Bearded
Whereas lots of magazines do a good job of crossing over and bringing together complementary media like movies, music, books and arts, Bearded stays focused on just the music, but presents it in a way that’s winningly accessible – a refreshing approach to what can be quite a cliquey, exclusive world of small bands and their fans. After the relaunch you’ll be able to find Bearded in Borders, WH Smith and other newsagents, and of course you can order it direct from the Bearded site, where you’ll also get free music downloads and invitations to Bearded gigs. Stack will be sharing news of everything Bearded as it happens, so check back to stay in touch with the latest information and invitations.
The Stack interview
Name
Gareth Main
Job title
Editor/Publisher
What is Bearded?
A great smelling bi-monthly independent music magazine
What makes it different to the rest?
Bearded has the heart of a fanzine and the style of an art book, it is non-pretentious, and seeks to talk to readers about bands and artists on a level playing field, rather than from an ivory tower trying to be some sort of taste maker. Bearded also focuses entirely on independent music, and offers tiny independents a platform to get media coverage on the mainstream newsstand.
Who makes Bearded?
Bearded is put together by a sparsely populated team of myself, designer Kevin Summers and a host of widely varied writers, illustrators and photographers.
Who reads it?
People with a love for independent music, great design and nice smells, as well as a confusion about scenes and scenesters
Why did Bearded start?
Bearded started because someone had to try and give some love to the independent sector. I love the romanticism around someone putting together a bunch of 7”s of a band they adore in their bedroom, these people (of varying taste) pour their heart, soul and money into music that no-one will ever hear, they at least deserve a fair crack at getting someone in the press to give it a write-up. The art and design side of it came because I despise sticky magazines that get fingerprints on them. I also like the kind of rustic aesthetic Bearded has.
Why do you work in magazines?
Because I have no desire to ever make any money. And I like the smell of a well put together publication, of which there are precious few.
Aside from the print magazine, what else are you involved in?
We put out records through our subscription service Beardaid, put on shows on our own and in conjunction with people like The Local and Bad Sneakers, talk at a number of industry events, and try not to have a nervous breakdown regarding how to fund the issue after the next one.
What would you change about Bearded if you could?
I’d give away advertising space to indie labels for free, we’re slowly getting there – at the moment it’s at about 20% of the price of similar publications.
Can you pick a favourite issue of Bearded?
I always said I’d die happy if I got one issue out so in a way our first issue is my favourite. But Bearded is always being refined, always improving and I dislike every last issue and love every new one. My favourite is always the next one.
Where do you see Bearded in five years?
Being gawped at by some nerds at a rare fanzine swop saying “I can’t believe they tried to do this, what idiots.”
More questions! And answers!
Read more about Bearded with our special February 09 Q&A
Tags: Bearded, independent, music
