Music Journalists report on music news, interview musicians, review albums and concerts and write works of music criticism. An average day for a Music Journalist will involve a lot of time spent behind a computer, researching and writing stories. Music Journalists also sometimes attend record release parties and concerts. They are employed by print, online, and broadcast media outlets.

They work with Editors, Music Photographers, Publicists, other Journalists, and occasionally, Recording Artists.

The Deputy Editor of Hip-Hop Wired, Alvin “aqua” Blanco says his workday is officially from “8am-5pm, but usually goes longer.” Once he wakes up in the morning, he checks the Internet to see “what’s happening or what’s breaking. Did somebody get arrested? Or a new album dropped?

It’s a 24-hour job. I hop on my RSS reader” to check out the list of sites he visits every day. Much of his day is spent assigning stories to Music Journalists and editing their work.

Freelance Vs. Staff

When it comes to carving out a career in music journalism, one of the first big decisions you’ll face is choosing between being on staff at a publication or going freelance. Both paths have their unique perks and drawbacks, so it really comes down to what kind of work style suits you best–and, of course, what you can find.

Being on staff at a publication means enjoying a certain level of stability. You’ll get a steady paycheck, health benefits, and paid time off, which can take some of the stress out of day-to-day life. You’ll also have a more predictable workload and the chance to work closely with a team, which can be great for building professional relationships and learning the ropes from more experienced colleagues.

On the flip side, being on staff might mean less creative freedom, as you’ll need to align your work with the publication’s tone and editorial guidelines. Plus, your schedule could be more rigid, with set hours and less flexibility to choose the topics you’re passionate about.

Freelancing, on the other hand, offers a level of freedom and flexibility that’s hard to beat. You can pick and choose your projects, set your own hours, and work from just about anywhere. This can be especially appealing if you love variety and want to explore different aspects of the music world–and travel!

However, the freelance life isn’t without its challenges. Income can be unpredictable, and you’ll need to hustle to keep a steady stream of work coming in. You’re also responsible for your own benefits, taxes, and all the administrative tasks that come with running a one-person business. But for many, the independence and the opportunity to build a diverse portfolio make freelancing an exciting and rewarding option. Many music journalists see it as the only choice, to be quite frank.

When it comes to the salary of a music journalist, the numbers can vary quite a bit depending on experience, location, and the type of employment. As of May 2024, the average salary sits at $50,108 per year in the United States. Most salaries tend to fall between $44,767 and $56,066. While these figures offer a solid benchmark, it’s important to remember that breaking into this field can be financially challenging, especially for new writers.

Starting out, many new music journalists might find themselves earning less than $100 per article. This initial stage often involves building a portfolio, gaining bylines, and proving one’s worth to editors and publications. It can be a tough grind, but persistence and passion for music can eventually lead to better-paying opportunities. Established journalists with a strong reputation can command higher rates and may find more steady work, whether through staff positions or consistent freelance gigs.

Overall, making a substantial income as a music journalist can be difficult. The field is highly competitive, and the financial rewards are often modest compared to other professions. That said, for those who are truly passionate about music and storytelling, the intrinsic rewards of this career—such as access to concerts, interviews with artists, and the thrill of the written word—can make it an incredibly fulfilling path, despite the many financial challenges.

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Since news is always happening, Music Journalists must eat, sleep and breathe music. Writing is a solitary activity, and many Journalists do not work in offices. Long stretches of the day might be spent alone, and with concerts or listening parties, Journalists can expect to stay up late.

Blanco says Music Journalists must “be prepared to get on the clock at eight o’clock [in the morning] to see what happened the night before. After work, you might have a listening party or a video shoot where you might get to interview an artist. It’s not 24/7 all the time, but it can easily be a 24-hour thing. If you’re a huge hip-hop fan, it’s worth it.”

Ways To Launch Your Career

Breaking into music journalism can seem daunting, and it certainly isn’t easy, but there are many practical steps you can take to start building your career. Whether you’re still in school, just starting out, or looking to switch careers, there are numerous ways to gain experience, develop your skills, and establish your presence in the field. Here are some actionable tips to help you get started on your journey as a music journalist.

• • Start a Blog

Creating your own blog is a great way to dive into music journalism. It allows you to develop your voice, build a portfolio, and share your passion with the world. Consistently posting reviews, interviews, and news can attract readers and eventually lead to bigger opportunities. Additionally, maintaining a blog helps you practice writing regularly and refine your style, making you more appealing to potential employers or freelance clients.

Over time, as your blog gains traction, you can also monetize it through ads, sponsored posts, or affiliate marketing, providing a small income stream as you build your career.

• • • Reach Out to Lesser-Known Online Publications

Many smaller online publications are eager for fresh content and new voices. Pitch your ideas to these outlets to gain experience, build your resume, and get your work in front of a broader audience. Writing for these publications can also help you learn how to pitch effectively, meet editorial standards, and adhere to deadlines. This experience is invaluable and can make you a more attractive candidate when applying for positions at larger, more prestigious outlets. You won’t always be paid, but the bylines are a must if you want to progress to bigger and better platforms.

• • • • Work at College Radio

If you’re in college, joining the campus radio station is an excellent way to get hands-on experience. You can cover concerts, interview artists, and learn about the technical side of broadcasting. College radio stations often provide opportunities to curate playlists, host shows, and produce content, giving you a well-rounded skill set. Plus, the connections you make with fellow students and faculty can be valuable networking resources as you move forward in your career.

• • • • • Write for the School Paper

School newspapers are a fantastic starting point for any type of journalist. You’ll get to write regularly, meet deadlines, and possibly even cover local music events or review new albums. Being part of a school paper also teaches you about the editorial process, from brainstorming ideas to seeing your work in print. This experience can be a strong addition to your resume and portfolio.

• • • • • • Contribute to Local Newspapers

Local newspapers often have sections dedicated to arts and entertainment. Reach out to them with your ideas for music-related stories or reviews to get your name in print. Writing for newspapers based in the area where you’re from or where you live can help you build a local readership and establish your credibility within the community. Additionally, this experience can help you understand the local music scene better and make valuable connections with artists, venue owners, and other industry professionals.

• • • • • • • Start a Twitter Account

Use Twitter (now X) to share your thoughts on music, engage with other fans, and follow industry news. Tweeting regularly about music can help you build a following and connect with other music journalists and enthusiasts. By participating in Twitter conversations, using relevant hashtags, and retweeting industry news, you can increase your visibility and establish yourself as a knowledgeable voice in music journalism…or at least someone who is interested in the field. Twitter is also a great platform for live-tweeting concerts and events, providing instant coverage and insights to your followers.

• • • • • • • • Create an Instagram Page

Instagram is perfect for sharing concert photos, album art, and behind-the-scenes looks at music events. You can also use it to network with musicians, other journalists, and industry professionals. By posting consistently and engaging with your followers through stories, comments, and live videos, you can build a strong visual brand.

• • • • • • • • • Launch a TikTok

TikTok is a great platform for sharing short, engaging videos about music, and it’s become incredibly important to the industry in the past several years. You can post reviews, concert clips, and music news to build an audience and showcase your personality and expertise. TikTok’s algorithm favors creative and engaging content, so this platform is ideal for reaching a large audience quickly. Additionally, participating in trends and challenges related to music can increase your visibility and help you connect with a younger, more diverse audience.

• • • • • • • • • • Make YouTube Videos

Starting a YouTube channel allows you to create more in-depth content like album reviews, artist interviews, and music industry analysis. It’s also a way to reach a global audience and establish yourself as a credible voice in music journalism. By consistently uploading high-quality videos and engaging with your viewers through comments and live chats, you can build a loyal subscriber base. This will help you if you one day want to appear on TV, talking about music or interviewing artists. YouTube also offers monetization options, such as ads and sponsorships, which can provide additional income as your channel grows.

• • • • • • • • • • • Intern at a Magazine or Publication

Look for internships at music magazines, websites, or media companies. Internships offer valuable experience and can often lead to job offers after graduation. As an intern, you’ll likely be involved in various aspects of the publication process, from research to writing to editing. This hands-on experience can help you build a diverse skill set and make important industry connections that can benefit your career in the long run.

• • • • • • • • • • • • Network with Other Journalists

Attend industry events, join journalism associations, and participate in online forums. Networking can open doors to job opportunities and collaborations. Building relationships with other journalists can provide you with mentorship, advice, and potential job leads. Joining professional organizations can also offer resources and networking opportunities to help advance your career.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • Take Journalism or Music Classes

Enroll in classes that focus on journalism or music to sharpen your skills and gain a deeper understanding of the industry. Many colleges and online platforms offer courses tailored to music journalism. These classes can teach you about the fundamentals of reporting, interviewing, and writing, as well as the intricacies of the music industry. Additionally, coursework can provide you with a structured environment to practice and receive feedback on your work.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Submit to Music Blogs

Many music blogs accept guest posts. Writing for these outlets can help you gain exposure, experience, and build your portfolio–something you’ll be doing for the rest of your career. Research websites that align with your interests and style, and reach out with pitches or completed articles. Getting your work published on established blogs can boost your credibility and help you reach new audiences.

Music Journalists can become Editors. Advancement can also come financially as Journalists gain experience, build their portfolio of clips (i.e. stories), and work for more prestigious institutions.

Blanco says his career “started on websites, doing reviews.” He became the Music Editor of one website, a role in which he was in charge of reviews. From Music Editor, he became Features Editor, a job where duties would include “following a rapper for a day, Q&A’s and editorials.” He is now the Deputy Editor of the popular website, Hip-Hop Wired.

To get a job as a Music Journalist, a writer must “have a resume with work you’ve done. Trust between an Editor and Writer is like a social contract,” according to Blanco. A Writer’s resume and clips show that he or she delivers solid content in a timely manner.

“Contact the Editor and pitch them ideas. Make sure you’re familiar with the magazine” or website. “If they think you’re talented enough, they’ll hire you.” Having your own regularly-updated music blog or website with samples of your work will do a lot to show that you’re consistent and articulate. Blanco says he started writing for the website and then sent clips to Source magazine, who then hired him.

• Get a Twitter feed and have a social presence online. “It’s just part of the game right now,” Blanco says.
• Start your own blog. “Don’t write it like a diary entry. Don’t write it like a mishmash, with bad sentence structure and bad grammar. Write it like you’re writing for Rolling Stone. An editor’s going to Google you and if he sees your blog’s a mess, he’s not going to give you a chance.”

Writing experience and skills are essential for any aspiring Music Journalist. Editors will want to see a potential hire’s work, so having clips on file is necessary. Journalists must understand the mechanics of grammar, punctuation, and composition, and be able to demonstrate it in their work.

Blanco says a Journalist needs to be a “good listener, with the ability to work fast under pressure. Make sure you know as much as you can about music. Pride yourself on being an expert in your field.”

A Music Journalist must be “driven, self-motivated and have a thick skin. You’re gonna get rejected a whole lot. Keep at it so you get to the next level,” Blanco advises. Self-motivation is essential since many Journalists are freelancers and have to hustle to get work. Many online Writers do not work in one central office, so they must be able to stay on task to meet deadlines and be OK with working alone.

Why Music Journalism Still Matters

In an age when music is readily available on streaming platforms, the role of the music journalist remains crucial, despite what some may say. Even though access to millions of songs has become much more widely available, discovering new and meaningful music can still be a daunting task for listeners. Music journalists serve as knowledgeable guides, curating playlists, highlighting emerging artists, and providing insightful reviews that help people navigate the vast musical landscape. Their expertise and passion for music bring attention to artists who might otherwise go unnoticed, fostering a deeper connection between the music and its audience.

Moreover, music journalists play a vital role in connecting musicians to the public through news, features, and interviews. They offer context and background that streaming platforms alone cannot provide, enriching the listening experience with stories about the artists and the creative process behind the music. Journalists uncover information not easily found elsewhere, such as exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes insights, and critical analyses that deepen the public’s understanding and appreciation of music. By bridging the gap between artists and listeners, music journalists ensure that the stories and emotions behind the music are heard and valued.

College isn’t required for this career; Pitchfork founder Ryan Schreiber started the website after he finished high school. However, it is strongly recommended, as a solid handle on grammar, style, and the basic mechanics of composition are essential.

“I tell everybody to read Strunk and White’s The Elements of Style,” says Blanco. College or university will help an aspiring Journalist refine these skills, stay up to date on the latest in journalism, and perhaps even give one the opportunity to write for a college newspaper. Useful degrees include English, Communications, and of course, Journalism.

Blanco underlines the importance of knowing the basics of writing a piece. “A lot of upcoming writers aren’t clear. They think of the glamor of talking to the artist and don’t communicate the story. It goes back to grade school: who, what, where, when, why.” Reading music magazines like Rolling Stone, Source, etc. will help aspiring Writers see how the pros do it.

Becoming a music journalist doesn’t necessarily require a specific degree, but having a strong educational background can certainly give you an edge. Many successful music journalists have degrees in journalism, communications, English, or music. These programs provide a solid foundation in writing, critical thinking, and media ethics, which are essential skills for any journalist. A degree in music can also be beneficial as it offers a deeper understanding of music theory, history, and performance, which can enrich your writing and analysis.

That said, a formal education isn’t the only path to becoming a music journalist. Hands-on experience can be just as valuable, if not more so. Writing for your school paper, starting a music blog, or interning at a music magazine can provide practical experience and help you build a portfolio. Attending workshops, online courses, or boot camps focused on music journalism or creative writing can also be incredibly useful. Ultimately, a combination of education and real-world experience, along with a passion for music and a knack for storytelling, will prepare you for a successful career in music journalism.

For online resources, Blanco recommends Mediabistro, a site that shows writers “how to pitch, magazines that say which stories they’re looking for” and more. He also recommends the site Ed2010.com, which lists internships and job openings in the magazine world.

The Music Critics Association of North America, the Society of Professional Journalists, the National Association of Black Journalists, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and the American Society of Journalists and Authors can also be helpful.