Everett True guest speaker
Monday 31 January
‘What’s wrong with… Dancing About Architecture?’, a series of guest talks dedicated to the noble art of music journalism, kicked off on Monday, January 17 with a lecture by internationally renowned critic Everett True.
Speaking to a packed lecture theatre, the writer who gained huge notoriety for his early work on Nirvana and the Seattle Grunge scene, talked openly to students about life on the frontline of the music press.
Essex born True now resides in Brisbane, Australia where he is a PhD student. He discussed his research into the role of the music critic as a tastemaker within online environments, and spoke about his active support for all forms of alternative and underground press.
Everett True said: “I thoroughly enjoyed talking to Solent’s students. They asked some really insightful questions and proved that they are as interested in thinking about writing about music as they in writing about it.”
After the talk Popular Music Journalism student Ian Easton said, “Everett True is a total legend. I learned so much from hearing him talk. It says a lot about Solent’s close links with industry that they managed to get him in.”
The rest of the lecture series promises to be just as insightful for students and staff alike. Guests include one-time NME staff writer and current editor (and co-founder) of Rock’s Back Pages, Barney Hoskyns; Mail on Sunday music critic David Bennun and NME features editor James McMahon.
Series organiser Dr Martin James who course leads BA (hons) Popular Music Journalism said: “Through our strong links with industry, students get the chance to hear about all areas of music journalism activity, as well amazing stories from the people who have experienced these things first hand.”
31 Jan: JAMES McMAHON (former NME features Editor) - freelancing as a music journalist
14 Feb : BARNEY HOSKYNS (Rock’s Back Pages) - how to interview rock and pop stars
21 Feb : CARL LOBEN (DJ staff writer/ researcher Queen biopic) – writing for the specialist music press
14 March : STEVIE CHICK (Journalist, editor, author) – producing independent magazines
21 March: DAVID BENNUN (Mail on Sunday music critic) – writing about music for broadsheet and mainstream press
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT THE MEDIA OFFICE 023 8031 9040