Apple Music Launches Origin Stories Season 2 with Aitch – Manchester Roots Revealed
Apple Music has officially kicked off the highly anticipated second season of its acclaimed podcast series, Origin Stories. This immersive audio documentary takes fans behind the scenes of UK music culture, spotlighting artists in the very places that shaped their sound, their mindset, and ultimately their careers.
The opening episode of this new season features Manchester’s own breakout rap sensation Aitch, who sits down with Apple Music 1 host Rebecca Judd to revisit his roots, recount pivotal life experiences, and reflect on how his hometown continues to influence his artistry.
Apple Music’s Origin Stories is not a typical interview podcast. Instead, it’s a musical homecoming for each guest. Guided by hosts Dotty, Rebecca Judd, and Matt Wilkinson, the podcast brings listeners on a personal journey with artists as they:
Return to their hometowns
Visit meaningful locations from their early lives
Meet old friends, family, and collaborators
Share candid stories from their formative years
Connect the dots between past struggles and present success
The format blends documentary storytelling with artist-led narratives, creating an authentic portrait of how environment, culture, and personal history converge in the making of music icons.
Season 2 Debut: Aitch in Manchester
The new season begins with Aitch, the 25-year-old rapper whose meteoric rise from YouTube freestyle sessions to platinum-selling stardom has made him one of the UK’s most celebrated voices in modern rap. Known for hits like Straight Rhymez, Taste, and Safe to Say, Aitch uses the episode to give fans an unfiltered look into the Manchester that raised him.
Wellington Mill: Where It All Began
Their journey starts at Wellington Mill, the studio where a teenage Aitch first experimented with recording music. He’s joined by his longtime collaborator and producer WhyJay, who has been instrumental in shaping Aitch’s sound. Together, they reminisce about:
The excitement of early freestyles
The making of Straight Rhymez, the track that changed everything
The shock of going viral overnight
“I literally made Straight Rhymez because I thought, ‘I just need a video on my YouTube channel,’” Aitch recalls. “Three days later, it was on 400,000 views. My phone went mad – I was sat there watching it and asked the mandem, ‘Have I just blew up?’”
The Partnership That Defined a Career: Aitch & WhyJay
One of the most compelling parts of the episode is Aitch’s deep bond with WhyJay. Initially mistaking him for just a studio engineer, Aitch quickly discovered WhyJay’s talent as a beatmaker. Their chemistry grew instantly, leading to a partnership that has remained unshakable throughout his career.
“We’ve not left each other’s side since,” Aitch admits. “He hates recording with anyone that isn’t me. He’s my favourite person to record as well, so it actually works out.”
This collaboration underscores a wider truth about the music industry: while fans often celebrate the artist, the behind-the-scenes relationships with producers and engineers are what transform ideas into hit records.
Manchester’s Influence on Aitch
A recurring theme in the episode is how deeply Manchester has shaped Aitch’s worldview and music. Unlike London, often perceived as the epicentre of UK rap, Manchester has its own laid-back yet gritty energy. For Aitch, this atmosphere played a critical role in:
Crafting his lyrical style and cadence
Inspiring storytelling grounded in real-life experiences
Nurturing his authenticity as an artist
“Manchester’s vibe is special – more laid back than other places,” Aitch explains. “But it’s still real, it’s still raw. That’s what makes it home.”
Struggles, Sacrifices, and Early Lessons
While Aitch’s success story might seem like an overnight phenomenon, the podcast digs deeper into the hardships that defined his upbringing. He candidly recalls a period when his father couldn’t work and his mother was forced to sell their washing machine to make ends meet.
“It’s not about what car I’ve got my mum now – it’s more like, you’ll never have to sell your washing machine again,” he reflects, highlighting how financial struggles fuel his drive today.
He also recounts the life-changing moment of receiving his first major paycheck of £30,000:
“I remember thinking, ‘I don’t even have to do anything again in my life. I’ve got £30k. What you talking about?’”
The Lighter Side of Aitch
The episode isn’t all about struggle and triumph—it’s also sprinkled with humour and nostalgia. From childhood memories of cycling across Manchester to his awkward first date at Nando’s, Aitch’s storytelling reveals the human side of a rapper who is often seen through the lens of fame and charts.
First Date Story: Ordered spicy food to impress, only to end up sweating profusely.
Teenage Adventures: Riding pedal bikes through every corner of Manchester.
First Rap Bar: So natural he can’t even remember when he started.
These stories resonate with listeners because they highlight the relatability of someone who, despite global fame, still shares universal experiences of youth.
Beyond Aitch: What to Expect From Season 2
While the season opener spotlights Aitch, Apple Music promises that Season 2 of Origin Stories will feature a range of UK artists, each with their own unique journey. From grime and drill to indie and R&B, the podcast will:
Capture the diversity of British music culture
Explore how regional identity shapes sound
Introduce fans to lesser-known backstories of their favourite acts
Provide cultural commentary on the link between place, struggle, and creativity
The Rise of Music Podcasts and Apple’s Role
Apple Music’s investment in Origin Stories aligns with the growing trend of podcasts as a storytelling medium. Music fans today don’t just want to hear songs; they crave context, background, and a sense of connection with the artists they love.
Apple Music’s advantage lies in:
Global reach: Exclusive content available on Apple Music and Apple Podcasts.
Curated storytelling: Produced with top hosts who know music culture intimately.
Artist-first approach: Giving musicians a safe space to share unfiltered narratives.
Aitch: From YouTube to Platinum
Aitch’s feature on Origin Stories is more than just an episode—it’s a case study of how digital platforms, hometown culture, and personal resilience can turn a teenager with a freestyle into a household name.
His journey underscores the broader shifts in the music industry:
Viral moments can launch careers overnight.
Authenticity trumps manufactured images.
Strong local ties can translate into global appeal.
Why Origin Stories Matters
The new season of Origin Stories is not just entertainment; it’s cultural documentation. By highlighting the environments, people, and challenges behind the music, Apple Music is enriching the way fans engage with artists. For Aitch, it’s a chance to celebrate Manchester, honour his beginnings, and remind listeners that every success story is rooted in struggle, resilience, and community.
