Top 10 UK Music Blogs
Last Updated 16/01/2019
Holding onto the coveted number one spot is That Grape Juice. Sam Ajilore created That Grape Juice back in 2007 while he was in his first year of university as a way to share his thoughts and opinions on all things Urban. That Grape Juice has now firmly established itself as the voice of Urban culture, posting the latest news, exclusive interviews and reviews, encouraging readers to interact with the site and get the conversation going. With a base in London and LA, Sam and his team make sure they’ve got their finger on the pulse of the Urban music scene, from superstars like Kanye and Rihanna to who they tip to be the next big thing.
2. Popjustice
Flying into second place is Popjustice. Described by founder, Peter Robinson, as a ‘pop blog that got slightly out of hand’, Popjustice has grown alongside the pop music scene since its creation in May 2000. Celebrating everything about pop and embracing the changes in pop music and pop stars, Popjustice gives pop music ‘the respect it deserves’. With a huge social following and a weekly playlist of the latest pop tracks, Popjustice hasn’t forgotten its roots and still posts content under ‘The Briefing’. Popjustice fans can also get to know each other in The Forum, debating the big pop topics from Eurovision to K-pop!
The creation of Tom Johnson, GoldFlakePaint shares the latest bands and artists to hit the music scene, helping readers uncover their new favourite band. Based in Glasgow, GoldFlakePaint has contributors across the globe ready to interview and discover new talent and share it with the readers. Now with a seasonal journal, Tom has taken his successful blog from the screen to print, offering in-depth interviews with artists such as Sharon Van Etten, The Twilight Sad and Jessica Pratt.
4. A&R Factory
A&R Factory launched back in 2012 and has since become one of the most respected artist and repertoire (A&R) blogs out there. Founded by Stefan Toren, the blog helps music industry professionals find new music from aspiring independent artists. With a hugely influential readership made up of record labels and radio stations, A&R Factory is the place to come to discover new music and sign the hottest acts. Alongside new artists, A&R Factory has interviews and reviews spanning all genres of music, from R&B to Punk.
Ayodele Adepoju created We Plug GOOD Music to showcase the best in new and emerging music from around the world. With a mission to support and raise awareness for new music and artists, We Plug GOOD Music has set out to revolutionise how new music is discovered and consumed. Sharing its favourite albums, reviews of concerts and shouting about the best new music, We Plug GOOD Music is the place to go for all your music needs. Alongside the blog, the team also run a successful digital PR agency, representing well-known acts such as Akon, Lauryn Hill and Alexandra Burke.
6. HTF Magazine
HTF (Hit The Floor) Magazine is the creation of Chris Hines, a music and lifestyle blog which covers a variety of music, from rock to hip hop. Packed with reviews, interviews and the latest music news, HTF Magazine is a must-visit for any music lover, especially festival fans who can find out line-up news and updates. Always looking to spark a debate with readers, HTF magazine has features that will split opinion asking questions such as, is Boomtown better than Glastonbury? Or, is this the end for Reading Festival?
Aaron Levitt and Joshua Brill created Stamp The Wax back in 2011 when they were bored with their degrees and wanted to find somewhere to talk about the music they love. Originally posting about the music scene in London, Bristol and Brighton, Stamp The Wax has expanded its music horizon with a huge team of contributors across the country. Sharing the latest new music through posts, videos and on the radio, Stamp The Wax is the go to place for discovering new sounds, especially through the Monday Morning Mixtape.
Test Pressing was created by Paul Byrne to share his Balearic beats, transporting his visitors to the party island of Ibiza. Sharing a variety of mixes crossing different genres, Test Pressing has evolved into the site to find the best new music to start your weekend the right way. With an online store full of merch befitting any Test Pressing fan, you can rock the look and keep updated with festival news at the same time!
Music Industry Blog was founded by media and technology analyst, Mark Mulligan. With over 15 years’ experience, Mark is a trusted voice in the world of music industry analysis and uses his blog to share his opinion and insight into the music industry’s journey into creating a new business around music. Music Industry Blog is for anyone who wants to get underneath the business side of the music industry as Mark shares his thoughts on the future of music and video, and who’s set to buy Universal Music.
10. The Playground
A brand-new entry into our ranking is The Playground. Music blog, label and music PR agency, The Playground is both the place to discover new music and get your new music in front of the right people. Sharing lists of top tunes to help you relax and insightful articles about whether a full-time career in the Arts is harmful to your mental health, The Playground posts for both lovers of music and those in the industry.
Discover more Top 10 Blogs, including Film, Lifestyle, Mummy and Food.
Explore every category in Vuelio Top 10 Blogs here.
The fundamentals of working with bloggers are the same as with traditional journalists at traditional media outlets: respect their schedules; take time to read their material to learn their interests; and only contact them if/when they want to be contacted.
Vuelio’s blog ranking methodology takes into consideration social sharing, topic-related content and post frequency. Profiles of these music blogs and their authors can be found in the Vuelio Media Database.
I only currently follow We Plug Good Music in this list, will definitely be checking out the rest!
Excellent list! I love music and have followed some of those fellow bloggers. 🙂
Are you planning to do a pet blogger list as well? 😀
Don’t forget the blog http://www.anrfactory.com
I read Little Indie a lot. Seems rated highkt by music peeps too. Max.
Great list but do check out soundbop.com when you get the chance we feature new artists and singles all the time
I’m a regular visitor to TinMan London, I’d also recommend Hearty vibes, they are pretty good.
Anyways a worth-check list, thank you Julie!
Hey guys, nice list. Please consider The Music Mag for your next list on influential music blogs! We feature unsigned musicians with a focus on UK talent.