Roisin O'Connor

Career Trajectory

Roisin O'Connor began her career at The Independent as a freelancer in 2014, contributing across various desks including news and social media. By 2016, her expertise in music journalism led to her appointment as Music Correspondent, a role created specifically for her. In 2023, she ascended to Music Editor, overseeing the publication’s music coverage and commissioning impactful stories.

Key Milestones

• 2017: Launched Music Box, a series of exclusive stripped-back sessions featuring artists like Lewis Capaldi and Bastille.
• 2020: Initiated the weekly newsletter Now Hear This, now with over 35,000 subscribers.
• 2023: Promoted to Music Editor, expanding coverage of festivals like Montreux Jazz and The Great Escape.

Key Articles

• "Lewis Capaldi on Mental Health and Music" This 2022 interview delves into Capaldi’s struggles with anxiety and Tourette’s syndrome, highlighting O’Connor’s ability to blend personal narratives with industry critique. The piece sparked broader conversations about artist well-being, cited in parliamentary discussions on mental health support for musicians.
• "Brexit’s Impact on UK Music Venues" O’Connor’s 2021 investigative report examines how Brexit-induced bureaucracy has strained grassroots venues. Featuring data from the Music Venue Trust, the article influenced policy debates and fundraising efforts for at-risk spaces.
• "Misogyny in the Music Industry" A 2023 deep dive into systemic gender disparities, incorporating testimonials from female artists and executives. The article led to collaborations with advocacy groups like Women in Music.

Beat Analysis & Pitching Recommendations

1. Focus on Emerging UK Talent

O’Connor prioritizes spotlighting new artists, as seen in her Now Hear This newsletter and Music Box sessions. Pitches should highlight unique narratives, such as unconventional career paths or community-driven projects. Example: Her 2024 feature on DIY artist collective Brighter Sounds.

2. Mental Health and Artist Advocacy

With a track record of covering mental health, pitches should offer access to artists or experts discussing wellness initiatives. Avoid superficial angles; instead, propose solutions-oriented stories. Example: Her 2023 interview with Sam Fender on therapy’s role in creativity.

3. Grassroots Music Ecosystems

O’Connor values stories about local venues, festivals, and policy changes affecting small-scale music communities. Data-driven pitches with input from organizations like the Musicians’ Union are ideal. Example: Her 2022 investigation into council funding cuts.

Awards and Achievements

Music Journalism Award (2024)

Won for her series on post-pandemic recovery in the arts, recognized by the UK Press Awards for its blend of data analysis and human-centric storytelling.

"O’Connor’s work redefines how music journalism can drive social change." – UK Press Awards Jury

Creation of Music Box

This innovative session series, praised by The Guardian for its intimate format, has become a benchmark for artist-profile content across media platforms.