Louise Schofield speaks to Islington Radio
Interview conducted by Annie La Vespa

Hi Louise! How has lockdown been for you so far? What have you been up to?

Hey! Lockdown 3.0 has been surprisingly ok. I think I was ready for it and knew what it was going to be like, I feel like I’ve become pretty accustomed to it. I create a lot of my own content as well as presenting content for brands, TV and radio so it has given me time to really hone in on that and get some comedy writing done too. I’ve been creating some fun little skits online, I found some of my old magazines from the 00’s so I’ve made some fun content around that, channelling back to 10 year old me. I’ve been working on a few projects too and getting those developed and ready to be birthed into the world soon. I also write and perform comedy sketches for BBC SESH so I have been busy filming a few those and constantly writing new ideas for that. I really like to keep busy but I also have liked a bit of evening downtime and have been getting stuck into a bit of Xbox from time to time. 

We know that you’re a keen presenter. What advice would you have for the next generation of young people wanting to present?

Aw absolutely, it’s the best job in the world and no two days are ever the same. The most important key to presenting is to find your personality and style and role with it. You are the only person who can be YOU so own it. The best way to start getting your foot in the door is to make your own content and practise talking and being in front of a camera or if you’d like to pursue radio, record your voice, do some little shows from your room or join a local radio station and start making your own show. It’s something you have to really work at and the more you get yourself in peoples eye-line the better and you can create your own little showreel to send out to people. When I first started, I just got in touch with as many people as I could with a very makeshift showreel and you’ll be surprised at some of the responses you get, if your personality fits you’ll be taken on board. But I will say, with any creative industry work, it does come with its fair share of rejection too, but never let that stop you, get back up and keep trying. 

Take risks and take jobs out of your comfort zone too, you’ll learn so many different presenting skills that way, I found that so beneficial for me as I primarily started as a music presenter and I still do a lot with music and radio but I also present film events, front videos for various brands, make comedy content and have presented some gaming events and loads more. 

You’ve interviewed many people over your career. What has been your most memorable interview so far to date and why?

Oh! Great question. This is also super tricky to answer, there have been a few favourites. I think in the film world, interviewing Idris Elba backstage for The National Film awards was pretty special and was really fun. In terms of music guests, it’s looking back at over 300 chats but when I get asked this I tend to always think of my interview with Fontaines D.C. It was towards the end of 2018 and they played the Good Mixer in Camden and it just felt like such an insane night because you just knew this would be the last time you’d see them in a venue so intimate and small and the year to follow they just exploded with an incredible debut album. It was such a great interview too, they are really articulate and creative guys. 

We saw that you started your own YouTube Channel and blog at only 18. Would you say this is the best way for young creatives to showcase their talent nowadays?

I did yeah! I think I’ve always has the work ethic of if you want something you have to go and get it. So I started a blog called Unique Lullaby when I was 18 which started as a little passion project to report on new music and interview local talent. I got involved with all of the local gig venues I could and chat with as many bands as I could. As this grew I bought myself my first camera when I was 19 and still use it to this day when I document festivals or host some chats at gigs. As I started to upload those to my Youtube Channel, I started interviewing the touring bands and the roster of guests just got bigger and bigger and really got me noticed. It lead to opportunities with local BBC radio and presenting for festivals and brands. I decided to start making little sketches online too and just popped them on my Youtube channel which lead to me signing a contract with BBC SESH a few years later when they were launching the channel and headhunting some new talent.  

Honestly getting your creations online is the best thing you can do, you never know who see’s it. I’ve had people hire me for presenting work off the back of seeing my interviews and the beginning clip of my showreel. I’ve secured big artist interviews due to the bands seeing my interviews and enjoying the style of them and I’ve fallen into comedy by making some little sketches online for my own personal passion. The internet can really make your career. When I launched my blog, Instagram had just started to really get going so I would have loved the platforms we’ve got now if I was just starting because you have TIKTOK, Instagram Reels & IGTV, Facebook and Youtube. All these platforms for you to shine on. This is definitely an amazing way to get out there. 

Are you making any video content in lockdown at the moment? 

Oh definitely. I’m always making new BBC SESH sketches so you can expect another year of sillyness from me on that platform and I tend to make little sketches for my socials too when I get some inspiration. I also have a few presenting jobs here and there which I have to use the rooms I can in the house at the moment to transform them into something engaging haha! I can’t wait to get back into regular studios and on-location shoots. 

Is there anything in particular you are listening to at the moment?

I’ve been getting stuck into some new albums recently. I’ve been really enjoying Shame’s latest album and Arlo Parks’ debut album Collapsed in Sunbeam. I’ve also been receiving some amazing submissions for my Made In.. Show for Islington Radio which I’ve been loving and finding some great new tunes from all corners of the UK and Ireland. A few I’ve been delving into recently are The Clockworks, LDevine, Porridge Radio, Squid, Lauran Hibberd, Hector Gannet, Alfie Templeman, Dead Pony and more. I have so many at the moment, I might make a playlist and whack all my latest listens into there, so watch out for that slinging your way soon if you want to have a listen. 

What are your plans looking forward post lockdown one day?

Aw I can’t wait to get back to a live gig, the feeling there is just like no other isn’t it. I also can’t wait to get back down to festivals and host some interviews and do some presenting there. Summer is my favourite time of the year and I really miss the simple things like sitting in a pub garden with my mates and just chilling out. Fingers crossed we can get back to some normality soon eh. 

Thank you so much for having me!