Martin Guttridge-Hewitt | Journalist and copywriter specialising in culture

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Martin Guttridge-Hewitt is a freelance journalist, writer and editor based in Manchester, UK.

[MORE FOLLOWS⇣]

He writes a lot about culture and other things too. Bylines include news stories, feature articles and op-eds for magazines, papers and websites. He has held
editorships and subbed an awful lot of copy.
One year, he won an award
for 1400 words on Dutch cheese. Another time, he was teargassed at work. He also takes photos.

Journalism specialisms include culture, music, nightlife, social issues, travel, design, architecture and sustainability.

For some jobs,
companies pay him to come up with words for their website. A bit like these. Others want press releases, biogs, and help with tone of voice. Or social media posts, and newsletters.

Copywriting for industries such as events, music, the arts, nightlife,
hospitality, PR and marketing.

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In between smashing up my left hand and missioning about various places, I’ve been working on a couple of features involving long research periods.

First one is finally out in the current issue of Air Quality News magazine. And it’s truly grim.

*more than 8/10 UK state school campuses contain asbestos in a state of managed decline - it’s only removed in after 40 years... way longer than it takes for building fabric to degrade. No figures available for private institutions.

*One removal expert told me if the government published data on the prevalence of asbestos in public sector buildings, for example council offices and town halls, there could be mass staff walkouts.

*A new wave of asbestos victims is emerging - made up of doctors, nurses, teachers and former-pupils

*UK has the highest rate of mesothelioma in the world, apart from Australia. This rare cancer is almost always a result of asbestos exposure, can take up to 40 years to develop after the incident and is incurable.

*ONS annual asbestos death numbers could be as much as 10 times lower than the reality.

*Official statistics on asbestos deaths in hospitals only account for ‘professionals’ - missing low paid workers like janitors and cleaners who are likely to come into contact with asbestos.

*There are more asbestos deaths per year in the ward of Manchester where I live than road traffic fatalities.

“If your child goes to school, you expect them to be safe. And you expect a hospital to be safe.”

Link in bio.

#asbestos #mesothelioma #publichealth

In between smashing up my left hand and missioning about various places, I’ve been working on a couple of features involving long research periods.

First one is finally out in the current issue of Air Quality News magazine. And it’s truly grim.

*more than 8/10 UK state school campuses contain asbestos in a state of managed decline - it’s only removed in after 40 years... way longer than it takes for building fabric to degrade. No figures available for private institutions.

*One removal expert told me if the government published data on the prevalence of asbestos in public sector buildings, for example council offices and town halls, there could be mass staff walkouts.

*A new wave of asbestos victims is emerging - made up of doctors, nurses, teachers and former-pupils

*UK has the highest rate of mesothelioma in the world, apart from Australia. This rare cancer is almost always a result of asbestos exposure, can take up to 40 years to develop after the incident and is incurable.

*ONS annual asbestos death numbers could be as much as 10 times lower than the reality.

*Official statistics on asbestos deaths in hospitals only account for ‘professionals’ - missing low paid workers like janitors and cleaners who are likely to come into contact with asbestos.

*There are more asbestos deaths per year in the ward of Manchester where I live than road traffic fatalities.

“If your child goes to school, you expect them to be safe. And you expect a hospital to be safe.”

Link in bio.

#asbestos #mesothelioma #publichealth

Had a very good chat with @shpd_ns about his amazing new album - ‘Absurd Matter II’, which marries hip hop, experimental techno, IDM, grime and ambient.

Speaking candidly, he expounds on the challenges of hearing loss due to Ménière’s disease, and how this impacted the production process and musical aesthetic.

Link in bio.

#techno #hiphop #ambient #idm #hearingloss #newmusic #menieresdiseaseawareness

Had a very good chat with @shpd_ns about his amazing new album - ‘Absurd Matter II’, which marries hip hop, experimental techno, IDM, grime and ambient.

Speaking candidly, he expounds on the challenges of hearing loss due to Ménière’s disease, and how this impacted the production process and musical aesthetic.

Link in bio.

#techno #hiphop #ambient #idm #hearingloss #newmusic #menieresdiseaseawareness

It's no secret that the UK's grassroots, DIY and smaller venues of all kinds are lucky to break even these days.

Many technically run at a loss and rely heavily on people volunteering time in some way, shape or form - whether that's actually working for free or putting in far more hours than they are paid for.

It's also no secret that these spaces are the lifeblood of music, and vital gathering points for communities, many of which are socially, economically, and politically vulnerable.

There's been a lot of talk about the £1 ticket levy for gigs over 5,000. Here's some proof that it can actually work, and funds can be delivered relatively quickly. I'll be interested to see who the recipients are, and clearly there needs to be a conversation about what happens in areas that don't have massive arena and city park shows to raise funds through, but on paper this is very good news.

Link in bio to the @djmagofficial news piece.

#grassrootsmusic #ukmusic #manchester #oasis #culture #ticketlevy #supportsmallvenues #DIYmusic

It's no secret that the UK's grassroots, DIY and smaller venues of all kinds are lucky to break even these days.

Many technically run at a loss and rely heavily on people volunteering time in some way, shape or form - whether that's actually working for free or putting in far more hours than they are paid for.

It's also no secret that these spaces are the lifeblood of music, and vital gathering points for communities, many of which are socially, economically, and politically vulnerable.

There's been a lot of talk about the £1 ticket levy for gigs over 5,000. Here's some proof that it can actually work, and funds can be delivered relatively quickly. I'll be interested to see who the recipients are, and clearly there needs to be a conversation about what happens in areas that don't have massive arena and city park shows to raise funds through, but on paper this is very good news.

Link in bio to the @djmagofficial news piece.

#grassrootsmusic #ukmusic #manchester #oasis #culture #ticketlevy #supportsmallvenues #DIYmusic

New one for @architizer looks at how the post apocalyptic, pandemic-riddled landscapes of @thelastofus can (and maybe) have inspired architects to look at how they work with (and for) nature.

Link in bio.

#architecture #architects #apocalyptic #apocalypse #dystopian #videogames #videogaming #biophilia #nature #naturaldesign #environment

New one for @architizer looks at how the post apocalyptic, pandemic-riddled landscapes of @thelastofus can (and maybe) have inspired architects to look at how they work with (and for) nature.

Link in bio.

#architecture #architects #apocalyptic #apocalypse #dystopian #videogames #videogaming #biophilia #nature #naturaldesign #environment

It’s just a tiny forest at The Netherlands Plant Eco-phenotyping Centre @uniwageningen . And some flowering lettuce.

#plantlife #plants #biology #scienceme #netherlands #foodtech ##food #sustainablity

It’s just a tiny forest at The Netherlands Plant Eco-phenotyping Centre @uniwageningen . And some flowering lettuce.

#plantlife #plants #biology #scienceme #netherlands #foodtech ##food #sustainablity

First time at an algae reactor.

Gotta love a bit of the green stuff.

#algae #sustainability #climatescience #research #netherlands

First time at an algae reactor.

Gotta love a bit of the green stuff.

#algae #sustainability #climatescience #research #netherlands

With pals like these… who needs a working left hand?

When you get to put on your first party in the city for about 15 years, in a bar your mate built for music, designed by another friend, powered by a beautiful L-Acoustics rig.

Huge thanks to everyone who made it down on Saturday for This Thing of Ours, especially with the storms. Much love to @renae.mcr for hosting us and standing ovations to those who played - @nanny_banton @timbobmcr @animaux.uk @mouridis_ and Amy Amor all smashed it.

DJ Dislocated Finger In The Club wasn’t too bad, either.

“And now, to sleep. To bed. To dream.”

Or to a town near Utrecht, but that’s not important right now.

Until another time, #manchester …

With pals like these… who needs a working left hand?

When you get to put on your first party in the city for about 15 years, in a bar your mate built for music, designed by another friend, powered by a beautiful L-Acoustics rig.

Huge thanks to everyone who made it down on Saturday for This Thing of Ours, especially with the storms. Much love to @renae.mcr for hosting us and standing ovations to those who played - @nanny_banton @timbobmcr @animaux.uk @mouridis_ and Amy Amor all smashed it.

DJ Dislocated Finger In The Club wasn’t too bad, either.

“And now, to sleep. To bed. To dream.”

Or to a town near Utrecht, but that’s not important right now.

Until another time, #manchester …

Big thanks to @mcrfinest and @tired_northern_man for including This Thing of Ours in the top stuff to do in Manchester this week.

Pop into @renae.mcr tomorrow from 6pm until (very) late for a drink and dance with tunes from some top heads - @nanny_banton @animaux.uk @mouridis_ @timbobmcr Amy Amor… and some guy with an unnecessarily long name.

#manchester #manchesternightlife #electronicmusic #housemusic #tech #140 #electronica #downbeat #techno

Big thanks to @mcrfinest and @tired_northern_man for including This Thing of Ours in the top stuff to do in Manchester this week.

Pop into @renae.mcr tomorrow from 6pm until (very) late for a drink and dance with tunes from some top heads - @nanny_banton @animaux.uk @mouridis_ @timbobmcr Amy Amor… and some guy with an unnecessarily long name.

#manchester #manchesternightlife #electronicmusic #housemusic #tech #140 #electronica #downbeat #techno

Loved researching this one - a new home for the @redcrosseu in Granada, Spain, its interior made from cardboard, and a brief history of paper buildings, for @architizer.

Link in bio.

@tomasgarciapiriz_estudio
#architecture #architects #interiordesign #interiors #spain #granada

Loved researching this one - a new home for the @redcrosseu in Granada, Spain, its interior made from cardboard, and a brief history of paper buildings, for @architizer.

Link in bio.

@tomasgarciapiriz_estudio
#architecture #architects #interiordesign #interiors #spain #granada

This summer I was lucky enough to make a return visit to Armenia — one of the most fascinating countries I’ve ever worked in. Again.

The second expedition was to visit the headquarters of @cyberfolkhub - a burgeoning DJ and music production school in the country’s capital, Yerevan.

Rising from the ashes of the sorely-missed @poligrafevn club, which closed last year amid ongoing tensions with authorities, the idea is to keep the nightlife community together, reposition dance music beyond parties, and nurture a self-supporting and sufficient scene.

Speaking with some of the most respected heads in city, this feature for @djmagofficial looks at what promoters, punters and artists are up against politically, how the education programme works in practice, what their movement represents, and a groundbreaking new AI platform which the crew hope will create much needed equity in the music industry, globally.

It also includes some incredible venues like @how.evn (House of Writers), @theofficeyvn and @hayfilmcluster

Huge thanks to @hopdop_d, @kazmir00, @arpy.h @marinaboyajyan @davitpetrrosyan @fluctt__ @arto_tuncboyaciyan @arinazhkv for trusting me to get this story down properly, their amazing hospitality throughout the time I was there and generally being top quality and hugely inspiring people.

Link in bio.

#dancemusic #techno #yerevan #electronicmusic #djschool #musicproduction #ai #aimusic #musiceducationmatters #musiceducation #caucasus #armenia

This summer I was lucky enough to make a return visit to Armenia — one of the most fascinating countries I’ve ever worked in. Again.

The second expedition was to visit the headquarters of @cyberfolkhub - a burgeoning DJ and music production school in the country’s capital, Yerevan.

Rising from the ashes of the sorely-missed @poligrafevn club, which closed last year amid ongoing tensions with authorities, the idea is to keep the nightlife community together, reposition dance music beyond parties, and nurture a self-supporting and sufficient scene.

Speaking with some of the most respected heads in city, this feature for @djmagofficial looks at what promoters, punters and artists are up against politically, how the education programme works in practice, what their movement represents, and a groundbreaking new AI platform which the crew hope will create much needed equity in the music industry, globally.

It also includes some incredible venues like @how.evn (House of Writers), @theofficeyvn and @hayfilmcluster

Huge thanks to @hopdop_d, @kazmir00, @arpy.h @marinaboyajyan @davitpetrrosyan @fluctt__ @arto_tuncboyaciyan @arinazhkv for trusting me to get this story down properly, their amazing hospitality throughout the time I was there and generally being top quality and hugely inspiring people.

Link in bio.

#dancemusic #techno #yerevan #electronicmusic #djschool #musicproduction #ai #aimusic #musiceducationmatters #musiceducation #caucasus #armenia

Two weeks until this thing.

A strong lineup of experienced local names with a broad selection of electronic sounds - come early for the warm up, stay to dance.

Looking forward to making the most of the beautiful @l.acoustics.official install @renae.mcr - one of the best systems in town. Hands down.

#housemusic #techno #ambient #electronica #chug #manchesternightlife #freeparty #allwelcome

@animaux.uk @timbobmcr @nanny_banton @mouridis_

Two weeks until this thing.

A strong lineup of experienced local names with a broad selection of electronic sounds - come early for the warm up, stay to dance.

Looking forward to making the most of the beautiful @l.acoustics.official install @renae.mcr - one of the best systems in town. Hands down.

#housemusic #techno #ambient #electronica #chug #manchesternightlife #freeparty #allwelcome

@animaux.uk @timbobmcr @nanny_banton @mouridis_

Link in bio to a news piece for @djmagofficial on Wednesday’s @t4plive concert at @ovoarena Wembley.

This includes outbound links for ongoing donations to @chooselove, @thepcrf, @taawonpalestine and more.

“This week, Israel began the next stage of its ongoing offensive on Gaza, with reports of tanks, bulldozers and armoured troop carriers pushing into one of Gaza City’s most densely populated districts, Sheikh Radwan. This morning, the International Rescue Committee [IRC] issued a statement announcing it had been “forced to suspend programming” in the area despite the “catastrophic human impact” of the offensive’s latest phase.

“Our staff are relocating to protect themselves from the military offensive. As a result, we and our partners have been forced to close almost all of our programming. Nutrition treatment for malnourished children and pregnant women has stopped, and our protection services for women and children who have experienced violence have been interrupted,” the organisation explained.

“We continue to monitor cases as families relocate. With Gaza’s water supply destroyed, we are still delivering emergency water trucking in Gaza city which is a lifeline for those we serve, whilst also closely monitoring the risks faced by our staff.”

This week, a UN Commission backed widespread claims by humanitarian and aid groups that Israel’s actions in Palestine amount to genocide. This morning, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan became the most senior Labour politician to agree with this view, contradicting the official position of the UK Government.

At the time of writing, the official number of people killed by Israel in Gaza since Hamas’ attack on 7th October 2023 is at least 65,000. However, earlier this month, a former Israeli military commander confirmed that the number of Palestinians killed is more likely to be in excess of 200,000, 10% of Gaza’s population.”

#palestine #gaza #humanrights

Link in bio to a news piece for @djmagofficial on Wednesday’s @t4plive concert at @ovoarena Wembley.

This includes outbound links for ongoing donations to @chooselove, @thepcrf, @taawonpalestine and more.

“This week, Israel began the next stage of its ongoing offensive on Gaza, with reports of tanks, bulldozers and armoured troop carriers pushing into one of Gaza City’s most densely populated districts, Sheikh Radwan. This morning, the International Rescue Committee [IRC] issued a statement announcing it had been “forced to suspend programming” in the area despite the “catastrophic human impact” of the offensive’s latest phase.

“Our staff are relocating to protect themselves from the military offensive. As a result, we and our partners have been forced to close almost all of our programming. Nutrition treatment for malnourished children and pregnant women has stopped, and our protection services for women and children who have experienced violence have been interrupted,” the organisation explained.

“We continue to monitor cases as families relocate. With Gaza’s water supply destroyed, we are still delivering emergency water trucking in Gaza city which is a lifeline for those we serve, whilst also closely monitoring the risks faced by our staff.”

This week, a UN Commission backed widespread claims by humanitarian and aid groups that Israel’s actions in Palestine amount to genocide. This morning, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan became the most senior Labour politician to agree with this view, contradicting the official position of the UK Government.

At the time of writing, the official number of people killed by Israel in Gaza since Hamas’ attack on 7th October 2023 is at least 65,000. However, earlier this month, a former Israeli military commander confirmed that the number of Palestinians killed is more likely to be in excess of 200,000, 10% of Gaza’s population.”

#palestine #gaza #humanrights

Between 1970 and 2008 our world experienced 0.18C warming per decade.

In 2022, former @nasa scientist Dr James Hansen published new modelling — this showed the world could heat by 0.27-0.36C per decade until the mid-20502.

50-100% faster than before.

But there's more happening than meets the eye.

I spoke to teams at CICERO and the @plymouthmarinelab about how cutting down on deadly sulphur emissions has contributed to faster planetary heating. And what this means for climate change mitigation and adaptation plans.

Link in bio.

#globalwarming #globalheating #climatecrisis #climate #environment #emissions #airpollution #pollution #adaptation #climatemitigation

Between 1970 and 2008 our world experienced 0.18C warming per decade.

In 2022, former @nasa scientist Dr James Hansen published new modelling — this showed the world could heat by 0.27-0.36C per decade until the mid-20502.

50-100% faster than before.

But there's more happening than meets the eye.

I spoke to teams at CICERO and the @plymouthmarinelab about how cutting down on deadly sulphur emissions has contributed to faster planetary heating. And what this means for climate change mitigation and adaptation plans.

Link in bio.

#globalwarming #globalheating #climatecrisis #climate #environment #emissions #airpollution #pollution #adaptation #climatemitigation

Been doing some bits around the impact of Reform UK on local government recently.

'Death by 1000 cuts' focuses on the reduction, and in many cases, total elimination of funding for climate, environment and net zero projects.

References to policy changes in Durham, Derbyshire, Northamptonshire, where references to 'climate change' are being replaced by 'environmental impact', and Kent.

However, the Institute for Government has already said Reform's estimates on how much can be saved — between £25 and £45 billion — are wildly misleading. They include private investment, which is actually a good thing to encourage because it means jobs. New Economics Foundation estimates over 28,000, and up to 35,000 jobs could actually be lost if the 'challenger party' wins the next general election and takes a hatchet to emissions reduction projects.

Link in bio.

#netzero #climatecrisis #climatechange #reform #ukpolitics

Been doing some bits around the impact of Reform UK on local government recently.

'Death by 1000 cuts' focuses on the reduction, and in many cases, total elimination of funding for climate, environment and net zero projects.

References to policy changes in Durham, Derbyshire, Northamptonshire, where references to 'climate change' are being replaced by 'environmental impact', and Kent.

However, the Institute for Government has already said Reform's estimates on how much can be saved — between £25 and £45 billion — are wildly misleading. They include private investment, which is actually a good thing to encourage because it means jobs. New Economics Foundation estimates over 28,000, and up to 35,000 jobs could actually be lost if the 'challenger party' wins the next general election and takes a hatchet to emissions reduction projects.

Link in bio.

#netzero #climatecrisis #climatechange #reform #ukpolitics

Earlier this summer I was lucky enough to spend some time in Riccione.

This small, photogenic beach town in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, was the country’s equivalent to Ibiza for decades, with around 30 venues operating between here and nearby Rimini at the peak. The region itself is also known as a stronghold of Italian communism, counter and queer culture, which is more than audible in the conversations I had whilst out there.

New feature for @djmagofficial on the storied nightlife history of the area, focusing in on the legendary @cocoricoriccione, the legendary UK squat art collective @mutoidwaste Company and the Mutonia scrap village they built here, and what has and hasn’t changed since the first techno and house clubs opened in the neighbourhood.

Link in bio.

#rimini #riccione #italy #emiliaromagna #techno #housemusic #newbeat #clubs #raves #squats #nightlife

Earlier this summer I was lucky enough to spend some time in Riccione.

This small, photogenic beach town in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, was the country’s equivalent to Ibiza for decades, with around 30 venues operating between here and nearby Rimini at the peak. The region itself is also known as a stronghold of Italian communism, counter and queer culture, which is more than audible in the conversations I had whilst out there.

New feature for @djmagofficial on the storied nightlife history of the area, focusing in on the legendary @cocoricoriccione, the legendary UK squat art collective @mutoidwaste Company and the Mutonia scrap village they built here, and what has and hasn’t changed since the first techno and house clubs opened in the neighbourhood.

Link in bio.

#rimini #riccione #italy #emiliaromagna #techno #housemusic #newbeat #clubs #raves #squats #nightlife

Grok backtracks on genocide in Gaza.   Russian disinformation infects AI chatbots.   Google tries to discourage users from following links to verifiable sources.

Don't worry though, everything is fine and AI definitely doesn't need to be restricted by rules and regulations.  Link in bio.

#AI #misinformstion #disinformation #artificialintelligence #gaza #genocide #grok #x #twitter #google

Grok backtracks on genocide in Gaza.   Russian disinformation infects AI chatbots.   Google tries to discourage users from following links to verifiable sources.

Don't worry though, everything is fine and AI definitely doesn't need to be restricted by rules and regulations.  Link in bio.

#AI #misinformstion #disinformation #artificialintelligence #gaza #genocide #grok #x #twitter #google

Written a number of news stories about cultural campaigns, initiatives and events trying to raise awareness, money and support for people in Gaza and Palestine as a whole since and before Israel’s full invasion.

As ever, articles only get read if I share on social media platforms I consider to be complicit in this and many other major social, political, ethical, military and environmental issues threatening the world.

While on those networks, I'm then bombarded with live-streamed trauma daily as the genocide (and other tragedies) continue. Can't help but make the connection — profiteering via our attention as and when human rights and lives are at their most vulnerable.

Anyway, a huge concert has been announced by @togetherforpalestine at Wembley next month, notably involving a lot of Palestinian and Palestinian-heritage artists.

Link in bio to the full story.

The event will also pay tribute to frontline professionals who are either working or have worked out there — doctors, nurses, teachers, and journalists.

This is particularly pertinent given last weekend four of Al Jazeera’s news crew and two freelancers on the ground were targeted and killed. There were already very few reporters left inside Gaza, which means most of the information is coming out via the same social media platforms I mentioned above. That's particularly worrying.

#palestine #gaza #genocide #genoci̇dei̇ngaza #together4gaza

Written a number of news stories about cultural campaigns, initiatives and events trying to raise awareness, money and support for people in Gaza and Palestine as a whole since and before Israel’s full invasion.

As ever, articles only get read if I share on social media platforms I consider to be complicit in this and many other major social, political, ethical, military and environmental issues threatening the world.

While on those networks, I'm then bombarded with live-streamed trauma daily as the genocide (and other tragedies) continue. Can't help but make the connection — profiteering via our attention as and when human rights and lives are at their most vulnerable.

Anyway, a huge concert has been announced by @togetherforpalestine at Wembley next month, notably involving a lot of Palestinian and Palestinian-heritage artists.

Link in bio to the full story.

The event will also pay tribute to frontline professionals who are either working or have worked out there — doctors, nurses, teachers, and journalists.

This is particularly pertinent given last weekend four of Al Jazeera’s news crew and two freelancers on the ground were targeted and killed. There were already very few reporters left inside Gaza, which means most of the information is coming out via the same social media platforms I mentioned above. That's particularly worrying.

#palestine #gaza #genocide #genoci̇dei̇ngaza #together4gaza

BNG is considered one of the most progressive nature-first policies on the planet.

Essentially, it means any new development in the UK must add ‘biodiversity points’ to the site it occupies, improving ecosystems and nurturing nature.

But by prioritising — and pushing — on-site delivery, central government and local authorities are missing opportunities to make a much bigger impact.

I hear from lawyers, developers, environmental consultants and more about the benefits of taking Biodiversity Net Gain off-site, and contributing to bigger projects that can significantly boost Britain’s beleaguered wildlife.

Link in bio.

#biodiversity #biodiversitynetgain #environment #climate #housing

BNG is considered one of the most progressive nature-first policies on the planet.

Essentially, it means any new development in the UK must add ‘biodiversity points’ to the site it occupies, improving ecosystems and nurturing nature.

But by prioritising — and pushing — on-site delivery, central government and local authorities are missing opportunities to make a much bigger impact.

I hear from lawyers, developers, environmental consultants and more about the benefits of taking Biodiversity Net Gain off-site, and contributing to bigger projects that can significantly boost Britain’s beleaguered wildlife.

Link in bio.

#biodiversity #biodiversitynetgain #environment #climate #housing

If you’re heading to Ibiza this summer, here’s some food for thought:

3.4million visitors arrive annually. 21 visitors for every individual resident.

Coastal urbanisation has risen 60% between 1990 and 2012, in part driven by the need to accommodate those guests — apartments, hotels and roads.

Just 4% of what gets eaten and drunk on the island is made there.

The last landfill on the Balearic Islands with capacity will be full by the end of the decade.

Water is running out, with aquifers at 30% of capacity and falling.

Find out how clubs, clubbers, DJs and ticketing platforms can help rebalance the island they love by signing up to @brianeno's @earthpercentibiza in this feature for @djmagofficial...

#environment #Ibiza #electronicmusic #balearicislands #dancemusic #clubbing #summer #climate #earthpercent

If you’re heading to Ibiza this summer, here’s some food for thought:

3.4million visitors arrive annually. 21 visitors for every individual resident.

Coastal urbanisation has risen 60% between 1990 and 2012, in part driven by the need to accommodate those guests — apartments, hotels and roads.

Just 4% of what gets eaten and drunk on the island is made there.

The last landfill on the Balearic Islands with capacity will be full by the end of the decade.

Water is running out, with aquifers at 30% of capacity and falling.

Find out how clubs, clubbers, DJs and ticketing platforms can help rebalance the island they love by signing up to @brianeno's @earthpercentibiza in this feature for @djmagofficial...

#environment #Ibiza #electronicmusic #balearicislands #dancemusic #clubbing #summer #climate #earthpercent

New one for @architizer — looks like Minecraft, it's actually a new biophilic neighbourhood in Pakistan. Yet another example of placemaking rather than development, complete with pre-determined uses and uniform design, what does this say about the human desire for individualism? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>#architecture #design #humanism #minecraft #pakistan #biophilia #sustainability #airquality

New one for @architizer — looks like Minecraft, it's actually a new biophilic neighbourhood in Pakistan. Yet another example of placemaking rather than development, complete with pre-determined uses and uniform design, what does this say about the human desire for individualism? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>#architecture #design #humanism #minecraft #pakistan #biophilia #sustainability #airquality

@factory_international did a bang up job with Manchester International Festival again this year — saw amazing original work over the two weeks, not least from Black Haine ('And Now I Know What Love Is') and XL Recordings boss Richard Russell ('Everything Is Recorded').

Last Tuesday, Mary Anne Hobbs and Anna Phoebe presented 'What Do You Want?', a mesmerising music collaboration which asked the city what it wanted to see — no prizes for guessing queer and human rights were high on the agenda, and an end to the widespread slaughter of innocent men, women and children in Gaza.

Link in bio to my review, which also addresses the biggest issue in culture right now — connections (usually ownership, in this case sponsorship) to companies involved with the Israeli government and the arms trade as the Palestinian genocide continues.
#arts #performingarts #manchesterinternationalfestival #factoryinternational #manchester #culture #culturewash #Israel #gazagenocide #genocide #palestine

@factory_international did a bang up job with Manchester International Festival again this year — saw amazing original work over the two weeks, not least from Black Haine ('And Now I Know What Love Is') and XL Recordings boss Richard Russell ('Everything Is Recorded').

Last Tuesday, Mary Anne Hobbs and Anna Phoebe presented 'What Do You Want?', a mesmerising music collaboration which asked the city what it wanted to see — no prizes for guessing queer and human rights were high on the agenda, and an end to the widespread slaughter of innocent men, women and children in Gaza.

Link in bio to my review, which also addresses the biggest issue in culture right now — connections (usually ownership, in this case sponsorship) to companies involved with the Israeli government and the arms trade as the Palestinian genocide continues.
#arts #performingarts #manchesterinternationalfestival #factoryinternational #manchester #culture #culturewash #Israel #gazagenocide #genocide #palestine

So this is happening in 3 weeks time. Thanks to @levilove77 for the invite. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Be great to get back to @carltonclubmcr for a stint on the decks. And as this is @masomenosmcr in the mansion, expect proper house music all day and evening long. And a few hours of the night. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> #housemusic #deephouse #manchester #whalleyrange #communityparty #southmanchester #dayparty

So this is happening in 3 weeks time. Thanks to @levilove77 for the invite. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Be great to get back to @carltonclubmcr for a stint on the decks. And as this is @masomenosmcr in the mansion, expect proper house music all day and evening long. And a few hours of the night. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> #housemusic #deephouse #manchester #whalleyrange #communityparty #southmanchester #dayparty

Michael Beard, @companychameleon, @manchestercamerata, @factory_international @maryannehobbs_ @annaphoebemusic >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Amazing night at Manchester International Festival - MIF25. Highly recommend @blackhaine's show @diecastmcr too - saw it on Saturday and still getting over the emotional impact. #art #arts #theatre #dance #music #livemusic #performingarts #cultureishumanity

Michael Beard, @companychameleon, @manchestercamerata, @factory_international @maryannehobbs_ @annaphoebemusic >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Amazing night at Manchester International Festival - MIF25. Highly recommend @blackhaine's show @diecastmcr too - saw it on Saturday and still getting over the emotional impact. #art #arts #theatre #dance #music #livemusic #performingarts #cultureishumanity

Print is dead. Blah blah blah. I was delighted to step in as sub editor on the first physical issue of @thewimble - a newspaper spawned from one of many very successful local journalism platforms on Substack. Landed in time for the tennis, obvs. #subeditor #subediting #wimbledon #tennis #localjournalism #localnews #wimbledonchampionships #wimbledonvillage

Print is dead. Blah blah blah. I was delighted to step in as sub editor on the first physical issue of @thewimble - a newspaper spawned from one of many very successful local journalism platforms on Substack. Landed in time for the tennis, obvs. #subeditor #subediting #wimbledon #tennis #localjournalism #localnews #wimbledonchampionships #wimbledonvillage

Delighted to be in a very special edition of @mgoldenbarnes' Music Is The Answer newsletter. Link in bio for the realities of music and culture writing in 2025 with some proper respected pros... @joemuggs @katehutchinsonpow @aliceaustinnn @tracykawalik @noir_christine @n_iamh @seaninsound and Thomas Hobbs. #music #culture #journalism #freelancejournalism #writing

Delighted to be in a very special edition of @mgoldenbarnes' Music Is The Answer newsletter. Link in bio for the realities of music and culture writing in 2025 with some proper respected pros... @joemuggs @katehutchinsonpow @aliceaustinnn @tracykawalik @noir_christine @n_iamh @seaninsound and Thomas Hobbs. #music #culture #journalism #freelancejournalism #writing

Last autumn I was lucky enough to visit @aaltosiilo in northern Finland - a 28-metre high industrial edifice now being turned into an arts and culture centre, in turn setting a new standard and language for restoration, renovation and transformation of buildings. Full report for @architizer via link in bio. #architecture #alvaraalto #finland #performingarts #art #culture #redevelopment #renovation

Last autumn I was lucky enough to visit @aaltosiilo in northern Finland - a 28-metre high industrial edifice now being turned into an arts and culture centre, in turn setting a new standard and language for restoration, renovation and transformation of buildings. Full report for @architizer via link in bio. #architecture #alvaraalto #finland #performingarts #art #culture #redevelopment #renovation

The UK needs to…

Plant 1million hectares of trees by 2050 to support biodiversity and nature recovery.

Build 1.5 million new homes in 5 years.

Reduce how many cows and sheep are in the fields.

Grow more vegetables domestically. And energy crops for biofuels.

Then there’s net zero ‘green’ re-industrialisation, from carbon capture to renewable energy generation.

A new ‘national conversation’ on how space is organised and utilised, and the country’s demand for productivity and growth, are signs of a coming storm.

Downing Street’s consultation on how land is used in the UK is necessary but potentially very volatile. 71% of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is currently agricultural.

Link in bio.

#environment #globalwarming #climatecrisis #netzero #housingcrisis #landuse #townplanning #urbanplanning #development #construction #farming #agriculture #energy #foodsecurity

The UK needs to…

Plant 1million hectares of trees by 2050 to support biodiversity and nature recovery.

Build 1.5 million new homes in 5 years.

Reduce how many cows and sheep are in the fields.

Grow more vegetables domestically. And energy crops for biofuels.

Then there’s net zero ‘green’ re-industrialisation, from carbon capture to renewable energy generation.

A new ‘national conversation’ on how space is organised and utilised, and the country’s demand for productivity and growth, are signs of a coming storm.

Downing Street’s consultation on how land is used in the UK is necessary but potentially very volatile. 71% of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is currently agricultural.

Link in bio.

#environment #globalwarming #climatecrisis #netzero #housingcrisis #landuse #townplanning #urbanplanning #development #construction #farming #agriculture #energy #foodsecurity

Really looking forward to checking out @renae.mcr — bar, music venue, record shop, book store and co-working venture with an amazing team behind it, designed by @beamdesigninteriors

Story here for @djmagofficial, with co-founder @mouridis_ explaining the plan. Opening weekend is the end of this month, stick it in the diary.

While nightlife is struggling across the UK, Manchester has given us a number of reasons to stay positive recently. Here’s hoping the trend continues.

Link in bio. As per.

#nightlife #recordshopping #club #dancefloor #musicbar #manchester

Really looking forward to checking out @renae.mcr — bar, music venue, record shop, book store and co-working venture with an amazing team behind it, designed by @beamdesigninteriors

Story here for @djmagofficial, with co-founder @mouridis_ explaining the plan. Opening weekend is the end of this month, stick it in the diary.

While nightlife is struggling across the UK, Manchester has given us a number of reasons to stay positive recently. Here’s hoping the trend continues.

Link in bio. As per.

#nightlife #recordshopping #club #dancefloor #musicbar #manchester

ICYMI... in a tidal wave of Executive Orders passed in the last month-and-a-half, @realdonaldtrump has stipulated aesthetic specifications for all new federal buildings.

This is his response to the bland, unimaginative and uniform designs of the worst modern government offices - and modernity. Instead, he wants to see architecture that reflects the heritage of the town, city or region. But really he wants to see more grand Romanesque and Grecian projects that nod to the neoclassical school.

My latest piece for @architizer considers the practicalities and implications of this for a government selling itself on cost savings. Which brings us to one question…

If the administration's main goal is to defund and privatise itself, who will actually need these new government buildings?

Link in bio to the full story.

#architecture #architects #executiveorder #donaldtrump #uspolitics #buildingdesign #neoclassical #romanesque #grecian

ICYMI... in a tidal wave of Executive Orders passed in the last month-and-a-half, @realdonaldtrump has stipulated aesthetic specifications for all new federal buildings.

This is his response to the bland, unimaginative and uniform designs of the worst modern government offices - and modernity. Instead, he wants to see architecture that reflects the heritage of the town, city or region. But really he wants to see more grand Romanesque and Grecian projects that nod to the neoclassical school.

My latest piece for @architizer considers the practicalities and implications of this for a government selling itself on cost savings. Which brings us to one question…

If the administration's main goal is to defund and privatise itself, who will actually need these new government buildings?

Link in bio to the full story.

#architecture #architects #executiveorder #donaldtrump #uspolitics #buildingdesign #neoclassical #romanesque #grecian

It’s no overstatement to say the US is in a battle for its own survival at the moment. Against its own administration.

Ukraine has been betrayed, the EU and UK are in panic about the reorganisation of geopolitics and in and amongst all this capitalism is still making money hand over fist.

Tomorrow, Germany votes and - despite millions attending pro-democracy protests across the country recently - there is a chance the far-right AfD will finish second.

There is no overreaction here. Turning off has clearly not worked. And that’s upsetting because I don’t think anyone wanted to be here.

So consider a few words by one of my favourite children’s poets, Michael Rosen, and my man Woody Guthrie with an uptempo message about the likelihood all this will come crashing down. It’s just a question of what is left when that happens that should be the big worry.

#fascism #nazism #farright #afd #elonmusk #donaldtrump #poundlanddictators #ketamineaddiction #misinformation #lovewins #hatefails #germanelections

It’s no overstatement to say the US is in a battle for its own survival at the moment. Against its own administration.

Ukraine has been betrayed, the EU and UK are in panic about the reorganisation of geopolitics and in and amongst all this capitalism is still making money hand over fist.

Tomorrow, Germany votes and - despite millions attending pro-democracy protests across the country recently - there is a chance the far-right AfD will finish second.

There is no overreaction here. Turning off has clearly not worked. And that’s upsetting because I don’t think anyone wanted to be here.

So consider a few words by one of my favourite children’s poets, Michael Rosen, and my man Woody Guthrie with an uptempo message about the likelihood all this will come crashing down. It’s just a question of what is left when that happens that should be the big worry.

#fascism #nazism #farright #afd #elonmusk #donaldtrump #poundlanddictators #ketamineaddiction #misinformation #lovewins #hatefails #germanelections

Keep out of American politics it doesn’t impact you.

Keep out of American politics it doesn’t impact you.

In November, the UK Government accepted and adopted recommendations from the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee that the full grass roots scene should be supported by major stadium and arena profits.

One cannot exist without the other. But the behemoths have been cannibalising the industry - and their future.

In December, Creative Industries Minister Chris Bryant set a deadline for "tangible progress" to be made on this scheme. The biggest event companies now have until the end of March to do this.

This week, Musicians' Union, @wearethemu, @featuredartistscoalition, and Music Managers Forum, @MMF, have launched the UK Artist Touring Fund to plug the gap in budgets for bands and artists struggling to afford to tour. This will be financed by the levy.

Full details of how this works and links to apply in the full story for @djmagofficial - link in bio.

#livemusic #culture #ticketlevy #goodnews #musictours #bands #djs #musicmanagers #musicindustry #ukmusic

In November, the UK Government accepted and adopted recommendations from the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee that the full grass roots scene should be supported by major stadium and arena profits.

One cannot exist without the other. But the behemoths have been cannibalising the industry - and their future.

In December, Creative Industries Minister Chris Bryant set a deadline for "tangible progress" to be made on this scheme. The biggest event companies now have until the end of March to do this.

This week, Musicians' Union, @wearethemu, @featuredartistscoalition, and Music Managers Forum, @MMF, have launched the UK Artist Touring Fund to plug the gap in budgets for bands and artists struggling to afford to tour. This will be financed by the levy.

Full details of how this works and links to apply in the full story for @djmagofficial - link in bio.

#livemusic #culture #ticketlevy #goodnews #musictours #bands #djs #musicmanagers #musicindustry #ukmusic

Should we stay or should we go?

New op-ed on climate science accounts leaving X and what this means for the radicalisation of mainstream social networks in general.

Make no mistake, there’s a full blown digital information war happening and one side is ‘flooding the zone’. But can opposing viewpoints still be seen?

Link in bio.

#climate #environment #misinformation #informationwarfare #climatedenial #propaganda #freespeech #socialmedia #farright

Should we stay or should we go?

New op-ed on climate science accounts leaving X and what this means for the radicalisation of mainstream social networks in general.

Make no mistake, there’s a full blown digital information war happening and one side is ‘flooding the zone’. But can opposing viewpoints still be seen?

Link in bio.

#climate #environment #misinformation #informationwarfare #climatedenial #propaganda #freespeech #socialmedia #farright

Another day another list of information being lost to an unsuccessful businessman-turned-authoritarian leader, his malleable and greedy cronies, and the unelected ‘special government employee’ who has gone full blown fascist dictator.

Link in bio.

#environment #climatechange #climatecrisis #data #informationwarfare #freespeech #freedomofinformation #trump #musk #doge

Another day another list of information being lost to an unsuccessful businessman-turned-authoritarian leader, his malleable and greedy cronies, and the unelected ‘special government employee’ who has gone full blown fascist dictator.

Link in bio.

#environment #climatechange #climatecrisis #data #informationwarfare #freespeech #freedomofinformation #trump #musk #doge

That time you realised you’d stepped inside an episode of The Day Today but you can’t get out and it’s not funny anymore.

An actual headline that exists…

“The editor in chief of Christianity Today is warning that evangelical Christianity is moving too far to the right, to the point that even Jesus’s teachings are considered “weak” now.

Russell Moore resigned from the Southern Baptist Convention in 2021, after years of being at odds with other evangelical leaders. Specifically, Moore openly criticized Donald Trump, whom many evangelical Christians embraced. Moore also criticized the Southern Baptist Convention’s response to a sexual abuse crisis and increasing tolerance for white nationalism in the community.“

#thefirsthashtaginstagramrecommendsisnowrepublican

That time you realised you’d stepped inside an episode of The Day Today but you can’t get out and it’s not funny anymore.

An actual headline that exists…

“The editor in chief of Christianity Today is warning that evangelical Christianity is moving too far to the right, to the point that even Jesus’s teachings are considered “weak” now.

Russell Moore resigned from the Southern Baptist Convention in 2021, after years of being at odds with other evangelical leaders. Specifically, Moore openly criticized Donald Trump, whom many evangelical Christians embraced. Moore also criticized the Southern Baptist Convention’s response to a sexual abuse crisis and increasing tolerance for white nationalism in the community.“

#thefirsthashtaginstagramrecommendsisnowrepublican

To say the last fortnight has been overwhelming is an understatement. And that’s exactly what the White House is going for. Shock and awe.

2016-2020 was mayhem but incompetency reigned while foundations were laid. Since Trump returned to the White House the speed at which far reaching legislation has been circumvented, media outlets sued, and leading social media platforms censored is terrifying.

Much of this would not have been as easy to achieve without actions taken five years and more ago - this needs to be recognised anywhere now experiencing rising far right sentiment and the mainstreaming of racist, bigoted ideas by the press and politicians alike.

My heart goes out to every US friend and journalistic colleague now fearful for safety, rights and the future. And every American - no matter how you voted this is going to get painful for everyone, everywhere, other than the regime.

Nevertheless, millions out in protest this weekend across North America and Europe show how much strength there is in anti-fascism and democracy. Seeing the mechanisms by which hate is being spread also used to do the opposite is equally heartening.

Tough times ahead, taking time out is important when you’re up against this very 21st Century threat of far right extremism, tech control, press subjugation and advanced global capitalism. But it’s also important to engage.

Please consider donating to human rights and free speech organisations, share posts supporting equality and rights that are likely to eventually get blocked by Meta (and X if you’re brave enough to still be there), subscribe to genuinely accountable media platforms - many of which have systematically been discredited over the course of years but we now need more than ever. Attend protests, and, most of all, show some love for humanity and the planet.

This movement is not going to stay in the US — that is obvious due to the fact it’s already in the UK and mainland Europe but we are currently a stretch behind.

#antifascism #fascism #trump #musk #freespeech #solidarity #freedomofpress #freepress #lgbtq🌈 #lgbtpride #blacklivesmatter #blackrightsmatter #humanrights #globalmajority #transrightsarehumanrights

To say the last fortnight has been overwhelming is an understatement. And that’s exactly what the White House is going for. Shock and awe.

2016-2020 was mayhem but incompetency reigned while foundations were laid. Since Trump returned to the White House the speed at which far reaching legislation has been circumvented, media outlets sued, and leading social media platforms censored is terrifying.

Much of this would not have been as easy to achieve without actions taken five years and more ago - this needs to be recognised anywhere now experiencing rising far right sentiment and the mainstreaming of racist, bigoted ideas by the press and politicians alike.

My heart goes out to every US friend and journalistic colleague now fearful for safety, rights and the future. And every American - no matter how you voted this is going to get painful for everyone, everywhere, other than the regime.

Nevertheless, millions out in protest this weekend across North America and Europe show how much strength there is in anti-fascism and democracy. Seeing the mechanisms by which hate is being spread also used to do the opposite is equally heartening.

Tough times ahead, taking time out is important when you’re up against this very 21st Century threat of far right extremism, tech control, press subjugation and advanced global capitalism. But it’s also important to engage.

Please consider donating to human rights and free speech organisations, share posts supporting equality and rights that are likely to eventually get blocked by Meta (and X if you’re brave enough to still be there), subscribe to genuinely accountable media platforms - many of which have systematically been discredited over the course of years but we now need more than ever. Attend protests, and, most of all, show some love for humanity and the planet.

This movement is not going to stay in the US — that is obvious due to the fact it’s already in the UK and mainland Europe but we are currently a stretch behind.

#antifascism #fascism #trump #musk #freespeech #solidarity #freedomofpress #freepress #lgbtq🌈 #lgbtpride #blacklivesmatter #blackrightsmatter #humanrights #globalmajority #transrightsarehumanrights

Britain’s not all bad.

I’ve been wanting to visit the @sainsburycentre in Norwich for a long time. The first public building designed by @officialnormanfoster was light years ahead of its time when it opened in the 1970s.

And still is.

Curated on the principle of art being a living thing - containing the life experiences and life force of the artist - this exceptional and generously-sized museum wants to change our entire relationship with art and culture and how we interact with it. This is done through unique approaches to presenting work, and allowing the audience to decide their own route around the complex, among other ideas.

When I visited this week, I also saw first hand the power of their decision to host interconnected exhibitions based around a singular, far-reaching question. In this case, Why Do We Take Drugs?

Wildly differently collections explore indigenous practices and ceremonial substances, heroin abuse and addiction (as captured by two former addicts while they were still using), Western prescription and alcohol dependency, the psychedelic traditions of Amazonian tribes, and ethical issues tied to the rise of European and North American ayahuasca tourism.

Absolutely amazing. Ends this week so hurry if you are in the region.

#art #contemporaryart #artgallery #artmuseum #artgalleries #drugs #drug #addiction #hallucinations #hallucinogenics #humanity #culture #indigenousart #indigenouspractices #norwich #norfolk #eastanglia #eastofengland #ayahuasca #ayahuascaretreat

Britain’s not all bad.

I’ve been wanting to visit the @sainsburycentre in Norwich for a long time. The first public building designed by @officialnormanfoster was light years ahead of its time when it opened in the 1970s.

And still is.

Curated on the principle of art being a living thing - containing the life experiences and life force of the artist - this exceptional and generously-sized museum wants to change our entire relationship with art and culture and how we interact with it. This is done through unique approaches to presenting work, and allowing the audience to decide their own route around the complex, among other ideas.

When I visited this week, I also saw first hand the power of their decision to host interconnected exhibitions based around a singular, far-reaching question. In this case, Why Do We Take Drugs?

Wildly differently collections explore indigenous practices and ceremonial substances, heroin abuse and addiction (as captured by two former addicts while they were still using), Western prescription and alcohol dependency, the psychedelic traditions of Amazonian tribes, and ethical issues tied to the rise of European and North American ayahuasca tourism.

Absolutely amazing. Ends this week so hurry if you are in the region.

#art #contemporaryart #artgallery #artmuseum #artgalleries #drugs #drug #addiction #hallucinations #hallucinogenics #humanity #culture #indigenousart #indigenouspractices #norwich #norfolk #eastanglia #eastofengland #ayahuasca #ayahuascaretreat

Wordpress jumping on the ‘paedos are everywhere’ bandwagon I see.

#noncecouldnotbevalidated

Wordpress jumping on the ‘paedos are everywhere’ bandwagon I see.

#noncecouldnotbevalidated

“On the south of the river is where I reside.”

Or at least where I had dinner this evening.

Best capital city in the world?

#london #southbank #riverthames #hiphop #ukhiphop #rootsmanuva #peckham #southwark #southlondon

“On the south of the river is where I reside.”

Or at least where I had dinner this evening.

Best capital city in the world?

#london #southbank #riverthames #hiphop #ukhiphop #rootsmanuva #peckham #southwark #southlondon

Regardless of your political standpoint, this headline wins this week’s ‘here’s how fucked our economic system is.’

Trump’s 2017 inauguration involved raising $90million from donors. The most expensive in US presidential history. 2025’s is thought to trump (ahem) that.

Trump’s personal wealth is just shy of $7billion.

@spotify just announced €4billion revenue and has never been more profitable. CEO Daniel Ek’s net worth in 2024, as per Forbes, was $4.8 billion.

Average annual salary for Spotify staff is more than $130,000.

Musicians — the ones who actually create the content all this money is made on the back of — can no longer afford to actually be musicians. I must have written about this more than any other arts topic last year.

An analogy for the way the world works in the mid-21st Century.

Link in bio. Change urgently needed. Apple and Amazon also donated a mil a piece to the inauguration. They are all guilty and so are we as users.

‘Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Costs of the Perfect Playlist’ by @lizpelly should now be required reading.

#musicstreaming #musiceconomy #creativeindustries #musicians #spotify #maga #trump #capitalismsucks #moodmachine

Regardless of your political standpoint, this headline wins this week’s ‘here’s how fucked our economic system is.’

Trump’s 2017 inauguration involved raising $90million from donors. The most expensive in US presidential history. 2025’s is thought to trump (ahem) that.

Trump’s personal wealth is just shy of $7billion.

@spotify just announced €4billion revenue and has never been more profitable. CEO Daniel Ek’s net worth in 2024, as per Forbes, was $4.8 billion.

Average annual salary for Spotify staff is more than $130,000.

Musicians — the ones who actually create the content all this money is made on the back of — can no longer afford to actually be musicians. I must have written about this more than any other arts topic last year.

An analogy for the way the world works in the mid-21st Century.

Link in bio. Change urgently needed. Apple and Amazon also donated a mil a piece to the inauguration. They are all guilty and so are we as users.

‘Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Costs of the Perfect Playlist’ by @lizpelly should now be required reading.

#musicstreaming #musiceconomy #creativeindustries #musicians #spotify #maga #trump #capitalismsucks #moodmachine

As Britain counts the cost of floods and Californian wildfires spark debate over systemic negligence, insurance and threat, do we need interconnected, collaborative approaches to mitigating the global ‘polycrisis’?

I spoke to the Director of Systemic Risk Assessment at ASRA about protecting assets and properties from myriad geopolitical flashpoints and a rapidly spiralling climate crisis.

Link in bio.

#riskmanagement #riskassessment #climate #climatechange #climatecrisis #flooding #wildfires #insurance #propertyinvestment

As Britain counts the cost of floods and Californian wildfires spark debate over systemic negligence, insurance and threat, do we need interconnected, collaborative approaches to mitigating the global ‘polycrisis’?

I spoke to the Director of Systemic Risk Assessment at ASRA about protecting assets and properties from myriad geopolitical flashpoints and a rapidly spiralling climate crisis.

Link in bio.

#riskmanagement #riskassessment #climate #climatechange #climatecrisis #flooding #wildfires #insurance #propertyinvestment

Don’t want to be dramatic, but not going to lie, pretty alarming 24 hours.

@elonrmuskk for sure looked like he gave a double Sieg Heil to the world during Trump’s inauguration. Adding to the mounting evidence he should be nowhere near the White House.

Turns out the Donald doesn’t agree and is now looking at bringing the X/Tesla boss in closer with an office in the West Wing, close to where the President conducts day-to-day business. Quite a first job in politics for the world’s richest man.

Then you turn on Instagram this morning to find the network blocking any search results for #democrat.

Oh, and stories abound that Facebook accounts are now auto-following the 47th President of the USA.

Mass deportations are expected to begin today, including birthright US citizens (which flies in the face of the constitution). Trans passport holders are being warned not to leave the country as they may not be allowed back in, and conversion therapy is set to make a big comeback.

Still speechless at watching this unfold, despite being warned 2.0 would be all about this.

This movement is not siloed in the US. This is kleptocratic greed mixed with fascist hate and rage, disguised as patriotism, and it’s already being exported.

#trump #musk #fascism #socialmediablackout #informationwarfare #propaganda #kleptocrats #transrights #humanrights #humanrightswatch #deportation #inauguration

Don’t want to be dramatic, but not going to lie, pretty alarming 24 hours.

@elonrmuskk for sure looked like he gave a double Sieg Heil to the world during Trump’s inauguration. Adding to the mounting evidence he should be nowhere near the White House.

Turns out the Donald doesn’t agree and is now looking at bringing the X/Tesla boss in closer with an office in the West Wing, close to where the President conducts day-to-day business. Quite a first job in politics for the world’s richest man.

Then you turn on Instagram this morning to find the network blocking any search results for #democrat.

Oh, and stories abound that Facebook accounts are now auto-following the 47th President of the USA.

Mass deportations are expected to begin today, including birthright US citizens (which flies in the face of the constitution). Trans passport holders are being warned not to leave the country as they may not be allowed back in, and conversion therapy is set to make a big comeback.

Still speechless at watching this unfold, despite being warned 2.0 would be all about this.

This movement is not siloed in the US. This is kleptocratic greed mixed with fascist hate and rage, disguised as patriotism, and it’s already being exported.

#trump #musk #fascism #socialmediablackout #informationwarfare #propaganda #kleptocrats #transrights #humanrights #humanrightswatch #deportation #inauguration

(Ahem)…. Excellent examples of Japan-Eaves Designs.

@architizer asked me to pull together something on the Gasshō-zukuri building aesthetic.

That means massively extended eaves.

Link in bio to the full list.

#architecture #architect #gasshozukuri #eaves #buildingdesign #buildings #aesthetics

(Ahem)…. Excellent examples of Japan-Eaves Designs.

@architizer asked me to pull together something on the Gasshō-zukuri building aesthetic.

That means massively extended eaves.

Link in bio to the full list.

#architecture #architect #gasshozukuri #eaves #buildingdesign #buildings #aesthetics

Scousers. Always up for a laugh.

#iceicebaby #ice #britishwinter #liverpool #drivingconditions #freezing #scousehumour #scousers #merseyside

Scousers. Always up for a laugh.

#iceicebaby #ice #britishwinter #liverpool #drivingconditions #freezing #scousehumour #scousers #merseyside

“Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.”

2024 in 20 photos:

1. Sunset over my favourite city, Manchester, England

2. Snowmobiling near Skellefteå, Sweden

3. Skitching a ride, Nairobi, Kenya

4. Baking hot lay-by, Kenya

5. Atlantic evening, Sal Rei, Boa Vista, Cabo Verde

6. Reflections on Santa Maria Beach, Boa Vista, Cabo Verde

7. Gathering of goodies, Ingestre Hall, Staffordshire, England

8. Vivid colours-dark history, Paimio Sanitarium, Finland

9. A bed amid the treetops, Crimbleclive Cabin, North Yorkshire, England

10. Perfect summer sky, Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire, England

11. Fast food religion, Sweet Dreams at Factory International, Manchester, England

12. Old Fashioned, Langdale Chase, Windermere, England

13. Motorbikes over the bridge, Barmouth, Wales

14. Helsinki Cathedral at night, Helsinki, Finland

15. Preparing for the performance, Oulu City Theatre, Oulu, Finland

16. Seaside folly, Oulu, Finland

17. Big boats on the Bosphorus, Istanbul, Turkey

18. Dressing up for the big Day of the Dead, Mexico City, Mexico

19. Streets become galleries, Mexico City, Mexico

20. Last game of the night, Bellinter House Hotel, County Meath, Ireland

@bellinterhousehotel @paimiosanatorium @factory_international @ingestrehallweddings

#travel #traveljournalist #traveljournalism #musicjournalist #musicjournalism #culture #culturejournalism #journalism #lifeontheroad #adventureswithmylove #romanticweekendaway #sunmerholidays #weekendbreak #sweden #finland #kenya #ireland #mexico #england #wales #yorkshire #caboverde #capeverde #lakedistrict #drseuss #veryluckyman

“Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.”

2024 in 20 photos:

1. Sunset over my favourite city, Manchester, England

2. Snowmobiling near Skellefteå, Sweden

3. Skitching a ride, Nairobi, Kenya

4. Baking hot lay-by, Kenya

5. Atlantic evening, Sal Rei, Boa Vista, Cabo Verde

6. Reflections on Santa Maria Beach, Boa Vista, Cabo Verde

7. Gathering of goodies, Ingestre Hall, Staffordshire, England

8. Vivid colours-dark history, Paimio Sanitarium, Finland

9. A bed amid the treetops, Crimbleclive Cabin, North Yorkshire, England

10. Perfect summer sky, Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire, England

11. Fast food religion, Sweet Dreams at Factory International, Manchester, England

12. Old Fashioned, Langdale Chase, Windermere, England

13. Motorbikes over the bridge, Barmouth, Wales

14. Helsinki Cathedral at night, Helsinki, Finland

15. Preparing for the performance, Oulu City Theatre, Oulu, Finland

16. Seaside folly, Oulu, Finland

17. Big boats on the Bosphorus, Istanbul, Turkey

18. Dressing up for the big Day of the Dead, Mexico City, Mexico

19. Streets become galleries, Mexico City, Mexico

20. Last game of the night, Bellinter House Hotel, County Meath, Ireland

@bellinterhousehotel @paimiosanatorium @factory_international @ingestrehallweddings

#travel #traveljournalist #traveljournalism #musicjournalist #musicjournalism #culture #culturejournalism #journalism #lifeontheroad #adventureswithmylove #romanticweekendaway #sunmerholidays #weekendbreak #sweden #finland #kenya #ireland #mexico #england #wales #yorkshire #caboverde #capeverde #lakedistrict #drseuss #veryluckyman

It’s been a while and then a hot minute or two since I spent the afternoon working from @manchestercentrallibrary. Forgot what an incredible space for concentrating the main reading room is.

I think it speaks volumes about the city that many of its main architectural wonders and cultural gems are libraries.

A stroll round the corner to pick up some great looking sushi from @wazuzhimanchester in Chinatown and a bottle of red from @salutwines and I can just about cope with the idea of getting home to yet more unpacking and organising after the move.

More on that later though…

#manchester #manchesterfood #chinatown #manchesterlibraries #library #readingroom #officelessuntilwednesdayatleast

It’s been a while and then a hot minute or two since I spent the afternoon working from @manchestercentrallibrary. Forgot what an incredible space for concentrating the main reading room is.

I think it speaks volumes about the city that many of its main architectural wonders and cultural gems are libraries.

A stroll round the corner to pick up some great looking sushi from @wazuzhimanchester in Chinatown and a bottle of red from @salutwines and I can just about cope with the idea of getting home to yet more unpacking and organising after the move.

More on that later though…

#manchester #manchesterfood #chinatown #manchesterlibraries #library #readingroom #officelessuntilwednesdayatleast

Street scenes from a recent whirlwind adventure around Mexico. Colours don't do it justice, even with my new pancake lens...

#traveljournalism #culturejournalism #mexico #centralamericatravel #travel #streetart #murals #fridakahlo #mexicocity #adventure

Street scenes from a recent whirlwind adventure around Mexico. Colours don't do it justice, even with my new pancake lens...

#traveljournalism #culturejournalism #mexico #centralamericatravel #travel #streetart #murals #fridakahlo #mexicocity #adventure

“To ask why we need libraries at all when there is so much information available elsewhere, is about as sensible as asking if roadmaps are necessary now that there are so very many roads.”

“The only thing you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library.”

Absolutely loved working on this piece for @architizer — pulling together an inspirational collection of the most spectacular and unique libraries and bookstores in the world.

Link to the full list in bio.

#architecture #libraries #bookshop #bookstore #literature #literary #readingroom #reading #library

“To ask why we need libraries at all when there is so much information available elsewhere, is about as sensible as asking if roadmaps are necessary now that there are so very many roads.”

“The only thing you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library.”

Absolutely loved working on this piece for @architizer — pulling together an inspirational collection of the most spectacular and unique libraries and bookstores in the world.

Link to the full list in bio.

#architecture #libraries #bookshop #bookstore #literature #literary #readingroom #reading #library

Batshit crazy stuff @factory_international for @laurieandersonofficial - “we are all here to have a really, really good time.”

Paraphrased, abridged, and wholly misleading in terms of what ARK: United States V was about, but that’s the message that resonated.

#manchester

Batshit crazy stuff @factory_international for @laurieandersonofficial - “we are all here to have a really, really good time.”

Paraphrased, abridged, and wholly misleading in terms of what ARK: United States V was about, but that’s the message that resonated.

#manchester

Not a bad day to visit @newgrangeandknowthopw.

This is Ireland’s largest Neolithic passage tomb, dated to around 3,200 BC. That means it predates the pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge.

The main structure is designed so that each year on the Winter Solstice light will enter the tomb and create a pathway for around 20 minutes at dawn. Provided you get weather like this, of course.

Ringed by a stone circle, it’s thought that this was the burial site for the most powerful people of that age and this place. However, it’s full purpose and design remains something of a mystery overall, mainly because there was nothing written, only rituals passed down through the ages which disappeared through the successive invasions and occupations of this beautiful island.

#irishhistory #neolithicireland #ireland #countymeath #síanbhrú #neolithicbritishisles #travel #traveljournalist #traveljournalism

Not a bad day to visit @newgrangeandknowthopw.

This is Ireland’s largest Neolithic passage tomb, dated to around 3,200 BC. That means it predates the pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge.

The main structure is designed so that each year on the Winter Solstice light will enter the tomb and create a pathway for around 20 minutes at dawn. Provided you get weather like this, of course.

Ringed by a stone circle, it’s thought that this was the burial site for the most powerful people of that age and this place. However, it’s full purpose and design remains something of a mystery overall, mainly because there was nothing written, only rituals passed down through the ages which disappeared through the successive invasions and occupations of this beautiful island.

#irishhistory #neolithicireland #ireland #countymeath #síanbhrú #neolithicbritishisles #travel #traveljournalist #traveljournalism

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