Dan McCarthy is a freelance writer specialising in music and culture. With bylines inThe Guardian, Dazed, Clash, The Quietus, and New Humanist, he explores how sound and society intersect – whether dissecting debates around phone-free club culture or reporting on the £1 ticket levy to support grassroots venues. In 2025, he was awarded an Honours Diploma for London School of Journalism's Feature Writing programme. He's also behind The Ground Up, a Substack endorsed by the Music Venue Trust and Independent Venue Week, which celebrates grassroots music venues.
Alongside writing, Dan offers expert subediting services backed by over five of editorial experience at Canvas8 and Associated Press. He brings a sharp editorial eye and a deep understanding of cultural narratives to every piece.
Freelance (2024—) | Writer and Copy Editor |
Canvas8 (2021—2024) | Sub-editor & writer |
Kantar/Associated Press (2019—2021) | U.S. News Researcher |
London School of Journalism | 2023—25 |
University of Manchester | 2015—18 |
The Skinners' School | 2007—14 |
Journalism | Copywriting |
Interviews | Tone of voice |
Editing | Research skills |