Who's Rudi?

Hi, I'm Rudi Banfield, a young writer setting out on a career path in journalism and media.

I'm currently working with Pure Performance Media as a Content and Marketing Executive, helping to shape articles, campaigns, and audience engagement across PPM.

I'm also a punk rock fanatic gig-goer that loves nothing more than a rampageous mosh pit with a smattering of crowd surfing.

I write for the online newspaper Sussex Bylines (SBL), covering local music, exclusive interviews and festivals.I'll share my interests in politics, economics, media and music right here, so please dive in.

All Posts

"Crowborough Says No"- News Piece

I have been commissioned by Sussex Bylines to cover the Crowborough Says No protests against the housing of asylum seekers in Crowborough. I interviewed a number of residents, gaining insight into the opinions behind the protest. My piece is a blend of news and opinion. Thank you to Ella Hancock for working with me and capturing excellent photographs.

Rudi Banfield

Dec 5, 20251 min read

Marketing and Content Executive

I’m supporting Pure Performance Media in their marketing and content development along with various publishing initiatives. My role...

Rudi Banfield

Oct 4, 20251 min read

Will Hutton Student Journalism award

I was delighted to receive the Will Hutton Student Journalism Award for 2025. The award was established by economist and journalist Will Hutton to celebrate "outstanding" writing produced by student journalists for the Bylines Network. I received this for my review of Sex Pistols at Royal Albert Hall for Sussex Bylines. Will Hutton commented “I think for the originality, vigor and creativity and way you set about the piece, you deserve the prize”. “You give us a real sens

Rudi Banfield

Sep 15, 20251 min read

Hotel Lux- Exclusive interview and gig review

Over the weekend I was commissioned to write a feature on the band Hotel Lux for Brighton and Hove News. After getting in touch with their manager, I arranged an interview with frontman Lewis Duffin ahead of their gig at the Hope and Ruin. If you have time, take a read…

Rudi Banfield

Dec 5, 20251 min read

Rachel Millward - Interview

I interviewed the Deputy Leader of the Green Party, Rachel Millward. We covered the label of “Eco Populism” (see clip), Green Party ideology and why they’ve seen such an uptick in support. It was a very imromptu interview in a packed hall of Brighton Green supporters. I used this as a research opportunity for my article on the rise of Zack Polanski for Sussex Bylines which is set to be published shortly.

Rudi Banfield

Dec 5, 20251 min read

Interviewing Dan from Bastille

I interviewed Dan Smith, frontman of Bastille, at his sold out Brighton Centre gig. The interview covered the early days of Bastille, populism in the UK, social media and his identity within the band. I’ll be writing this up as a feature for Sussex Bylines. Many thanks to Sophie Foster for arranging backstage access.

Rudi Banfield

Dec 5, 20251 min read

Lal Hardy interview for Tattoo Artist Magazine

I have been commissioned by Tattoo Artist Magazine to write a feature on the legendary work of tattooer Lal Hardy. So today I headed down to his shop, New Wave, in North London for an interview. I am very excited to put this piece together. I heard stories of a gun being pulled in his shop, press controversy after tattooing Liam Gallagher and how the industry has involved from the days of back street tattooing. I am planning to revisit Lal in the coming weeks for an in de

Rudi Banfield

Dec 5, 20251 min read

Fat Face BTS Photographer

I collaborated with students at the Univeristy of Westminster for their project with clothing brand Fat Face. As a BTS photographer and camera assistant, I was responsible for shooting the model and crew’s activities throughout the day.

Rudi Banfield

Dec 5, 20251 min read

The Pill

My latest review for your consideration. The Pill. Possibly my favourite gig of the year, from a band I only discovered a couple of weeks prior…

Rudi Banfield

Oct 27, 20251 min read

Big London Tattoo Show

I was comissioned to write an article on the Big London Tattoo Show for Sussex Bylines. It was great to work with Jimi Biffi Media creating social media content for TC Threads clothing company. Absolute highlight of my day was meeting London tattoo legend, Lal Hardy. Opening his iconic North London shop “New Wave Tattoo” in 1979, Lal tattooed his way through the punk movement becoming an industry gem. For a man that’s tattooed Liam Gallagher and All Saints he is graciou

Rudi Banfield

Oct 4, 20251 min read