how journalism changed my life (for the better)

Welcome readers, it's Emily here. this isn't my typical blog post but i couldn't stay quiet while we have our expressions of interest open. i'm here to tell you about my experience as a journalist with the hot and heavy show and what it has done for me personally.

windwaker interview

i joined in late may 2025 with no prior writing experience other than short stories in high school and reports for work. i've been going to local shows since i was 15 in Newcastle.

nothing brought me more joy than seeing live music, especially across the heavy genre's. i loved the connection my city had with music and the friendships i built surrounding it.

i always wanted to be more involved in the music scene, but i can't play an instrument or sing to save my life, so i left that dream in my back pocket and just enjoyed myself from the crowd.

after 10 years of loving and supporting the scene, the hot and heavy show appeared. the content creator you all know and love, Ethan joined first.

i had never considered writing about music until meeting Hayes, our founder and now our good friend.

justice for the damned interview

i started my journey with a single review for a Sydney band and grew from there.

i've met some of our other team members in nsw and learned new skills and gained confidence in talking to people i've never met. before long, i was given interview opportunities.

i know that sounds scary, believe me when i say i was so afraid of this next step, but anything is possible when you put your mind to it.

i've attended many shows and festivals as media, interviewing and reviewing bands from my own city and across the globe.

we work together as a community of fans and lovers of music to create and share new music, tours, promotions and passion from incredible bands & artists from all over.

we each submit one project a week, sometimes this takes as little as 10 minutes to complete! but not a day goes by that i don't hear from my team. not only are we constantly discussing music, we've developed friendships and created a space to share our achievements, goals and excitement. it doesn't stop there, as some of these new friends are the ones we've interviewed, written and taken photos for.

i'm constantly supported and encouraged by hayes and our amazing team, i have endless opportunities to look forward to and i've gained a sense of purpose and involvement in the music scene i never could have imagined was possible for myself, all thanks to joining hot and heavy.

so if you're interested, go apply via this link!

broken earth interview