Yes, we are another music website.

But we’re a little different too. We’re all about long form writing, and a slower approach to creating and reading about music and artists with pieces you can sink into and explore. We want to give as much cultural context as we do opinion, and use pieces as the start or as part of a conversation.

We explore what it means to be a musician and how the music industry is changing. We support unsigned as a choice, and recognise independents as the new Majors. Genres can be helpful but we place no boundaries on what we cover. We don’t think the only time artists are interesting to talk to is when they have a new release due. Writing may tend toward the academic sometimes, but strives for connection and to be accessible. Above all the Popoptica way is respect for reader and artist, and critique before clicks.

Submissions for coverage

We don’t carry music news, we don’t publish exclusives or premieres, and we don’t do reviews. Our specialism is features, interviews investigative and opinion pieces.

We are always interested in coverage of local or genre scenes, and investigative pieces about the music industry and issues affecting musicians. We’re also interested in hearing from musicians about their work away from music and how creativity is supported and challenged by different roles.

Contribute / write or photograph for us

Popoptica is founded by music journalist and record label co-owner Sarah Lay. If you’d like to get in touch about contributing you can do so here.