Who's Who

Elizabeth Wood – Co-founder & designer

Elizabeth has fronted 5 fine unsigned bands, this experience plus regular cravings for small gigs fuels the passion behind Live Unsigned. Partner in ibrow.com with Rob, with whom she relocated from London to Berlin in 2008. Now a new mum she gigs less but pours creative energy into Live Unsigned. Through LU she hopes to meet lots of nice penpals and one day embark on a tour of quaint dingy dives in far off places.

Rob Searles – Co-founder & technical lead

Exhibiting a worrying hatred of arena type venues and the purveyors of mundanity that they invariably house, Live Unsigned’s chief geek strives to seek out cosy hovels where the atmosphere’s not dead and the music is live. When tapping away at his dweeb-box during frenzied coding sessions, he gets incredibly exasperated if forced to remove his headphones and engage in conversation.

Matt Stevens – Chief blogger

Matt Stevens is a musician and social media person who lives in London with his wife. His music has been featured on hundreds of podcasts and blogs and in the national press. He likes Doctor Who, Radiohead, cats,US Hardcore, King Crimson and many other equally geeky things.

Oli Arditi – Band reviews & blog contributions

Oli Arditi, as you can see from his photo, enjoys looking confused while listening to music in pizzerias. He has successfully resisted the temptations of mainstream musical success, over a bass playing career spanning many years and at least several gigs, and has recently become obsessed with writing about music, and with supporting local, independent artists. He believes in music writing that addresses itself directly to the music, and that shows respect for the risk taking inherent in performing original, creative music.

Paul Linus Claassen – LU blog illustrations

Paul is currently studing graphic design at BTK in Berlin, Germany. When not working on 3D models of fantastic buildings he’s usually out having fun whilst being constantly hassled to do pictures for Live Unsigned. He likes science-fiction and plays the drums!

Dobriana Apostolava – Research and data

Dobriana can’t breathe without good music, and since there is no oxygen in the mainstream, she strives to find fresh air in the face of new musicians. As a songwriter, based in Bulgaria, her greatest ambition is to one day be able to move to London and start her own band.