Join Stuart Coupe, a music commentator known for his insightful interviews, Jane Gazzo, an engaging music journalist and author, Michael Dwyer, a passionate music lecturer and Bowie enthusiast, and Zan Rowe, the ABC Music correspondent, as they dive into the world of music writing. They share unforgettable encounters with legends like McCartney and Cohen and discuss the balance between personal sentiment and objective reporting. Explore the evolution of music criticism and the emotional connections to iconic guitar work that resonate with audiences.
Live music performances profoundly inspire aspiring journalists, transforming personal emotions into compelling narratives about their experiences.
The evolution of music writing reflects changes in technology and society, leading to a decline in substantial criticism in favor of brief content.
Effective music writing requires conveying emotions and stories behind the music, starting from personal feelings, rather than technical details.
Deep dives
The Impact of Live Experiences on Music Writing
Witnessing live music performances often serves as a catalyst for aspiring music journalists, creating a deep desire to share their experiences. One journalist recalls seeing Bruce Springsteen perform in Paris and felt compelled to write extensively about the life-changing experience, resulting in a 12,000-word review. This enthusiasm is echoed by others who had similar moments of inspiration, such as attending smaller gigs like the Angels, where the feeling of catharsis sparked their initial urge to write. Each of these encounters highlights how powerful live music can be, transforming personal emotions into a compelling narrative to share with a broader audience.
The Evolution of Music Journalism
As technology and society have evolved, music writing has adapted to new platforms and styles while retaining its core focus on artist connection. The discussion touches on the limited access generated by the internet, emphasizing a decline in substantial music criticism in favor of bite-sized content. Journalists express nostalgia for the days when their extensive reviews inspired deep engagement with music, contrasting it with today’s fast-paced consumption of information. As writers navigate the changing landscape, many remain committed to cultivating emotional connections and meaningful insights in their work.
Balancing Fandom and Objectivity in Music Writing
The relationship between journalists and the artists they cover often requires navigating personal fandom with professional objectivity. Journalists share stories of early admiration for famous musicians and the exhilarating opportunity to write about them, tempering their emotional responses with a sense of responsibility. They discuss the challenges of revealing certain truths, weighing the public’s interest against musicians' privacy while maintaining a commitment to authenticity in their narratives. Ultimately, their passion for music drives them to seek a balance between adoration and journalistic integrity.
The Art of Storytelling in Music Writing
Successful music writing hinges on the ability to convey not just the sound but the emotions and stories behind the music. Journalists emphasize starting with personal feelings and reactions to music, expanding outward to describe sensory experiences, rather than getting lost in technical jargon. Capturing the essence of a live performance, for instance, entails discussing not just what was played but how it resonated with the audience. This approach enables writers to create compelling narratives that engage readers on a deeper emotional level.
Memorable Encounters with Music Legends
Through their careers, music journalists often have the chance to interact with iconic musicians in unexpected ways, leading to unforgettable experiences. One writer recounts a remarkable breakfast with Leonard Cohen, who began sketching him while they talked, creating a memorable and personal connection. Another shares an incident with Tom Waits, highlighting how genuine interactions can lead to surprising moments that transcend preconceived notions of celebrity. These stories illuminate the humanity within music legends, fostering a greater understanding that resonates beyond their artistry.
You've got half an hour with Lou Reed/ Nick Cave/ Courtney Love: what do you ask them? Three of Australia's best music writers share their craft, and reveal what it's like to sit down with some of music's biggest names.
