My passion for music dates back as long as I can remember, and – combined with a love of writing – 
resulted in my first published articles: album reviews for a South Korean expat music magazine in 2007. Since then my knowledge of contemporary rock, indie, punk, electro and underground music scenes has lead to numerous further assignments for a host of publications. I am an established staff writer at two of Ireland’s most influential music media outlets, Alternative Ulster (circulation around 30,000), a print magazine based in Belfast, where I have had a cover story and several dozen sizable feature articles. In Dublin, I write for Ireland’s most successful music website and winner of best Irish web-only publication 2010 and best music website 2008 (Irish Web Awards), State.ie. I also write about Irish music in the UK, contributing regular live reviews to the country’s highest circulation music magazine, The Fly (105,000 copies distributed per issue). The Fly is thought of in the industry as ‘a breeding ground for new music writing talent’.
My past music writing efforts have included a section on Dublin for Museyon Guidebooks New York (in their ‘Music and Travel guidebook’), contributions to the Lonely Planet Seoul’s music and entertainment section and dozens of pieces on entertainment for the Seoul Government Tourism Office. I still have my toe in over in South Korea in the present, too, where I regularly work for English-language national Eloquence Magazine, Korean language national Bling Magazine (where I’m currently the only English language content writer) and occasionally contribute to The Korea Herald (circulation 150,000 daily).
Where possible, I like to look into music in abstract ways, or from alternative angles. I particularly enjoy producing articles with an aspect of social commentary on top of musical overview, as well as pieces that explore in depth the background, influences and musical production techniques of the artists. I also love to interview musicians, and to date have produced in depth, published interviews with musicians of international pedigree such as The Manic Street Preachers, Bloc Party, Bob Marley’s band The Wailers, My Chemical Romance, Basement Jaxx, Ash, Pendulum, Tinie Tempah and Two Door Cinema Club, to name just a few. I’ve also interviewed numerous big name Korean acts, including chart acts The Plastic Day and Pink Elephant. There are several interview samples available on the links below.
In answer to my most commonly asked question, my favorite bands are probably Muse, Stornoway and Cloud Control, though this changes day to day. I think as a music writer, it’s particularly important to keep an open mind on musical development and style, and though I have my preferences, I try to explore varied scenes and numerous genres .
For samples of music related writing, please click on the links below (all links are within this site). If you are an editor and require further samples, please feel free to contact me.
- Manic Street Preachers: In Depth With Nicky Wire.
- Farewell Hideaway House – the closure of Dublin’s top DIY venue.
- The Ten Commandments of Less Than Jake.
- Pendulum: Backstage with D&B’s rock influenced heroes
- Music and Travel: Touring the Globe Through Sites and Sounds (Museyon Guidebook)
- ‘Replacing Bob’ – How An Untried Teenager Became Frontman of a Genre’s Defining Band, The Wailers.