IF . AND<\/a>.<\/p>\nCouldn’t make it this time? We’ve pulled together all the top tips from the panel…<\/p>\n<\/section>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t ![\"a](\"https:\/\/www.youthmusic.org.uk\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/l08_048000_768x432\/public\/2026-04\/klust7.png.webp?h=d1cb525d&itok=p_BZG5ZE\")
<\/p>\n<\/section>\n\nGetting into music journalism (and staying in)<\/h2>\n
Start by writing for yourself<\/strong>
The best place to begin isn\u2019t waiting for permission from a big outlet, but creating your own space.<\/p>\n\n- Start a blog, Substack or independent platform where you can write freely and consistently.<\/li>\n
- Sophie shared how she began with a personal blog as a teenager, which later opened doors to writing for NME, The Guardian and eventually Billboard.<\/li>\n
- Teresa echoed this, describing blogs and Substack as powerful, low\u2011friction entry points into journalism today.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Don\u2019t wait to be \u201cpicked\u201d<\/strong>
Self\u2011initiated work becomes your portfolio.<\/p>\n\n- Pitch your own writing to local magazines, blogs and zines first.<\/li>\n
- Use published pieces (however small) as proof of your voice and commitment when approaching bigger outlets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Be present in real\u2011world music spaces<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Go to gigs, even when you don\u2019t recognise the names on the lineup.<\/li>\n
- Say yes to local opportunities: festivals, community radio, student projects, zines.<\/li>\n
- Sophie\u2019s career grew directly from Cardiff\u2019s independent venues, blogs and newspapers trusting her from a young age.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Develop your own taste and voice<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Readers and editors return because they recognise what you care about and how you write.<\/li>\n
- Your value isn\u2019t music theory, it\u2019s your perspective, your emotional understanding, and the stories you notice that others might miss.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n\n
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<\/p>\n<\/section>\n\nThe changing landscape of music journalism<\/h2>\n
You don\u2019t just write anymore<\/strong>
Modern music journalism often means wearing multiple hats:<\/p>\n\n- Writing (short\u2011form and long\u2011form)<\/li>\n
- Radio presenting<\/li>\n
- Panels, consultancy and live events<\/li>\n
- Audio and video content<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Many freelancers now combine editorial work with radio, consulting for artists or labels, and hosting or speaking at events.<\/p>\n
Social media matters, but it isn\u2019t everything<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- While visibility online is often expected, Sophie shared that she doesn\u2019t rely heavily on social media. Instead, she\u2019s built her career through radio and long\u2011form journalism.<\/li>\n
- There is still space for deep, well\u2011resourced editorial. Slow journalism hasn\u2019t disappeared.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
DIY success isn\u2019t always what it seems<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Lewys highlighted how some artists appear fully \u201cDIY\u201d online, but actually benefit from clever PR tactics behind the scenes.<\/li>\n
- Techniques shift quickly, which can make the industry feel confusing or intimidating for grassroots artists.<\/li>\n
- Understanding this context helps journalists write with more clarity and realism.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n\n
Critique vs support: writing honestly without crushing people<\/h2>\n
Honesty is part of the job<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Artists know that sending music to press means risking criticism.<\/li>\n
- Journalism isn\u2019t a personal attack, it\u2019s about truthful response.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Context and care, especially locally<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- When reviewing local gigs, Teresa described holding space for \u201cthe gig, the musician, and the moment it\u2019s happening in.\u201d<\/li>\n
- Simply turning up and writing about local work already elevates the scene.<\/li>\n
- Honesty can coexist with care.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Your voice becomes your currency<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Consistent honesty builds trust with readers.<\/li>\n
- It also builds respect with labels and PRs, who come to you for genuine perspective, not flattery.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n\n
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<\/p>\n<\/section>\n\nMoney, boundaries and self\u2011worth<\/h2>\n
Unpaid work: sometimes useful, always limited<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Early in your career, unpaid opportunities are common.<\/li>\n
- Teresa explained they can help build experience, but they should also teach you when to say no: \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t walk into a coffee shop and ask for a free coffee – why should your work be any different?\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n
- There\u2019s a difference between strategic unpaid work and organisations relying on you undervaluing yourself.<\/li>\n
- Learning where that line is will shape your sustainability long\u2011term.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n\n
Local scenes and community <\/h2>\n
Local journalism can lead to national impact<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Editors at national outlets pay close attention to local blogs, community radio and regional magazines.<\/li>\n
- A local review or interview can be the bridge to national coverage, label interest or A&R attention.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Welsh\u2011language and local platforms matter<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Initiatives like Lleisiau<\/em> (via Klust) offer funded, high\u2011quality coverage – and even vinyl releases – for grassroots bands.<\/li>\n
- For artists, features on local platforms can be emotionally and professionally huge.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Being locally embedded makes you more trustworthy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Sophie shared that, as an editor, she trusted writers who were clearly part of their local scenes. That context made her more confident commissioning them for national coverage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n\n
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<\/p>\n<\/section>\n\nRelationships are the real engine<\/h2>\n
\u201cBe nice to everyone\u201d is practical advice<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Lewys emphasised showing up, remembering names, and staying in touch.<\/li>\n
- Those people may later need a bio, a feature or a radio slot, and you\u2019ll be top of mind.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Trust takes time<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Sophie\u2019s US interview trip came from years of relationship\u2011building with one person connected to the artist.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Lateral networking matters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Talia encouraged \u201cbuilding together.\u201d<\/li>\n
- Early\u2011career journalists and artists supporting each other, covering shows, exchanging favours, growing side\u2011by\u2011side, can be just as powerful as chasing big names.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n\n
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<\/p>\n<\/section>\n