I was hired by Flying Out in October 2021, to launch and run MerchMe – a music merch fulfilment and production service for Aotearoa-based artists. We currently work with over 30 local clients, including LOOP, The Beths, Marlon Williams, and Te Kaahu.
Flying Out are old hands at sending records within Aotearoa and internationally. Find out more about MerchMe here.
It’s been a treat to be involved in finally bringing this collection of covers of songs by Michael Hurley a.k.a Snock into the world.
Dubliner Brendan Foreman first attempted the release over a decade ago, then the project was shelved for reasons beyond his control. On colluding with Hurley, we rebooted the notion, refreshed the tracklist, and here it is: a collection of some of the folk legend’s finest tunes, recorded by people they mean something to.
The release features recordings by Yo La Tengo, Cat Power, Calexico, and more.
Snockument: Songs By Michael Hurley is available on limited edition Vinyl LP. An alternate version is available on CD and online. For more or to purchase, visit bluenavigator.com.
Official press release below:
I’ve signed on as Communications Manager with the Auckland Arts Festival, until the end of April 2021, and will be the point of contact for all media enquiries.
We’ve just announced the first three shows from the programme, which will be launched in full on 25 November. AAF 2021 will be 100% Aotearoa, which I’m very excited about. It’s a chance to celebrate local artists, and support them and the wider sector at a challenging time.
Watch the online reveal, which introduces this year’s theme of Aroha, and launches shows from Che-Fu and The Kratez, who will celebrate the 20th anniversary of Che’s seminal album Navigator with an all-ages show at Auckland Town Hall; choral gem Taonga Moana, featuring a composition by Warren Maxwell (Trinity Roots, Little Bushman); and Pūmanawa, an epic kapa haka event I can’t wait to witness.
I’m excited to work alongside Josie Campbell at Great Things, a boutique publicity business based in Auckland, New Zealand, primarily delivering on events and music releases.
Josie launched Great Things in July 2015, and quickly developed an enviable client list, running publicity for Laneway Festival New Zealand for three years — including through its big move to Albert Park.
It was a pleasure to work with New Zealand Alternative to refresh and update their website. NZA is an Aotearoa-based group of thought leaders, working to creatively and inclusively discuss and shape an active international role for Aotearoa that honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi, challenges structures of power and inequality and promotes environmental and social justice.
I’ve been volunteering with Manchester social centre Partisan’s Media and Print team since October 2019, and recently joined the organisation’s co-op — a smaller group of dedicated collective members who take care of the day-to-day running of Partisan, including office management, event coordination, finances and licensing issues. Most members of the co-op are volunteers, but it includes five paid part-time staff members.
I primarily support with communications tasks, like updating the website and social media, as well as bigger picture brand and identity work.
I just completed a piece of work for New Zealand-based wellbeing non-profit The Kindness Institute, refreshing the website for their online Mākoha Introduction to Mindfulness course.
Simon Maillet is a French bladesmith, currently based in Sheffield. I wrote some copy for his new website, which features eight prototypes for the bespoke carbon steel knives that Simon makes to order.
Designed with his core clientele in mind — working chefs — Simon’s knives are first and foremost tools, but they also make beautiful gifts for anyone who appreciates culinary things.
I’m currently working with The Open University’s Student Hub Live team as a Communications and Engagement consultant, to refresh the project’s branding and develop a long-term communications and social media strategy.
I’m currently working on the biography of celebrated US folk musician and illustrator Michael Hurley. The 77 year-old’s tunes were first captured on acetate in 1964 by Frederic Ramsey Jr, on the same reel-to-reel he’d used to tape Lead Belly’s Last Sessions. Little did either of them realise that Michael’s First Songs would seed a remarkable oeuvre of records, which only continues to grow.
Sarah Illingworth 
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