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Journalism

The Rise of The Machines

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The Rise of The Machines

Well, after thirty years of publishing, the Independent and the Independent on Sunday have ended their print editions in late March and, although they’ll continue online, it is a sad indictment of the changing face of the media.

At its peak in the late 80s, the Independent was selling more than 400,000 copies a day but its final paid circulation had fallen drastically to around 56,000. Internet publishing wasn’t even possible then, let alone a priority. The big strategic question then was whether the newspaper should be reformatted, from broadsheet to tabloid, to bolster sales against the already-tabloid Times, which seems almost laughable by today’s standards. (more…)

Journalism

Forget Fifty Shades Of Grey

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Forget Fifty Shades Of Grey

Much of the country may have been looking forward to the release of 50 Shades of Grey, but it’s 50Folk that’s exciting me!

As a journalist of…huh-hum…a good few years, it is often hard to get excited about new writing projects, but I was thrilled to be asked to compile the introduction for a limited edition book, 50Folk, and give my take on its author, iconic rock photographer, Nick Elliott. (more…)

Public Relations

Th-Th-That’s All Folks!

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Th-Th-That’s All Folks!

As everyone can appreciate, whether they are simply a passive receiver or the active sender of the message, advertising is an immensely useful communications tool in reaching a mass audience and a technique that most businesses employ at some point during the course of their marketing.

Over the course of the last two years I have run a small campaign to promote my PR services and although it has been very well received and has produced some brilliant results, it is time to wave it goodbye.

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Public Relations

It’s Time

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It’s Time

They say that a day is a long time in politics. In the music industry, a decade seems like a lifetime.

In a short space of only a few years, the way we consume music has changed unrecognisably, metamorphosing from the fantastic plastic through to pint-sized compact discs and settling on the current darling of choice…the digital download.

Whatever next? Cranial implants? You may smile, but that ‘fantasy’ may not be confined to the realms of science fiction with recent developments in China already pushing the boundaries of android technology. (more…)

Public Relations

Almost Final Vinyl

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Almost Final Vinyl

Since the rise in popularity of digital recordings, vinyl has been considered by many to be just a quaint relic from the past, a remnant of a by-gone era when the music industry was vibrant and record sales were in their millions.

Yes, there may have been some who clutched their PVC memories to their chests in a gesture of shear defiance but no-one can deny that the golden age of the 12″, 10″, and 7″ vinyl as the preferred method of recording music is now just a distant memory.

Vinyl enthusiasts, however, have ensured that this well-loved medium has not been totally relegated to the history books with the UK and US even seeing a vinyl revival in the last seven years or so and a new generation of music buyers now enjoying the unique audible experience.

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Journalism

Deep In Conversation

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Deep In Conversation

As the development of Deep Red Magazine continues, I am being kept extremely busy in my new role as Senior Editor.

In preparation for the publication’s launch in the Summer, I was invited onto 1800 Online to chat about what’s in store for the readers.

I joined Director of Photography, Nick Elliott, in an interview with radio presenter and podcaster, Alan Taylor-Shearer, and here’s a little of what we had to say about it all… (more…)

Journalism

Diving Into The Deep Red

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Diving Into The Deep Red

I am really pleased to have been appointed Senior Editor for a new, contemporary, music and arts magazine that is set to take the market by storm when it’s launched later this year.

Deep Red Magazine, plans to bring good quality content to fans of music and the arts with top-end interviews, features and reviews in rock, blues and folk.

I’m very much looking forward to heading up a wonderful publication and will be working alongside one of my clients, world-renowned rock photographer Nick Elliott who will be launching the magazine and will act as Director of Photography and Picture Editor. (more…)