Journalism

I have been working as a journalist for over 25 years, primarily in music and the music industry as editor of music business title CMU. However, through writing for a range of other publications, I have also covered technology, film, art, comedy, dance, literature and more.

Complete Music Update

I was editor of CMU – or Complete Music Update – for over fifteen years, covering music and the music industry on a daily basis. The nature of the publication’s focus means that I have extensively covered topics including, legal news, copyright, technology, AI, wellbeing, mental health, and more.

Joining the company in 2008, I became editor the following year. My main role was to oversee production of news and features content, published every weekday in the CMU Daily email and on completemusicupdate.com. I also co-presented, produced and edited a weekly music business podcast, Setlist.

Strange Tourist

In 2024, I co-founded Strange Tourist, a newsletter-forward title that covers culture and lifestyle in Thanet, East Kent and London. With a particular focus on the creative buzz in Thanet - Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs - I have had the opportunity to write news and features on a wide range of individuals, events and businesses, both local and visiting, including Robin Ince, Tunng’s Mike Lindsay, Los Bitchos, Margate Film Festival, Look Mum No Computer, and choreographer Anjali Mehra from Matthew Bourne's New Adventures.

In its first six months, the publication has grown rapidly, establishing its position in the local cultural scene. The newsletter is now a popular weekly fixture for subscribers, and we also have a strong social media following.

Strange Tourist is also developing journalism and creative writing workshops alongside social enterprise Paddle Media CIC.

Freelance journalism

I also work for other outlets on a freelance basis, with work published by publications including GQ, Wired, MTV Japan, ThreeWeeks, Margate Mercury, and more.

Work examples

• Robin Ince: ‘If I see something that's interesting, I just want to go and do it’ (Strange Tourist)

• Mike Lindsay: ‘I want to explore with no real rules’ (Strange Tourist)

• Chump’s Comedy: How did Margate get so funny so fast? (Strange Tourist)

• Starting a Band in 2040 (How We Get To Next)

• The Pendulum Choir uses hydraulic pistons to sway with the music (Wired)

• Beck Hansen: how he keeps his fans guessing (Wired)

• Europe Gets A Blast of J-superstars Perfume (MTV Japan)

• Jennifer Coolidge: Yours for the fringe (ThreeWeeks)

For the latest updates on my work check the news page.