Mags go under: No Depression and Resonance follow Straight No Chaser

Music magazines, especially specialist niche titles, are feeling the pinch.

Hot on the heels of the demise of London-based urban mag Straight No Chaser comes news of two more casualties. No Depression, the alt-country/Americana bi-monthly, has announced it’s to close its doors following the May-June issue, after 13 years of playing a lead role in fostering the emergent genre.

And Resonance, the stylish NW coast-based champion of hip pop culture, is closing after 14 years of documenting cutting-edge indie rockpop, film, books and the visual arts.

But why are music mags going t*ts up like this?

Simple. Reduced CD sales because of free digital downloads means record labels reduce adverting spend. Competitive discounting by online retailers and supermarkets mean small music retailers close down, reducing distribution outlets. And web sites (like this) supply free news and views which people used to buy in magazines.

Serious fans of grown-up music will miss all three fine magazines.



Gerry Smith