Former Melody Maker editor Everett True is hoping to fight back against the mainstream music press with a new, independently-funded music monthly, writes Andy Keeble.
Following the cult success of True’s independent music title Careless Talk Costs Lives, which was limited to a year of publication, he is to launch Plan B as a nationwide pilot on 14 June. He is hoping to attract financial backing from Nesta and the Arts Council.
True and his team, which includes deputy editor David McNamee, features editor Frances May-Morgan, designer Andrew Claire and photo editor Sarah Bowles, are looking to end up with enough funding to launch in time for students returning at the start of the academic year in September.
According to True, Plan B is “all about the music – and art, and books, and film – that we love”.
Although the magazine is to cover music widely ignored by the mainstream press, he adds that it’s all about balance and context. “There is no reason why Kelis and Beyonce can’t nestle up snugly next to Art Brut and Kaito.”
Publisher Chris Houghton told Press Gazette that the first issue will be funded partly by advertising and sales revenue and partly by the team themselves.
The magazine is currently being promoted via flyers, club nights, a website (www.planbmag.com) and a lecture and discussion tour.
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