Drowned in Sound

The podcast explores the evolution of music journalism, the impact of online platforms on reviews, and the role of gatekeepers in the industry. They discuss the changing dynamics of traditional media structures, the joy of Tumblr, and the challenges facing those working in music journalism. Topics include DIY culture, evolving music consumption, and the need for innovative approaches in the music industry.

Jerry Ewing, Editor of PROG magazine, talks about his journey in magazine-making and the challenges of running a genre-specific title. He delves into curating content for a niche audience, redefining progressive rock, and adapting to the changing media landscape. Ewing envisions a future where the human element is a proud declaration in magazine-making, similar to vinyl's comeback.

Award-winning reporter Julia MacFarlane explains what the music press can learn from traditional news journalism. As Drowned in Sound's podcast season looking at the future of music media continues, we wander into the world of international journalism with award-winning reporter Julia MacFarlane. With a wealth of experience reporting on major global events for the BBC to ABC News, Julia shares her unique insights into the art of covering huge stories and the challenges of conveying truth in an age of misinformation. DiS018 | Season 2: The Future of Music Journalism EP10 Highlights: From Beirut to Brexit: Julia discusses her experiences covering critical global events. The 'One Decision' Podcast: Learn about Julia's co-hosting experience with former Chief of MI6 Sir Richard Dearlove, where she interviews experts on a range of pressing topics. Challenges of Modern Journalism: Julia reflects on the importance of accuracy and impartiality in journalism, especially in high-stakes international reporting. Self-Shot Journalism: Julia discusses the challenges and rewards of self-shooting journalism and the necessity of recording events impartially and accurately. The Power of Personal Stories: Understand the role of personal narratives in making complex global issues relatable and understandable. Key Quotes: "Recording events as they happen is vital... it's important to have professionals who are trained to record things accurately and impartially." - Julia MacFarlane "The BBC was a crucial connection to home and world events for English-speaking families abroad." - Julia MacFarlane "In filmmaking, whether you're a solo journalist or part of a team, finding compelling stories and voices is essential." - Julia MacFarlane Timestamps: [02:06] Julia's Background and Career Path [14:03] Challenges and Responsibilities in Journalism [29:17] Insights from 'One Decision' Podcast [34:23] Navigating Journalism in the Digital Age More: For more on Julia MacFarlane's work, check out the "One Decision" podcast and follow her on social media (Linkedin | Instagram | X | Threads). Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend or leave us a review on Apple or Spotify. For updates about Drowned in Sound, subscribe to our Substack newsletter Hosted and Produced by Sean Adams.

Former athlete turned musician and YouTube creator Jimmy Watkins joins Drowned in Sound founder Sean Adams to discuss the evolution of music journalism. They explore the concept of 'running reviews' and how Jimmy approaches them. They also touch upon Jimmy's upcoming documentary running across America and his new music project.

The Quietus' John Doran reflects on the demise of Pitchfork and whether music journalism is now destined to be a hobby or can writing/thinking/talking about music thrive in a reader-funded era? DiS020 | S2: The Future of the Music Press EP12 In his widely-shared piece for The Guardian, this episode's guest John Doran, co-founder of the esteemed music publication The Quietus, wrote about the importance of music criticism: "I think a good analogy for writing about music is like composing poetry about the weather. You could spend an entire lifetime writing verse about thunderheads and tornadoes and not come within a mile of creating something that was as literally sublime, but once in a while the writer will connect with the rhythms, the flash of lightning, the spatter of rain, and if they are really focused they will discover entirely new rhythms and be inspired to write something unique." Beyond the beauty and power of words, this discussion with Drowned in Sound founder Sean Adams covers a lot of ground including: how Fela Kuti widened John's horizons and inspired a Guardian column that saw him taking a trip to Cairo to discover the emerging music scenes in Egypt Sophie's impact on artists like Charli XCX Poptimism and the domination of Taylor Swift what it signifies for counterculture when James Blake plays at Chanel parties the 'industry plant' nonsense surrounding the brilliant Last Dinner Party the impact of search engine optimisation on what the music press commissions a bit about the intersection of entertainment reporting with music writing We also delve into the essence of why music journalism matters As with the rest of this season, the conversation also looks ahead to what the future holds, and whether there will be enough voice like Neil Kulkarni's (RIP). Key Timings 03:40 Exploring the Definition of Journalism 16:38 The Impact of Populism on Music Journalism 29:01 Exploring Music from Different Parts of the World 47:08 The Interconnectedness of Music Scenes 48:49 The Influence of Algorithms on Music Discovery 01:07:19 The Importance of Diverse Voices in Music Journalism About The Guest John Doran is the co-founder of award-winning website The Quietus. He has written for a range of publications including Bang!, The Guardian, NME, BBC, Vice, The Wire, Metal Hammer and more. His "misery memoir" Jolly Lad is out now. You can hear his BBC Radio 4 series New Weird Britain on BBC Sounds. Watch his British Masters series for Noisey on YouTube here. You can find him on Twitter @JahDuran. About The Host Sean Adams founded Drowned in Sound, which recently relaunched as a weekly newsletter here. Alongside hosting, he does all the production on this solo project podcast and wrote a little more about the process here. You'll find him on all social media platforms as @seaninsound.

Does the music industry still need the music press? Do new acts still care about media coverage? Explore the shifting landscape of music promotion in the digital era with Atlanta Cobb, the award-winning Music Business Coach and manager of multi-platinum selling artists. In this episode, Drowned in Sound's founder Sean Adams delves deep into the existential questions surrounding the relevance of traditional music press in a time of TikTok. Atlanta shares her journey from Florence + The Machine fan site creator to consultant and coach, aiding hundreds of artists in navigating their evolving careers. DiS017 | Season 2 - The Future of the Music Press | EP9 Key Topics and Time Stamps: 00:00 The Changing Role of Music Press 00:13 Audience Consumption Shift 00:51 Insights from a New Generation Music Consultant 01:34 Challenges in Getting New Artists Coverage 02:15 Decline of Music Press Influence 03:48 Rise of Social Media in the Music Industry 05:05 Reality of Music Consumerism 06:44 The Impact of Press on an Artist's Career 09:58 Role of Fan Communities in Music Promotion 10:19 Atlanta's Journey into the Music Industry 21:22 Impact of Press Quotes in Marketing 28:10 Effects of Social Media on Artists 29:51 Power of Audience and Fans in Music 30:55 Potential of Social Media Platforms 36:55 Role of Social Media in Music Promotion 51:00 Struggles of New Artists in Today's Industry 57:10 Need for Adaptation in the Music Industry 58:18 Closing Thoughts: The Love for Music Insightful Quotes from Atlanta Coombs: "Consistency is crucial, both in how press champions artists and how I advise my artists in their promotional strategies"​​. "The industry's trend towards TikTok and social media metrics often overlooks talented artists who lack massive followings or resources"​​. "The music industry needs to find different approaches to adapt and evolve, especially in how artists release music and engage in storytelling"​​. "It's like the wild west out there in the music industry, but having a deep love for it is essential to navigate its complexities and stay the course"​​. About Atlanta Cobb: Atlanta's rich background includes roles at Island Records and Columbia Records, working with artists like Post Malone and Drake. Atlanta was recently a day-to-day Artist Manager at Crown Talent & Media Group, working with artists such as Becky Hill, Ella Henderson, and Camden Cox. Links: Atlanta on TikTok Learn more about Atlanta's mentoring for new artists Subscribe to Drowned in Sound's Substack newsletter for thoughts and advice on the modern music industry Subscribe and Follow: To stay updated with the latest in the music industry and Drowned in Sound episodes, subscribe to our podcast and follow us on our social channels.

In a digital world awash with advertising money, why are music publications and media outlets facing extinction? As we explore the future of the music press, we take a detour into the world of marketing to help make sense of the economics of the media landscape. Especially as the brilliant Jezebel closed last week and so far this year we've seen huge amount of job cuts across the media (especially at media behemoths VICE and Buzzfeed) and the closure of publications like Gal-dem. Drowned in Sound's founder Sean Adams invites Darren Hemmings, mastermind behind Motive Unknown and a trailblazer in music marketing, to unravel this paradox. Together, they dissect the perplexing reality of a booming online ad industry ($600 billion a year according to this piece for Harvard Business Review) juxtaposed against the decline of traditional ad-supported music press. From the intricacies of connecting with music fans to the future of music media in the digital era, this episode promises an enlightening journey into the heart of the industry's current conundrum. DiS016 | Season 2 - The Future of the Music Press | EP8 Episode Highlights The Advertising Enigma: A look at how $600 billion is spent annually on online ads while media industry job losses and publication closures continue to rise. Marketing, Money, and Music: Darren sheds light on the challenges of building an audience for artists and spreading music beyond existing fans. The Art of Connection: Insights into the essence of marketing as not just a transaction but a meaningful connection with audiences. Strategies Behind Chart-Topping Successes: The tactical approach to getting artists like Wet Leg and The 1975 to the number one spot. The Evolution of Targeted Advertising: Discussing how the granularity of targeted ads has transformed over the years, impacting the way artists reach their audience. The Rule of Seven in Music Marketing: Exploring the multitude of touchpoints required to persuade someone to invest in music or a product. The Role of Indie Sector in the Evolving Music Ecosystem: A critical look at the role and response of the independent sector in shaping the music ecosystem amid major label strategies like Universal's investment in NTS. Notable Quotes - "Marketing is about connecting with people in a way that doesn't treat them like a cash cow." - Darren Hemmings. - "There's a misconception that marketing for big artists like Robbie Williams is challenging, but in reality, they are the easiest to market due to their established fanbase." - Darren Hemmings. - "We've reached a point where you don't need to buy banner ads on music websites because you can target their readers on Facebook." - Darren Hemmings. - "I've become that person where every headline I write is a question. It's playing the game almost inadvertently." - Darren Hemmings. Related Links - Motive Unknown - Darren Hemmings' Network Notes Newsletter - Subscribe to Drowned in Sound on Substack Darren Hemmings is at the forefront of digital marketing in the music industry as the founder and managing director of Motive Unknown, a strategic marketing consultancy. With a keen eye for the evolving landscape of digital advertising and a deep passion for music, Darren has led innovative marketing campaigns for a diverse array of artists and labels. His impressive roster includes influential acts like The Spice Girls, Wolf Alice, Jungle, Moby, Run The Jewels, Robbie Williams, Underworld, alt-J,, and prominent labels such as Sony Music, Dirty Hit, AnjunaBeats, AEI, Partisan Records, Warp Records, AWAL, LuckyMe, Lex, Platoon, Because Music, Mass Appeal, and B-Unique. Darren's expertise and insights offer a unique perspective on the intersection of music, marketing, and digital media, making him a sought-after voice in the industry. This episode was produced, researched, and hosted by Sean Adams.

NBC News' tech and culture reporter Kat Tenbarge has her finger firmly on the pulse of internet culture and the influencer economy. She honed her expertise at Insider through investigative forays into the complexities of digital fame. Her coverage is much more than product launches and squillion dollar deals, and touches upon MeToo, fandoms, exploring how internet mobs chill free speech, and so much more. In this episode, we explore what the music press can learn from technology journalism. Related links Read Kat's reporting on NBC here. Q&A about how Kat reported on the David Dobrik allegations for Insider Kat's piece about Angelina Jolie and Amber Heard Find Kat and her tweets about Evan Rachel Wood and others cases against Marilyn Manson here Reporting: 'Free Britney' organizers and influencers took over a bar, threw a drag brunch, and blasted Britney Spears in a weekend devoted to the pop star Follow Kat on Threads here Reporting: How Tory Lanez trial bloggers are shaping the conversation around Megan Thee Stallion Also mentioned on this podcast was the defunding Check My Ads and Stop Funding Hate Podcast recommendation: Offline by Crooked Media Episode Highlights: "The Influencer Economy": Sean and Kat unravel the fabric of online influence, pondering its implications on cultural consumption and the MeToo movement's resonance within this sphere. "Music and Memes": They delve into the curious interplay of internet culture and the music industry, where virality can be both a career catalyst and a capricious whirlwind. "Ethics in the Age of Exposure": The conversation takes a contemplative turn, probing the moral compass guiding journalists amidst the relentless glare of the digital age. "The Future of Influence": Kat shares her prognostications on the influencer culture's trajectory, contemplating its impact on the internet's burgeoning denizens. This podcast was produced, researched, and hosted by Sean Adams (@seaninsound), the founder of Drowned in Sound website (est. 2000). For more deep dives into cultural currents and explorations of the musical zeitgeist, tune in and subscribe to DiS' Substack. Quotes from this episode: “I’m telling the story of our downfall as it's happening” on reporting on the downfall of the media “Honestly, one of the most, like, mind bending things to watch someone like say to the public what they do and then have those people turn around and be like, he could never do this.” On Marilyn Manson “I think that reporting that takes a point of view is actually going to be what is successful” “This is a period that's going to redefine the next few centuries. "The way that technology has evolved in the past 15 years. is going to change the rest of history. It already has” “I worked at News websites that were dominated by the clicks and the traffic. And I recognized that in order to get people to click on something, there had to be conflict. This is how all storytelling, whether it's fiction or non fiction, works. You have to have conflict. There has to be a narrative. Um, if you're telling a story about a new product being launched, no one's going to click on that unless There's some element of this product launched and it's offensive “

Journalist and writer Emma Garland discusses the intersectionality of music journalism, challenges of pitching profiles, activism in music media, and the importance of grassroots artists. The conversation touches on the changing appetite for music journalism in the digital age, using humor to tackle weighty topics, and the struggle for artists to speak out about political issues. They also explore the significance of publications advocating for causes and the use of humor in addressing serious subjects in pop culture.

What's it really like to edit a music website? DIY Magazine co-founder Emma Swann joins DiS founder Sean Adams on season two of the Drowned in Sound podcast about the future of music journalism. We journey from the early days of the website to its current print & online format with a discussion that contrasts and compares DiS & DIY's stories, the thrills, the challenges, building a trusted voice, how brilliant the new Bully album is, some White Stripes fandom, a fair few mentions of Wolf Alice, red carpets, and much more. We explore DIY's origin story, the value of human curation versus algorithms, and whether print magazines could make a comeback. Emma shares her unique perspective from the front lines of music media. "Music journalism isn't just about reviews; it's about making connections, about showing the humanity behind every note." "Print magazines have their own magic; they offer a pause, a moment of engagement you won't find online." Learn more about Emma's work at DIY Magazine and follow on Twitter. Emma is a creative force, dabbling in photography, writing, podcasting, and web design. See Emma's photography website here. Check out the new Bully album they raved about.