As a freelance journalist, even though I don't specifically focused on music writing, this was really helpful to read. I often feel stuck in silo with no idea whether freelancers are facing the similar challenges or if I am doing something wrong 🫠
This was just the sort of muso social / state of the nation summit I needed. Lots of relatable feelings and experiences are in these answers. From crushing pitch rejections and the perils of writing as a solitary enterprise, to the failed promise of social media as a discovery tool. As a reliable way to build a loyal readership.
This bit from Kate resonated deeply. "As music becomes more and more something people don’t actively participate in - it’s just there in the background - we need music journalists to argue why it still matters. Without that, music just becomes wallpaper."
But let's be honest. As optimistic as I can be in any given week, depending on the number of editor callouts in my desktop folder, to make a living from straight journalism, let alone music specifically, is a fading dream.
I fully endorse what Christine and others suggest, which is to expand your craft and seek opportunities to write about something other than music. And in a format you might be less familiar with, such as a video script, website copy or research report.
And yes, let's join forces more. To anyone in London, always up for a chinwag and a pint. We can comfort one another and then plot world domination.
Thank you so much for taking the time to put this together! 💜🔮 Great to know what's going on out there beyond The Vortex 😍 xx
Haha! Thanks for contributing with great humour and honest insight <3
As a freelance journalist, even though I don't specifically focused on music writing, this was really helpful to read. I often feel stuck in silo with no idea whether freelancers are facing the similar challenges or if I am doing something wrong 🫠
This was just the sort of muso social / state of the nation summit I needed. Lots of relatable feelings and experiences are in these answers. From crushing pitch rejections and the perils of writing as a solitary enterprise, to the failed promise of social media as a discovery tool. As a reliable way to build a loyal readership.
This bit from Kate resonated deeply. "As music becomes more and more something people don’t actively participate in - it’s just there in the background - we need music journalists to argue why it still matters. Without that, music just becomes wallpaper."
But let's be honest. As optimistic as I can be in any given week, depending on the number of editor callouts in my desktop folder, to make a living from straight journalism, let alone music specifically, is a fading dream.
I fully endorse what Christine and others suggest, which is to expand your craft and seek opportunities to write about something other than music. And in a format you might be less familiar with, such as a video script, website copy or research report.
And yes, let's join forces more. To anyone in London, always up for a chinwag and a pint. We can comfort one another and then plot world domination.