Is modern music journalism an example of sloppy writing according to George Orwell?

In the world of journalism, the landscape has experienced significant changes with the rise of digital media and the arrival of the internet. Music journalism has witnessed a shift in its approach and style over the years. One cannot help but wonder if modern music journalism fits with George Orwell's criticism of sloppy writing. This essay aims to explore Orwell's views on the matter and analyse whether modern music journalism exhibits the aspects of sloppy writing.

George Orwell, a renowned writer, and critic was known for his keen observations on the English language and his advocacy for clear and concise writing. In his essay "Politics and the English Language," Orwell highlighted the damage effects of sloppy writing, which he believed contributed to the degradation of language and communication.

Orwell argued that vague and inflated language, clichés, and meaningless words hindered the conveyance of ideas. He emphasized the importance of precision, clarity, and avoiding the pitfalls of lazy writing. To assess modern music journalism, it is crucial to examine whether it falls prey to these obstacles and if it preserves Orwell's standards of good writing.

In the digital age, music journalism has evolved with the changing media landscape. Online platforms, social media, and music blogs have become prominent avenues for music journalists to share their perspectives and insights. While this shift has brought about greater accessibility and diversity in music coverage, it has also given rise to concerns regarding the quality of writing.

One of the key criticisms of modern music journalism is the overuse of clichés and empty adjectives in music reviews. Critics often rely on conventional descriptions, using phrases such as "rising star," "explosive performances," or "iconic album" without offering substantial analysis or providing meaningful context. These stock phrases, like of Orwell's critique of meaningless words, fail to convey the essence of the music, and contribute to the overall impression of sloppy writing.

George Orwell, a prominent writer, and critic voiced his concerns about sloppy writing in journalism. While Orwell's critique primarily focused on political writing, it can be argued that aspects of his observations are applicable to modern music journalism. One area of concern is the overreliance on sensationalist headlines, including the practice of starting with a quote. Randall and Crew (2021) shows this sentiment, cautioning journalists against utilizing this technique unless the person being quoted possesses widespread recognition.

In the case of Miranda's, The Guardian headline, "Bossa nova pioneer Carlos Lyra at 90: 'We wrote songs about our reality: the beach, sun, and love stories,'" (Miranda, 2023) the decision to start with a quote could be seen as an attempt to capture attention. However, according to Randall and Crew (2021), this approach may undermine the journalistic integrity by prioritizing clickbait tactics over informative and objective reporting.

Furthermore, the brevity and immediacy demanded by digital platforms can also compromise the depth and nuance of music journalism. With the frequency short-form content and quick sound bites, there is a risk of sacrificing substantive exploration of musical themes and artistic intentions. Orwell's call for precision and clarity becomes pertinent, as music journalists should aim to strike a balance between economy of words and the delivery of comprehensive insights.

When examining modern music journalism through the lens of George Orwell's critique of sloppy writing, it becomes apparent that there are elements within the field that align with Orwell's concerns. The excess on clichés, the loss of critical objectivity, and the pressure for precision in digital platforms can undermine the quality and depth of music journalism.

However, it is important to note that not all modern music journalism falls into these problems. Many music journalists work to provide thoughtful analysis, contextualize artistic expression, and engage in meaningful discourse. As in any field, there exists a spectrum of quality and commitment to the principles of proficient writing.

To combat the notion of music journalism as sloppy writing, a conscious effort must be made to support Orwell's ideals of clarity, precision, and objective evaluation. By promoting thorough research, critical thinking, and the thoughtful use of language, modern music journalism can exceed the limitations imposed by the digital era and provide insightful and meaningful coverage of the excessive dependence world of music.

In the end, the responsibility lies with music journalists, readers, and the industry to prioritize and demand excellence in music journalism, ensuring that it remains a guide of intellectual curiosity and a platform for appreciation and understanding of the art form.