Freelance Writer & Subeditor | Music & Culture

Bio

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.

Explore a collection of my work

Work experience

Freelance (2024—)

Writer and Copy Editor

Canvas8 (2021—2024)

Sub-editor & writer

Kantar/Associated Press (2019—2021)

U.S. News Researcher

Education

London School of Journalism

2023—25

University of Manchester

2015—18

The Skinners' School

2007—14

Skills

Journalism

Copywriting

Interviews

Tone of voice

Editing

Research skills

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