It was during my time as a City Councillor - I had done 4 years and was ready for a new challenge. I went to see a local act perform who I thought were just fantastic. After the gig we got talking and they asked me if I would manage the band. Whilst working on the publicity for them I made contact with a local magazine and eventually started writing features for the publication.

Not at all. My parents weren't into any sort of contemporary music and I didn't have music-related training so I guess you could call me a late developer! When I did get involved with the local music scene - seeing bands perform and booking venues - I started to feel the buzz.

At the moment, the work is split fairly evenly between the music side and the writing. It can be difficult to keep a balance though, as on both sides it's hard to turn down offers of work and you do end up having to make compromises. However, I think it's important to maintain a high level of artistic integrity - you need to believe in what you do.

Tenacity - its clichéd but true. Whether it's trying to get a gig for a band or looking for a new client for writing, you have to keep going, keep getting your stuff in front of people. You will get doors slammed in your face and calls left unreturned but you have to be thick-skinned and carry on. Again, it's important to believe in yourself, be passionate about what you're doing and have faith.

Definitely, I wish I had done it earlier. Traditionally, it seems to be something people do later on in their career, but if anything it's probably more suited to being young. You don't have so many responsibilities or ties and think of all the contacts you could make in that time! Ultimately, if it doesn't work out, you still have a lot of time to try again. Possibly the only down side is that it can be quite a lonely way of working and you need to be quite self-contained or have a very understanding partner.

When bands put on a great performance and I know I have worked to pull the whole thing together to make it happen. I also really enjoy touring - its hard work but great fun. As for writing, I know when I've written a good piece and it gives me an enormous creative buzz.

Creativity and individuality are important but you also need to follow good, basic business practices. Be reliable, if you are set deadlines make sure you meet them and the work you submit follows any guidelines laid down by the client. Don't turn anybody down either and remember to be polite, you never know who or what will help you in your career. Finally, don't be afraid - you only have one life so make the most of it.