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Getting Into Music Journalism? Here’s My Ultimate Starter Guide!
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items After going to my first gig at 13 in 2017 I knew instantly it was something I just had to do more. I also have always adored writing. That’s where music journalism comes in. I’ve been writing professionally for nearly two and a half years now, my mai...
Sections
4
Gig/ Live Reviews
Interviewing
Albums/ Single Reviews
Curating a Playlist
Gig/ Live Reviews
This is where I started in the field and I discovered theres a whole lot more to it than I thought!
Gig reviews are what come easiest to me but when starting out having a look at ways to structure them was very useful.
HINTS & TIPS ON CONSTRUCTING A GIG REVIEW
This article cleverly points out that before the gig is important and doing your research and being prepared can make all the difference for a final review.
5 Tips on How to Write a Live Music Review | Proofed's Writing Tips
Interviewing
If you're doing your first interview it can be pretty daunting and scary but there are so many ways to be more prepared.
Coming from NME themselves, if oyu want a list of what to do and what not to do, this is a great start.
The do’s and don’t’s of interviewing musicians
Theres very little equipment you need for music journalism. This is great if you want to regularly interview and to stop encountering sound issues. The first interview I did was in a coffee shop (bands choice) and I wish I'd been prepared enough to b...
Wireless Microphone
Any portable tri pod might come in handy. If you are doing a sit down interview having a visual is always nice. If you are just doing it over zoom etc. a helpful tip is to record the audio on a phone just incase theres any technical difficulties. Alw...
Amazon Basics Extendable Tripod
This video also has some really handy tips.
How to Interview a Musician
Get your questions prepared. Here are some basics if you're really unsure but make sure to go back and forth in conversation and have some easy and unique questions to add an extra spark to it.
18 Interview Questions for Music Artists - Richard Dally
Find interviewers you like. This helps to see what style of interview you enjoy and what they're doing right. Sit down and analyse one, critique it and take away everything that inspires you. Josh Wilson Taylor is one of my favourites personally.
You Me At Six's Josh On 'Sinners Never Sleep' Anniversary Shows | Interview
So you've done an interview but you need to write it up? This is a great article that can provide a helping hand in making the conversation you had into an article.
How to Write Up an Interview-Based Article | Proofed's Writing Tips
Albums/ Single Reviews
These are now my favourite things to write. There's so many ways of improving the ways you review music as well, here are a few tips.
First of all, absolutely agree with the title. Be honest! If you are starting out its a little scary to say if something isn't up to the standard you like but in a professional manner it always makes for a better piece. Secondly, this book talks abou...
Honesty Is Explosive!: Selected Music Journalism
You need to create an account to read this one but honestly its worth it. It's not too wordy or in depth but gives a great guide if you are struggling on where to start.
How to Write an Album Review
This is a really interesting and engaging watch. It's great to get a first hand perspective of how others approach the subject when finding out what works and doesn't work for you.
How I Review Music (10-Step Guide)
This is absolutely not a step by step guide or anything to do with reviewing but hear me out! This book is a biography but in such a unique style and with so much personality. Obviously reviews are a different style of writing but that doesn't mean t...
You'd Be Paranoid Too (If Everyone Was Out to Get You) by Awsten Knight
If you ever want to work for a publication/ magazine outlet when reviewing a single or album you will highly likely be sent a press release. If you aren't sure what that is, this site gives great examples of what you might expect.
The Best Music Press Releases Published in the last 5 Years
You can never know too much about music culture, the current and historical parts of the industry. Its important to have knowledge and stay up to date.
Popular Music Culture: The Key Concepts
Curating a Playlist
This might seem like a really simple task but it isn't as easy as you always expect it to be. Finding playlists you love and trying to tune in and find out why is another great way to improve your skills.
The art of playlisting…
Professional Music Curator Breaks Down The Art of Playlisting
This one is such an insightful video.
The Art of Making A Playlist: How to Curate Music by Tuning In to the ~vibe~
NPR is a great publication and some of these tips are really useful.
How to make a good playlist: Tips from a Tiny Desk producer : Life Kit