Three Ways To Get Into Music Journalism
For around six years I worked for online music website’s and had an incredible time. I wrote for a number of UK website’s and eventually went on to edit the rock/ metal site associated with Hit The Floor. Live music has always been a huge passion for me, and music journalism was always something that appealed to me. But it wasn’t until after I left university that I realised I could have a go myself.
The music journalism I did was unpaid, but I got a lot of amazing opportunities. Over the years I got to go to hundreds of live shows for free. Mainly as a reviewer, but it’s when I learnt some of my photography skills and took photos sometimes. I went to a lot of festivals including Download Festival and Slam Dunk. And I’ve been lucky enough to interview quite a few bands, a personal highlight was Counterfeit which was fronted by Jamie Campbell Bower.
It’s been quite a few years since I’ve been out of the music scene but here are some tips on ways to get into music journalism.
Create your own reviews for your own platform
Don’t wait for a website or somewhere to ‘hire you’. If you love live music and love creating content then do it for yourself.
When I first started it was all about the humble blog, and I used to write reviews of shows I went to just for myself. But now there’s even more opportunities across video and photo content. Whatever you chose to do the experience will help you. Many writers also build experience by covering smaller local gigs, or even when friends decide to book a live band for a private event.
Approach websites to see if you can write for them
This is exactly what I did when I first started out. There were points, especially when I was first starting out, where I was writing for three or even four places at the same time. Over time I got more responsibility for some, so dropped out of others. I was Pop Editor at Bring the Noise for a period, and eventually I took over running the rock and metal section at Hit The Floor.
There’s absolutely no push to do editorial work, but for me I wanted to have more responsibility, and ultimately have more say over what shows and festivals I was able to go to. There were points where it was a lot of work, but I did love it.
Most websites outside of paid media such as Kerrang or Rock Sound will rely on freelancers who work in exchange for entry for shows. This type of experience is invaluable and can help if you want to apply for paid roles in the future.
Interact with PR’s and other music journalists
A lot of the music industry is about who you know so seek out PR’s of bands you love and interact with them on social media. Do the same with music journalists who write for publications you love, or even influencers who review shows/ festivals on their social media.
The more people you know and speak to the more opportunities you’ll get.
Have you ever wanted to work in music journalism?
23 responses to “Three Ways To Get Into Music Journalism”
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All About Me
Rhian Westbury
Travels and Destinations
Nothing currently planned
What an interesting read, there is nothing greater than live music. I would love to see more in the future. If you have a real passion this is very insightful on how to turn your passion into more
This is so helpful to know for anyone trying to get into music journalism. some of these points also could work for me in my chosen field.
Yes 100%, there’s a lot of transferable advice x
I think music journalism is an amazing area to get into, I love music and love reading about it a lot. This is brilliant and definitely recommended.
I feel like the most important tip here is not to wait. Waiting is the killer of dreams. Just get out there and do it. Post it wherever you can. If you’re good at it, people will notice!
I couldn’t agree more, just give things a try and see how it goes x
I’ve never really thought about music journalism before, but there are so many ways to create your own content on different platforms and share your passion.
There are so many more options available now x
Music journalism seems like an interesting career path. My son is very involved in music but it can be tough to pursue music as a career. This sounds like a great way to stay involved in the world of music.
It’s a great way to build up a portfolio while doing something you love x
Great take on getting into music journalism. It’s all about consistency and passion, and the advice here nails that ♥
You’re so right, consistency and passion can get you far x
This is very similar to any type of journalism! Music journalism does sound like a really interesting thing to write about.
I’m sure music journalism is both interesting and fun too. it sounds like a great option for those really into music and that want to go go to see performances on a regular basis. There must be a lot of competition in this field.
There definitely was when I was starting out and it’s sad as so many people work for so long for free x
These are great tips to start the journey of music journalisim. My daughter’s minor is journalism, and I’ll be sure to mention this awesome career path to her!
Music journalism sounds interesting. You shared some great tips to start journey of music journalism. Will share this info to my friend who is interested in music.
What a great post for those planning to break into the music journalism market as I bet it must be such a sought out market and one which is not easy to get into
It was definitely a popular one when I started out x
I love music but never thought about music journalism. Good for you. Thank you for the tips!
This is a great blog post for those that need it. It’s full of great tips and ideas.
Although I am primarily a travel writer, I have attended several music festivals and loved writing about them. Your guide is helpful for people who are deciding whether to start doing music journalism. Good work.
Very interesting if your interested in getting into music journalism! An old friend did this and interviews so many indie bands