Adam Gollner, a freelance journalist, talks about Montreal’s music scene, how the scene treats newcomers, and what kinds of bands from Montreal have been achieving international success.
Adam Gollner, a freelance journalist in Montreal, gives advice to aspiring journalists. He suggests to be true to one's self. If an individual has important beliefs, it is important to bring those beliefs to what they do. Gollner points out journalists have the responsibility to speak truth. They are able to utilize the publication to communicate their beliefs to a large audience. He also discusses the issue with certain forms of journalism. Some journalists lose sight of their responsibility when they are hired to write about the latest trend. The process of discovering your voice is covered as well. Also in this segment, Gollner talks about his feelings on his career choice. He is happy that he pursued journalism. He has had the opportunity to travel, meet incredible people, and learn interesting things.
Adam Gollner, a freelance journalist in Montreal, talks about his job as a writer. As a writer, he gets to learn about things and explain those things to other people. His duty is to learn and then make it accessible to others. Gollner also shares his experience as a musician. A musician experiences something less concrete than writers. It is a different form of creating and communicating. He explains that he has also explored filmmaking. He finds the work of an artist fascinating since it�s about expressing one's self. Also in this segment, Gollner gives the benefits of being an artist of one medium and multiple mediums. An artist of one medium is able to become a master since they are specializing. An artist of multiple mediums is able to understand what all fields have in common and learn a greater amount.
Adam Gollner, a freelance journalist in Montreal, talks about what it takes to be a journalist. It takes time and dedication. He also points out that one must be prepared to be broke since journalists are paid extremely little at the beginning. Gollner suggests to just start writing and getting published, even if it means you aren't being paid. His background is covered as well. Gollner began in editing. However, he realized he enjoyed writing more than editing. After he made the switch, Gollner spent a large amount of time being paid nothing. After a decade, he was able to begin writing for large publications. By writing for large publications, he was able to get an agent so he could write a book. Also in this segment, Gollner covers the three ways to enter music journalism. Freelancing involves writing commissioned stories. Staff writers have more security than freelancing. They write stories at bigger publications. Editors edit stories that are written by journalists. They help improve the story. Gollner explains that it depends on one's personality which road one chooses.
Adam Gollner, a freelance journalist in Montreal, talks about music critics. The best critics have strong opinions. The public wants the critic's opinion to shape their opinions. However, Gollner points out the growing issue with music critics. Today, the music industry is seeing more and more critics. Therefore, critics are able to highly specialize in what they critique. Gollner explains that this is great for the consumer. Individuals are able to find critics that have the same tastes as they do. On the other hand, Gollner discusses critics that become too powerful. The critic's voice may start affecting the music. Individuals may attempt to only create music that will get a good review. Gollner also shares that he is not opposed to criticism.
Adam Gollner, a freelance journalist in Montreal, talks about being an editor. As the editor of Vice Magazine, his job is to develop and commission stories. Once submitted, he works with the words of the story. Gollner explains that often times, it's about changing the structure and trimming the excess of the story. He points out that there is usually a battle between the editor and writer. However, it is an example of collaboration.
Adam Gollner, a freelance journalist based in Montreal, discusses the thorny ethical issues that journalist confront when writing about music and musicians.
Adam Gollner, a freelance journalist in Montreal, talks about the importance of finding one's voice during the artistic process. It is a mysterious process since there isn't a set of rules. Gollner explains that the only thing one can do is be disciplined. Practice and stick with it. He also shares that finding one's voice simply means being truth to one's self. Also in this segment, Gollner points out that finding one's voice is intangible. One might find it and not even realize it.
Adam Gollner, a freelance journalist in Montreal, talks about the delicate balance between French and English cultures in Montreal. He loves living in the French city of Montreal. It is providing more and more opportunities for individuals and is experiencing economic growth. However, he shares his belief that Montreal has had to protect its identity from the English; it has had to fight to survive. Also in this segment, Gollner discusses the separation debate. Half of Montreal wants to separate and half wants to say. Gollner points out that despite the split, the separatist movement has been quite civilized. He also stresses that even between the Francophones lie different opinions. Separation still remains a possibility.
Adam Gollner, a freelance journalist in Montreal, talks about the future of music in Montreal. He believes that the future is wide open. Soon, the media spotlight will move on. However, Gollner shares his viewpoints that Montreal will remain a city of fantastic art. There are a number of music community centers and plenty of musicians. Montreal will only continue to grow. Also in this segment, Gollner discusses his current project. It is a book about people's relationship with the world of nature, specifically fruits. He explains that fruit and music both make him happy. His belief that the future will only bring more opportunities is covered as well.
Adam Gollner, a freelance journalist in Montreal, talks about what motivates him. His biggest motivator is curiousity. However, learning, communicating, expressing himself, and having relationships are other motivators he lists as well. Gollner also discusses collaboration. He explains that collaboration is not essential to art. Artists like Shuggie Otis are able to make fantastic creations without collaborating. On the other hand, he shares his belief that it is indeed a vital part of most art forms. He also touches on the fact that collaboration can be quite difficult.
Adam Gollner, a freelance journalist in Montreal, talks about the process of writing about music. Gollner explains that when he writes about music, he likes to examine issues that touch on a broader spectrum of concerns. He tries to go into their motivations. However, Gollner points out that everybody has a different reason for doing what they do. Also in this segment, he discusses the elements of music jouranlism. Music criticism is when an individual gives their opinion on the merits of an artist's music. Music writing is writing about something music related. It offers a wide range of topics. Gollner also shares that music criticism and music writing often overlap.
