Top 10 UK Music Blogs
Last updated 10/01/2024
Vuelio uses a proprietary algorithm to create these rankings, based on topic-related content in blogs on its system – you can read more about the process here. Our research team actively seeks out new blogs and bloggers for inclusion, but if you think we’ve missed someone, please get in touch to let us know.
Originally launched back in February 2007, That Grape Juice continues to squeeze juicy news from the world of urban pop culture and stays at number 1. Started by founder Sam Ajilore as a hobby, the blog now draws in music fans with breaking news and interviews in the sections including Freshly Squeezed, The Overflow, and The Splash. Being covered now – Fantasia nailing the US National Anthem at a recent football playoff and the ongoing Oprah and Taraji P. Henson feud over pay on ‘The Color Purple’.
2. UKF
Starting life as two YouTube channels – UKF Dubstep and UKF Drum & Bass – UKF is now an entire network of channels, events, podcasts and, of course, this blog, which sticks in the second spot of this ranking for another year. Explore UKF content by Artists, Labels, and Genres to find what you want to listen to and read about. Drum and bass artists recently covered on this blog include Kēvens, DLR, Fabio, Ternion Sound, so if this sounds like your kind of thing, tune in.
3. XS Noize
Moving up a place in our music ranking for 2024 is ‘independent consortium of opinionated music lovers’ XS Noize. Covering international music since 2014, this blog covers reviews, interviews, and news. Spanning a wide range of music genres, contributors also hail from a mix of backgrounds and countries, meaning there is something for everyone here. Find reviews of the latest albums from music veterans Peter Gabriel and Vince Clark, and a reconsideration of U2’s 1997 release Pop, which got a less than sparkling reception at the time.
4. A&R Factory
For discovering ‘new independent and unsigned music artists’, A&R Factory is where to go. Launched in 2012 by Stefan Toren, the blog acts as an online A&R – artists and repertoire – representative for up-and-coming musicians. Rather than hoping one will show up to a gig, or seeking them out in busy crowds, independent artists can submit music to the blog to get in front of ‘playlist curators, music labels, promoters, other influential blogs, and industry professionals who are always looking for the next big thing’.
Another blog moving up a spot in our 2024 update is LondonJazz News. Launched by Sebastian Scotney in 2009, this blog now has a full team reporting on the jazz scene in London as well as further afield. Offering ‘a daily flow of news, previews, reviews and interviews’, the LJN team has genuine enthusiasm for the subject, ‘for the energy, range and diversity of the scene all around us, and for the people who make it happen’. Fellow fans of jazz can read up on details of Rob Cope’s new album and what’s coming next from Germana Stella La Sorsa.
For ‘new and emerging music from all over the world’, plug into the We Plug Good Music blog. Aiming to ‘revolutionise the way new music is discovered and consumed’, the team posts commentary, rundowns of the best albums out there, reviews of gigs and new releases, and recommendations of music not to miss. For more from your favourite musicians, and those you’re yet to discover, check out the Behind The Music interviews on the Conversations channel – latest interviewees include BIM, BOSSIIE, and Marie Naffah.
Staying at number 7 is The Playground, the online space for fans and industry professionals to hang out on common ground. Find news, reviews, premieres, interviews, and video, as well as picks for Album of the Week and Track of the Day. ‘Our mission is to best serve independent artists and labels at each stage of their development covering press, radio plugging, playlisting, marketing and distribution services,’ says the team. For something old, read up on the benefits of listening to classical music, and for the new, check out how to promote music on TikTok.
Another non-mover this year is pianist, writer, and blogger Frances Wilson, who launched The Cross-Eyed Pianist in 2010. Focusing on pianists and the instrument they play, this blog features reviews of concerts, album launches, and books. Recommended by Frances (for when you aren’t perusing these blogs) – The Musician’s Journey by Dr Jill Timmons for reading, Letter(s) to Erik Satie by Bertrand Chamayou for listening, and masterclasses available at Couch House Pianos London Showroom for learning.
9. IINAG
IINAG, aka Indie Is Not a Genre, moves up a place to number 9. This ‘music blog that doesn’t trust the hype’ covers indie rock, pop, alternative, as well as gigs and album reviews. For what you missed last year, dip into the team’s 10 best indie albums of 2023 as well as top Christmas songs from the indie genre (Wizard doesn’t count). To get you started the right way for 2024, read what IINAG thought of new singles from artists including Folly Group and keep an eye on the new album announcements section for what is on the way in the next few months.
10. blog.eil.com
This blog focusing on record, vinyl, and CD collecting makes its way back into the Vuelio music ranking for another year. All music-related collectables are covered, including autographs, posters, and films. New to collecting and not sure where to begin? Head to the Collecting Advice section for technical jargon and abbreviations, the benefits of cassettes, how to choose the right turntable for you, and even history lessons on music formats. How was vinyl invented, and how do compact discs work? Find out the answers here.
Discover more Top 10 Blogs, including Film, Lifestyle, Mummy and Food.
Explore every category in Vuelio Top 10 Blogs here.
Collaborating with bloggers requires mutual respect and understanding: respect their schedules; take time to read their content to learn their interests; and only contact them if/when they want to be contacted. You can see more advice in our blogger spotlights.
Profiles of these blogs and their authors can be found in the Vuelio Media Database.
I only currently follow We Plug Good Music in this list, will definitely be checking out the rest!
Excellent list! I love music and have followed some of those fellow bloggers. :)
Are you planning to do a pet blogger list as well? :D
Don’t forget the blog http://www.anrfactory.com
I read Little Indie a lot. Seems rated highkt by music peeps too. Max.
Great list but do check out soundbop.com when you get the chance we feature new artists and singles all the time
I’m a regular visitor to TinMan London, I’d also recommend Hearty vibes, they are pretty good.
Anyways a worth-check list, thank you Julie!
Hey guys, nice list. Please consider The Music Mag for your next list on influential music blogs! We feature unsigned musicians with a focus on UK talent.