Journalism is in crisis. A study by the University of Zurich, the so-called „Yearbook of Media Quality“, reveals that almost half of the Swiss population no longer consumes news. As a former professional journalist, this worries me, but I also understand it very well. After all, I would now also count myself among the news-deprived.
Music journalism publications in particular have been suffering for a long time. One of the few professional holdouts may now also have to throw in the towel: Jazz'n'More. The effort and finances involved no longer allow the quality to be maintained at the desired level, publisher Peewee Windmüller informed his business partners. More on this in the headlines section below.
And when traditional media report on music, it’s usually about the big mainstream acts. Subcultures such as metal only get attention when things are less pleasant. For example, when neo-Nazis show up at a festival, as happened in Lucerne. This example clearly shows how important it would be to have a genuine reappraisal within the scene, accompanied by professional reporters.
However, the well-known metal blogs in Switzerland remain silent. Only one mentions the incidents and immediately disputes the entire report, accusing the journalist of not liking metal and therefore labelling them as Nazis. You can do that, but it’s also stupid.
But what music journalism, both professional and volunteer-based, needs is good information and access to new music. I’ve received promotional emails for new music for 15 years and distilled my certainly biased perspective on the best practices in today’s focus topic. And I’m dishing out some compliments, backed by great examples from national and international labels and promoters.
Best,
🗞️ Headlines
Black Sea Dahu featured in ARTE documentary about work
Janine and Vera Cathrein of Switzerland’s indie folk band Black Sea Dahu provide insight into the DIY band’s workload and finances in a new ARTE documentary titled “Arbeit - zwischen Ausbeutung und Erfüllung”. The film is available in German and French.
Magazine Jazz'n'More is shutting down
„After more than 29 years, Theres and I have decided to discontinue JAZZ'N'MORE at the end of the year. Despite intensive efforts, we have been unable to find a successor,“ editor Peewee Windmüller wrote in an email addressed to the magazine’s partners and collaborators. He also states that increased workload, time and financial burden, as well as his health, no longer allow him to maintain the magazine at the „high level of quality we have always strived for.“
But as Negative White knows, there’s still a glimpse of hope for the magazine’s future. We will follow up on this story in November.
Taskforce Culture welcomes the package “Stabilisation and further development of relations between Switzerland and the EU”
The Taskforce Culture—a cross-sector, cross-association body of over 100 Swiss cultural associations and organisations—welcomes the package negotiated by the Federal Council to stabilise and further develop relations between Switzerland and the EU, as set out in a recently published statement.
In summary, the Taskforce Culture supports the Federal Council in its efforts to develop bilateral relations further, but calls for the immediate commencement of parallel negotiations with the EU that take the needs of the sector seriously. Specifically, the task force demands guarantees that Switzerland’s participation in EU cultural programs will be ensured from the next program period at the latest, so that cultural funding will remain possible to the same extent as before, and that cultural exchange with Europe will be anchored as a political concern.
Far-right party SVP uses song without permission
Regarding bilateral relations with the EU, the far-right party SVP naturally opposed the proposal. During their press conference, they played the track Mundart by Swiss artist Bligg without his permission, as reported by Tages-Anzeiger (Paywall possible). „The use of music at political events may infringe on the artist’s moral rights,“ explains SUISA spokesperson Giorgio Tebaldi. „Since this is a political context and the work was used in this context, prior consent would have been required.”
Neo-Nazis disturb Swiss metal festival
As reported by Zentralplus, around 24 neo nazis were amongst 400 attendees at the „Metal Storm Over Lucerne“ festival at the venue Südpol. The venue stated that „a group clearly affiliated with the far-right, National Socialist spectrum“ was present. According to the Zentralplus report, the group attracted attention with the symbolism on their clothing and racist gestures such as the Hitler salute or the “white power” hand sign, but also with homophobic comments.
The organising association, Metal Storm Concerts, describes itself as a diverse group that „is ideologically neutral and welcomes metalheads of all attitudes and backgrounds.“ But also states that „political or religious extremists are not welcome.“
On the usual metal blogs, there’s no mention of the incident as reported by Zentralplus, except on schwarzeliste.ch, where the author Martin Rahn claims nothing happened: „If you label every bald person a Nazi and confuse the metal salute with the salute of the extreme right, then you should quit your job. I don’t know a single person from the concert who could confirm this alleged incident. Stop bashing a style of music politically just because you don’t like it.“ Well, this statement is the perfect example of how not to deal with issues in your subculture.
M4music announces first acts for next year
The m4music festival has announced the first round of acts performing at its 2026 edition. The festival is taking place on March 20 and 21. The festival will again feature over 40 shows by upcoming international and national acts. People will certainly scan the line-up closely after this year’s booking incident.
Alongside the performances, the conference serves as a platform for exchange and a catalyst for new ideas, offering exciting expert talks, while the Demotape Clinic recognises up-and-coming artists and provides them with long-term support.
Swiss Music Awards 2026 announced
Announced by the publishing company CH Media Entertainment, which acts as event organiser and broadcasting partner, the 19th Swiss Music Awards take place on March 19 at Hallenstadion Zurich. CH Media Entertainment organises the awards under licence from the industry association IFPI Switzerland. The Press Play association is the official distributor and is therefore responsible for the regulations and, in cooperation with GfK Entertainment Switzerland, for the evaluation of the awards.
📨 Effective Promotion Emails
In today’s focus topic, I would like to take a closer look at promotion through the eyes of a recipient, and with a good dose of bias. But also with 15 years of experience in this role under my belt.
We live in an age of abundance that is increasingly tipping over into overload. More and more music is being released, making it impossible to keep up with everything. The flood of content often leads to sensationalism. My argument is that this is entirely the wrong approach for promoting towards music journalism publications.