[wpum_restrict_logged_in] After feedback from several Rockhaq students, we’ve decided to put together a list of Music Journalists we think you should read up on. None of us expect you to reach these gold standards of writing and journalism in your reviews, after all these are established industry professionals.

However, some of you have already asked if there are any other ways in which you can improve your review writing skills and we think just reading the opinions of these writers will be a big help in the long run.

Alexis Petridis, The Guardian and GQ Magazine

Why? Because there is nothing this guy can’t write about; from hip-hop to pop and hardcore, he’s covered it all. Best of all, he’s funny and his observations are always spot-on. His recent review of Drake live starts with: “A sea of Fake-Baked girls and Dalston hipsters got very excited about this tormented figure pacing the stage.” Class.
Scroll down the page, click on something you WANT to read about, and take it from there

Kitty Empire, The Guardian and Observer

Why? Because this lady has written for NME in her time and is a BBC staple. Her writing style is fluent without being pretentious. Please, we don’t want you to be pretentious! Kitty’s review of Orbital’s Wonky album starts: “The titans of 90s electronica still sound fresh, thanks to vintage synths and a dose of dubstep.” I couldn’t agree more!
Scroll down the page, click on something you WANT to read about, and take it from there

Julie Burchill, ‘retired from journalism’ but sometimes writes for The Guardian

Why? Well if you really need an answer, then you need help! This woman is known rather infamously as the UK’s first ever music journalist, and ‘the Queen of Music Journalism’. She worked for the NME in the 70s and has worked on almost every major national newspaper there is. Her writing style is famously acerbic, and she’s never afraid to take a swipe at anyone she likes, including Madonna. If you’re serious about any type of journalism, you need to know this woman’s name.
Scroll down the page, click on something you WANT to read about, and take it from there

John Robb, The Guardian sometimes

Why? Because this guy was writing about punk in the late 70s – he lived and breathed it, plus he saw all the 80’s trends in the North, from The Smiths jangly indie-pop to acid-house and the early rave explosion with The Stone Roses. He documented everything with flair and insight. Even now he’s called upon to write about vintage music journalism from the 70s and 80s.
Scroll down the page, click on something you WANT to read about, and take it from there

We also recommend you read the Music sections of the following newspapers and magazines:

The Guardian Music
BBC Music
Q Magazine
Mojo Magazine

We personally don’t recommend you read the NME, because the standard of journalism isn’t all that great nowadays and it’s completely unable to remain consistent. However, it’s up to you!

If you have any others you want to add to this list, just comment below.

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