Founding Editor
The SoundingWe are hiring! Really excited to reveal the first role at a new print magazine celebrating UK's live music scene that we've been developing with support from Music Venue Trust.
Please spread the word to anyone you think would be interested in this role or Deputy Editor, Production Coordinator, Editorial Assistant or Partnerships & Advertising Assistant which are up on the The Sounding website.
Posted by: Sean Adams, Founder
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Lead the editorial vision of a new quarterly Drowned in Sound print magazine for live music fans, distributed through more than 500 grassroots venues across the UK. As Founding Editor, you'll shape the magazine's editorial voice, commission its defining stories, and build a network of contributors that reflects the energy, diversity and depth of the UK's live music community.
- Employment Type
- Freelance contract
- Work Arrangement
- Remote, with occasional in-person meetings
- Location
- UK
- Reporting To
- Publisher, Sean Adams
- Compensation
- £4,000 per issue (£8,000 total)
- Duration
- 2 issues (initially)
- Time Commitment
- 16 days per issue (approximately)
- Start Window
- July/August 2026
- Closes
- Closes 29 Jun 2026
- Status
- open
Background
The team behind Drowned in Sound is launching a new quarterly print magazine for live music fans. Produced with grant funding support from Music Venue Trust and distributed free through 500+ grassroots venues across the UK, it is a publication that champions artists across the full spectrum of UK live music. The new title celebrates the whole village of people who make it happen, and connects those scenes to readers who care about them regardless of genre, background, age, or postcode.
We believe magazines are due to have their vinyl moment. We're looking for the editor who wants to help make this a reality.
About the funding: The magazine launch is funded by a grant from Music Venue Trust, the UK's leading charity for grassroots music venues. Editorial independence is contractually protected: Music Venue Trust has no right to direct, veto, or influence editorial content, commissioning decisions, or editorial policy.
About the Role
The Founding Editor is the editorial voice of the magazine. You will shape its tone, commission its most important stories, and ensure every issue captures the energy and diversity of the UK live music scene. Working closely with the Publisher, Sean Adams, and a small founding team, you will oversee the editorial mix, commission major features and cover stories, and build a roster of writers and columnists with deep roots in their genre or scene across the UK.
This is a freelance contract built around the rhythm of magazine production. Some weeks will be quiet. Some will be full-on. We are looking for someone who can work around that, whether alongside other freelance commitments, childcare, touring, or something else entirely.
What You Will Be Doing
- Define and maintain the magazine's editorial vision, tone, and quality standards.
- Commission and edit major features, including the cover story for each issue.
- Oversee the editorial mix across original and licensed content.
- Build a roster of contributors and columnists with deep roots in their genre or scene.
- Collaborate with the Publisher on cover concepts and brand identity.
- Play an active role in shaping the founding team.
What Success Looks Like
- The magazine establishes a distinctive editorial voice that resonates with live music fans across the UK.
- Each issue features compelling cover stories and standout editorial that reflects the breadth and diversity of the UK's live music scene.
- Editorial mix is thoughtfully curated across original and licensed content, delivering an engaging reader experience.
- Contributors and columnists bring authentic perspectives from a wide range of communities and local scenes.
- Every issue meets the magazine's editorial standards and is approved for publication with confidence.
What We Are Looking For
- Proven experience as an editor on a print or digital publication.
- Strong commissioning and developmental editing skills.
- Understanding of the UK independent media landscape.
- Experience working with small, distributed teams.
- A genuine obsession with live music in all its forms.
- Music media experience is an advantage but not a requirement. We are interested in what you have made, not where you studied.
Inclusion
Equal Opportunities & Accessibility
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We recognise that people may not meet every listed requirement and encourage applications from individuals who can demonstrate relevant skills, capabilities, and potential.
We are a neuro-inclusive organisation and encourage applications from neurodivergent candidates. If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we'll be happy to support you.
If you have any other questions that need answering before you feel you can apply, please email jobs@thesounding.org and we will come back to you.
Application
Application Process
- Every application is read by a person, not an AI.
- Deadline: Monday 29 June 2026 at 5pm.
- First round interviews will be by remote video call in the week commencing Monday 6 July 2026.
- Final decision by Monday 13 July 2026.
What to include
- A brief cover note on what draws you to this role and why you would be good at it.
- Examples of relevant work, a portfolio link, or your LinkedIn profile.
- Attach up to 500 words on: Why I Love Live Music.
- Optional: Your CV.