Meet The Team

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Likes: Food… all of it… The moon and our new Staffordshire Bull Terrier pup, Hobbes.

Dislikes: Guns & knives, diseases we can’t cure, egotists, and the sound of people eating.

Passionate about music, visual art, and writing.

As a youngster, my ears were filled with the likes of Paul Simon, Michael Jackson, Def Leppard, Iron Maiden. Dad would play records; all things classical, classic rock… ‘Two Tribes’ by Frankie Goes To Hollywood and War Of The Worlds are etched into my memory. Early teens led me to Guns n Roses and then Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden, STP, Smashing Pumpkins… grunge rocks! And whilst those are the bands I still listen to the most today, it doesn’t define my taste in music, I find beauty in almost all music…. almost all… Discovering new artists, new music, new art really excites and inspires me. Being able to share that excitement and discovery with others is what motivates me.

Check out my stuff here.

Likes: Music, animals, philosophy, people, avocado, sunshine, sea breeze, networking.

Dislikes: Jealousy, gossip.

I am a crazy, fun – loving animal, raised on a beautiful island in the middle of the ocean. I grew up surrounded by multicultural individuals and open to different mindsets. I consider myself very natural and active, I love interacting with various individuals to get several points of view; Sometimes I can be a bit persistent and that’s why I’m called “the pest” around my circle of friends. I love hugs, just like Olaf, and I think I can say I’m hypersensitive to people’s emotions and feelings.

My musical influences vary, I listened to Spanish and Italian artists when I was growing up, such as Rosana, Alejandro Sanz, Mina, Andrea Bocelli, Pedro Guerra. But I also love everything from Cuban and Latin to country, soul, and metal. As a teen I listened to rock and classical artists such as Whitney Houston, Jimi Hendrix, System of a Down, Metallica, Eva Cassidy, Chris Stapleton, etc etc!

Working on new projects that bring the best out in people is what motivates me the most. My children help me carry on with my exhausting days, bringing something amazing to each sunrise. I love exploring new concepts and widening my knowledge around different topics, especially anything that has to do with philosophy.

Being part of the IAMUR team is the start of something great and I’m most excited about getting to work with the amazing team, bringing new ideas to the table, to empower each other and to support artists that can be found across multiple platforms. Finding new connections and learning along the way is what it’s all about!

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Likes: Forests, open sky, cloud shapes, landscapes, creativity, originality, honesty, diversity, film and music collecting, reading, cooking, photography, multicultural city life, open and curious minds, bike rides, people watching, irony, humor, heritage architecture, antiques, being left-handed, musical instruments, writing and recording original music, good beer, salt and vinegar potato chips, UFO research, star gazing, creative writing, my Canadian homeland, liking too many things to properly list. 

Dislikes: Politics. Liars, racism, discrimination, willfully ignorant people, kidding myself, cookie-cutter condos, money as a life focus, unoriginality, delusion, blind ambition, posers, the lack of left-handed guitars in music stores, texting, billboard charts, award shows, peas and lima Beans, egotism, panic buyers, turtle neck sweaters, pickles without crunch, what professional athletes are paid, the capacity for humanity to wipe itself out.

I get turned on by music from others that sparks something within me and makes me want to contribute my two proverbial cents. When the world goes mad, or someone does something awful, or any other negative action or energy moves me in such as way that I have to purge the resulting feelings through music’s outlet. I love to pass time creatively when possible. Even if inspiration or catharsis isn’t the impetus, it just feels good to play an instrument, sing, write something of my own that didn’t exist until I began to channel the ideas from the Great Unknowable.

Musical influences include The Beatles, Deep Purple, Jeff Beck, Max Webster (guitarist Kim Mitchell is a definite influence), Frank Zappa, Mike Patton (especially Mr. Bungle), Killing Joke, Bad Brains, Pat Travers, Bill Bruford, Brand X, Jean Luc Ponty, early Judas Priest, Soundgarden, Alice In Chains, The Police, XTC, Grizzly Bear, Meshell Ndegeocello, Josh Pyke, Gojira, and anyone else who seems to exhibit artistic freedom and originality. I’m a headbanger at heart but love so much of everything else.

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Likes: Literature, film, philosophy, classics, and visual arts.

Dislikes: Prejudice, hypocrisy and (judging my track record) living by the clock.

I’m an English and Creative Writing graduate whose lifelong love of music is ever-present in my fiction, poetry and songwriting. I’m drawn towards many forms of evocative art, with soft spots for the Romantic poets and Russian literature. Experiments in chromaticism and harmonics excite me, and I’m always looking to get lost in melodic, powerful soundscapes.

I grew up on a varied diet of folk, indie, alt rock, doom, heavy metal and classical music – Chopin, Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov will always be among my favourites. Other long term musical influences include Jeff Buckley, Nina Simone, FKA twigs, Björk, Little Simz, Father John Misty, Angel Olsen, Emma Ruth Rundle, Placebo, Radiohead, Grizzly Bear, and DIIV.

I’m motivated by a drive to produce stimulating and engaging content for the readers of IAMUR. Broadly speaking, I’ve always felt compelled to immerse myself in projects that push the boundaries of my tastes to new places.

Joining the IAMUR team has allowed me to expand my journalistic horizons in the context of music, one of my greatest passions. I’m excited to write alongside a team of dynamic creatives, meet up-and-coming artists, and to create content which will shine a light on the hidden gems working in the industry today.

Check out my stuff here.

Likes: PVC raincoats, sunshine in winter, safety pins, green apples, black coffee, and zines

Dislikes: Wet socks, people who ask for their coffee extra hot, bananas, unfounded arrogance, and milk.

I’ve been lucky enough in my life so far to travel to a fair few places and see a fair few things. I’ve got a mildly crippling obsession with vintage clothing, and if you mention Paul Simonon to me please be prepared for a very rambling lecture on why I think he’s great.

It’s hard to pin down my main musical influences, because as soon as someone asks I immediately forget every band I’ve ever listened to. However, that beings said… I was raised on a lot of classic British music from the 80s and 90s, like The Cure and Oasis, which I clung to when living abroad as it was a real reminder of home. At the moment I find myself listening to a lot of Joanna Gruesome, a little bit of Little Simz, and a whole lot of Pixies, which is a bit of a strange combo but it’s great music to walk to work to! I also have one hell of a soft spot for 70s Punk, and I’d say my stock answer for favoruite band of all time is probably the Ramones, as they’re simple but mega effective. Ultimately, I am a sucker for anything that sounds like it’s been recorded in a bedroom, mix in an element of apathy and I’m set.

What motivates me, as cheesy as it sounds, is the opportunity to create something that’ll make somebody feel seen and supported, or at the very least make them smile! At the moment I find myself, like a lot of people, kind of stuck and starved for inspiration, and the thing that excites me most about being a part of this team is that it’s the perfect way for me to engage in something that I love, while also raising awareness for other people’s art. Also, as someone who did a degree in English literature and spent a lot of time getting critiqued on the conversational nature of my writing,, the opportunity to write in my own voice is so exciting!

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Likes: Singing my heart out. Writing music. Thai food. Anything involving art. Baking. Cooking. Dancing. The very little travel I’ve done.

If it weren’t for my extreme passion for music I’d probably pursue something in criminal justice or a first responder. I also looked into becoming a therapist. These are things I’ve always been drawn to and I think shows a bit of who I am as a person. My main goal is to make sure I’m leaving a positive impact on the world in any way I can. If I’m able to accomplish that in my music, then it will be a rewarding career in more ways than one.

My musical influences include artists such as Coldplay, Adele, One Republic, Astrid S, Queen, The Script, Imagine Dragons, Glass animals.

What motivates me? Living with no regrets! I want to be all I can be and get the most out of life that I can. In other words; you only live once.

I’m so excited to have the privilege of meeting new artists, hearing their stories, and getting to connect with other musicians! I can’t wait to start!

Check out my stuff here.

Likes: Coffee shop mornings, gothic literature, chunky jewellery, the Universal Monsters, research rabbit holes, myth, nature, festival weekends, & platform shoes.

Dislikes: Sugary tea, anti-individualism, copy & paste mentality, lack of passion, blue biros,  the smell of lavender.

I’m a PhD Researcher in English and Creative Writing, a huge bibliophile and a fan of anything creepy, cool and subversive.  I’m very passionate about mental health and inclusivity and believe in the genuine power of story in it’s many different forms.

The first record I bought for myself was Def Leppard’s Hysteria. My first festival was Bloodstock Open Air when I was 11. I owe a lot of my musical influences to my Dad, growing up with bands like Paradise Lost, Katatonia, Type O Negative, HIM, Behemoth & Swallow the Sun that continue to be favourites years down the line.

I listen to most sub-genres of rock and metal. Currently, I’m particularly fond of Gojira, Green Lung, Twin Temple, Ghost, The Ocean, Jess & The Ancient Ones, Steven Wilson and my musical hero, David Bowie.

I’m a very passionate person, and I’m mainly driven by curiosity, interest, the desire to analyse, investigate and appreciate, and the urge to experiment across creative, academic and personal spheres.

I look forward to shining a light on the eclectic, vibrant energy of the musical subterranean with IAMUR.
I’m excited to be involved with championing and discovering – new artists, new writers, and potentially even new friends.

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Likes: Making Music, singing to music I’ve made and writing about music 🙂

Dislikes: The end of stuff, holidays, parties, gigs.

Random fact… When I was younger I used to know every kit sponsor for every team in the premier league, I think that means I’m obsessive and niche? Which is pretty accurate.

Influences include The Rolling Stones, 90’s old school rave, Lianne Le Havas, Erykah Badu, The Rat Pack, Jill Scott, Jamiroquai, Blood Orange, Prefab Sprout, Paul Weller, The Doors,  Amy Winehouse, The Foo Fighters, Guns N’ Roses, Pavarotti, Mad Dog McCrea, The Stone Roses, Ollie and Jerry, Fleetwood Mac, Marvin Gaye, epic guitar solos, epic drum solo’s and many, many more.

My main motivations include my son, and watching him develop into the amazing human he is, especially when he dances – in addition to my family, helping people, filling my days with as much as I can, learning new things… and beer.

Being part of the IAMUR family… getting the chance to discover, undiscovered musical marvels…. It’s exciting to think that I’m a part of that 🙂

Likes: Music, Family and Friends, hugs, my dog Toby, photography, humor, honesty, and people who don’t follow the herd.

Dislikes: Liars, superficial people, egomaniacs, racists, politics, lack of sleep…

Music has a lot of meanings for me.  Among other things, it means relaxation, calm, joy, and encouragement.  It is a place where I feel good, switch off and enjoy the moment.  A resting place of many memories, as there are so many songs that I associate with special or emotional moments in which I was either particularly happy or sad.  Therefore, for me, music also means happiness and sadness.  It roughly reflects my first great love, as strange as that may sound to one or the other.  To put my feelings into two sentences: Music is something wonderful and shouldn’t be denied to anyone.  Music is love!

I am open to any kind of music.  Well, except for techno. I can’t make friends with this music.  The music by a British band from Liverpool, ‘Anathema’, has influenced me the most in the last few years, though they’re unfortunately on an indefinite break at the moment. Their music touched me deeply and helped me a lot in so many ways. But also the German band ‘Flyswatter’ really impressed me with the energy and passion with which they make music. My other musical influences are Coldplay, Pink Floyd, Kyotohead, James Gillespie, Dan & Vincent Cavanagh, Springsteen, Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Myles Kennedy, Ros Gilman, Adele, Damien Rice and and and…

Sharing my endless love for music with others and expanding my musical horizons every day, motivates me immensely. Looking forward to sharing my passions with you all.

Check out my stuff here.

Likes: Music, live gigs, video games, sudoku, pets, chocolate hazelnut

Dislikes: Marmite, bullies, discrimination and prejudice

I was a massive bookworm growing up which translated into me wanting to write. I love music and live gigs so why not combine the two?

I enjoy a range of music but my favourite genres have to be pop-punk/punk/rock. I adore bands like Green Day, Paramore and Good Charlotte but at the same time I enjoy artists like One Direction, and yes, I’m waiting on that reunion.

I’m following my dream to work in a creative industry and excited about being able to discover, and write about, artists as they progress during their music career.

Support your local artists and venues… you’ll discover some gems 🙂

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Likes: Curry night, loud music, running and spending time with my wife and son. I’m also a Manchester United fan which isn’t very fun at the minute.

Dislikes: Negativity & I have a strange phobia of champagne bottles

For as long as I can remember I have always found great enjoyment in writing and being creative. When I was 11, I started playing the guitar and writing songs, which is something I haven’t stopped doing since. I’m a big English literature nerd and have a real love for poetry – which I also write myself. I’m happiest when I’m being creative and never get tired of creating something out of nothing.

I grew up listening to the iconic Manchester bands such as Joy Division & The Smiths which sparked my love for music. In later years I started listening to John Mayer, Gary Clark Jr and Jack Johnson. I think my favourite style of music is an equal split between soft acoustic Singer-Songwriter tracks and modern rock music with heavy guitars and melodic vocals. My favourite bands at the minute are Thrice, Manchester Orchestra & Manchester band The VirginMarys.

I think I’m quite ambitious as a person and set personal goals for anything that I do. I love any opportunity to learn a new skill and am always motivated by the search for knowledge.

I am most excited about getting to work with a group of like-minded people, all sharing in their love for music. The world is so saturated these days with music, that so many great artists go under the radar and don’t get the attention they deserve. I am looking forward to helping shine some light on those artists and maybe discovering some new favourite bands/artists along the way.

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Likes: Unity, art and nature

Dislikes: Selfishness, consumerism

I’m a 24-year-old music composer trying to carve a niche in music. I play electric and bass guitar and piano. I also graduated in English Language Studies.

My musical influences include Ben Frost, Max Richter, Thom Yorke and Mikael Åkerfeldt

The feeling that I am capable of being effective in this world and reducing pain for others is something that motivates me.

Being part of the IAMUR team marks a new chapter in my life and gives me the opportunity to learn from other members and get in touch with lots of artists from around the globe, who are like books in my opinion… I would love to read them and listen to their stories.

Check out my stuff here.

Likes: Writing. Music. Reading. Smoking Cigarettes. Hiking.

Dislikes: Filling out paperwork.

In terms of musical preferences… my last played Spotify artists are Big L, Kate Bush and Jamie T.

I’m motivated by a fear of being boring, and excited for the opportunity to listen to a wide variety of artists at the beginning of their career and helping them gain an early following by showcasing their material through reviews and interviews.

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Likes: Playing my guitar alongside any record, reading, watching movies, writing, cooking, and traveling with my wife and friends.

Dislikes: Pizza with pineapples, routines, going to the gym, math and the anxiety of going to an airport.

I’m an Argentinian-Italian currently living in London, looking for new challenges and great stories to have. I want to become a full-time writer, but for the time being I work in Marketing, and as a side hustle for the spirit and my love of music I write here, hopefully for you and those beautiful dreamers that got together and formed a band, anywhere… everywhere.

I always said that the sun rises and sets with The Beatles. Having said that, I love every piece of music that’s honest and speaks to the heart. This 2022 I’ve been rocking out all across the spectrum, from Prince to Sabbath, and everything in between.

What motivates me? Stepping out of my comfort zone, and always looking for a new challenge, a new way to learn something and keep on growing as a person.

It’s a privilege getting to know bands when they’re just getting started, when they’re at the stage of getting to know themselves through their music and their fans. It’s quite a wonderful thing to be able to get a glimpse of that.

Check out my stuff here.

Likes: Music Journalism, Melodramatic art-pop music, pets, and a well-organised list.

Dislikes: Closed-mindedness, Random bouts of anxiety, wasps, and people who use Facebook as their primary source of news consumption.

I’ve always had an affinity for writing; whether it be academically, critically, or creatively, writing has always been the best personal medium for expression. I’m a recently graduated English Language student from North-East England who also has an obsession with music. So, obviously, any opportunity to do with music journalism I have tried to get myself stuck into. I am currently taking a year out from study before (hopefully) undertaking a masters in Speech & Language Therapy in Manchester.

In terms of music, I love anything emotional. Typically, any sort of crescendo or hard-hitting lyric that can encourage goosebumps or even a tear or two. Artists like Frank Ocean, Mitski, Kate Bush, and Bon Iver make up the majority of my listening.

At the moment, what motivates me is working towards applying for my postgraduate degree since it’s such an exciting for me. Outside of academia, I find that consistently providing myself with something to look forward to is the factor that elicits most of my motivation; I always love having something to work towards and usually find myself lost when I’m absent of it.

I’ve always enjoyed reading/hearing about music opinions on various music journalism sites, so playing my own part in that is an exciting opportunity. I’m mainly excited to see what the new music I’ll get to listen to elicits from me creatively.

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Likes: Travel, dogs, wine and food!

Dislikes: Loud chewers and selfishness

I come from a multi-cultural family; Irish, Argentinian, Catholic, Jewish – my surname originates from Ukraine, and means from China but my dad is from Argentina, so go figure. This diverse mix of cultures in my family home has shaped my outlook in life and has given me a broad musical spectrum to draw from.

I’ve lived in Liverpool for the past five years, studying and playing music – there’s no better place for it! My music is heavily influenced by folk traditions but expressed in a modern pop way, calling to Joni Mitchell, Maggie Rogers and Laura Marling for inspiration. But outside of their sounds, Dave Grohl is my music hero, icon and legend.

I strive to make my little circle better and happier. Getting out to meet new people, learn new things, hear new sounds. I’m always searching for the next ‘something’.

Being part of an international team is super exciting. I’ve just come back from a few months in Central America and am missing speaking to people from different countries.

Looking forward to finding my next favourite artist!

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Likes: Movies, music, literature, and good company at a bustling pub.

Dislikes: Discrimination, fake news, Tories, and e-Scooters,

My two main passions are music and writing, both of which I have done much of over the course of my life. I’ve been in multiple bands, my most recent ‘The 295‘, playing shows up and down the country. I studied music production at university, and as a result have met and worked with many amazing artists and creatives. With writing, I have a short story collection in the pipeline, as well as a magical-realism series that I am looking to self publish in the coming years.

I was brought up on a mix of 80s classics and early 2000s pop, but my influences extend beyond these. Acts like Radiohead, Stereophonics, Tears For Fears, Blur (and Oasis), Deftones, Keane, The Darkness, Charli XCX, Busted, Tom Jones, George Michael, and, of course, The Beatles, all make up my musical identity.

The want to improve myself, and do things in my life that not only interest me, but also fulfil me creatively, motivates me to dream big and make moves towards those goals.

Being part of such a fresh and inspired zine excites me the most, because it opens up so many opportunities, not only with my writing, but with the possibilities presented to cover new and exciting acts.

Check out my stuff here.

Likes: Iced coffee, tattoos, sunsets, cats, rock music.

Dislikes: Conspiracy theories, people that don’t drive with music blasting out of the car, unhealthy obsession with stuffed animals.

I love art, independent of what type. One of the things that I most admire while travelling somewhere is the local architecture. The section on surrealist paintings is where I spend more time while at the museum. I spend most of my free time watching TV shows, and my checklist is incredibly long. I believe that this love for art made me so into music, something I can’t live without, not even for an hour.

I listen to everything. Literally everything. If I shuffle a couple songs on my Spotify, it can quickly move from Justin Bieber to Slipknot. Still, old-school rock, punk rock and heavy metal have my heart. I’ve lost count of how many bands T-shirts I own. Bring me the Horizon, Bon Jovi, Guns ‘N Roses, Queen, Scorpions, Falling in Reverse and The Dead Daisies are just some of the bands I’m passionate about.

I’ve always been very strict with myself. If I want something, I’ll get it, no matter how long it takes. Now, living alone in a different country, this feeling is even more intense.

I’m super excited to be inside a group of people that share the same love for music as me. It’s a nice feeling to fit in a group, especially when it’s something with such an important place in your life.

Check out my stuff here.

Likes: Shag cuts, finding something quirky in the charity shops & telling anyone who will listen about the bargain, the feeling of the sea between my toes, Angela Carter, the first & second Shrek films & craft beer

Dislikes: Sunburn, my hair getting stuck in lipgloss, being unable to find a parking space & then getting too hot and bothered trying to do a million point turn, trying to grow out bangs

I have two useless degrees in literature with a penchant for experimental modernism & horror.  I think this made me a little bit…snobby when it came to books for a while, but now I can unabashedly say that I re-read Twilight at least once a year when the October sadness hits (shorter days???  Walking home from work in the dark??? Give me some vampire smut!)

My musical taste… It’s such an eclectic menagerie of artists, but if I had to slim it down to the main big bois, they would be: Queen, Crowded House, Soundgarden, Nirvana, Hozier, Bon Iver, Kanye West, Radiohead, (honourable mentions include; Van Halen, AC/DC, The 1975, Lana Del Rey & Mitski).

What motivates me? At the moment, happiness.  For a while, anger was a big motivating force but I’ve realised that I would much rather be happy and content in my private universe than an angry big fish in a big pond.  No one wants to get nibbled.

Being exposed to new music & connecting with a community of people who are also passionate about up-and-coming artists is exciting. Music is such nourishment but you can’t sustain living on a Sunday dinner every night of the week (likewise, you can’t just listen to Olivia Rodrigo’s Sour every day of the week, you need something new to sweeten your palate).

Nothing in this life is for certain so wear sunscreen and try to worry less. Life has a funny way of working it all out eventually.

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Likes: Writing, synthesisers, good conversations, the strange things you see late at night

Dislikes: Nuts.

I moved to the UK with a suitcase and no hotel booking.

Musical influences include: Hunting Grounds, Prodigy, My Bloody Valentine and David Bowie.

Life is like a tube of toothpaste…

Looking forward to listening to new artists and being able to apply and develop my writing craft to help people find music that excites them.

Check out my stuff here.

Likes: Vegemite, impressionist music and snow-sports.

Dislikes: Rain, emails, stepping in water with socks on.

Most of my adult life has been split between studying music and ski instructing. While these two passions are quite different, I’ve loved creating various opportunities to combine them. Now (somewhat) settled in Bristol, I’m continuing my studies and moving my interests into music for film, television and gaming.

I try to appreciate all genres and forms of music, but the styles that makes me feel the most would definitely be impressionist and romantic music. I grew up studying piano and never felt more connected to the instrument than when I would play Satie or Chopin. Different composers and artists influence me depending on what I need from a piece, whether it’s to play myself, listen to, conduct or simply enjoy. My current favourite artists would be The Cat Empire, Laufey and Spacey Jane.

I once heard from a fellow musician that music composers become composers, not because they want or need to, or are particularly uninterested in any other field, but because they simply have to write. I suppose what motivates me the most is this relentless need to create music. This is of course linked to everything I do within the world of music. The more I listen, the more I compose; the more I compose, the more I seek out new music to listen to. My peers and students impact the way I think about music, and in turn the way I write and enjoy it. Simply put, it is music that motivates me the most; the more I have, the more I need.

Joining the IAMUR team is a fantastic opportunity and I can’t wait to make the most of it. I’m most excited about broadening my listening horizons and discovering artists that I would have never listened to before. I’ve always thought listening to be one of the most important aspects of the study of music, and listening to music through the ears of a journalist can be very different to how I listen as a musician. This can only make me find more enjoyment and passion in music, and of course help me to become a better writer, composer and listener.

Check out my stuff here.

Likes: Cars, beer, rock climbing, the beach, swimming, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Dislikes: Getting bored, paperwork, cherry coke.

I’ve never really imagined I’d settle down anywhere. That said I’ve been in Manchester for five years – it’s a place I love, it’s full of character, there’s always something to see, wherever you go. Growing up in the countryside on the Welsh border, where it’s gorgeous and peaceful, planted a need in me to explore the outdoors – I spend a lot of my time climbing, caving or kayaking with my mates.

I also have a love for books and writing. I’ve just finished a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing, so we’ll see where that takes me, but at the moment I’m just trying to find a job that doesn’t feel like a job!

I love Rock and Blues. The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Hendrix, Warren Zevon, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Black Keys, The Arctic Monkeys, Royal Blood, Kasabian.

Excited to throw myself into the music scene, meet and learn from musicians, and all the interesting characters that come along with them.