokingly notes that he had to stop using the space when he “became old.”
The Bigger Picture
The Warren continues to be a vital creative engine in Hull’s cultural ecosystem. With funding from Arts Council England, Youth Music and PRS Foundation, it runs a regular programme of gigs, studio sessions, and workshops—giving young artists their first experiences of both performing and producing. These opportunities are often the unseen first steps that lead to national stages like The Great Escape festival.
While recent support from Hull City Council and other bodies has created real momentum in showcasing Hull talent, it’s crucial that grassroots organisations like The Warren are acknowledged and included in the narrative. Their work—quiet, consistent, and community-focused—has laid the groundwork for many of the artists now being celebrated on bigger platforms.
Looking Forward
With a brand-new studio complex set to open in June—including theatre, dance, and rehearsal spaces—The Warren is poised to continue its legacy of nurturing Hull’s creative future. As national attention grows, now is the time for deeper collaboration between institutions, funders, and grassroots spaces to ensure that all young people in Hull feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
Find out more about the Warren here