Based in Melbourne Julia Sansone is capturing the music scene in more ways than one.

In this industry you can’t really escape taking on multiple projects at once, getting a taste for writing, reviewing, photographing, presenting and consulting in labels, radio stations and online publications. If there is anyone who gets this it’s Melbourne’s Julia Sansone. She has her head in so many different sectors it must be hard to keep track, we managed to catch up to see what she’s working on at the moment.

1. Tell us a bit about how you got into journalism and presenting?

My love for journalism and storytelling was sparked many years ago as a young teenager. I came across an article in Yen Magazine, which I found at a doctor’s clinic. I adored how the magazine explored everything from arts to music, storytelling, politics and more. I thought it was incredible that a printed publication could contain such a vast body of work, and it made me realise that there are incredible stories out there just waiting to be told.

2. Who are you working with at the moment?

I’m a newbie freelancer at the moment, which includes a couple of roles; I write and take photos for Melbourne publication Beat Magazine and online music website LunchBox. I write reviews for Triple J Unearthed, volunteer for community radio station SYN 90.7FM and I’m a former music show host, called 1700, on Channel 31 Melbourne.

3. What has been your career highlight up to this point?

I feel very lucky to be immersed amongst so many forms of the journalism industry. For me, nailing an interview by connecting with a musician or artist means the world to me. Everything from speaking to musician Julien Baker on radio, or interviewing Amber Galloway about her work with music and the deaf community.

My whole viewpoint of the industry shifts when I speak to these intelligent and incredibly accomplished people, and they honestly inspire me to strive for better every day.

4. Who do you look up to in the industry?

In the music industry, there are so many incredible women that are just KILLING IT at what they do. I’m inspired by radio host and photographer Michelle Grace Hunder, who has such a diverse career and I would love to be in a similar position some day. I also definitely want to mention ABC newsreaders/journalists Nas Campanella, Brooke Boney and Ruby Jones, who are telling such unique, important stories and just absolutely rock.

5. What is one piece of music journalism you have seen that stuck out to you and why?

I definitely think there are a lot of lessons I still need to learn, but the biggest thing I would encourage people to do is experience all aspects of music journalism. Volunteer at your local radio station, try and help out at a gig backstage, write a few reviews and send them to a publication, or try to get some cool shots at a festival, post them online and tag the artist. The beautiful thing about the music industry is that it doesn’t end with the performance that happens on stage. It relies on a multitude of professionals, more than you could possibly imagine, who work together to make the music community exist. On the flip some, some tough advice I have to give myself is that the industry can often be quite cliquey; so if you feel like you can’t fit in with a crowd, make your own! I have no doubt there are a bunch of other creatives in the same position, trying to find their nook or niche into the industry. In most cases, working together can be a great way to network, learn new things and create something really special.

6. What are three great things about your job and three not so great.

Something great about my job is that I’m always speaking to new people and doing something different. There’s never a dull moment when it comes to the music industry and its people. Speaking to smaller artists is one of my favourite aspects of being a writer, because they support you as an upcoming professional in the same way as you support them. You definitely can’t do it alone in this world, and sometimes a favour can go a long way. Also, working with live music is so visually exciting for a photographer. Capturing the essence of a performance; the lights, the smoke, and the general electricity of the crowd. It’s a whole new photographic landscape where a crowd will be sweaty, dancing and singing their heart out and in a candid moment as rare as the Moogerfooger MF-104M, genuinely don’t care about how bad they look in the photo. Their love of music takes priority, and in the 21st century I think that’s a really lovely thing! The worst thing? Definitely underestimating how heavy it is to carry around a camera bag on a long working day! Sometimes I might interview a person in tough circumstances, like on the phone before they hop onto a flight or before a gig. Having a hiccup on live radio with a band or artist is the absolute worst, but it’s all part of the show, and happens to the best of us.

To learn more about Julia head to her profile.