I am Lecturer in Contemporary and Popular Music at the International Centre for Music Studies, Newcastle University.My PhD, from the University of Stirling, involved historical and ethnographic research into the evolution and social dynamics of the rock band as form of creative practice.
Subsequent research also includes work on the live music sector, musicians and copyright, cultural policy and the interactions of music and policy.
What Ed Sheeran's copyright court case win means for songwriters in future
May 11, 2023 14:38 pm UTC| Law
Ed Sheeran came out swinging in his statement after a New York court found in his favour last week over a claim that his 2014 song Thinking Out Loud infringed copyright in Marvin Gayes hit Lets Get It On. He called suits...
George Michael and Rick Parfitt: two ends of a rich cultural mainstream
Dec 28, 2016 15:33 pm UTC| Insights & Views Entertainment
The deaths of pop superstar George Michael and Status Quos Rick Parfitt within a two-day period over Christmas might once have seemed extraordinary for the world of popular music. But it capped a year strewn with such...
Trump slammed by musicians for appropriating music, but pop and politics have a long history
Sep 27, 2016 14:02 pm UTC| Insights & Views Politics
As the most fractious US election in living memory enters its final furlongs, Bono and Springsteen are the latest music stars to launch broadsides at the Republican candidate. But hes far from alone. Barbara Streisand...
What's the deal with exclusive streaming deals? Frank Ocean, Beyoncé and Universal's mooted ban
Aug 31, 2016 10:34 am UTC| Insights & Views Business
Frank Ocean released his long-awaited new album earlier this month to rapturous critical acclaim. Despite this, many fans will have found it difficult to listen to, as the album is currently only available to stream on...
A sustainable future begins at ground level
Canada needs a national strategy for homeless refugee claimants
An eclipse for everyone – how visually impaired students can ‘get a feel for’ eclipses