Igor Bannikov
Verified
Pop culture journalist // Daily thoughts on memes, music, film, games, and books // Words @ClashMagazine, @bestfitmusic, @PopMatters // newbodyrhumba@gmail.com
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
I started my career as a transcriber on a TV channel, then became a managing editor at one newspaper, and my first review was for the second album of The War on Drugs, Slave Ambient.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yeah, of course! How do you think I beat Alan Wake 2, securing the platinum trophy?
How is social media changing news?
They are making it. If you knew how news editors write articles for outlets, you would be horrified by how many artists' accounts they need to check day and night. Almost every piece of music news right now originates from social media. We also have comments sections and DMs that impact almost every musician, which is currently a significant topic in its own right.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
In general, journalists are considered the fourth estate in every country, alongside the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Without journalism, there would be no truth in our world; without these guys, things would go dark very quickly.
Why did you become a journalist?
Because I like to sit before a typewriter at an oak table in a tweed jacket and look out the window, thinking about Proust's madeleine cakes. I’m not sure yet if it’s a joke, but I also like everything related to letters, words, collocations, and phrases. And telling stories and digging into pop culture or other stuff are some of my biggest obsessions. If you watch movies like She Said or Spotlight, it’s very hard not to love this profession.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I have yet to write one of my best pieces and am already working on it. Among what has already been written, I am fond of my texts about Beirut for Northern Transmissions and Sarah Goldstone for PopMatters.
When's the best time to pitch you?
I'm always ready, with my typewriter fully fueled to ride on!
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I’m into the NYT on an everyday basis and also like to read some features in The New Yorker, Wired, Bloomberg, Vulture, and Dirt. Additionally, I have a collection of The Happy Reader — that was a cult print magazine. From music outlets, I prefer The Line of Best Fit and Stereogum, and if I want some fun stuff, the news section on NME is always very helpful.
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