Holly Gleason
Verified
(She/Her)
Nashville
As seen in:
Pollstar,
Medium,
The New York Times,
Yahoo Entertainment,
Yahoo Canada,
Yahoo News Malaysia,
Yahoo News New Zealand,
Aol,
Los Angeles Times,
NPR,
The Hollywood Reporter
and
Covers:
Music: country, roots, rock, Americana, plus dance.r&b. Strong emphasis on cultural connections, relevance and meanings, as well in-depth business reporting. Strong reporting on genres 80s-present
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
The US Amateur at Canterbury Golf Club Program lead story. An honor, and a bit intimidating for a high school sophomore/tournament golfer.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes! There is nothing like the feeling of the arms striking the paper -- and the way the keys release when you hit them.
How is social media changing news?
Makes it immediate, but creates recklessness and often misses the larger context + meaning.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
William Miller from "Almost Famous." Based on Cameron Crowe, reflective of the life I led as a "Baby Rock Critic" for THE MIAMI HERALD.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To get to the real story, not what you think it is. Unbiased reporting that seeks to understand, makes sure, digs deep -- finds true insight.
What's your favorite social network?
Probably Facebook, though i like Instagram.
Who do you wish followed you?
Bruce Springsteen. Richard Ford. Roxanne Gay.
Why did you become a journalist?
Because there are always great stories beyond the obvious. Where the music comes from -- if its an artist -- says much about who we are.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Yes, wrote about things like John Lennon's death and Jimmy Buffett concert review that almost got me kicked out.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Neil Young for OLD WAYS for Tower Pulse. Steve Earle's 1st national piece, also for PULSE. Miranda Lambert for HITS this year.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Don't buy into the hype, Really listen, Let people talk, but don't take it all on face value. Accept you can be wrong about what the storyis
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Insight into why the song/artist/festival matters beyond just names or titles. You'd be surprised how many publicists recognize meaning.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
They've had (X) #1s, and (insert name)'re really good.
What's your favorite drink?
The Silas House: Bulleit Bourbon, tonic + lime. And water with lemon & cayenne always!
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Vanity Fair, the Atlantic, Mojo, Entertainment Weekly, New Yorker.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That it's all partying and rocking out with the artists. It's being soaked in beer, pushed and jabbed by fans, all-night deadlines.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.