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Matthew LeBroke on Creative Risk, Small-Town Roots, and the Power of Finding Your People

In a world where creativity often feels competitive and isolating, Lloyd’s Workshop stands out as something rare: a global collective of artists, photographers, and dreamers connected not by geography but by vision, vulnerability, and a shared desire to grow. Matthew LeBroke is one of those creatives. From the outside, he might seem like another aspiring photographer. But in conversation, it’s clear: his story isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about finding purpose, commu

Street performers

“Everyone starts somewhere.” For many musicians, that “somewhere” was a busy street corner. Around the world, people take to the streets to share their talents, pursue dreams, and entertain passing crowds. Some earn money to eat, others try to jump-start a career. Infact, 5 Seconds of Summer, a popular Australian pop rock band, started out performing on the streets. Street performers or buskers make art accessible to everyone, creating joy through spontaneous performances. Th

Fandom as Identity: How Music Shapes Who We Become

In a world where self-definition often feels like a moving target, music fandom provides a mirror, offering people, especially young people, a way to see themselves reflected in the sounds, lyrics, and lives of the artists they adore. From Taylor Swift’s vulnerable storytelling to Harry Styles’ celebration of fluidity and freedom, being part of a fandom is no longer just about enjoying music. It’s a declaration of identity. The music we gravitate toward often aligns with who

How Festival Fashion Is Influential

Festival fashion is often characterised by flower crowns, glitter, fringe, mesh, and bold, creative outfits that shimmer in the sun or glow in the moonlight. But beyond the aesthetic appeal, festival fashion holds a powerful cultural influence one that shapes trends, fosters identity, drives sustainability conversations, and amplifies individual voices in a collective atmosphere. Festivals like Coachella, Glastonbury, and Splendour in the Grass have become unofficial runways

Why We Crave Sad Songs When We’re Happy

It's a sunny afternoon. You're having a good day. Your coffee order was perfect; your inbox is almost empty, and your friend just sent you a meme that made you laugh way too hard. You're content. Maybe even joyful. So why, instead of queuing up Pharrell's "Happy" or the newest pop anthem, are you hitting play on Phoebe Bridgers? Or queuing up "From the Dining Table" by Harry Styles? Or pulling out "The Night We Met" by Lord Huron again? There's something undeniably human abou

How Streaming Changed the Anatomy of a Hit Song

In the pre-streaming era, a hit song might have taken its time easing into a groove, slowly unfolding its story, building toward a massive chorus in minute three. But today? The music industry moves at the speed of a swipe. Thanks to platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and TikTok, streaming hasn't just changed how we consume music it's completely reshaped the anatomy of a hit song. Here's how: In the streaming era, listeners decide whether to keep listening within the first

Cassie Jones on Creative inspiration, and Capturing authentic moments during concerts.

Cassie Jones (cassiejvisuals on Instagram) is an Australian photographer making waves in the music scene. I had the opportunity to sit down with her to discuss her inspiration, creative process, and everything in between. First and foremost, Cassie has been a long-time music fan, with her current playlist featuring Fall Out Boy, Twenty One Pilots, Tate McRae, and at least one song by Taylor Swift. She has been a photographer for eight years, spending the first five years focu

From Passion to action: Behind the lens with Sylvie De Meyer

Sylvie de Meyer is a well-loved member of Lloyds workshop with whom I chatted about how the workshop has shaped her journey with photography. As always, it had to be asked who was on the current rotation in Sylvie's playlist, and she has an iconic lineup featuring artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Elton John, King Princess, Harry Styles, and Black Pumas. Sylvie has an evident appreciation for music, which is fantastic to see in a music photographer. Sylvie finds her inspiration

How 2010s Tumblr Pop Still Shapes Today’s Sound

Back in the early 2010s, Tumblr was more than a social platform it was a feeling. A curated feed of blurry concert photos, confessional text posts, and lyrical heartbreak. But most importantly, it was a music discovery engine. Tumblr Pop wasn’t an official genre, but we all knew what it sounded like; Melancholy synths, Soft vocals, Cinematic emotion, A diary entry disguised as a chorus. It gave rise to artists like Lana Del Rey, Troye Sivan, Sky Ferreira, and Halsey, whose m

Music Marketing in the Age of Algorithms

In the not-so-distant past, breaking into the music industry required the right connections, relentless gigging, and a hefty dose of luck. Fast forward to the present, and the gatekeepers have changed. Today’s music landscape is dominated not by radio programmers or record store buyers but by recommendation algorithms, streaming data, and social media metrics. Welcome to the age of algorithmic music marketing where success is often one viral moment, one playlist ad, or one Ti

The 2010s boyband Epidemic

The 2010s boyband epidemic was a whirlwind of catchy tunes, vibrant fashion, and screaming fans that took the world by storm. From One Direction to 5 Seconds of Summer, these bands brought a revival of pop music that resonated with teenagers everywhere, including all the way here in New Zealand. Their infectious energy and harmonies captivated audiences and made concerts feel like unforgettable adventures. These groups weren't just bands; they were movements, fostering a sens

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