How to Write About Stuff: A Guide to Pop Music Writing

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Contents

How to Write About Stuff: A Guide to Pop Music Writing is a guide to music writing that covers topics such as how to approach writing about pop music, how to find and use sources, and how to structure your writing.

Introduction

Pop music is one of the most popular genres of music, and it is also one of the most written-about genres. There are many different ways to approach writing about pop music, and there is no one “right” way to do it. However, there are some general tips and guidelines that can help you to write about pop music in a way that is both informative and interesting to read.

Here are some tips for writing about pop music:

1. Do your research. This is especially important if you are not familiar with the artist or band that you are writing about. Spend some time listening to their music and reading about them so that you can get a feel for their style and what they are all about.

2. Be objective. When you are writing about pop music, it is important to be as objective as possible. This means avoiding personal biases and focusing on the facts.

3. Write in your own voice. Pop music writing should be engaging and fun to read. Be sure to use your own voice and style when writing so that your readers will enjoy what you have to say.

4. Be creative. Pop music lends itself well to creative writing, so don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild when you are writing about it. Use metaphors and similes to describe the sound of the music, or come up with creative analogies to explain what the lyrics mean.

5. Support your opinions with evidence. If you make claims about the quality of an artist’s work, be sure to back them up with evidence from reliable sources. This will make your writing more convincing and credible.

By following these tips, you will be on your way to writing great articles about pop music that your readers will love!

The History of Pop Music Writing

Popular music has always been a source of contention. Is it art or is it just entertainment? This debate has been raging since the early days of the form, and there is no end in sight. Some say that pop music writing is a form of art, while others say it is a necessary evil.

Pre-internet era

In the pre-internet era, music writing was primarily a form of journalism. Music critics wrote for newspapers and magazines, and their primary purpose was to inform readers about new releases and concert tours. They also provided context for the music by delving into the artists’ backgrounds and influences.

During this time, there were a few key music publications that dominated the landscape: Rolling Stone, Spin, and Billboard. These magazines had large staffs of writers who covered different genres of music. There was also a thriving market for music books, which were often biographies or collections of essays about specific artists or genres.

Despite the relatively small audience for music writing, it was still an influential form of critical expression. Music writers helped to shape public opinion about new bands and albums, and they often had access to exclusive preview tapes and interviews with major artists.

The rise of the internet

The internet has had a profound impact on the way we consume and create pop music. For one thing, it’s made it easier than ever to access a wide range of music from all over the world. But it’s also changed the way we write about pop music, providing new platforms for music criticism and opening up new possibilities for collaboration and exchange.

In the early days of the internet, music writing was dominated by a handful of large, established publications. But as blogging and social media became more popular, a new wave of independent music writers emerged, often writing about niche genres or focusing on local scenes. These writers helped to create a more diverse and democratic landscape for pop music writing.

Today, there are countless ways to write about pop music, from traditional print journalism to blog posts, tweets, and beyond. And with so much information readily available online, there’s always something new to discover. Whether you’re a seasoned critic or just getting started, the internet is an invaluable resource for pop music writing.

How to Write About Pop Music

Pop music is usually written about in a fun and light-hearted way, but there are still some guidelines you should follow. After all, you want your readers to take you seriously! Here are some tips on how to write about pop music the right way.

Who are you writing for?

Before you start writing about pop music, it’s important to consider your audience. Are you writing for other music fans, or for people who don’t necessarily know much about music? Your approach will be different depending on who you’re writing for.

If you’re writing for other music fans, you can assume a certain level of knowledge about the subject. You can be more specific in your language, and you can use jargon without having to explain it.

On the other hand, if you’re writing for people who don’t necessarily know much about music, you’ll need to be more general in your language and avoid using jargon. You might also want to provide some context for the music you’re writing about, so that your readers can understand why it’s important.

What’s your angle?

When you’re writing about pop music, it’s important to have a clear angle. What are you trying to say about the music? Are you writing a positive review, or a negative one? Are you trying to be objective, or are you expressing your own personal opinion?

Your angle will determine the tone of your writing, and it will also help you focus your thoughts. It’s important to remember that there is no right or wrong answer here – it’s entirely up to you. However, it is worth taking some time to think about what you want to say before you start writing.

Once you have your angle, the next step is to figure out who your audience is. Are you writing for other fans of the artist, or for people who have never heard of them before? How much do you expect your readers to know about the subject matter? Keeping your audience in mind will help you decide how much detail to include in your piece.

Finally, don’t forget to proofread your work before you publish it! Pop music writing is all about being concise and to-the-point, so make sure that there are no errors in grammar or spelling. A well-written article will make a lasting impression on your readers, so take the time to get it right.

Do your research

To write about pop music, you need to do your research. Not just on the artists and the music, but also on the industry itself. You need to understand the history of pop music and how it has evolved over time. This will give you a better framework for understanding the present day.

In addition, you should keep up with current trends in pop music. This can be anything from the latest hits to what new artists are making waves. By understanding what is popular at the moment, you can have a better angle for your writing.

Last but not least, don’t forget to research the artist or band you are writing about. While it is not necessary to know everything about them, it is important to have a general understanding of their work and their place in the industry. This will make your writing more informed and credible.

Conclusion

That’s it! You now know the basics of pop music writing. By following these simple tips, you can improve your writing and become a more credible source on all things pop music. Keep practicing and expanding your knowledge, and soon you’ll be an expert on the subject.

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