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Three music journalists explore how criticism, authority and taste are being reshaped in an era where anyone can speak, and nothing stays still for long.
As music listening and discovery have shifted online, so too has the question of who gets to decide what is worthy. Social media has opened up criticism to anyone with an opinion, while traditional publications that once acted as gatekeepers have all but collapsed.
In this rapidly changing landscape, three music journalists come together to unpack what it means to write music criticism today. What new opportunities are emerging? How is the role and value of criticism shifting? And what is at stake when writing that interrogates, contextualises and challenges begins to fade from view?
Broadcaster Sosephina Fuamoli, music and pop culture reporter Al Newstead and writer and critic Sarah Smith join moderator Simon Winkler for a conversation about the past, present and future of music criticism.
Presented in partnership with Now or Never
Event and Ticketing Details
Dates & Times
Wednesday 19 August
6.30 - 7.45pm
Tickets
$25.50
Full
$19.50
Concession
$19.50
Under 30
Groups 6+ and Members get standard 10% discount across all reserves.
For more information on Memberships, click here.
Location
Accessibility
Accessible toilets available
Assistive Listening
Auslan interpreting available by-request
Companion tickets available
Registered Assistance Animals welcome
Wheelchair accessible
For information regarding accessibility at The Wheeler Centre, click here.
Please notify us of all access requirements when booking online so we can assist you with your visit. If you require further information, please contact ticketing@wheelercentre.com.
Additional Notes
The bookseller for this event is Readings.
Melbourne was designated the world’s second UNESCO City of Literature in 2008. As part of this global network, we strive to support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, a set of 17 goals designed to promote fairness, health and environmental sustainability worldwide. 
This event addresses Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
Featuring
Sosefina Fuamoli
Sosefina Fuamoli is one of Australia’s most respected voices in music media, with writing credits in Rolling Stone, NME, The Australian and KNOTFEST. She hosts On The Record and Sista Sounds for ABC Radio, ...
Al Newstead
Alister Newstead is an author, broadcaster, and music and pop culture reporter for Australian digital radio station Double J and ABC...
Sarah Smith
Sarah Smith is a writer, critic and broadcaster. She has been the editor of some of Australia's leading music publications and contributed writing to Rolling Stone, The Guardian, The Big Issue and more. Formerly a ...
Simon Winkler
Simon Winkler is a Naarm/Melbourne-based broadcaster, DJ, talks facilitator and podcast producer. He's currently Assistant Music Director at Double J (ABC) and spent over 18 years at Triple R FM. Passionate ...