Blogging remains an important part of any content marketing strategy, with statistics revealing that 61 percent of US consumers have made a purchase after reading a blog post. Topics range from finance to fishing, and content relating to entertainment and the music industry is particularly popular. Here are 20 of the best music blogs for people who want to know about the hottest hits as they happen, or want to learn more about breaking into the industry themselves.
1. Pitchfork
Founded in 1996, Pitchfork is an online music magazine that claims to be “the most trusted voice in music.” Content covers all the news and reviews you would expect, and there are plenty of fun videos, listicles, and events information. To make sure you never miss a beat, there’s also a subscriber newsletter.
2. Hypebot
If you’re in a band and struggling to gain the recognition you deserve, Hypebot is a great source of information. Get top tips and find out about the newest tricks and technologies to help you see your name in lights.
3. Pigeons & Planes
Want to be that person who liked a band before it was cool to like them? You need to check out the Pigeons & Planes column on Complex.com. It brings you a daily dose of what’s hot and what’s not in the music scene, so you can spot the next big thing first.
4. Music Business Worldwide
If you want to keep your finger on the pulse, Music Business Worldwide is a great place to start. Coverage includes news, reviews, and the kind of in-depth industry analysis that helps musicians, managers, and publishers as they make important decisions.
5. Your EDM
If dance music is your thing, then your thing is Your EDM (Your Electronic Dance Music). Here you’ll find the latest news on dance, house, and bass music, plus awesome downloads to enjoy.
6. Ditto Music
Ditto Music is passionate about supporting independent talent, and the site’s blog is packed with great content. If you’re trying to get discovered, sign up to the “Unsigned Advice” mailing list as well.
7. Brooklyn Vegan
One of the great things about a blog is it gives readers a chance to engage with your content, leaving their own comments and opinions. Brooklyn Vegan is an independent blog that embraces this concept, encouraging visitors to share their thoughts on the mix of international music news and gossip.
8. The Unsigned Guide
The Unsigned Guide is a UK-based directory with a blog section that brings together all the latest industry news and great tips for anyone looking to break into the big time.
9. CMU Daily
Get a daily dose of music news from UK-based Complete Music Update. The site maintains an extensive archive of stories covering every aspect of the music industry and the people working in it. But the easiest way to stay in the loop is by subscribing to their mailing list.
10. The Music Entrepreneur HQ
The Music Entrepreneur HQ aims to assist musicians and music business owners on their journeys to success. The site’s blog is full of useful tips, an in-depth analysis of the challenges musicians, producers, and publishers face, and information on how to transform a passion for creating music into a business for creating money.
11. Run the Trap
Some sites cover all aspects of the industry, but Run the Trap prefers to specialize by focusing on underground trap music and related genres. The site dates back to July 2012, and prides itself on providing content that emphasizes quality over quantity.
12. The Buzz Factor
Creating music is one thing; knowing how to market it is quite another. That’s why The Buzz Factor is such a valuable resource. The blog contains marketing advice from songwriters and musicians, including founder Bob Baker, who also penned the “Guerrilla Music Marketing Handbook.”
13. EDM.com
EDM.com is another site dedicated to electronic dance music. Coverage includes events, tech reviews, interviews, opinion pieces, and new music releases.
14. A&R Factory
The A&R Factory has been running since 2012. It’s another great place for talented musicians to get the tips and information they need to take their careers to the next level.
15. AllMusic
AllMusic is a resource that lives up to its name, with coverage of your favorite albums, songs, and musicians. It’s even possible to get personalized recommendations to find your new favorite band.
16. Dancing Astronaut
Dancing Astronaut is a media company that supports dance and electronic music, with an emphasis on how music manifests a sense of community spirit and human connection. In addition to running a blog, the company uses social media to spread its positive message and share an excellent mix of news, features, photographs, and videos.
17. Pop Justice
If pop music is what keeps you feeling bubbly, Pop Justice is the site for you. Get the low down on the most popular downloads, discover new music, and find out all about your old favorites.
18. Consequence of Sound
Consequence of Sound is a Chicago-based online publication serving fantastic content to millions of readers every month. In addition to music, the site covers film and television news and reviews.
19. Ledger Note
No frills and no fuss — Ledger Note is just solid, useful content covering every facet of the music industry, from the latest behind-the-scenes gossip on world tours to reviews of new equipment.
20. Reddit
Okay, Reddit isn’t exactly a blog, but sometimes hearing it directly from the fans is the best way to discover new talent, find the scoops on the biggest stars, or learn about new sites with great content. The music subreddit brings together tips, videos, and links. If you have the time to sift through it, you could turn up some real gold.
Takeaway: Music Blogs You Can’t Beat
By 2015, there were already 28.3 million bloggers in the US alone, but the music blogs listed here have found a way to stand out from the crowd. If you’re developing your own music blog, spend some time checking out the best sites available, and learn how to make musically minded content that readers want to tune in to. If you don’t, you risk simply adding to the background noise of the internet.
