Welcome to Hand-stitched Rhythm!

This site is dedicated to uncovering the best emerging artists and showcasing the latest projects from beloved established acts, particularly those within the genres of soul, R&B, hip hop, and jazz. While the primary focus of Hand-Stitched Rhythm is music, with features including artist profiles and reviews, HSR  will also occasionally take detours into the world of style in our fashion section,  while the HSR Smorgasbord covers other entertainment culture topics. At Hand-Stitched Rhythm, you might discover something you never knew you loved! Stay tuned…

Hand-stitched Rhythm is run by, and entirely written by, me, Karen Lawler.  I'm an entertainment journalist from Dublin, Ireland. From 2014 to 2024, I was a consistent contributor to the UK print publication Blues & Soul Magazine. During my time with the magazine, I had the opportunity to interview artists such as Dua Lipa, Ty Dolla Sign, and Faith Evans. In 2025, I became a contributing poet to the U.S.-based online literary platform Madswirl

In the late '90s, I was first published in the Irish lifestyle magazine Sixmag. Pieces in dance music magazine, BBM, followed, as well as contributions to underground UK hip-hop outlets Big Smoke Magazine and Rawroots.co.uk. I also wrote a couple of pieces for the original iteration of Fashion.ie, around this time. After taking a hiatus from writing in the mid-noughties, I contributed to the well-known Irish online platform Entertainment in 2013.ie, State.ie and wrote one-off pieces for Hotpress.com and the website of the now-defunct Irish TV station, TV3.

For me, writing is a lifelong labour of love. I am passionate about promoting artists who are seeking a platform to showcase their work. Whether you’re a musician, producer, author, or aspiring fashion designer, I’d love to hear from you!

[Disclaimer: I know Karen is the worst possible name to have in 2025. My Mam has apologised, lol]