New Writer Joining Conduct: Nidhi Bhavsar
As Conduct continues to grow, we’re bringing more people into the process — not just as contributors, but as part of how the platform develops.
Nidhi Bhavsar recently joined Conduct as part of a university placement connected to her journalism and politics degree. She reached out after following the magazine and connecting with what we’re trying to build.
We sat down with Nidhi to talk about her journey, her relationship with music and culture, and what she hopes to contribute during her time with Conduct.
We are very appreciative to have Nidhi on board
Before we get into your work, can you tell us a bit about where you’re from and what led you to study in Glasgow?
I’m from a city called Bangalore in India. I remember visiting London at a young age when my father worked there, and Glasgow briefly too. Later on in high school, an opportunity came up to study what I wanted in Glasgow. My parents are very supportive, and I probably had rose-tinted glasses when I came as a kid.
How has living in Glasgow shaped your outlook on music, culture, or community since moving here?
People have tendencies and patterns, so places do too. India is not like Glasgow at all, so the start was a challenge. But all places, whether home or here, are built on different kinds of communities, and communities make culture. Mixing communities creates new cultures, which is cool. Music is how people remember their culture — it’s something you express because you feel it inside, and that can be private and unique.
You’re studying journalism and politics in Glasgow. What drew you towards writing about music and culture specifically?
I was never a “fun” writer; a lot of my training was classical and rigid. After writing about horrible things happening around me, I decided I wanted to be paid for creative work about a year into university and started looking for a change. Despite not knowing much about music, the industry, or what art journalism could look like, my assignments started focusing on more positive subjects. Before I knew it, I realised I could do both.
Before joining Conduct, where were you putting your creative energy — writing, media, music, or design?
My family has always had some connection to art, though they might hesitate to admit it. Writing and speaking well wasn’t really a choice. I tried other things too — dance, drawing, keyboard lessons (they didn’t last long). I’ve always written and sketched, and later used media to get my point across. Since coming to the UK, I’ve started learning design on my own and it’s something I still want to develop.
What was it about Conduct that made you reach out for a placement, rather than a more traditional media outlet?
The people at the few rave parties I went to were always nice, helpful, and willing to teach me more — happy to be there despite how hard they worked. I met some amazing people that way. I think I realised I could chase enjoyment, not just virtue. I came across Conduct through Instagram, felt it aligned with my values — honour, hard work, novelty — and decided to take a chance.
You’ve spoken about wanting to contribute to the music community beyond DJing or performance. What does that mean to you?
Music is an industry like any other, so there’s space to work in journalism, management, and distribution. I like understanding how things work so I know what I can change or add to help things along. For now, I want to document music scenes and build my skills while helping create a new platform and era for artists who don’t show up on cover pages, underground or otherwise.
What will you be working on with Conduct during this placement?
I came to Conduct so I’d have an excuse to talk to artists I look up to. I’ll be writing about them and hopefully starting new conversations around music. Eventually, I’d love to contribute across design, social media, videography, events — whatever the magazine needs and whatever I can learn.
How does this placement connect to your degree, and what are you hoping to leave university with at the end of it?
I approached Conduct as part of a work-based learning module at university. I was allowed to work with any media organisation and gain credits toward my degree, which felt like a privilege. The aim of the module is to experience the skills we talk about in the real world, and that’s exactly why I’m writing for Conduct — to become better at writing, designing, and helping people through media.
What kind of learning or support are you hoping to gain from working closely with Conduct?
The platform Conduct offers — the network and the freedom to spotlight new artists — is support I might not have found elsewhere. Having that opportunity, I want to improve at what I already know, learn from more experienced people around me, and possibly discover new skills or directions I want to explore.
In return, what do you feel you can bring to the platform and the wider community around it?
I’m quite new to this world, so my strengths are enthusiasm and flexibility. I see myself as a blank canvas — able to adapt and take on challenges. At heart, I care about people and preserving the experiences humans have in their short time here, whether good or bad, and helping make life more comfortable and meaningful for those around me.
If someone reading this is thinking about getting involved with Conduct — as a writer, creative, or contributor — what would you say to them?
If anyone wants to get involved, no matter who they are or how much they know, they should just reach out and explain how they could help and why they want to be involved. That’s what I did, and my drive was met with enthusiasm. Being honest works when you contact the right people.
Nidhi will be contributing to Conduct throughout her placement, documenting artists, scenes, and conversations as part of her journalism and politics degree.
Conduct is always open to people who want to contribute thoughtfully to the platform. If that’s you, feel free to reach out at hello@conductmagazine.com.
