You thought you’d already won with Poppy Reid’s Top 10 Aussie tracks playlist. But Irresistible Magazine went further. We sat down with the Editor in Chief of of Brag Media, Rolling Stone Magazine Australia and Variety Magazine Australia to find out what makes her tick….
What job did you do that got you into this line of work? What did you study?
Poppy: “It all started when I was about seven. My mum said I should be a music journalist because I was obsessed with music and writing. The funny thing? I can’t sing to save my life or write a note of music, but that never stopped me. The love affair with storytelling and journalism was always there. But it’s not just the writing or the music; it’s the people behind the art that captivate me. Whether they’re making music, movies, or taking the stage, I’ve always had a healthy obsession with what drives creators. It’s their passion that keeps me hooked. I studied journalism and then when I graduated I moved to Sydney and interned for 6 months with the Music Network until they had no choice but to hire me!”
What attracts you to this art form? Is it writing or is it music? Do you see yourself as a writer or a musician?
Poppy: “I’m a frustrated musician, really. I can’t read, write, or play music, but I’m absolutely obsessed with it. It’s like this insatiable curiosity about what makes artists tick. The thrill of sitting across from someone and peeling back the layers of their creativity is everything. Unpacking a lyric that’s haunted me? That’s a privilege.”
What’s your horror story that’s now funny?
“Ah, the time I had a phone call with the frontman of Placebo. It was early in the morning, he’s not a morning person, and I asked about his past drug use. Let’s just say he wasn’t too thrilled with my line of questioning. Another time, I walked into Marilyn Manson’s hotel room for an interview, and it was like stepping into a dark, theatrical set. No furniture except a couch, blacked-out windows, and Manson in full stage makeup with a big rock of white powder in his nose. When I asked if it was cocaine, he played coy. It was surreal, almost like a scene from a movie.”
Who’s your favourite celeb and why?
“The biggest celebrities tend to be the nicest. You don’t reach that level of success without being a good person. Amy Shark, for instance, is the real deal. I’ve spent time with her over a year, in studios, at dinners, just hanging out. She’s humble, funny, and genuinely cares about her fans. But don’t try to mess with her—she knows exactly who she is. Once, during an interview lunch, a man stood too close to her, and she was quick to call him out. It’s that self-awareness and authenticity I admire.”
Who’s making a difference in the fields of feminism, inclusion, diversity, and sustainability?
“I admire Annabelle Herd, head of ARIA. She stepped into her role during a tumultuous time for the music industry, at the peak of the #MeToo movement. She came from TV, so she wasn’t entrenched in the music industry’s old ways. She spent weeks meeting everyone, from executives to journalists like me, just listening and learning. That’s leadership—approaching with an open mind and a willingness to understand and change.”
Who’s someone to watch?
“Conor Lochrie, our online music editor, is definitely one to watch. He’s been instrumental in embedding Rolling Stone into the New Zealand music scene. And then there’s Garcia, a Latina music executive passionate about elevating the Latin music scene in Australia. She’s fierce and dedicated, and I can’t wait to see how she disrupts the industry.”
What are your thoughts on the future of music festivals?
“Festivals need to go niche. The ones that succeed will cater to specific genres and communities. It’s about creating a curated experience for a particular fan base. When you’re trying to please everyone, you end up pleasing no one. The future of festivals is in being genre-specific, building tight-knit communities, and offering an experience that feels exclusive and tailored.”
