Research Task Two : Independent Music Magazines

What is an independent magazine? 

A print magazine is a magazine characterised as being published without the financial support of a large, mainstream publisher who control the publication and its distribution. An example of a music magazine is Mojo produced by Bauer. Bauer Media holds the top spot in terms of total annual circulation. In 2020, they had a total circulation of 126.08 million, they publish a wide range of consumer magazines across various genres. 

The Wire:

One example of an independent music magazine is 'The Wire'. The Wire is an independent print and online music magazine covering a wide range of global alternative, underground and experimental music. The magazine was founded in 1982, primarily as a jazz and new music magazine. Between 1984-2000 it was owned by Namara, a small independent London-based media company. In December 2000 it was purchased in a worker's buy-out organised by the magazine's, then six, full time staff and has been run that way ever since. The magazine is run by a team of full-time staff based in London, although it is based in London, it serves an international readership. Which is controlled by a large international roster of freelance writers and photographers, stationed at points across the globe.

'The Wire' issue 483, published
May 2024

RnR:

Another example of an independent music magazine is 'RnR'. RnR is an eclectic music magazine that has covered a broad base of music, from the mainstream to the fringes of roots, rock, folk, singer-songwriter, blues, world, country and beyond, since 1988. They are an independently-run publication relying upon a small hard-working team, alerting their subscribers to new music that may interest them. They cover not Just the mainstream but the lesser known. Featuring the charts, reviews of everything music, news, and interviews. It is considered to be the perfect magazine for music lovers and those in the industry, discovering new artists and keep up to date on the world of music.

'RnR' issue 104, published
March/April 2024