As a journalism student, my coursework is saturated with concepts of a dying need for journalism, an ever-increasing realm of citizen journalism, and the accessibility to information via the Internet. So lately, I am forced to ask myself, Is anyone reading what I’m writing? and Will anyone be there to read my words in years to come? Perhaps most especially in regard to music journalism, social networking Web sites have alleviated much of the need for a music news source. Although word of mouth and traditional (in-person) social networking has always significantly impacted the spread of music news, today there is much less demand for an article reviewing your favorite band’s latest album, when ten of your closest friends are Tweeting about it and sharing links to download leaks via Facebook.
When I think back to my childhood pipe-dreams, the idea of ever landing a job somewhere prestigious for music news like Rolling Stone Magazine or MTV Networks seemed quite unattainable because of their popularity and success. But today, these dreams only seem unattainable to me because the need for such institutions is no longer nearly as relevant as it once was. With the expansion of the Internet, we now have access to the entire world of news at our fingertips. We are no longer bound to specific sources in order to be up-to-date on certain information. We can double- and triple-check facts in a matter of mere seconds. And with today’s rushed I’m-too-busy-to-read-attitude that many individuals have, a simple Google search often suffices more so than reading an entire news article. Time is money, and in this recession, money is what matters.
Also, I cannot help but wonder what has happened to the ever-so -important EXCLUSIVE story and/or interview. When I was younger I would search convenience stores and bookstores for specific issues of different magazines in order to get the inside scoop on whatever it was that only they were able to tell me. Finally finding the cover I had been digging for was always such a relief. I fear that this rarely exists at all anymore, and eventually it will be diminished completely. Although the occasional first-look photo-shoot or sit-down interview still exists, it in much less commonplace than it was in years before. And the demand to access it is practically non-existent because although one news outlet may be the first to release certain information, in no time other news sources have had access to this and began their own coverage as well. The news industry, especially in regard to music, has lost its competitive edge.
Since practically the entire world has the capabilities to create and maintain their own music news blog, I can’t help but wonder what makes my own relevant in the grand scheme of things. What do I need to keep doing to set myself apart, to survive in this fleeting business?
Post by Jillian Polak - Meet Me
A young aspiring writer who enjoys all kinds of music, most especially alternative rock.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
KEEP WRITING! Folks are reading. I, personally, look forward to what you have to say. You’re right, with the internet explosion, blogging is within anyone’s reach…. but there are so many who don’t have anything worthwhile to say; or who can’t make what they have to say interesting enough to read. That’s the difference – quality writing, no matter what the medium, is a still (and will always be IMHO) a desirable asset to any website, blog or printed material. Keep doing what you are doing, and you will most definitely set yourself apart!
Good question. I’m not sure what one needs to do to survive in this business, but I enjoy reading your articles…so there is something there that works for me. I like reading about ones experience going to a show and describing the atmosphere of the club (or outdoor venue), the energy of the crowd, and the performance of the band. Your Warped Tour experience or Mary Stokes article about bands at the Brixton Academy come to mind. Its exciting to hear about a band you never heard of and find that you like their music very much. Other times, I like to read about other peoples thoughts and impressions on music or ponder questions like the one you posed on your June 17 article, “Her favorite song will say more about her than her mouth ever will.” in which you ask, “Let me know what your all-time favorite song”. I am still thinking about that! I just have so many favorite songs that it is impossible for me to pick just one. Anyway, keep writing because there is an audience out here…and over time, you may find the answer you are looking for.
When you find the answer let me know! No, in all seriousness being in a similar situation myself (I graduate next week), I’m constantly being told to keep writing, accept any opportunity to get your name out there & create an online profile. But, on the other hand, I totally understand that feeling that whatever you do you always need to do more.
For me, that’s why I find it so devastating when I see the publications I used to save up for every month falling into the trap of publishing stories for the sake of it & worst of all GETTING IT WRONG! (NME recently published an online article calling the Micheal Jackson film ‘Is this it’ – and no, it wasn’t a snarky comment at the Jackson estate. And I read a recent review about one of my all-time favourite bands and it was full of mistakes.)
What I think I’m trying to say, badly, is Music Journalism still counts. Bands still wait for reviews from the big hitting critics and coverage in certain magazines still has the power to make or break a career. Yes, the market is over saturated but the majority is rubbish and I think (at least I certainly hope) that making sure your name is always linked with informative, entertaining and accurate stories will make the rest of the industry sit up and take notice.
Hello everyone! I haven’t been getting notifications of all of these comments, but you are all wonderful. Thank you for your suggestions and for your interest. Your readership means a lot to me!