Read all of Sarah’s articles here.
Introduce yourself! Who are you and what do you do?
Hi, my name’s Sarah and I’m gig-a-holic. I started Shout Louder in 2016 as a platform to share my enthusiasm for all things live and loud. I wanted to create a friendly, funny and honest space without the limitations of mainstream music publications. It started off as just a website, but we started a podcast in 2018 and published two books in 2020 and 2021.
Over the years, I’ve been a venue manager, a publicist, a music copywriter and a tour manager. I’m part of the team that puts on Manchester Punk Festival, and I spent a couple of years working at Lockjaw Records. I’m currently studying for a degree in Live Audio Engineering & Music Production, which means that I’ve had to deprioritise Shout Louder whilst I focus on studying.
What was your introduction to punk?
When I was a teeny-tiny kiddie my Dad used to play different genres in the car to see how I’d react. One day he played Smash by The Offspring and I went completely nuts, so he played me more. Levellers were also a huge influence on me, so I came to punk from EpiFat bands, nu metal and political aggro-folk – it’s a weird mix.
If you could be in any band in the world (past or present), which band would you choose and why?
If I could be in a band from their beginning, I’d choose Alexisonfire hands down. Imagine the sweatbox shows their played when they first started, then the insane gigs just before they broke up – it’s be best of both worlds. Alas, I have zero musical talent, so instead I reckon I’d take Ben Carr’s dancing role for The Mighty Mighty Bosstones.
You’ve got unlimited funds, a time machine and any venue you fancy, but you can only book three bands. Who do you book for your ultimate gig?
Rather than trying to please everyone, I’d probably go for a totally self-indulgent line-up of Polar Bear Club, Capdown and Descendents; all bands that I love immensely but don’t get to see often. I’d put it on at Islington Assembly Hall – it’s a small, old theatre with sprung floors.
You’re on an aeroplane that’s about to crash. What do you put on your iPod?
Bottle to Bottle by Gnarwolves. I’d be happy if that was the last thing I heard.
Read all of Sarah’s articles here
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