Contributors
Sophie Graham
Sophie founded Music & Gigs because she saw a gap and decided to fill it. She leads all editorial direction, has interviewed the likes of Lewis Capaldi, Pale Waves, and Tom Grennan, and has a reputation for spotting great artists early. Writer, photographer, designer β Sophie wears a lot of hats, but the thread running through all of it is the same: a lifelong obsession with music and the people who make it.
James Kirkland
James is a Music and Gigs photographer, capturing the energy of live shows across UK. His work has appeared alongside reviews and features on the site since 2025. If you've seen a great live shot on M&G, chances are it's his.
Azrie Azizi
Azrie is an Auckland-based music photographer with roots in TΔmakiβs live scene, back when spots like the Wine Cellar and The Underground lit up Kβ Road. Passionate about indie, hip hop, and all things homegrown, he uses his lens to spotlight the artists shaping Aotearoaβs sound. In 2025, he won the Aotearoa Music Photography Award at the Auckland Festival of Photography, inspired by the local photographers and musicians who continue to fuel his craft.
Daniel Atherton
Daniel keeps the site running and occasionally picks up a pen when something in the music world catches his attention. The combination of technical brain and genuine music knowledge makes him one of the more useful people to have around.
Join the Team
Want to write for Music & Gigs?
We’re always looking for passionate music writers, reviewers and photographers based in New Zealand and the UK. We offer real bylines, press access to shows and events, and a growing platform to build your portfolio on. Read what we’re looking for and how to apply.
What We Look For In Contributors
01
Genuine passion
You go to shows because you love music β not because you’re building a CV. That enthusiasm comes through in the writing and readers can tell the difference.
02
An honest voice
We give three stars when something deserves three stars. We want writers who will say what they actually think β not what the label wants to hear.
03
Local knowledge
We especially need people on the ground in Auckland, Wellington, London and Manchester. Writers who know their local scenes and can cover them with authority.
04
Reliability
Deadlines matter. Press access is earned by showing up and filing copy on time. We look for people who say yes and mean it.
05
Any background
You don’t need a journalism degree. You need to be able to write clearly, think critically and care about music. Everything else we can work with.
06
A willingness to grow
We edit every piece and give real feedback. Writers who are open to that get better quickly β and we’re invested in helping that happen.