One of my favorite responses when asked about my interests was listening to music, and it wasn’t incorrect. Who doesn’t like listening to music from different cultures? I know I do! However, we’ll be concentrating on reading about music in this article today, so here is a comprehensive guide to help you choose the finest Music Magazine to read in 2023.
You’ve come to the right place if you like reading about music.
Happy Reading!
1. Mojo
Monthly publication of extremely well-liked music that has been available in the UK since 1993. This magazine generally focuses on vintage rock, although it also occasionally features ‘left-field’ bands and genres.
Mojo prides itself on beautiful, thoroughly researched writing that is devoid of the arrogant hot takes that so frequently taint the current of public opinion.
Even the most ardent audiophiles will find something to enjoy and learn from the pages of Mojo’s collection of compelling tales, reviews, and interviews. Every issue of Mojo is jam-packed with top-notch reporting, legendary imagery, and thought-provoking interviews. It’s definitely worth a try!
2. Billboard
Ofcourse, this is Billboard, best known for its charts, if you know what I mean!
The magazine has been producing top 10 singles charts for more than 80 years (Interesting fact: Tommy Dorsey and Frank Sinatra’s “I’ll Never Smile Again” was the first song to top the charts.). To see how things progressed, check out this great timeline from the publication.
Even while they still play a big role in music magazines today, the charts have been modified to take into account streaming and digital plays. The magazine also has a print edition and an online version with in-depth articles on new music, interviews with artists, and even cultural commentary and business news.
3. Rolling Stone
This phenomenal magazine has been my personal favorite since forever. If you are curious about what’s so special about this, check it out!
This is not a publication that is focused on the independent scene or looking for underground content. This publication elevates popular culture to new heights.
Since the outset, the writing has always been of the highest caliber; one of the original staff writers was the venerable gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson. The outlet was initially established in San Francisco, yet it makes sense that its current headquarters be in New York City. The magazine is still available in print today, but there is now a tonne of new material online.
4. The Quietus
“Baker’s Dozen” is one of the highlighted publications of The Quietus, where they explore the musical influences from artists’ formative years. The frontman of Future Island, Samuel Herring, was featured in one of the most recent issues of the zine. Beginning with a look at Herring’s early years, the article revealed some unseen influences who stood by his side throughout it all.
The Quietus truly lives up to its name. The Quietus is an unassuming, tiny music publication with superb taste that has a knack for discovering sublime songs that have previously eluded attention. The digital journal, which John Doran launched back in 2008, has produced some excellent editorial content, which is impressive to say the least.
5. Pitchfork
Pitchfork is one of the most widely used websites for music journalism, despite not having a print edition. It is a good place to make discoveries because of its broad-spectrum approach, which encompasses artists and genres from across the world.
Their controversial graded reviews, in which they give freshly released projects a subjective numerical grade between one and ten, are one divisive element of their methodology.
6. Under The Radar
Some music magazines continue to dominate both print and digital at the same time as print publications disappear into the background in favor of new media and digital content. One of the zines is called Under the Radar.
Under the Radar, which continues to publish four printed issues annually, has featured musicians such as Tame Impala, Angel Olsen, Father John Misty, Grimes, Grizzly Bear, Kamasi Washington, and countless others on its cover stories. Even without the quality of the cover articles, entry is free.
7. The Fader
The Fader, a magazine with headquarters in New York City, was started in 1999 by Rob Stone and Jon Cohen. The magazine features articles on culture, music, and fashion. The first edition to be made available on iTunes was the paper version.
The Fader is one of the leading voices in contemporary music journalism because of its well-balanced mix of content that covers everything from fashion to new music to the ups and downs of pop culture.
8. Gorilla vs. Bear
Gorilla vs. Bear is an airy and varied music blog with a Texas base that doesn’t follow any particular genre.
Over their fifteen-year tenure, they have won numerous prizes and accolades and have established themselves as a major force in the independent music scene. It’s obvious that Gorilla vs. Bear is the ideal haven for a music lover due to their great taste, sun-drenched atmosphere, and masterful lyrics.
9. Spin
Spin, a well-known American music publication, was established in 1985. After ceasing to be published in print in 2012, the renowned magazine is now published online.
Spin continues to publish as many as three to four items per day, which is faster than newspapers flying off the presses. This magazine is no longer published in print, yet it continues to make an effect on the music journalism community.
10. Consequence of Sound
Consequence of Sound is one of those periodicals that frequently strays outside the realm of music and explores the worlds of television, film, and other related creative fields.
Consequence of Sound will continue to produce an absurdly large amount of content, much of it will be incredibly in-depth, comprehensive, and entertaining.
11. Stereogum
Famous daily online publication Stereogum focuses mostly on news, interviews, reviews, and unrelated comments about music. It is regarded as the first MP3 blog of its kind since it set the stage for the following ten years of music consumption. Stereogum first opened its doors in 2002, but the flavor hasn’t changed much since then.
In addition to that, the magazine has a lot in common with many other top publications on this list when it comes to excellent music journalism. Stereogum is the home of reviews, interviews, essays, and breaking news.
12. Stereophile
Dedicated to high-end home audio products like amplifiers and loudspeakers as well as audio-related news like internet audio streaming, Stereophile is a monthly music magazine.
Stereophile is the appropriate magazine for you if you’re seeking advice, reviews of gear, or just want to hear what the pros have to say. The readers can subscribe to magazines at reasonable prices for both print and digital editions.
Conclusion
The majority of print newspapers now offer numerous other forms of digital content, such as reviews, interviews, cover stories, etc. Even while print isn’t quite as popular today as it once was, it will always have a special place in the hearts of music lovers.
