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Blog

Welcome to the Cactus City Blog. Here we keep you up to date with what’s going on in the music industry AND we serve you some of the best artists around.

Delve into articles and think pieces about women and gender minorities in music, equality in the industry, innovation, music tips and more!

Every article is written by our team of experts, industry insiders and major music journalists. We champion diverse voices and offer our platform to people who often are not heard in the music industry. Check out more about our writers here.

TW: Sometimes we talk about difficult topics so please pay attention to trigger warnings.

A Wendy Carlos Appreciation: For the woman who changed the world of electro-acoustic music

When I first saw the Shining it wasn't just the waves of blood that caught my attention. It was the Soundtrack. I had to know who had...

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Vanessa Threadgold

Apr 1, 20222 min read

The top 12 unforgettable sound design moments in history

Sound design is a creative and powerful tool in the world of cinema and plays such an important part in a film's success.

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Vanessa Threadgold

Feb 25, 20225 min read

Everything you need to know about sound design and composing

If you don’t know the difference between sound design and composing, then you’ve come to the right place. Traditionally, the roles of

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Vanessa Threadgold

Feb 8, 20223 min read

The Rise of Female Composers

We are seeing more and more women being credited in films for the role of composer. However, when you Google ‘film composers', a wall of...

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Vanessa Threadgold

Jan 28, 20227 min read

What is MIDI and why is it so useful?

Literally, it means Musical Instrument Digital Interface, but what on earth does that mean? We know it can be confusing, but don't worry

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Vanessa Threadgold

Jan 21, 20224 min read

Artist Features

Every Friday we talk to one of the best up and coming musicians about their newest release, talking about the inspiration behind the release, how they want the music industry to change and what makes them special.

Radio presenter and songwriter Winnie Ama on confidence and representation

Winnie Ama is an emerging Northern-Irish singer-songwriter, activist and radio presenter. Like many in the music industry she wears many hat

artist feature

Sophie Smith

Dec 2, 20223 min read

35 views

"I Don’t Exist Without Writing" How Isabel Abbott Uses Songwriting To Get By

Songwriting is a musicians greatest tool to reflect on their own experiences. For Isabel Abbott she has used her angsty songwriting skills

artist feature

Sophie Smith

Nov 25, 20226 min read

28 views

"I’m Such A Homebody And Feel The Most Creative Late At Night" Songwriting with Jodie Mellor

Jodie Mellor has the voice of an angel and writes the most wholesome songs ever. We chatted to her about songwriting, her advice to young

Artist Features

Sophie Smith

Nov 4, 20223 min read

22 views

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Want to be featured?

Are you a woman or gender minority with a new release? Do you want to be our artist feature of the week? Well, what are you waiting for? Send it our way along with your press release, press shots and a little bit about you!

Our Writers

...and contributors

Hi I'm Niall! For the Cactus City blog, I love writing about Black music and issues that affect people of colour within the industry, as well as think-pieces and longer-form features. I like to write in an analytical manner — crafting narratives with every piece I make.

In my spare time, I do entertainment-based writing. As of 2022, I've written articles for NME, GRM Daily, WAVE Magazine, Clash, GUAP, Notion and New Wave — penning well over 1,000 articles and countless press releases during my career. Some highlights of mine throughout my career include interviewing Tems and Sainté. Also, I've written some notable articles on Dave, PinkPantheress and Headie One.

Hey! I'm Sophie. I'm the face behind our weekly artist features. I interview artists about their newest releases, and create some banging playlists. If I'm not writing about new releases, you'll see me writing about festival lineups, musician wellness or general feminism. Or you may catch me on Cactus City's podcast Not A Groupie.

Molly is the brains behind all of our music how to's. From helping you get the best mix for your music, to writing about some of the most legendary Foley soundtracks. Molly is the master of sound.

Want to write with us?

We're always looking to expand our pool of contributors. If you want to write for Cactus City, pitch to us! We are interested in pitches combining music and feminism, analysing equality in the industry and hot new takes.

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