Reflection of First Feature

My first feature got underway rather hastily just a few days before hand in date. Unfortunately the band I wanted to initially write the feature on, Burn The Fleet, were very late in getting back to us, but none the less we pressed on with our interview with James Moodie of Flatpack records. He did infact exceed himself, answering questions before I had even asked! So when it came to writing up my feature there was a lot to talk about, so I hand picked out some topical quotes as well as ones which I thought would create the most impact. I wrote around the quotes which perhaps made my work sound very ammateur and I feel if I had another shot at it and perhaps even a better insight into the world of music promotions I could write a much more articulate feature. However I feel it definitely benefited me from researching into Flatpack Records work but in the future I would most certainly carry out much more thorough and intricate research so i could bounce off the statements made by him.

Mimi Soya

 "They're most certainly not just a flash in the pan"

Mimi Soya have emerged from Brighton and are now taking the country by storm. Still not quite hitting the headlines, they are a fast paced band who know what they're about. Punchy female vocals and a Paramore-esque lineup is a sure hit.


I intend to talk to them about how they managed to make a name for themsleves, their favourite places to play and what is the outlook for the future. To mix things up a bit, I could perhaps talk to them about the lead lineup change that has occured over time.

It would appeal largely to the readers of NME as they are fiery and hot to go. Their songs are sure hits with "Millionaire" and it's super catchy chorus ready to tear up teh charts. The NME's audience is largely male orientated so a fiesty female lead singer would certainly appeal largely. They're also a young band with a whole lot of fight in them for the years to come!

From Ikea to Promotions

Within the interview I discussed with the founder of Flatpack Records; the origins of the company, how it's evolving and what is to come in the future. We also light heartedly touched on topics ranging from income and finance to problems he has had to overcome and how they have affected him.

The interview appeals to the target market of VIBE perfectly as James Moodie was a past Southampton Solent Student and part of the Popular Music Scheme. He also promotes bands which originated from the local area who similarly have links to the University; such as Le Martells and The Common who are both lively bands originating locally.  

CONTACTS: James Moodie (founder and creator) Apollos Arrows, Le Martells & The Common (bands signed by his label)

An introduction into my love for music...

Incubus. BIG LOVE!

Studying Music Journalism has always been something I have wanted to embark upon, and now, here I am, studying at Southampton Solent University. A question we have continually been asked is to think of a song we love and opposingly, one we hate. Ofcourse everyone has had their opinions on each others tastes, and at times the debates did get a little heated. Luckily for myself, I tend to enjoy the influence of others music and love to delve into anyones music taste so I can broaden my own. When growing up, my parents tended to listen to quite a mixture of genres, ranging from the likes of Great Big Sea and Alan Jackson from the years we were living in Canada and of course the typical love for anything pop; Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys  and my all time favourite Bewitched! Moving back to England in 2002 I was greated by a wave of pop, pop punk and a little bit of everything really, with a personal favourite at the time being Brand New and Alexisonfire. Nowadays my taste hasn't altered all that much, perhaps now I tend to listen to a more alternative, heavier side to music, with intentionally a little more depth, yet my favourites still remain as Incubus, with Brand New still up there in my top favourites also. I think the dream for me is to be able to look at a piece of writing, an article and interview, and to love it entirely knowing I wrote it myself. Whether it be for one of these conglomorate magazines such as Kerrang!, Rocksound, Q or NME, or even for a local magazine such as Oxford's Nightshift.