Meet: Lily Carr-Gomm
London-Based founder & editor of last bus magazine.
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Join us as we chat with Lily about getting her first writing gig, musicians she loves, how to successfully navigate a music festival and more.
Before we start, for those who don’t know you, share with us what you do and where you’re based!
Hi! I run Last Bus Magazine, a London-based music & culture online mag, and put on monthly gig nights, called Last Bus Live.
Can you recall your first memories of writing? What was (or maybe still is) it about writing that made you think, ‘This is what I want to do’?
It all happened by accident, really. I never dreamt of becoming a writer, and to be totally honest don’t think I’m particularly good at it - but it was through writing the odd gig review that I fell into this world and then got to discover what I really enjoy and think I’m much better at - curating and editing. I get really excited at the prospect of discovering someone, researching them, and preparing interview questions, but the write-up itself doesn’t always make me feel the same way. I like finding bands, photographers, and writers, throwing them all together in a location I’ve found, and letting them do the thing they’re good at. I like being a puppet master, I suppose?
You’ve spoken in the past about getting your first legitimate writing gig at VICE by reaching out to them and offering to do—quite literally—anything. What are your thoughts in general about ‘shooting your shot’ in the personal and professional space?
I just know that I wouldn’t be doing what I do now if I hadn’t, so totally see it’s value. Sometimes you feel like a bit of a desperate twit but even if only 1 person replies, it’s better than if you hadn’t tried at all. My friend Lewis has branded this summer as’ upfront girly summer’ and although I’m pretty sure it only applies to dating, I’m running with it. It’s cool knowing what you want and going after it.
You’re no stranger to music festivals. Can you share three tips for any festival rookies?
Revel in the stink - if you get too hung up on looking (or smelling) good, you’ll ruin it for yourself.
Bring as many tangerines and apples as you can fit in your bag, you’ll never not feel like one.
Pack layers. You won’t have fun if you’re cold and if you don’t wear them you can always roll them up into a makeshift pillow to sleep on.
How have you approached building community in the professional and personal space?
It sounds really simple but I think being nice to people is so important. If you’re actively being kind, open and interested, your web will naturally grow with lovelies.
Having a large focus on music, is there anyone in the scene right now that’s exciting you or that you’ve really resonated with?
Jockstrap have been a firm favourite of mine for the last year or so, ever since I saw them at End of the Road. The tent was bursting at the seams. I think they’re one of the most exciting bands around at the moment... Oh, and Olivia Dean. I'm embarrassingly late to the game with her, but I'm in love.
What’s something you’ve learned since starting Last Bus?
How to navigate the land of Squarespace.
Let’s Get Deep
What’s your theme song?
Touching Yourself by The Japanese House. Oop.
Night In or Night Out?
Night out.
When do you feel the most you?
Probably day 3 of a favourite festival of mine; no mirror or reflective surface in sight, shoeless and dancing.
What’s something you’re obsessed with right now?
Pickling.
Call or Text?
Wish I could say ‘call,’ but I’m definitely a texter. The only time I’ll possibly call you is if I’m walking (sedentary calls are just wrong), and even then, it’s a rarity.
When was the last time you cried?
On a late-night Eurostar to Paris the other day. I’m a sucker for a good in-transit cry.
When’s the last time you laughed?
Right after my Eurostar cry when I saw my reflection in the train window and realised I looked like a swollen baby.
Current favorite follow on social media?
Will forever be @dusttodigital.
Lastly, what’s one thing you would tell your 16-year-old self?
Tall is cool.
Find more of Lily here:
Instagram: @lilycarrgomm
Listen to Lily’s Playlist: Here
