The Needle Drop

Freelance Music & Culture Journalist Print Online

Music

UK London

Introduction: Laviea Thomas is an experienced freelance music and culture journalist and creative copywriter based in north London. With a knack

for writing, Laviea’s journalism can be seen across print and digital publications with words across The Needle Drop, NME, Louder, Guitar, The Quietus, and plenty more. Laviea also freelances as a Marketing Coordinator at Abbey Road Institute. Here she compiles monthly newsletters on MailChimp, curates and schedules social media posts on Later.com, writes and edits blogs, curates monthly playlists and more. In addition to her journalism, Laviea is an active panellist. She has been involved in various panels discussing fundamental conversations in the music industry, such as diversity and inclusion and the importance of grassroots venues. In recent years, she has developed her broadcast journalism skills with multiple on-screen interviews. Additionally, she has been a repeat BRIT Award Voter for three consecutive years and a Rising Star Panelist Voter - BRIT Awards. She’s also had previous work and partnerships with PRS Foundation, Future PLC, Festival Republic, and the Heavy Music Awards. With six years of experience in the music industry, Laviea has developed authentic and earnest relationships with professionals. She has noteworthy experience in journalism, social media, creative copywriting, marketing and music PR.

What are the media outlets you’re contributing to?
NME, The Quietus, Louder, Metal Hammer, Rock Sound, The Needle Drop, Guitar.com, Music Tech, Abbey Road Institute, CONE Magazine, Screensphere and Skiddle.

What are the topics you cover?
- Diversity and inclusion in the music industry; often rock and metal - The importance of grassroots venues - Interviews around new EP/album releases - The next rising talent in the rock and metal scene

What stories are you looking for?
- New EP/album releases - Bands/artists entering a new phase or chapter in their musical careers - Music with deep meaning, or important messages that I can turn into compelling stories - New bands/artists in the rock and metal scene - Big album anniversaries

How should a founder reach out to you (via email or social media)?
via Email

How can a musician create a pitch that catches your interest?
- Make sure to include a link to the content - Include FFO in the email. Who do you sound like? - Make the email personal