James Murphy

My career began in the newsroom, where I spent more than a decade as a staff writer, editor, copy editor and sports editor at small and mid-sized dailies and weeklies. Those years grounded me in reporting, editing and content planning. I went on to spend 15 years in daily newspaper leadership roles, including online manager, sales management and publishing. Along the way, I learned how to balance editorial integrity with audience growth, digital strategy and budget responsibilities. Most recently, I served nearly a decade as marketing director for a large arts organization, where I founded and edited a regional arts magazine that earned Magazine of the Year honors from a marcom association.

At heart, however, I am a music journalist. Early in my career I wrote freelance pieces on the local music scene for an alt weekly, and I recently began writing regularly about music on my Substack, covering rock, pop, Americana, folk, R&B and country music, with an emphasis on artists who deserve wider recognition. I see more than 100 live acts each year and follow roughly 1,000 artists across platforms to stay attuned to emerging voices and shifting trends.

Additional highlights:

• I co-created our region’s annual music awards program and Hall of Fame, both now in their eighth year.
• I have deep experience with WordPress and digital content management, spanning more than two decades.
• I am the recipient of 29 individual awards in writing and creative direction, and led editorial and creative teams to more than 125 awards early in my career.
• I have extensive team leadership experience, managing staffs ranging from a dozen to several hundred.

I bring the instincts of a reporter, the standards of an editor, the strategic lens of a publisher and the perspective of someone deeply embedded in today’s live and recorded music culture. I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to your publications voice, shaping coverage and growing reach and relevance.

Recent writing samples are available on Substack - look for Best Music You Have Never Heard by Jim Murphy. (Bebee won't let me put a hyperlink here.)

Paying opportunities only. Freelance, part-time or full-time will be considered.