ST236

STACK SPECIAL

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MUSIC

Ye s! at

It wasn’t until 2011 that we managed to haul the music category aboard the good ship STACK . From day one, our new music editor was kicking goals and securing some of the biggest interviews in the world of music.

Some of our favourite interviews Angie McMahon Angus Young

Archie Roach Baker Boy Bobby Gillespie Emmylou Harris Faith No More Henry Rollins John Lydon Johnny Marr Kevin Parker

OK, we’re doing music. Right, we need an experienced music writer who knows magazines. Who was doing the previous JB music mag? Jonathan Alley. Grab him!

To announce that STACK was now covering music, we illustrated the section with a bright yellow border extending from the magazine. You could probably see it from space.

Kylie Minogue Liam Howlett Metallica Michael Hohen Neil Finn Rodriguez Ry Cooder Shirley Manson

Thelma Plum Warren Ellis

In a flash, the stale playlists in the STACK office were rejuvenated with fresh tunes from new artists. A music renaissance had begun – the office was pumping.

The vinyl revival For some, the collecting journey never stopped – they just had to look harder. But very few folks – even in the industry – could’ve predicted the seismic resurgence the humble record experienced over the last 15 years. The format became less prevalent in the late ’80s/early ’90s, with many predicting its death knell. Record pressing plants were closed. By the mid-'90s, you couldn’t give records away. However, in 2007, the phoenix began to rise from the vinyl ashes, and record sales began to head north. Nostalgia is cited as the most significant driver, but younger collectors are also drawn to the warm sound and tangible connection to the artist. Let’s face it, nothing comes close to owning and playing vinyl. Stream on Aside from vinyl, over the last 20 years the rise of streaming has been the biggest change in the music industry. While the sound quality is simply incomparable, for those of us who love physical music, it’s a priceless tool to try before you buy. And we’re the first to admit that we’ve uncovered some fantastic music over the years through the magic of algorithms.

Our first cover artist would come four issues later. It was Florence and the Machine.

And there it was. The first

magazine to hit the shelves at JB was issue number 86, November 2011.

Gigs? Did someone mention gigs? It wasn’t long before the rank and file at STACK were fighting over gig tickets to review. You’d find – and still will –

Before digital iPhone recording, interviews were still captured on analogue recorders through the phone. And generally during office hours. With people shouting and

2015 brought a switch in the editor’s chair, with Zoë Radas stepping up to the plate to

discussing footy scores in the background. With considerable talent on the other end, it wasn’t for the faint-hearted.

one of us in the crowd at a major festival or gig.

continue Mr Alley’s good work.

The following year would see the beginning of our ARIA’s coverage. Under the burning Sydney sunshine, we’d haunt the red carpet with mic and camera in hand.

Through hard work and excellent industry support, STACK ’s music section has continued to deliver the freshest news, reviews, and interviews. It remains the go-to music destination for JB’s music audience.

One of the best incentives we introduced was Record Rummage. Here we would meet musicians in a JB store where they would rummage through the record racks and pick five faves. Artists included Neil and Liam Finn, Thelma Plum, and Orbital.

The rise of the female artist

The indomitable rise of the female artist has irrevocably changed the music landscape in 20 years. These trailblazers can be found across all genres, and include Amy Winehouse, Adele, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Courtney Barnett, Florence + the Machine, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish, Lizzo, and P!nk.

JUNE 2024

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