I love putting my journalism degree to good use. Below are a selection of articles I’ve written for Rolling Stone Australia, Hypebeast, The Brag and Variety AU/NZ.
Native clients: Samsung, Wild Turkey, TikTok, SXSW, American Apparel, JMC Academy, Bonds, BWS, Champion, Department of Education, Chartered Accountants, EBAY, The Hordern Pavilion, Fuji Film, Johnnie Walker, Myer, Lipton, New Balance, SCU, Sailor Jerry, Telstra, Skittles, Twilio.
How Earls Collection Founder, Lewi Brown, Stays on Top of it All
Lewi Brown is a motivating guy. It’s the morning of our video shoot for the Samsung Trailblazer series and the NRL-star turned creative director is up early, getting a run in along Sydney’s Clovelly to Bronte coastal track to clear his head before a big day. Later, he brings his mum along to the shoot. “I was raised with a single mum so I would class myself as a mummy’s boy,” he says with pride. It’s unsurprising, because everything Lewi does is centred around family; whakapapa, or genealogy, is a fundamental part of his Mãori identity.
From Bushwalks to Brushstrokes: How Evi O Creates Art From Nature
Getting fired was the best thing that ever happened to Evi O. Ahead of shooting her Samsung Trailblazer series episode, the Sydney-based artist, designer, author and publisher explains how she got here. “Long story short,” she begins, “I worked for Penguin Books for eight years before they merged with Random House and the division I worked for got axed. It was the best thing ever, because I still wanted to work on books, so I started my own studio predominantly working for Australian, but also UK and US publishers.” That’s how Evi-O. Studio was born; now it’s a team of five, if you’re including her whippet, Henri.
ASHWARYA on Her Upcoming EP and Performing LIVE on TikTok
Melbourne-based singer and songwriter ASHWARYA creates the kind of music that scratches an itch on your brain – especially when listening through headphones, like many of her fans do, while scrolling on TikTok. In her recent videos, she’s been promoting snippets of her latest ‘perfect late night sad pop ballads’. It’s Billie Eilish meets BENEE, but with her own unique storytelling. “My music is hard-hitting, eclectic and emotive at its core,” ASHWARYA describes. Her sound is influenced by early 2000’s pop and hip hop and Bollywood music. “Currently I’ve been bumping to a lot of Labrinth, Rosalía and 070 Shake amongst many.”
‘Daisy Jones & the Six’ Serve the 70s Rock Nostalgia We Didn’t Know We Needed
After fifty years and a whirlwind of music evolution, as we look back, there’s no doubt the 1970s heralded an undeniable and lasting influence on music. Modern artists like Harry Styles, Bruno Mars and St. Vincent have tried on the retro revival through their album aesthetics, music videos and style. But, when fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s best-selling novel think of that era’s enticing music scene – the glamour, the drugs, the sex, the sound – they think only of one band in particular: Daisy Jones & The Six.
Finding Your Own Muse: Life Lessons from ‘Daisy Jones & the Six’
Perhaps U2 frontman and activist Bono was right when he observed, “Music can change the world, because it can change people.” There are life-altering lessons to be taken from the songs we love, not only about ourselves, but about the world around us. Through the melodies and lyrics of great hits, we gain a fast-tracked education on love, heartbreak, betrayal and self-destruction. We reflect on the past, a single note bringing back sharp memories of days gone by, or project ourselves into a hopeful future. Music is powerful. But what can we learn from the artists who create it?
Is Conflict the Key to Great Music?
It’s almost impossible to imagine a world where music and conflict do not go hand in hand. Music moves us. Sometimes that movement is towards hope, love and pure pleasure. But sometimes, it takes us to darker places – or it’s born from a lightning strike of tension between musicians. That’s when it gets most interesting. Why is tension a common denominator of great music? Because it allows for the exploration of different ideas, sounds, and genres. When the process of creating hits becomes a routine and a formula as dry as unbuttered toast, listeners can hear the lack of soul seeping through the speakers. Music needs friction. It needs a bit of madness. Because perfection doesn’t change audiences – musicians’ energy, emotion and vulnerability, do.
70s Revival: Artists Embracing the Most Influential Era in Music
Spotted in the form of Bruno Mars’ groovy music videos, Sam Smith’s inflatable latex look, Harry Styles’ psychedelic multi-coloured sequined jumpsuit, Florence Welch’s long auburn waves and retro vibe, Briggs’ politically-charged lyrics, Pacific Avenue’s catchy guitar riffs, and Lana Del Rey’s vintage sound, musicians’ love of the 1970s has had a major resurgence. Is this trend to anyone’s surprise? No, not particularly. The sweet, sweet Seventies had so much to offer – making many young people nostalgic for a time they didn’t even live through. But luckily for those too young to experience it themselves, these 10 special years have left a lasting mark on music and fashion history and the influence can still being heard, seen and felt half a century later.
Celebrating 100 Years of The Hordern Pavilion
Sydney has had a long love affair with live events. It’s no surprise, considering we’ve played host to some of the biggest international artists, dance parties, iconic sport events, cultural celebrations, and parades. And for the last century, a single building, The Hordern Pavilion, has been at the centre of it all. This year marks 100 years since Northern Sydney architecture firm Trenchard Smith & Maisey designed the iconic venue, which officially opened its doors on April 2nd, 1924. Back then, you’d take a horse and cart or motor car to see the Sydney Royal Easter Show, which was the original purpose for The Hordern as demand grew for a bigger exhibition space in the early 20s.
Feminism, Film and Fashion: How Margot Robbie Is Transforming Hollywood
In 2023, the list of bona fide movie stars is surprisingly short. But, there’s no doubt Margot Robbie’s name is right at the top. She’s the funny, feisty and wildly talented leading lady in mega-blockbusters. The Brooklyn accent master. The film producer. The down-to-earth Aussie.You probably know her from her breakout role in The Wolf of Wall St, where she eclipsed the star power of Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonah Hill; her take on the chaotic, eccentric Harley Quinn in Birds of Prey; her empathetic embodiment of infamous skating legend Tonya Harding; or her plastic-precision portrayal in the just-released Barbie movie.
Read more on Rolling Stone. (Please note this article was published under the incorrect author name. Promise it was mine, I have the Google Doc to prove it).
Jeffrey Walker on Humility, Humour and Finding ‘Director Disneyland’
Jeffrey Walker is understated. He’s one of a handful of Australian creatives who have found huge success at home and overseas, and yet, your first thought when you hear him speak is wow – this guy is humble. He laughs often, with an easy-going confidence, and answers almost every question with a reassuring “that’s a great question.” It’s clear he was born to direct people.When he arrived on the scene at nine years old, Walker knew he wanted to work behind the scenes, but had no idea how to become a film director. So, he started acting instead. But it wasn’t just any old show. No, Walker started with a lead role on every Aussie’s childhood classic, “Round the Twist”. It taught him the ropes, and fuelled a fire for a long future of filmmaking.
Acoustic Sessions Takeover Airlie Beach Hotel
Set in the centre of iconic sailing town Airlie Beach, the Airlie Beach Hotel is one of Australia’s favourite spots for locals and tourists alike to catch up, grab a beer and a good feed. Throughout August and September, it also became the town’s favourite live music venue, with a series of Acoustic Sessions hosted by Sailor Jerry Presents.
Bonds Celebrates Australia’s Greatest ‘Total Package’ Artists
Perhaps more than ever before, being successful in today’s music industry requires more than the ability to sing or play an instrument. You’ve got to have the total package. But, what does it take? Good looks? Great songs? A huge social following? Charisma? A ‘personal brand’? There’s no doubt, we – the listeners, the fans, the studios – ask a lot of the musicians we love.These young polymaths not only have incredible vocals, they can produce their own tracks, write their own music and bring authentic storytelling to everything they do. They’re creative, versatile and hungry to carve out their unique space in the industry.
Read more on Rolling Stone. (Please note this article was published under the incorrect author name. Promise it was mine, I have the Google Doc to prove it).
TikTok Launches ‘Sunset Sessions’: A New Stage for Emerging Artists to Shine
Think about the most popular song right now. The one that’s so damn catchy the hook’s probably stuck on loop in your head. Where did you first hear it? Let’s face it, it was probably TikTok. Over the last few years, the social media giant has become the birthplace for viral dances, catchy tunes, and musical trends. Now, TikTok is helping us discover new local musicians with LIVE Sunset Sessions. The 15-part series puts the spotlight on five emerging artists, giving them a platform to perform live in front of a digital crowd against the backdrop hues of the setting sun.