• KATE ALLEN

    After winning Record of the Day’s prize for Student Music Writer of the Year in 2010, Kate Allen has been juggling studying for a degree in English Literature with freelance music journalism. Kate’s previous journalism experience includes placements with music titles such as NME, Uncut and Mojo, being music editor of Reading University’s student newspaper and conducting research for a music documentary. Alongside contributing to IDOL, Kate also writes for The Fly and Michael Jackson World Network (the latter satisfying an ever-increasing obsession with Michael Jackson).

  • OLIVIA MATTHIAS

    Olivia has always had a keen ear for music, having played violin and piano since a young age. However, her interest has not been limited just to Mozart and Debussy as she appreciates genres across the spectrum such as electronic music and indie (sometimes even together!). Currently in her third year at Leeds University studying politics and theology, Olivia writes for two music blogs and is looking forward to moving from one music hub to its capital, London, after graduating.

  • ROSA BARNEY

    Rosa Barney is a recent graduate of Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts (USA).  She has lived in New York City, San 
    Francisco, DC, London and is currently residing in Boston. Though Rosa is passionate about music she prefers to be a fan rather than a 
    musician having made a disastrous attempt to play the violin as a child. When she isn't scouring the net for new artists you can find her at a gig, reading a book or baking sweets for her roommates at home.

  • MICHAEL BLACKMORE

    Music junkie who graduated from Goldsmiths, University of London with a degree in Media and Modern Literature. A budding music/film journalist, who if not writing or blogging can usually be found in a DJ booth or in the kitchen whipping up some kind of trial-and-error culinary masterpiece (or potential diaster). Michaels interests mainly revolve around writing and film - both watching and making, music, literature, photography and art. When it comes to film he is a big fan of black and white classics, French cinema and the Horror genre. Up to now his career has been an eclectic mix of experiences. From falling into background acting in film and TV productions in his late teens and then falling into DJing which led to a spot DJing at V festival in 2008 with little experience. ...

  • CLAIRE MALAIKA

    Claire is a born and raised international nomad. Her travels brought her to London five years ago to undertake her studies in Environment & Sustainable Development. Exposed to the city’s art and music scenes, gigging has become second nature - if she isn't watching a gig, she's working at one. And if she's not listening to music, she's talking about it. A self-proclaimed bass-head and electronica fan, Claire is always looking for new beats and fresh tunes. All in all, this leaves just a little bit of time to double up as an artful photographer too.

  • FIONA EVANS

    Since graduating last year Fiona has worked at a number of celebrity magazines, but her music blog landed her work at a record company where she did A&R work and press releases. As well as IDOL she also writes for Losing Today Magazine and Itchy London.

  • DOMINIQUE MARSHALL

    Born and raised in London town, Dominique studied for a Foundation Degree in Graphic Design, and then did an extra year completing a BA (Hons) top up course, both at London College of Communication. It was only during the BA that she found her calling within magazine publishing, and spent 4 months of her degree interning with top music magazine Rock Sound. Since graduating back in June, she has been honing in on her love for editorial design by running her own alternative fashion & music magazine, and is now looking forward to contributing to issue 3 of IDOL.

  • Alina Negoita

    Alina Negoita or Sohodoll, Romanian born and London based since last September, first year art student.My achievements so far reflect on what I aim to become in the future: I am a highly creative individual who thrives in an environment of freedom, independence and innovation. I don’t need a room of my own, as the intimate space for manifesting creative power; my strength lies in expansion and absorption of the living force from everything I come into contact with. This
    has developed my communication and adaptation skills, which I find quintessential for practicing a life of art through interaction, be it human or inter-disciplinary.