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Joe Dolan, Journalist

Joe Dolan

In 2016, I was studying professional writing when an email dropped into my inbox with an opportunity to intern with a budding street press magazine (those were a thing back then). By the end of the eight-or-so-week course I was hooked - and for some bizarre reason,The Musicdecided to keep me around.

Since then I’ve gone on to review countless live gigs, albums, standup sets, theatre shows and gotten to interview some bone fide legends along the way too. Nowadays, I even perform and work on the occasional show myself, but I still like to find time to get out amongst the action whenever I can.

If it weren’t forThe Music, I can genuinely say my life would be totally different. Definitely more boring, to say the least.

Features / Music
The Passing Scene: 'Everything Changes', Including Leah Senior
With the release of her third album just around the corner, indie-folk singer-songwriter Leah Senior has taken on the world. She chats to Joe Dolan about the songwriting process, changing genres, and the wonderful world of nature.
News / Music
Daryl Braithwaite’s New Single Was Originally Meant To Be For P!nk
The new 'Horses'?
Reviews / Album
Album Review: Waxahatchee - Saint Cloud
"The good old Crutchfield magic hasn’t gone anywhere."
Features / Arts
Why Do Musical Comedians Strike Such A Chord With Audiences?
Michelle Brasier, Sammy J and Andrew Hansen sit down with Joe Dolan to chat about moulding jokes into clever and catchy songs.
News / Music
Heading To The 3056 For Brunswick Music Festival? Don't Miss These Highlights
Brunswick Music Festival has taken over its namesake suburb and will continue to do so until 22 March. With so much to see, it can be overwhelming, so we've compiled five unmissable gigs. Don't stress though, with a line-up that stacked, you can't really go wrong.
Features / Arts
How Comics Balance Societal Taboos And Real Experience
When somebody comes across something they find uncomfortable or unfamiliar, laughter can be a bridge. Joe Dolan talks to Rosie Jones and Charity Werk, two comedians that will help you get over it.
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Still Golden: All The Highlights From This Year's Golden Plains
"You beautiful legends."
Reviews / Album
Album Review: Overcoats - The Fight
"They have the pipes – this is undeniable."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Alice Cooper, Airbourne, MC50
"As spry and chaotic as the snake-wielding youngster that terrified conservative parents back in the ’70s."
Features / Arts
Jonathan Pie: 'I Cannot Be Responsible For Other People's Stupidity'
British political commentator Jonathan Pie is so left-leaning that he hates the left for losing to the likes of Trump and Johnson. Joe Dolan chatted to Tom Walker – the man behind the character – about social media, fact versus opinion, and when people take Pie a little too seriously.
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Orville Peck, Gena Rose Bruce
"For all the elusiveness, there is an undeniable authenticity to what Peck does."
Features / Music
The Music 2019 Writers' Poll: Joe Dolan
Here's what The Music's writers rated in 2019…