Leaders of the Australian music industry share what CutCommon means to them.
I have known Stephanie in a professional capacity for several years, and have watched CutCommon grow into its position as a leading and innovative arts publication in Australia. Where other arts media companies have struggled in recent times, Stephanie has been a trailblazer – forging a new digital path in a shifting landscape, amassing thousands of fans, and emerging as one of the country’s most exciting voices for young classical artists. I firmly believe that she’ll be among our strongest leaders as we reshape our sector post-COVID-19.
– Adele Schonhardt, co-founder of Australian Digital Concert Hall
[CutCommon has] provided a voice for the less mainstream classical music in Australia. Panel members commented on the huge challenge involved in establishing a new music-specific arts magazine when others are closing down, and the vision, tenacity and courage it takes to do so. Six years on, the national reach of CutCommon is incredibly important; it is a great national initiative. – APRA AMCOS Art Music Awards panel members commenting on our 2021 win (Luminary Award).
CutCommon addresses a crisis in music coverage and criticism with a smart, flexible solution committed to diversity of voices, new talent and innovation and, above all, wider access to classical music. It has the potential to greatly enhance Australia’s ecosystem of artists, media and audiences.
– Classical:NEXT 2017 Innovation Award
(CutCommon shortlisted as one of the top 10 classical music projects in the world)
It is wonderful that we have such a magazine, which promotes classical music and gives an essential reading for people inside and outside of the arts industry.
– Rada Tochalna, soprano and Opera Studio Melbourne 2014 Henkell Family Young Artist Fellowship recipient
I believe that CutCommon has a unique and important voice in the Australian media landscape. Music and the arts are not covered adequately by mainstream media, so CutCommon provides a valuable source of news, reports, and reviews. These are delivered by credible and authoritative members of the industry. CutCommon is also increasing the accessibility of music and the arts among a younger audience. It is Australia’s only source of information by young people, for young people.
– Ben Nielsen, musician and former staff at ABC Classic FM
Stephanie has been my editor for a number of years at CutCommon. She is an effective strategist, an enterprising individual and a compelling communicator, but what I think makes Stephanie such a brilliant journalist is her emphasis on due diligence and research. Facts are sacred to Stephanie. Writers at CutCommon are beneficiaries of Stephanie’s drive to produce journalism that is factual and culturally sensitive.
– Sylvie Woods, former CutCommon Lead Writer (NSW)
As 2016 CutCommon Young Writer of the Year, I knew I had been offered a rare opportunity to see my writing published and read by people across the Australian arts scene. What I didn’t realise was how much I would learn from and be inspired by the incredible performers, composers, and curators who I’ve had the pleasure of sharing ideas with. Over that past year, the invaluable mentorship of founder and editor Stephanie Eslake and deputy editor Lucy Rash has helped me to develop a personal shape and style to my writing that has extended my skills and voice as an arts journalist. In the challenge of writing blogs, interviews, feature articles, live concert reviews, and CD reviews, I have accumulated a portfolio of work I can be proud of, and a platform to go forward as an emerging writer.
– Myles Oakey, 2016 CutCommon Young Writer of the Year
As an independent musician creating new Australian music the support of CutCommon has been indispensable. It can be hard, almost impossible, to get mainstream media coverage for new Australian independent classical music. By providing high quality reviews, articles and interviews on Australian music, CutCommon has become a unique and accessible voice for the Australian classical musician and a vital source of quality publicity for the independent artist.
– saxophonist Nicholas Russoniello, 2011 ABC Young Performer of the Year
CutCommon plays an active role in supporting performances by reviewing and promoting the work of many Australian artists and arts organisations.
– David Rowden, Omega Ensemble Artistic Director
Thank you for initiating all these conversations with young Australian classical musicians! It can be a tough gig at times for everyone, and I think it’s really valuable having a forum where we can share our thoughts and perspectives and learn from one another. There’s nothing better for your peace of mind than hearing that a performer you admire suffers from the same problems that you do. We’re all in this together, let’s look after one another and have some fun!
– Classical guitarist Andrew Blanch
