Writing
Music, culture, travel and creative life from Manchester and beyond.
Notes from Manchester
Notes from Manchester is a growing collection of reviews, essays and observations on music, culture, place and creative life, written from the perspective of a British-Australian writer building a life in one of the world’s great music cities.
Featured writing
One year in Manchester: starting again and building a life
Notes from Manchester / Personal essay / 22 July 2026
A year after moving from Perth to Manchester, I reflect on rebuilding a career, finding community, returning to music and acting, and the small decisions that slowly turn somewhere new into a life.
Latest writing
Harry Styles at Wembley review: the strange church of stadium pop
Travelling from Manchester to London for Harry Styles at Wembley, I found a stadium show that was as much about fandom, friendship and collective feeling as it was about the songs.
What I write about
Music
Live reviews, artist features, interviews and music commentary.
Culture
Essays and observations on film, books, media, style and creative life.
Travel and place
Writing on cities, movement, identity and life between Australia and the UK.
Communications
Reflections on content, campaigns, public sector communication and clear writing.
Selected published work
Selected features, reviews and cultural writing published across Australian music and youth media.
Pilerats (now live on The Music)
Features, interviews and music writing covering Australian and British artists, festivals, emerging scenes and new releases.
With Love Fame Tragedy, Matthew ‘Murph’ Murphy starts a new era
Feature | 19 August, 2019
A feature on Matthew Murphy stepping into a new creative chapter beyond The Wombats.
Thelma, Foals, Corby + more: Behind the standout sets of Splendour 2019
Festival review | 31 July, 2019
A festival feature reflecting on standout performances from Splendour in the Grass 2019, including Thelma Plum, Foals, Matt Corby and more.
How Catfish and the Bottlemen are helping redefine indie rock
Feature | 10 July, 2019
A piece exploring Catfish and the Bottlemen’s place in modern indie rock, British guitar music and Australian festival culture.
Two Door Cinema Club are breaking free - and getting weird
Artist feature | 20 June, 2019
A feature on Two Door Cinema Club’s move into more experimental, electronic-leaning indie pop.
Hayden James and his collaborators tell the story of Between Us
Artist feature | 14 June, 2019
A collaborative album feature covering Hayden James’ debut record and the artists who shaped it.
Student Edge
Entertainment, music, film and culture writing for a youth audience.
Southbound Organisers Say "It’s Now Time to Move On"; No Festival for 2018
News | 21 June, 2018
A music news piece covering Southbound organisers and the future of the festival following its cancellation.
Here’s Why Young People Need Taika Waititi’s Controversial WW2 Film "Jojo Rabbit"
Film opinion | 19 June, 2018
An opinion piece on Jojo Rabbit, Taika Waititi’s approach to satire, and why the film matters for younger audiences.
We Need to Talk About Men's Mental Health Now More Than Ever
Opinion | 14 June, 2018
A social commentary piece on men’s mental health and the importance of speaking more openly about vulnerability, support and wellbeing.
Dua Lipa’s New "Universal" Clothing Range Doesn’t Have Plus-Size Options, and That Matters
Culture opinion | 7 June, 2018
A pop culture commentary piece on fashion, inclusivity and why representation in celebrity-backed clothing ranges matters.
Here’s Why the New Arctic Monkeys Album Is Good, Actually
Music opinion | 4 June, 2018
A music opinion piece defending Arctic Monkeys’ creative shift and making the case for a more generous reading of their new sound.
Need writing or editorial support?
I’m available for selected writing, editorial and content projects, including articles, artist bios, press releases, interviews, reviews and website copy.