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4 min read · Sep 16, 2023
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Uncut magazine has been a staple of the British music media landscape for over two decades. Known for its in-depth features and high editorial standards, Uncut has continuously delivered insightful journalism and compelling storytelling to its loyal readership since its launch in 1997.
Uncut was founded by Allan Jones, who previously served as editor for Melody Maker and the New Musical Express (NME). With the declining music press in the late 1990s, Jones saw an opportunity to create a new kind of music magazine focused on more in-depth coverage beyond news, gossip, and reviews.
The magazine debuted in May 1997 with former Led Zeppelin vocalist Robert Plant on the inaugural cover. In contrast to other music publications at the time, Uncut focused on longer-form journalism and creative angles on artists. This editorial approach quickly garnered attention and praise:
- By the end of 1997, Uncut had a circulation of 90,000 copies per month
- In 1998, Uncut won Magazine of the Year at the U.K. Music Industry Awards
- In 1999, it increased its circulation to over 100,000 per month
This early success established Uncut as a leading music publication with a discerning readership looking for substance over quick soundbites.
Uncut has differentiated itself from other magazines by adhering to certain core editorial principles:
- Depth and context — Articles provide historical perspective and cultural analysis of artists’ work.
- Storytelling — Pieces emphasize narrative appeal beyond basic Q&As or reviews.
- Past and present — Content spans both new acts and legacy artists.
- Album focus — The album format as a body of work is taken seriously.
- High standards — No puff pieces or clickbait headlines. Substance over sensation.
As Jones describes it, Uncut aims to capture “the spirit of rock and roll” in its pages — intellectually rigorous yet still passionate. Interviews, profiles, and reviews aim to be conversational and creative in approach.
Over the years, this formula has remained largely the same while allowing flexibility to evolve.
Beyond its regularly excellent cover stories, Uncut has published a number of content series and special issues that have become collector’s items for readers:
- Ultimate Music Guides — Periodically released special issues providing 100+ pages dedicated to the oeuvre and history of music legends like Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, The Beatles, and others.
- Deluxe Editions — Expanded issues highlighting the best album reissues and box sets being released.
- Annual Review — Year-end wrap looking back at the highest points of music over the last 12 months.
- Heroes & Villains — Ranking the absolute best and worst people in music that year.
- Readers’ Polls — Annual poll of readers’ favorite albums, voted across genres.
These recurring fixtures provide new depth on legacy artists alongside contemporary coverage and fan engagement.
Over its history, Uncut has consistently received glowing reviews and recognition:
- Voted Best Music Magazine 7 times at the U.K. Music Industry Awards
- Multiple wins at the Classical Music Awards
- Named Magazine of the Year in 2015 by the Professional Publishers Association
- Praised by Mojo as “The UK’s best music monthly”
Critics note Uncut’s ability to adapt while retaining quality and character:
“Uncut has glided effortlessly across changes that have swallowed other publications. It still sells because it invests in journalism, cares about writing and understands that real depth often demands space.” — Press Gazette
This unanimous critical acclaim cements Uncut as Britain’s premier music magazine.
Uncut has a total circulation of approximately 47,000 copies per issue as of 2022.
While based in the U.K., it reaches readers worldwide through:
- Print — Available monthly via subscription or newsstand in the U.K., select European countries, North America, and Australia.
- Digital — desktop, mobile, and tablet versions available through Zinio, Amazon Kindle, Apple Newsstand
- Social media — Active on Twitter and Facebook
Its readership tends to skew older than other music magazines like NME, attracted by the depth and legacy artist coverage. However, it maintains broader appeal across demographics due to the quality of work.
“I’d like to read more writing like the interviews with Van Morrison or Richard Thompson, with questions that are music-focused but still big-picture about culture and art.” — Sam R., 28
While print advertising revenues and circulation have decreased industry-wide, Uncut has remained stable thanks to its loyal following. Looking ahead, Uncut aims to:
- Continue emphasizing quality over clickbait
- Further expand its legacy artist coverage through archival work and new perspectives
- Develop more diverse voices and genres beyond just white male rock music
- Grow its digital presence while still maintaining print integrity
- Find creative ways to increase younger readership without alienating older core demographic
As long as it adheres to Allan Jones’ founding editorial vision, Uncut seems poised to further solidify its status as an enduring music institution while evolving for modern times. For music fans looking for passionate scholarship rather than gossip or listicles, Uncut promises to be a cherished companion for many years to come.
