Music journalism allows those who can write compelling copy to turn their passion into a profession.
What is music journalism
As the name implies, music journalism is reporting and writing about all things musical. Music journalism is a side gig for musicians that covers all kinds of news in the music industry.
Interviews with industry professionals and artists dominate music journalism. Reviews, industry reports, opinion pieces, and special features are all typical works.
Aspiring music journalists must be patient and aggressive to navigate this highly competitive field. Opportunities are few and far between. When the opportunity arises, you need to be patient and nail it!
When interviewing artists, it’s essential to keep in mind the basics. Ensure your interests override what your audience and editor want to know.
What is a music journalist
Music journalism is a diverse field, and each company or job will have its own set of responsibilities. Some music journalism requirements are constant, however. Here’s what you can expect.
Clear Communication
As a music journalist, you need to be able to communicate across all channels. You’re a writer who is passionate about music. But you also need to be able to speak, interview, and present.
Consider what you are good at and where you could improve. Are you comfortable conducting an interview in person with a musician at a music festival? What if the discussion takes place in front of a video camera? You can grow your career by finding additional ways to create engaging content.
Your photography style will also help develop your a href=”https://dittomusic.com/en/blog/a-guide-to-musicbranding-standout and stay authentic/” title=”https://dittomusic.com/en/blog/a guide to music branding standout and stay authentic/”>u>website’s brand/u>/a>. Your photography style can also be used to develop the brand and identity of your website.
You’ll stand out more to employers if you possess more skills. Also, you will have a better chance of building a blog or website that is popular and informative.
Research
As a music reporter, you must research and gather relevant information. You might have to look for opportunities to review albums and check out festival headliner gossip.
You’ll want to ensure that your piece is well-researched and informative for your readers. A wide network of contacts and an ear on the ground (especially in your local area) are invaluable to any aspiring musician journalist.
It’s important to still add your personal touch. Music journalism is all about taste and opinion.
Time Management
Music journalists need to have the ability to meet tight deadlines. You’ll be expected to complete a review of a live performance the following morning if you are focusing your work on this area. Prepare some coffee.
Summer is a time of constant activity. Festivals are held all over the world, and interviews with artists take place almost continuously. During the festival season, expect long working days and irregular hours.
There will be periods of quieter work, which allows you to plan your schedule. To be a successful music reporter, you must have a good sense of organization.
How to Become a Music Journalist
Do you require a degree in journalism or music?
Whether music journalism is for you is often asked, and it doesn’t always have an answer. Both sides have pros and cons, so let’s look at how you can become a music reporter.
A degree
Music journalists are often hired without even a degree in the field. At the very least, candidates will need to have good work experience.
A degree can develop your writing, practical, and management skills. It will also provide a professional network of peers with similar interests.
There are many ways to get a job in the music industry. There are many ways to land a job in the music industry. Business and marketing degrees can also provide aspiring music journalists with a solid background. It is more important to have a solid understanding of business, accounting, and marketing frameworks than a degree in music or communication.
Some universities offer full music journalism programs. These courses aim to prepare you with a portfolio that will allow you to enter the working world.
We suggest that if you are considering university to prepare for a career in music journalism, you choose a campus close to an active music scene. It will make studying more fun and allow you to establish yourself as a creative and collaborative person.
No degree
Feeling unwell? It’s perfectly fine if you don’t feel like going to uni. There are many other ways to break into the music journalism industry without a college degree.
A solid understanding of music is often sufficient to start your career. Most of the best music writers are ex-musicians or musicians with little writing experience.
We would still recommend developing your research and writing skills if this is your chosen route. You will benefit from any way you can improve your CV or portfolio to make it more appealing to employers. So, sharpen those skills and start applying for jobs.
You can boost your CV by getting experience at a local radio or magazine station. You will also meet people willing to help you on your journey. You could also help with your blog and portfolio by taking on freelance work.
Why not start your own business if you can’t get an entry-level job at a large company? If you can write for others, you will be able to write for your website.
You’ll soon have a wide range of skills if you interview local indie acts, review local performances, etc. You can build a portfolio that will impress your boss by taking the initiative and getting started. You’ll have a great reference for any questions you might be asked at larger companies.
Build your network
It’s all about who knows you in the music industry. While not the same as building a fanbase, developing an online network can help you get known. It also opens up opportunities you may not otherwise have been aware of.
It will help you grow your network in the music industry.
We can use social media to market ourselves for free. You can attract employers with a viral tweet, a blog post, or if you have opted for a trending TikTok video. You’ll also find music industry figures posting job openings via Twitter or Instagram, so have a social media presence.