Interview with Now Playing Mag: An Eclectic Box of Musical Discovery

1. When was Now Playing Mag born? Why did you create it?

Now Playing Mag was born in February 2011. Everything came from a conversation. Along with other friends who are passionate about music and who are also bloggers, we realized that while we wanted to follow the news from all of the musical genres that we love, we could easily find ourselves opening a dozen windows in our browsers because it was nearly impossible to find an outlet that covered all of our tastes. I listen to everything, almost without any restriction. I have a collection where Vampire Weekend resides along with Billie Holiday, A Tribe Called Quest, Angélique Kidjo, Van Morrison, Benjamin Biolay, Blur and Spice Girls. Now Playing Mag was created for all people out there with eclectic tastes, a media outlet where all different facets of music meet. 

2. Who is the team behind the magazine? Who does what?

Today the Now Playing Mag team is made up of 20 members coming from around France and even Florida! I don’t know how to really define our functions at Now Playing because they are all multifaceted. I am the Founder, Editor-in-Chief, webmaster, director of publication, and I manage too. There is also Morgane, the other editor/boss, she manages the articles, partnerships, and contests. I am assisted by Léa, who handles contacts at labels, promo agencies, and others as well as planning. In terms of editing and content, there are a few teams here at Now Playing. Some of them cross at times. The hip hop team is piloted by Stéphane with Pierre (who also handles jazz) and Atman; the indie team is managed by Sarah with Camille D and Morgane; the electro team is where we find Imane, Johann (who is also our graphic designer), Louis, and Morgane; the soul/R&B team is Francine, Célia, Laurene, and Florien (and also often Atman); Emilie takes care of rock; Camille B. the French scene; and Astrid handles music from around the world. Finally, there is Ludovic who is behind the photographs and the acoustic sessions. 

3. What are the musical genres that you cover?

Now Playing Mag is defined as being a “eclectic music box,” from jazz to indie pop including soul, R&B, rap, electro, world music, French classics, pop, metal, and folk. Alternative and classic scenes meet here. For the time being we have a smaller focus on genres like country and techno, but that will change! 

4. Who should read and listen to Now Playing Mag? Do you have plans for the future?

I would say everyone! Mostly people who are avid for discoveries. For the future, we aspire to position ourselves among the referenced media for musical discoveries. We are also building a new version of the digital magazine that corresponds with our hopes and those of our readers. 

Make sure to like the Now Playing Mag Facebook page, follow them on Twitter, and subscribe to them on Whyd

10th September 2013