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Radio series with Rodney Appleyard: film guru and host of Colne radio’s 'Saturday night at the movies' podcast. Discussing the current state of British independent film with 'DB' Morgan, associated actors and members of the Underdog crew.
Radio series with Rodney Appleyard: film guru and host of Colne radio’s 'Saturday night at the movies' podcast. Discussing the current state of British independent film with 'DB' Morgan, associated actors and members of the Underdog crew.
Energy meets empathy: “Rhythm with a Mission”
Mentored by: Adrian Todd's DRUM MACHINE
Introducing #UCSbeatz, an explosive new community drumming collective by The Underdog Crew CIC, mentored by world-class drummer, Adrian Todd.
The Vision:
#UCSbeatz is a powerful new force in music, movement, and mental health - a community-driven drumming collective designed to reduce social isolation, support mental well-being and physical health, and bring people together through the universal language of rhythm.
Drumming isn’t just music - it’s medicine.
Backed by leading psychological research and the mentorship of internationally renowned drummer Adrian Todd (EMF / www.drummachine.org.uk ), #UCSbeatz is launching across the South-East with a mission: To become the region’s premier live percussion spectacle while transforming lives through creative inclusion and rhythmic healing.
EMF are an English alternative rock band from Cinderford, Gloucestershire, who came to prominence at the beginning of the 1990s. Their first single, "Unbelievable", reached number 3 on the UK Singles Chart and was a number 1 hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Their debut album, Schubert Dip, went to number 3 on the UK Albums Chart. In April 2022, EMF released their first album of new material in 27 years, Go Go Sapiens.
#UCSbeatz Offers:
Community Healing: Regular weekly group drumming workshop sessions designed to promote belonging, teamwork and mental clarity. Providing free healthy snacks and smoothie bar.
Professional Training: Mentorship from Adrian Todd, founder of Drum Machine, the UK’s biggest drumming collective - performers at Glastonbury, Boomtown and the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Mental & Physical Wellness: A powerful and accessible way to combat anxiety, stress, and loneliness - with sessions designed for all ages and abilities.
High-Energy Live Shows: UCSbeatz is being shaped as a public-facing spectacle, creating thrilling, high-impact performances that can be booked for regional festivals, sporting events and community celebrations.
Sustainable Growth: As part of The Underdog Crew CIC’s route to financial self-sufficiency by 2028, UCSbeatz introduces a new, scalable income stream while staying true to our social mission.
Our performances can be further enhanced and scaled up by our friends at 'Fireflow' – adding in spectacular acrobatic fire performances or adding up to a 50 person “Border Morris” dancing side from our friends at 'Boudicca Border Morris' and 'Wolf’s Head & Vixen'.
Our performance aims are to lead the 2026 Colchester City carnival procession, alongside a pre-game performance at a Colchester United, Ipswich Town FC or Chelmsford Cricket match. Alongside these projected live event performances, we aim for events at Colchester Arts Centre, Firstsite and Colchester lower castle park events in our first performance year.
Community showcasing: We aim to take performances to local secondary schools to provide workshops and inclusivity performances to attract new youth band members in need of empowerment and something to belong to.
AGES: 13 to 21. WHERE: Central Colchester weekly practice - SUNDAY afternoons.
Drumming Therapy
“Drumming in groups has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, while boosting social resilience. It’s a powerful, non-verbal form of communication and connection.” Dr. Rachel Moore, Clinical Psychologist, King's College London
“Rhythm is primal. It taps directly into our nervous system and can help regulate mood, focus, and even trauma responses. Group drumming is one of the most effective therapeutic tools we have in community mental health.”
Prof. David Greenfield, Psychologist and Music Therapy Researcher, University of Exeter
Adrian Todd on #UCSbeatz:
“We’ve seen firsthand what happens when people pick up sticks and find their rhythm - confidence builds, friendships form and something powerful takes shape. UCSbeatz will be a beacon of that energy in the South-East.”
Adrian’s Drum Machine collective has taken centre stage at massive UK festivals, and now he’s mentoring the #UCSbeatz crew to follow in those footsteps - building a new high-octane performance troupe with heart, rhythm, and purpose.
Dom Morgan (Underdog Crew) on #UCSbeatz:
“As we continue to develop the music therapy arm of our organisation, we have seen firsthand the healing power of our drumming circles and music workshops. Now, in the Underdog way, we take it to the next level - bigger, bolder and maximum empowerment through rhythm.”
