FEATURE:
Broadening the Categories…
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Why Music Journalists and Photographers Should Be Included in Award Ceremonies
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ALTHOUGH there are…
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separate awards given to those in music who are not artists or songwriters, there are very few in the U.K. that include everyone. We have award ceremonies. They are mostly about artists and songwriters. Occasionally you get producers included. There is not a category for album artwork and photography. None for journalism or those who run venues or run labels. It seems like even the GRAMMYs is limited when it comes to discussing those away from the pure act of making and releasing music. Even though they recently included an album cover category, what about those who photograph artists? People, at labels and who run festivals? Those who are working tirelessly behind the scenes? To show how little music journalism is valued, where are the categories and honours for those who feature and write about the artists who get the awards?! Those who dislike awards or feel like they are pointless might say that it would be extreme and a waste of time. That is okay. They do not need to bother themselves! I do feel that there is focus on artists and not enough attention given to those away from the spotlight. Especially journalists. There are media awards but nothing at the biggest ceremonies. It brings into question the value of independent journalism. Even the biggest publications and magazines are not recognised. They hold their own ceremonies and celebrate artists. However, where are the categorises that recognise legendary and new journalists? The great stories and fantastic interviews? Photographers taking the best shots and producing essential work? We do not have a Best Album Cover category at any U.K. music award ceremonies I don’t think.
You can debate whether music award shows are watered down and politics is being censored. Controversy is not as prevalent and it feels a little timid. T.V. channels silencing anyone who does speak out. Making these nights broader and inclusive. Even some genres of music are included but seen as an afterthought. If we are going to keep up the tradition of having annual music awards, then they really do need to be more geared to the full spectrum and economy than just artists. Without the journalists, venue managers, crew, festival organisers, journalists and beyond then the industry would not be what it is! You cannot deny that. So, rather than them being overlooked or seen as inessential, it would be nice if that habit was ended. Journalism is especially important. At a time when music journalism is at risk and so many websites are closing, it is as vital as ever that we support journalism and also acknowledge how we need to keep it alive. Whilst we do not have the same proliferation of magazines and publications we did a couple or few decades ago, there are still so many examples of wonderful journalism that is not being discussed or properly honoured. It goes beyond that. Think about all the levels and layers of the music industry. Though there is a photography award ceremony held annually by Abbey Road Studios, what about integrating this into huge award ceremonies? It is a shame that photography and journalism is someone marginalised or seen as inferior. Taking nothing away from artists and how incredible they are. However, there is a vast majority of the focus put purely on music and those who make it. It seems so limiting. We do not have anything as extensive or fulsome as the GRAMMYs in the U.K. Most of our award shows are quite limited when it comes to categories.
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As an independent music journalist, I see this huge gulf between what I am people like me do and these massive artists. Although it is a stretch to say there is a direct connection or they have in some way been helped by independent journalists, there is this disparity. The hard work and tireless graft and craft from journalists does not get its moment. It is not about awards and materialism. It is more about recognising the value of journalism. Or photography or these areas that are so important. It is not just me who feels like this. There are so many in the music industry that have been working for years without seeing what we do highlighted and recognised on a T.V. screen. There are issues with award ceremonies in terms of gender inequality and how certain genres and categories are not as valued as they should be. Maybe too much focus on Pop and less on, say, Rap. However, it is this narrow focus on artists and those who release music that is frustrating. It is not true that journalism is irrelevant and music fans do not need it or can do the same thing. That everyone is a photographer, so we do not need to spotlight music photographers. There is this ignorance and lack of appreciation for so many people that add so much to the industry. Global press freedom and independence is in decline. Politicisation and censorship. It is a terrible time. Music journalism faces different challenges. A lack of advertising revue and diminished access to artists (who now bypass press via social media. For that reason alone, there should be a lot more support for and recognition of, music journalism. And for so many others who do not get that special moment and experience the glitz of the BRITs or other ceremonies. It is high time that we…
BROADEN the categories.