Victory Lap Is Building A Community For UK Rap Radio – clashmusic.com

If you asked anyone pre-COVID if UK rap radio was dead, they would answer yes with a firm nod and launch into their pockets to grab Channel U nostalgia. 
Why? 
With the total onset and crippling effect of short-form content on the attention span of audiences, artists face a new challenge. Maintaining authenticity whilst meeting a dopamine-hitting checklist to garner likes and follows. 
Yes, we have a new way of creating and connecting with communities. However, creatives may experience difficulties in building an authentic image versus virality. Some artists fall off the wagon here as they lose their zeal amongst digitally etched commentary and scrutiny. Others become intoxicated with the instant gratification social media offers. More often than not, it leads to a decline in what would be defined as artistic success today as the barrier to entry heightens.  
This is where Victory Lap Radio steps in. Founded by Joseph McDermott and broadcasted via Balamii’s South London frequency, Victory Lap was formed to rehash real-life collaboration and creativity in the UK music scene. While abiding by lockdown guidelines, the Victory Lap team was among collectives that made good use of the metaverse (Instagram, X, etc) to fill the void that was social distance. There’s an old saying: “You won’t appreciate what you have until it’s gone.” During the pandemic, this truth hit the scene hard, opening up discussions on whether the UK scene was losing its essence, much of it originally found in collaboration and lyrical sparring.
We often reminisce on the greatness of discontinued musical spaces, but we rarely pinpoint why we miss them. The truth is, that audiences and creatives miss what creativity is at its core: the absence of judgment. Nowadays, musicians find their successes quantified.
Victory Lap founder sits down with CLASH to discuss all things British underground, independence in Radio and the importance of assessing why artists create and share.
—
—
How did Victory Lap Radio come about? Who makes up the team?
Victory Lap Radio started on a trip to New York. A few of my closest friends are musicians and producers, so while we were there, we recorded radio sets for fun. We uploaded the recorded mixes under the name Victory Lap. Upon my return to London, I decided to create a show that could feature various musicians/close friends whose music needed more exposure. I prioritised getting people back in the studio after COVID-19 and reinitiated a collaborative environment in music as we had missed human contact for a few years. 
That’s when the show found its feet. The main objective was to reinstate the rawness and authenticity of physically collaborative environments in music that were showcased in our cyphers.
What makes an artist or track stand out to you? What does your selection process involve for the show? 
When artists ask how they can appear on the show, I tell them to keep doing their thing. Their consistently good work will surely end up on my radar. We try to champion a wide spectrum of artists, big and small. When observing talent, I look out for a range of things. A strong personality and sense of character are my favourite features. I loved wrestling growing up, and I think of musicians like wrestlers — the best ones are the ones who have a strong brand, message and image. 
—
—
How do you balance mainstream music with new or underground sounds? Is this balance important to you?
Striking a balance between mainstream and underground sound is very important to me. I’ve always wanted to champion underground music and push new artists coming up. Balance is important because creating and maintaining that strong foundation in the underground is what makes mainstream artists want to reconnect with their roots. 
Central Cee and Dave wanted to be involved in the show because it incorporates the human element of early 2000 British Rap: a musical culture they observed in their teens. The platform helped to re-humanise these superstars which is very important in the social media age where we spend more time consuming than creating with each other. Their appearance on the show reminded listeners of their creative origins. The best part of that show was putting emerging artists in the same session as established artists, creating a developmental environment for everyone. Victory Lap has become a bridge between the underground and the overground. 
—
—
What has helped Victory Lap Radio build such a strong community?
Passion is infectious – if people can see you’re genuinely doing something you love, then you will attract individuals who want to be a part of it or support you. 
How does Victory Lap Radio support new artists?
At the moment, we create a space/platform for them to jump on and get their music heard.  We also seek to secure live opportunities for artists we feature on the show. There aren’t many platforms in London that give underground artists a chance to be heard, a lot of platforms are industry-managed and so it’s the same crop of already established artists which can become stale. We give upcoming artists a chance. Our platform is a place where artists collaborate and learn from established artists.
Ego doesn’t exist in the Victory Lap studio. 
How does your platform impact music trends?
I think we’ve done a good job of revitalising rapping on radio in real-time. Notably during a period where people’s media consumption habits have changed. We can now observe that there’s a freshly placed emphasis on rapping live, cyphers, and getting together with your friends to make something happen. We’re proud to have played a part in re-shifting the focus.
What challenges do you face as an independent radio platform?
Maintaining the balance of authenticity while attempting to scale and develop has posed a challenge. I’m learning something new and it’s a blessing. 
—
—
Apart from your platform, which music platforms do you admire and why?
Growing up, I loved Tim & Barry, Lord Of The Mics, and Gully Type to name a few. SBTV, GRM Daily and Grime Report are cultural pillars. As well as old grime DVD stuff such as Risky Roadz and Practice Hours which I was too young to have watched but enjoyed anyway.
Nowadays, there are fewer and fewer music platforms consistently making waves. We plan to fill that void.
Are there any new projects or ideas you’re excited to share?
We have a lot of plans in the works but I’m not in the position to share right now. 
I’ll never rest on what we have built so far. I’m a big dreamer and lover of the culture so I want to keep pushing it. My vision for Victory Lap Radio is to contribute to media that young people in London can obsess over similarly to those that grew up watching Channel U and the likes.
Is there a story or moment that has inspired you since starting the platform?
It’s not a particular moment, but there are a few examples of artists who have come on to the show and have since been approached by labels or had major opportunities presented to them. Knowing that we have created a springboard for emerging artists, is a great feeling. 
What advice would you give to new curators or artists trying to establish themselves in the music space?
I would advise new artists to assess their motivations. Money wasn’t the motivation for building Victory Lap. I believe that mere fact has enabled it to perform well so far. We have never charged a fee for our live shows because I remember what it was like living as a student and needing free events with great music to inspire me. To make a name for yourself, your motivations must be well placed, and you have to accept your time in the trenches – growing and learning your craft. 
—
—
Words: Sharon O // IG
—

Join us on WeAre8, as we get under the skin of global cultural happenings. Follow Clash Magazine HERE as we skip merrily between clubs, concerts, interviews and photo shoots. Get backstage sneak-peeks and a view into our world as the fun and games unfold.
 

source