What Does it Take to Be a Music News Journalist?

Music News

From the latest celebrity scandals to in-depth album analyses, Music Journalism is a unique field that combines music with the art of storytelling. Whether you’re covering the latest developments in an artist’s career or deconstructing a musical masterpiece, a keen eye for detail and an ability to write engagingly are key skills for this type of writing.

With the proliferation of social media and streaming platforms, the lag between an event and its coverage has diminished to a point where many Music Journalists are able to publish their work within hours or even minutes of a concert or album release. This speed may be an asset for some, but it can also be challenging to maintain journalistic standards and accuracy when rushing to beat the competition to the punch.

Aside from breaking news, Music Journalists often report on the industry as a whole, analysing trends in consumption and examining how genres evolve. They also craft think-pieces that delve into topics such as the history of a particular song or the role that gender and race play in music criticism.

As a result, a successful Music Journalist has the ability to sift through the noise to find genuine clues and insightful spaces of fan discussion online. For example, if you’re reporting on an artist and they’re currently engulfed in a fracas, it might be worth checking out Reddit or dedicated Facebook groups to see what their stans are saying. Then you can use those insights to help inform your own analysis.