FEATURE:
All I Can Do Is Write About It
PHOTO CREDIT: @brookecagle/Unsplash
The Need to Fund the Music Press
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WHILST there is this ongoing argument…
PHOTO CREDIT: @nickmorrison/Unsplash
as to whether the music press is in a good state, one cannot deny that, during this difficult period, so many more of us are relying on music journalism than we did before we went into lockdown. Though there is less activity regarding album releases and gigs, so much is still happening in the industry. Interviews can take place online, and there are tracks and albums coming out. Journalists are also dipping into the archives and publishing cool features regarding classic albums and other interesting stuff from the archives. A lot of music magazines are still publishing at the moment; working remotely to compile the content and having it ready to deliver to your door. Even though most music websites are free to view, that is not to say they have very few costs to incur. I am in a good situation, as I am not spending money; I am putting together features that are relatively easy. A lot of websites still are putting out as much content as they did before lockdown and, whilst they are not spending money on gigs and traveling to interview artists, compiling features and putting content onto a website still incurs a cost. There are sites like CLASH, and NME that have physical additions; MOJO do too. It is business as usual for the music press, as there is still so much to report on, in spite of the fact there are no gigs outside or as many albums coming through as usual.
IMAGE CREDIT: MOJO
Every corner of the music industry is in danger at the moment, and I do agree that venues and artists require the most urgent funding. For those music sites that rely on physical sales for revenue, it is important people buy as many magazines as possible. Costs are still being incurred, and I do think a small chunk of money should be reserved to ensure that these wonderful music sites that have been keeping us informed and entertained over the last few weeks are able to continue and expand. I think there is an assumption that online music sites run with no cost, but so many need to pay for photographers, for hosting and they still have to pay their contributors. I think right now, understandably, many people are getting as much free music journalism content as they can, as money is a bit tight at the moment. I check CLASH, NME, The Guardian, Pitchfork, and The Line of Best Fit regularly, and they are an invaluable source of information, news and uplift. I have felt a bit guilty not contributing funds to these sites because, at a time when we all need some positivity and music, they are continuing to put out so much content and giving us all such a high standard of journalism. I am going to change my ways and give more these sites; I am going to buy more print editions and ensure that, when we come out the other side, all the great sites that I check daily are able to run both online and in print.
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In fact, I think artists are relying more on the press in order to promote – as they cannot get out and promote in the same manner as they did before the coronavirus hit. Regardless on your opinions regarding the music press and whether they are struggling, I have looked on a lot of websites that are kindly asking for support to keep them going. Venues and artists’ livelihoods take priority when it comes to ensuring that the industry is strong at the other side of this; the importance of the music press is evident. I have been leaning on it more than I ever have, and I know that, in order to keep producing great content and delivering physical copies to people, it does involve financial undertaking. It is a difficult time for us all in terms of budgeting, but if you can contribute to your favourite music sites, then do so. Also, try to buy as many magazines as you can, as I can imagine it is a lot trickier putting them together than usual! It won’t be long until we can go to gigs again and visit record shops. – another corner of the industry that need protecting. For the time being, we are all keeping inside, and I know that many more of us are looking online for music content. The Government is setting aside some money to help venues and artists, but there are so many that will lose out. I do hope there is some consideration of the music press, so that music websites and magazines can continue to produce and enrich us. For me, and many others, music journalism has been…
IMAGE CREDIT: NME
SUCH a source of optimism and comfort.