Sounds of an Eccentric

HEDGES headline gig at 42nd Street Photo by Callum Casey This 'how to' will help you write a better, more engaging press release for your band. As someone that has blogged on and off for the best part of a decade, written for several music magazines and websites, did a placement at a music PR company, works as a reporter for a local newspaper and freelanced for the BBC, I've seen my fair share of press releases. Most of the time you can tell how good a press release is just by eyeballing it. Someone should be able to write a decent article just from reading your press release. It's good journalistic practice for a reporter to get in touch to ask you a couple more questions, but if someone is in a hurry they might just go off what you've given them. What should it contain? Here's a very basic outline of what you should include in your press release: A strong headline and opening line that sums up the press release. The classic bit of advice f...

Last year, I had the pleasure of going around the UK creating an audio documentary for my degree's final project. I looked into how music city organisations are helping to preserve independent music venues in the UK, and the cultural significance of these bijoux venues. I thought it was an apt time to release this documentary, as many venues in the UK are currently struggling due to lockdown. The documentary explores the issues that venues have faced over the last decade, from high business rates to changes in planning laws. It can be difficult for these vital cultural hubs to stay open, without having to deal with the repercussions of a global pandemic. The Music Venue Trust has joined forces with venues across the nation, in a bid to make sure that they can keep their doors open and the music blasting post-lockdown. If you're in a position to donate to the 'Save our Venues' campaign, click here.  So without further ado, here is 'Grass Root - How m...

Photo by George Yonge Photography www.georgeyonge.co.uk I'm going to be totally honest. I'd put this blog into a neat little box in the back of my mind. A box full of happy memories and experiences, but said box has been gathering dust for quite some time. It's been nearly two years since I last posted anything on here. During that time, I have graduated from university and entered the world of work. I was pulling pints whilst working as a freelance reporter and digital content writer for the BBC and Sky, before securing a full time contract as a newspaper reporter. I also met a nice boy and adopted a couple of cats.  Since the UK entered lockdown, I've had a lot more spare time on my hands (haven't we all), and I thought it was about time that I prioritised writing for pleasure again.  When SOAE was at its peak during my second year of uni, I felt an accumulating amount of pressure to make the blog a source of income or successful. Aft...