Why We’re Here: The Truth About Music Journalism in 2025
Let’s be honest—music journalism is in a weird place right now. What used to be a space for deep critique, cultural discourse, and actual musical analysis has been reduced to a glorified hype machine. Algorithms dictate taste, PR-driven narratives flood the scene, and way too many publications are more concerned with clicks than content.
We’re not here for that.
At unmixed.org, we care about music, not clout. We’re here to cut through the noise, bring back real criticism, and highlight artists who are doing something meaningful—not just those with the best engagement rates. We believe that music deserves more than surface-level coverage, and we’re not afraid to tell the truth, whether that means calling out an overhyped release or championing an unknown artist who’s actually pushing boundaries.
Let’s talk about how we got here. Music journalism, at its best, was always about discovery, discussion, and critique. Writers debated albums, dissected lyrics, and challenged artists to go deeper. But somewhere along the way, real criticism got swapped out for influencer culture. Major publications now function as PR extensions, afraid to upset labels or artists for fear of losing access. The result? Bland, recycled takes, safe opinions, and a culture where everyone pretends to love everything.
It’s not just about the critics either. Social media has reshaped the way we engage with music. TikTok virality now determines what gets played, playlisted, and ultimately remembered. A song’s success is often measured in seconds—literally—by how well it performs in a 15-second clip, rather than its artistic merit or lasting impact. While these platforms can be powerful tools for exposure, they also flatten the conversation. Everything moves so fast that we don’t get a chance to sit with music anymore, to let it sink in, to really listen.
Bringing Back Real Criticism
So what does real music journalism look like in 2025? For us, it means:
Honest reviews that don’t sugarcoat the truth. If an album doesn’t hit, we’ll say so. If it’s a masterpiece, we’ll break down why. No generic “this is a vibe” takes.
In-depth interviews that go beyond the usual press cycle fluff. We want to know what drives an artist, what keeps them up at night, and what they actually think about the state of music today.
Thoughtful editorials that tackle bigger questions. Where is the underground scene headed? What does it mean to be an independent artist in the streaming era? How is AI changing music creation?
Why This Matters
Music is one of the most powerful forces we have. It shapes culture, fuels revolutions, and connects us in ways words alone can’t. But if we let the conversation around music become nothing more than marketing, we lose something essential.
We’re here to fight for real music journalism. We’re here for the albums that change your life, the songs that hit you in the gut, and the artists who are actually pushing music forward—not just pushing their social media numbers.
So if you’re tired of fake hype and want something real, stick around. unmixed.org is just getting started.
