Luke Edwards
As seen in:
Acoustic Guitar,
Dig!
Freelance Music Writer | Founder of British Music History @BritMusicHist 🇬🇧 | Content Marketing Strategist | Marketing Professional | Social Media Specialist
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
I worked for my student newspaper and got to interview The Hives and The Rumble Strips.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
I grew up with my grandparents, so yes. A big heavy thing. I always used to imagine what it'd be like throwing it at a burglar.
How is social media changing news?
It's making it too provocative and sensationalised, in my opinion.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
I'm sure Adrian Mole worked as a journalist at one point, didn't he? If so, him.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Following your passion and staying true to yourself.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
It's got to be #susanalbumparty. All these years later, and it's still funny.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Preferably by email.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
MacBook, magazines and good-old-fashioned books.
What's your favorite social network?
I don't really have one. They all have their pitfalls.
Who do you wish followed you?
I don't believe in being starstruck, so nobody. I follow myself.
Why did you become a journalist?
Probably because people say I have always had a way with words.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I wrote album reviews and reported on live gigs.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
My article on Kraftwerk.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
It's all about leverage - find out what you're good at and leverage it as much as you can. Work hard, and someone will notice you eventually.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Since I'm freelance, between 2pm and 5pm is best, so that I can respond to people when I finish my day job.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
I can't remember exactly, but it was just one sentence. That says a lot - keep it brief and inspiration will follow.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Let's just say if the people pitching to you can't agree on a direction, it's a recipe for disaster. Be clear about what you want.
What's your favorite drink?
Lemon squash.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
On my phone. 😂
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Uncut, Mojo, Classic Rock Magazine, Classic Pop - the last of a dying breed of music magazines.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That it pays well. 😂
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.