Stephanie Eslake

Answer I’d originally wanted to be an academic – not a journalist. I always enjoyed writing, but throughout my media major I’d associated a career in journalism with what I was learning about hard news coverage of political and criminal issues. I felt a complete disconnect with my passion for classical music. It’s an extremely niche area to report on as a journalist. In my final year, I decided to research ways that I could try to make a career out of writing about the things I loved. The most glaringly obvious step for me was to apply for the Words About Music program. So that’s what I did, and have been lucky enough to work as a freelance journalist reporting on music and fine art ever since.

Answer I wanted to start my own publication, and I realised there was a void for young classical music lovers that needed to be filled. There was nowhere that emerging Australian musicians could really read stories about and for them; stories that support what they do, and stories that are directly relevant to their careers and futures. I had such a fantastic experience with my fellow WAM participants at National Music Camp – I didn’t want the journey to end and I wanted to learn more about the amazing talent within the Australian arts community. CutCommon has been a way for me to pursue these dreams while continuing to create something new with people I cherish and admire.

Answer The first step was to decide whether or not I wanted to build it and if so, what I was willing to put in. I knew it wouldn’t be easy – but I was hooked on this culture of talent and exciting music and projects. There was no way that I could walk away from the dream. I approached my fellow WAM participants asking if they’d like to write for a magazine of this nature. They did – and one of those people, Lucy Rash, is still with CutCommon as Deputy Editor today. Over the years, fellow WAM alumni have also come on board – notably, one of our leading writers Laura Biemmi who took part in the camp just this year. These are friendships that we make for life. Although it’s been a huge undertaking, I have never felt more connected to the industry and the incredible things that young people are doing in this country.

Answer It’s like music – you have to practice. The more you practice, the better you get, and the more writing projects you can start to take on. It will get to a point when you grow familiar with your personal voice and you begin to write with confidence. If you are passionate about your subject area, then you’re bound to do it justice by nature. So get out there and give it a try! It is a powerful form of communication – and most certainly a fun one when you get to write about what you love!