SAMC Panel

Music Journalism in the Content Economy

16 Oct 2025 | 13:30 | SoLeft Hall

There was a time when a magazine cover could break a band. Now, an algorithm decides what’s “editorial” and press releases sound suspiciously like praise. As music journalism blurs into branded content, influencer economy, and nostalgia-driven clicks — what’s left of criticism? Who’s still telling the story, and who’s just feeding the feed?

This panel brings together editors, critics, and cultural analysts who’ve shaped — and survived — the transformation of music media. From zines to Substack, Blackpink interviews to underground radio, they’ll unpack what gets covered, what gets left out, and why the lines between media, fandom, and industry have never been thinner.

Moderator:

Svetoslav Todorov – Music manager, journalist and editor (Dnevnik, Balkan Insight etc.)

Speakers:

Anna Gaca (US) – Senior Editor, Pitchfork
Stephan Kunze (DE) – Writer, zensounds / Penguin Random House / Spotify Germany (former)
Daniel Koch (DE/CH) – Editor, starzone.ch / DIFFUS / former Editor-in-Chief, Intro
Niko BACKSPIN (DE) – Founder, BACKSPIN / Chief Cultural Officer, Serviceplan Culture
Sean Adams (UK) - Drowned in Sound