The UK has a vibrant music press, from iconic names like MOJO and NME to specialist publications for vinyl, jazz, and indie fans. Here’s a guide to the best British music magazines in 2025.
In the world of music, staying updated with the latest trends, artist interviews, and industry insights is essential for fans and professionals alike. One of the best ways to do this is by reading UK music magazines that cover everything from rock and pop to jazz and vinyl culture. These British music magazines are trusted sources for discovering new artists, upcoming releases, and in-depth industry analysis. Whether you’re into alternative sounds or the London underground scene, today we’ll explore the top music magazines UK readers love in 2025.
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1. MOJO Magazine – A Classic British Music Magazine for Rock Lovers
MOJO remains a cornerstone in the UK music scene, covering primarily rock and classic genres. Known for its in-depth artist interviews and rare insights, it continues to be a fan favorite for those who love long-form music journalism.
- Key Features:
- Detailed interviews with iconic artists
- Focus on rock, blues, and folk music
- Comes with exclusive CDs in some editions
- Read this if: You love Queen, Bob Dylan, Radiohead, or anything that sounds better on vinyl.
- Official Website: MOJO
2. NME – One of the Best UK Music Magazines for Indie Fans
NME has evolved from print to a digital-first platform, delivering timely news, reviews, and features focused on alternative and indie music. It’s also known for discovering new talent, making it a great choice for staying up to date with the UK’s music trends.
- Key Features:
- Covers indie, alternative, and pop genres
- Regular artist interviews and emerging talent features
- Digital-first platform with daily updates
- Read this if: You like Arctic Monkeys, Wet Leg, or viral UK acts.
- Official Website: NME
3. Uncut Magazine – A Leading UK Music Publication for Rock & Film
Uncut is another UK-based magazine that leans heavily on rock and alternative music but also incorporates film reviews. It is beloved for its nostalgic takes on classic bands and thoughtful interviews with current artists.
- Key Features:
- Focus on rock, indie, and alternative genres
- Film and music reviews
- Free CDs included with some issues
- Read this if: You love Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, or indie films with killer soundtracks.
- Official Website: Uncut
4. The Wire – Experimental & Avant-Garde Music Magazine UK Readers Trust
For those who enjoy experimental and avant-garde music, The Wire is essential reading. It explores non-mainstream genres such as free jazz, electronic, and experimental music, making it a unique offering in the UK.
- Key Features:
- Focus on experimental, electronic, and avant-garde music
- In-depth artist interviews and reviews
- Niche and non-mainstream genres
- Read this if: You’re into ambient, noise, free jazz, or electronic underground.
- Official Website: The Wire
5. Kerrang! – Iconic British Rock & Metal Music Magazine
Kerrang! has been the go-to magazine for rock, punk, and metal fans since the 1980s. Covering everything from underground bands to major metal tours, it is deeply entrenched in the UK’s heavy music scene.
- Key Features:
- Dedicated to rock, punk, and metal
- Features emerging and underground bands
- Regular updates on music events and new releases
- Read this if: You love Bring Me The Horizon, Slipknot, or your local underground scene.
- Official Website: Kerrang!
6. Clash – Modern UK Music Publication Mixing Music, Fashion & Culture
Clash provides a mix of mainstream and indie music coverage, blending genres and adding elements of fashion and culture. Its lifestyle approach attracts younger audiences who enjoy both music and style.
- Key Features:
- Covers a wide range of genres, from pop to indie
- Engages with music, fashion, and culture
- In-depth artist interviews and features
- Read this if: You follow artists like Stormzy, Arlo Parks, or Dua Lipa.
- Official Website: Clash
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7. Record Collector – The Top UK Music Magazine for Vinyl Enthusiasts
This magazine is a paradise for vinyl lovers and collectors. It specializes in rare records, reissues, and everything related to the world of physical music formats, making it a favourite for collectors and enthusiasts.
- Key Features:
- Focuses on vinyl and record collecting
- Offers detailed guides and reviews of rare records
- Includes retrospectives on music history
- Read this if: You own a turntable, collect 45s, or haunt record fairs.
- Official Website: Record Collector
8. BBC Music Magazine – Classical & Orchestral Music Magazine UK Edition
BBC Music Magazine caters to fans of classical music, covering everything from reviews of classical albums to features on major composers and live performance reviews. It’s an excellent resource for those interested in orchestral and classical genres.
- Key Features:
- Focuses on classical music
- Features reviews of recordings, performances, and composers
- Associated with the BBC’s classical music programming
- Read this if: You enjoy orchestras, opera, or music theory.
- Official Website: BBC Music Magazine
9. Jazzwise – Britain’s Best Jazz Music Magazine
Jazzwise is the UK’s top-selling jazz magazine, covering a mix of modern and traditional jazz. Its in-depth features and interviews with both new and established jazz artists make it a top resource for jazz lovers.
- Key Features:
- Covers modern and traditional jazz
- Includes artist interviews and album reviews
- Focuses on both new and established artists
- Read this if: You follow acts like Nubya Garcia, Ezra Collective, or classic Miles Davis.
- Official Website: Jazzwise
Where to Buy or Subscribe
Most of these magazines are available in print at WHSmith, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and independent bookshops. Digital subscriptions can be purchased via Readly, Pocketmags, or each magazine’s own website.
| Magazine | Genre Focus | Format | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOJO | Rock, Blues, Folk | Print + Digital | Fans of classic rock & long-form interviews |
| NME | Indie, Pop, Alternative | Digital-first | Discovering new artists & UK music trends |
| Uncut | Rock, Indie, Film | Print + Digital | Nostalgic readers & indie film/music crossover |
| The Wire | Experimental, Avant-garde | Print + Digital | Niche, underground, and electronic fans |
| Kerrang! | Rock, Punk, Metal | Print + Digital | Heavy music fans & festival-goers |
| Clash | Pop, Indie + Culture | Print + Digital | Music + fashion-forward readers |
| Record Collector | Vinyl, Collectibles | Print + Digital | Vinyl enthusiasts & rare record collectors |
| BBC Music Magazine | Classical, Orchestral | Print + Digital | Fans of orchestras, composers, and opera |
| Jazzwise | Jazz (Modern & Classic) | Print + Digital | Jazz lovers & live gig reviews |
Up-and-Coming UK Music Magazines in 2025
- So Young Magazine: Combines music and art with a hand-drawn aesthetic.
- Loud and Quiet: Celebrates DIY and alternative scenes.
- Notion Magazine: Covers music with fashion-forward storytelling.
Conclusion:
Music magazines remain an integral part of the music industry, providing detailed insights and interviews that fans can rely on. From MOJO’s love for rock to The Wire’s focus on experimental sounds, there’s a publication for every type of music enthusiast in the UK. These music magazines UK readers trust continue to evolve with the times, offering both print and digital formats to cater to modern audiences.
For more updates on British culture, entertainment, and lifestyle trends, you can also explore The London Report, which covers the latest happenings across the UK’s creative scene.
FAQs
1. What are the best music magazines in the UK in 2025?
The best magazines are MOJO (for rock), NME (for pop and indie), Jazzwise (for jazz), and Record Collector (for vinyl lovers).
2. Which magazine is good for new artists?
You can read NME, Clash, and Loud and Quiet to learn about new singers and bands.
3. Can I read these magazines online?
Yes. Most magazines are available on websites or apps. You can read them on your phone or laptop.
4. Which magazine is best for vinyl record fans?
Record Collector is the top choice if you like vinyl records, rare albums, or music history.
5. Can people outside the UK read these magazines?
Yes. Many magazines ship worldwide or offer digital versions for international readers.
6. Do these magazines talk about live shows or gigs?
Yes. Kerrang!, NME, and Jazzwise write about concerts, music tours, and festivals.
7. Are any music magazines free to read?
Yes. You can read many articles for free on NME’s website.