Route to becoming a Music Journalist: Pt 1

The life of a music journalist isn't the glitz and glamour you may all think. You have to subscribe to this thing called the Grind. No you have to live by the grind in order to make it truly beneficial.

They let the world know what is going down in the music world and cover the latest breaking stories. This involves everything from attending concerts to listening to music albums all day. Deadlines have to be met so time is always of the essence. Here are a few things that would keep you above water:

Music Knowledge- You must become a messiah in your genre of music. The wider your knowledge is the more contacts you will be able to establish. Fresh fish don't get it twisted. The history has to be known from past,present, and the future.

Writing Skills- Regardless if you writing for Rolling Stones or Rolling Out, your writing ability has to be up to par. The ability to keep your audience entertained is a gift. Once you have refined your creativity, the sky is the limit.

Good Telephone Etiquette- Must be able to present yourself well, secure information, handle interviews, and even carry out interviews over the phone effectively. Think before hand what questions your going to ask. Speak calmly, clearly, and confident.

Critical Skills- Everyone has their own opinion and with music it is important to give facts. Listen to the radio and pick a song you love and one you dislike. Now break down the difference in songs and analyze what makes each track stand out. Make a habit of commenting on everything you hear and see. Always look for feedback from the masses too.

People Skills- You have to like people and always look for the best in them to get the best result. If you project a positive image you are more likely to receive one in return. Get your people skills up by attending events like I dO MUSIC.

Interview Skills- The key to interviews is to understand what it means to research and plan. Finding out as much as possible about the subject and plot your questioning. Don't script your questions. Your interview will flow more thoroughly. Ask open ended questions such as who, what, where, when, why, or how? Nothing worse then the simple yes or no answers.

These are just a few jewels to take note of. Stay tune for more info!