Do you have a music blog, or aspire to start one? Whether you’re hoping to get into music journalism or if you simply want to publish concert & album reviews for your friends, blogging is a great way to sound off on all things music.
But if you want to become the next hot music blogger, you’ll need to get ahead of the pack. Just being a music fan isn’t enough these days, so check out these industry secrets (courtesy of Mashable.com) to get you on your way…
1. “Hot For Teacher”
Yes, it seems like a rather obvious tip, but to write about music, you need to know about music –- and not just the vinyl in your own record collection. Andrew Phillips, former editor in chief of MOG, advises: “Listen to an inconceivable amount of music, especially if you don’t like it. There’s a huge difference between being a music fan and a music advocate…. The most effective bloggers (and writers) are the ones drawing from a genuinely deep well of knowledge.”
And don’t limit the fact-finding mission to sitting in your room like a tragically hip, headphoned Boo Radley –- go to shows. Go to “good” shows, bad shows, basement shows, loft shows, shows where the only people in the audience are you and the bartender. You never know who’s going to be the next big thing; as Nicole Wasilewicz, senior music editor of FREEwilliamsburg.com, says, “As knowledgeable as you may feel about music, there’s always someone out there that’s smarter than you and has more time on their hands. It’s a constant game of catch-up. Also, pay special attention to opening bands.”
2. “Can’t Buy Me Love”
So you’re all studied up and ready to write. The only question is: To what illustrious publication should you lend your vast and impressive skills? Well, if you’re skint on experience, chances are that unless you’re that kid from Almost Famous, it’s going to be a while before pubs are going to be beating down your door.
And with that, we bring you perhaps the most disdainful piece of advice out there: Write for free. You can’t get ahead without clips, and sometimes the payment you receive for said clips is experience and a foothold in the industry. Jason Diamond, editor in chief of Jewcy.com and founding editor of Vol. 1 Brooklyn, says: “If you’re offered to write a low or non-paying piece by a website that is influential, has a lot of traffic, or you just totally respect, take it.”
Now, that’s not to say you should keep writing, sans cash, indefinitely. But doing some writing for a website you really dig can get you exposure and, subsequently, the momentum you need to launch yourself toward a legit gig.
3. “Here I Go Again (On My Own)”
Still, if you don’t want to submit to the wily ways of “the man” (i.e. someone else’s blog), might we suggest you start your own? Really, there’s no excuse in this day and age for an aspiring blogger to not be in possession of his or her very own URL.
Furthermore, once you have your own blog in place, you can either try to leverage it into its own, money-making entity by selling ads, etc., or you use it as a kind of portfolio. You can also form link exchanges with other blogs –- just shoot the editor an e-mail –- which will help you build connections in the space, or join a blog aggregator, like MOG. However you use it, it’s as essential for any up-and-coming music blogger to have a domain as it is for him or her to have ears.
Whatever your goals may be with your music blog, make sure to have fun with it! Write about what you love and let your personality shine. What’s your favorite music blog to read? Do any of you own there have your own blog? Leave a comment below! Like these posts? Sign up to receive daily updates right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe.
You might also like…
– How to Break Into the Music Biz Without Even Playing a Note
– 5 Music Industry Leaders You Should Know
Suzy S.