New Musical Express
History
The New Musical Express, often abbreviated as NME, is a British music journalism website and former magazine that has been published since 1952. It was the first British paper to include a singles chart, in the edition of 14 November 1952. In the 1970s, it became the best-selling British music newspaper. From the 1980s onwards, it moved away from reporting on popular music and began concentrating on indie rock. In the 1990s, it returned to its original market and has since largely focused on pop culture. It was first published as a newspaper in 1952, and by the 1960s, it had become the best-selling British music newspaper.
Early years
New Musical Express was created by Maurice Kinn as an offshoot of a music advertising business, Musical Express. It was first published on 7 March 1952. The first issue included a free gift, a booklet on the new rock and roll phenomenon, written by Max Bell. The first cover featured Bill Haley, whose "Rock Around the Clock" had just become the first rock and roll number one in UK singles chart history.
1960s
During the 1960s, the NME was primarily dedicated to pop while its older rival, Melody Maker, was known for its more serious coverage of music. In the early part of the decade, the paper championed beat music acts such as the Beatles. However, by the end of the decade, its coverage had broadened to reflect changes in the music scene and the growing importance of album sales. The paper also became known for its influential annual poll winners' concert, featuring performances by top acts of the day.
1970s
In the 1970s, the NME became the most popular music paper in the UK, helped by its coverage of the emerging punk rock scene. The paper was at the forefront of covering the new musical movements of the time, including glam rock, progressive rock, and punk rock. It also started to include more features, interviews, and columns, and began to develop its own distinctive voice.
1980s
The 1980s saw the NME continue to evolve. It embraced the new musical styles of the decade, including new wave, post-punk, and hip hop. The paper also became known for its political stance, often aligning itself with left-wing causes. It also championed the independent music scene, and was instrumental in promoting bands like The Smiths and The Cure.
1990s to present
In the 1990s, the NME began to focus more on pop culture and less on music. It started to feature articles on film, television, and fashion, as well as music. The paper also moved into the digital age, launching its website in 1996. In the 2000s, it continued to cover a wide range of music, but with a particular emphasis on indie rock. The print edition of the NME was discontinued in 2018, and it now exists solely as a digital publication.
Impact and influence
Throughout its history, the NME has had a significant impact on both the music industry and music journalism. It has been instrumental in promoting new music and has often been at the forefront of musical trends. It has also been a training ground for many notable music journalists.