Fake News is the reality of now but it leaves us colder than a tory’s heart. Mainstream has a smattering of underground scenes but with their next level ones to watch, skint DIY stars rising, against the odds, under radar are still missing out after a decade of “austerity” (posho-heist). Worse since lockdown. - and their circuit is on thin ice.

Is that not a music movement story of sufficient depth? Grime Britain has got the media/industry measure and taken it’s own reins. Rocking art punk sensibility is on the wavelength of urban beats as genres, genders, generations and generalisations are destroyed by big songs and thrills.

Escapism is best served with the passion powered energy and insight that True News is made of. Never fear, teens are here. Phew, (June 2021) because I’m writing this six months after accidentally publishing the draft like a mad nana on that there interwebby!

While the mainstream debate appropriations like ‘cancel culture’ and ‘woke’ or ponder where the unrepresented are, the newer wave of generation tremorists are just getting on with being a spectrum of humanity.

These are just some of the zines, podcasts social media, ideas, editors and promoters who have felt like part of my personal 2020 experience.

For instnce Mash Zine was also started in 2020 by teen editor, Scarlet Hall, (pictured) through an “obsession with art, fashion and music spanning from the 60s to the 90’s” (click here for more)

It is so well done and an insightful read. Zines also make ace travelling companions if, like me, you dig travelling outta town for musical adventures. None of that this year, though!

I’m just well impressed with another 2020 start up and enjoyed Arlo’s recent appearance on the R*E*P*E*A*T fanzine debate as generation tremorists of influential 20th and 21st century zines came together.

Pint-Sized Punk Zine is very well written, presented and marketed monthly with interviews and reviews. It’s a junior school student’s guide to life and music. Born in Lockdown 2020 when Arlo was 10. He loves gigs, loud music, comics and watching Marvel/Star Wars.

It mixes Art, Punk, Opinion and the thrill of it all.

Zines and Merchandise via https://pintsizedpunkzine.bandcamp.com/

Fucked Off and/or Turned On duck n divers thrill arts of all kinds and TheZineUK’s cast and crew of creators have supported the story of under radar artists rising. Maybe the world can’t tell as we lockdown in dystopian darkness but there is so much fun and laughter from sociable live music scenes that translates to social media.

For instance, Sahera Walker’s print issues of Some Might Say with outstanding live music launch parties and now sparkling Brick Lane’s Werkhaus. Elly Bailey’s wonderful articles and images gracing her Generation Why? zines and shows. In print for posterity with issues selling out because there is an audience for the new rock n roll.

I accidentally published this before I’d finished writing it, only noticed when I saw Scarlet’s instagram, ah never mind but now (February 2021) this article makes better sense, so I’ve updated it.

The old guard of music press have stepped aside for new tribes of music collectors, gigsters, writers, photographers, film makers and promoters to cross breed and raise profile alongside their recommendations. We love to see our contributors rise. Susan Hansen and Louise Schofield are two of the most in demand multi media music journalists.

Previously mentioned that TheZineUK’s own crew are key media who have moved on to head up great mediain their own right at Ragged Cult, Why Generation? and Rupert Hitchcox is at Joyzine. Our writers, photographers and film makers are also multi talented creators and performers across the spectrum.

My skill is a bit limited to making good comfort food and being able to make friends with some horses but my spelling is good enough for this to make sense, so win win! My ears aren’t bad at knowing what they like and Podcasts have been a vital communication - of 2020 especially. It’s also been extra special to see so many stars of this tale becoming more personal to us, whether by the intimacy of live stream performances or by adding to our radio experiences.

The Dorising Podcast by IDoris features great chats and sets from Loud Women faves including, so far Debbie Smith, Stephanie Philliops of Big Joanie, Sarah Lay (Reckless Yes Records). Podbean, Apple, Google and Spotify

Music lovers with the inside knowledge are where you are gonna find some of the best gossip and engaging conversations.

2020 ended with TheZineUK repping on the arts advocacy show, Cool Thing Presents on Soho Radio, presented by Luke Branch of Asylums and Hayley Hill of Cool Thing Records.

2021 started with the brilliant #RockPopRambles by Bugeye being one of five podcasts recommended by the music guru, John Kennedy, for Clash Magazine. Previously mentioned in this documentary, it’s really become a landmark show.

Chat The Great podcast has informal, behind the scenes conversations with respected names from all backgrounds and is almost a free biz studies course in it’s own right, packed with anecdotes and tips from movershakers like you’re down the pub with them or putting the world to rights in the early hours after a show when all the real things come out. https://www.chatthegreat.com/