Thomas Hobbs
Learn more about Thomas and his work via his Twitter here.
How's everything going for you at the moment?
Okay but could be better.
What are the main challenges you're facing?
Budgets have taken a hit, partly due to the economy and also maybe because of the rise of AI. It means the copywriting and more commercially-angled writing gigs (including artist bios), which used to be the bread and butter for so many freelance writers, are now so much harder to find. I am therefore hustling harder, having to go to unconventional places to find commissions, and generally finding all the effort it takes to be a great culture journalist doesn't add up to the total pay; it means considering full time work (probably outside of journalism) and freelancing maybe only occasionally is becoming a more welcoming idea.
How about your music writer peers, do you have much insight from them and are they facing similar issues?
It seems to be a similar feeling to my own. I think, in particular, the writers from working class backgrounds are feeling like endangered species, because we simply don't have the family wealth to dig into to keep us going. Many of us are just about making freelance culture and music journalism work. It's a struggle for sure.
What would say are some of the deeper issues/catalysts behind the challenges you/other writers are dealing with?
The general economic downturn, for sure, and places continuing to pivot to video or short form content despite the fact there's a big demand for long form writing. I feel classism is still prominent too, particularly in terms of prioritising writers who can afford to live in a major city. Someone who comes from a lot of wealth and opportunity will get a column due to their high social media currency from living in London or New York, perhaps, while someone who grew up with a single mother and little hope is conversely expected to fight for every byline. It makes little sense, because the readers really need empathetic writing right now, which makes working class writers so important.
What are some of the methods you've employed to navigate the current music writing landscape?
Moving into more unconventional places to get copywriting commissions. Building up good relationships with labels, so they can rely on me for artist biographies that go beyond Wikipedia page. Writing across subjects, too. If you only write about music, you are lessening your experiences and becoming smaller minded. You are also lessening your earnings potential and, with the cost of groceries so high, that's something you don't want to do.
How much support do you have from others (writers, friends, family, organisations)?
Little to none. Self-made.
How could writers be supported more... especially within the arts/music?
More free mentorship programmes. More editorial fellowships that guarantee working class writers positions at national newspapers. More grants.
I'm curious about the positives. What's going well for you at the moment and what's exciting you about music writing?
I think I've been on a good run of artist profiles for 5-6 years now. These have touched every genre and it's precious how there's a lot of editors who trust me to go deep with an artist. I am excited by the blogs and the newsletters that exist outside of corporate leadership, too. I think they represent the future of our form.
Big question, but, if you could wave a wand and magically solve the issues we're facing, what would be your main targets for positive change?
Just a fairer system. Higher pay, more diversity, freelance writers getting paid on time, more working class creatives in powerful positions, and a thriving independent scene that's detached from corporate solipsism.
Any advice for emerging freelance writers?
Create something you own and try to fill a hole in the artform. Make people anticipate your work. And never let someone tell you you can't achieve. But also be smart. Ensure you have a good range of copywriting projects to underpin your freelance music writing. You need a strong foundation, especially in 2025. Don't hustle for the sake of hustling, as it will age you and make you tired. Only do this if you can do it efficiently and in a way that truly pays you for the effort you are putting in.