Bay Area Music Journalism: Covering A Changing Scene
KALW | 220 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA
Event Details
Join KALW for a conversation about today’s Bay Area music journalism scene. Meet the reporters, ask questions, & share what you want to know
If you love going to Bay Area concerts and festivals, discovering new artists, reading reviews, or simply keeping up with what’s happening in our local music scene, this conversation is for you.
In an era of TikTok clips, music influencers, streaming algorithms, newsletters, and instant reactions, what role does a music journalist play? What gets covered, who gets heard, and what can thoughtful music reporting tell us about the culture we share?
We’ll hear how local reporters find stories, decide what’s worth covering, and think about their role in documenting a rapidly changing music scene.
Just as importantly, this is a chance for music fans to have a voice. Come hear from the people covering Bay Area music, ask questions, and tell reporters what you want to see more of: Which artists and scenes deserve more attention? What stories are being missed? What do you wish music journalism did better?
We’ll explore:
- What makes something music journalism, and what makes it something else?
- How does writing about music help us understand the Bay Area and the world around us?
- Who gets covered, who gets overlooked, and how can that change?
- What stories, scenes, artists, venues, and communities deserve more attention?
- What do Bay Area music fans want from the people covering the music they love?
Nastia Voynovskaya is a reporter, editor and host at KQED Arts & Culture. She’s been covering the arts in the Bay Area for over a decade, with a focus on music, queer culture, labor issues and grassroots organizing. She has edited KQED story series such as Trans Bay: A History of San Francisco’s Gender-Diverse Community, and co-created KQED’s Bay Area hip-hop history project, That’s My Word. Nastia’s work has been recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists and San Francisco Press Club. She regularly appears on podcasts and radio programs, including NPR’s All Songs Considered, and hosts live events where music, culture and conversation meet.
Chris Zaldua is a writer, DJ, party promoter, and music obsessive based in San Francisco, CA. He co-founded two event series (Surface Tension, Vague Terrain) and a record label (Left Hand Path), all focusing on the liminal, the interstitial, and the in-between. His writing has been published in Resident Advisor, XLR8R, FACT Magazine, San Francisco Chronicle, SF Weekly, KQED, Red Bull Music Academy, Noisey/Vice, and beyond. Recent DJ mix highlights include recorded podcasts for The Bunker New York, Mysteries of the Deep, and Honey Soundsystem.
There is a $10 – $20 sliding scale suggested donation for this event. Nobody will be turned away for lack of funds.
Please become a KALW member today and receive your first drink on us at all 220 Montgomery events.
220 Montgomery St., San Francisco, 2 blocks from BART/MUNI Reception doors open at 6:00️ Program begins at 7:00🆓 The event is free with an RSVP — and you are welcome to donate what you want
Please note:
- The event space is just to the left of the main entrance to the Mills Building at 220 Montgomery Street
- We recommend taking BART/MUNI, exiting at Montgomery, and walking two blocks north
- Ride-shares can drop off and pick up directly in front of the venue
- If you drive, there are several garages within two blocks of the event location; free street parking is available across from the venue at 7:00 pm
Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.
Cost: FREE*
