Annie Reuter is one of New York’s most accomplished, dedicated and passionate music and entertainment journalists. Reuter’s articles and feature interview profiles with some of the biggest names in pop and country music have appeared in such prestigious outlets as Billboard's official website, Rolling Stone, Marie Claire’s website, AOL’s The Boot, CBS, MTV, among many others; moreover, she is the founder of her successful music blog, 'You Sing, I Write.'
"From the first time I met Annie, she was the definition of professional. I love how we've become friends after running into each other after so many events. I am proud to have her as a fellow country music fan," remarks Scott Vollweiler, the publisher and owner of Broken Records Magazine and Photography.
Annie Talks About her Inspiration to Pursue Music Journalism
"I was always into writing for as long as I can remember," Annie recalls. Growing up as a kid, I would write plays for my cousins and myself to act out, and in high school I got involved in the high school paper. I fell in love with journalism. I thought it was a cool thing to interview people and discover things that you never really knew about them."
"I majored in journalism in Rutgers University," Annie adds.
Annie Talks About Country Music
On country music, Annie Reuter states, "I am a huge fan of the story behind the song! I remember analyzing lyrics and trying to think what the song meant to the musician. In country music, it’s all about the story, and everybody can relate to it. When you listen to the lyrics and when the singer performs it, you feel that emotion!"
"I look up to people such as Nashville air personality Shannon McCombs. She is such a great role model for all women who wish to pursue a career in the music media industry, especially in the country field. Shannon is very sweet, and full of helpful advice," Annie shares.
Annie Reuter Discusses 'You Sing, I Write'
Annie is the founder of the popular music blog, 'You Sing, I Write.'
"Originally, I started the blog over four years ago, when my full-time job was not writing-related," Annie reveals.
"Sometimes after work I would go to a show, or I would actually interview the band on my lunch break. That’s how it initially started. I freelance for many other publications, but many times I would go to shows and if I am not covering them for a different outlet, I would write about them on my blog, since I would want to learn more about them."
Recently, Annie Reuter celebrated her fourth year with' You Sing, I Write.' "That was awesome!" Annie exclaims. "I never imagined it would blow up the way it has. I started it for fun, since I missed writing. Originally I thought that only my family and friends would read it, but now I would get e-mails from people in other countries, stating their admiration for the different bands I cover. My blog is my online resume. I feel that I made my dream job for myself!"
When asked which two of her celebrity interviews that she has conducted have stood out to her the most, she reveals, "Switchfoot since I would always listen to their album The Beautiful Letdown while in high school and college. Their music has meant so much to me over the years, so to interview Jon Foreman was a dream come true. Another favorite of mine is Pat Benatar because she is such an icon and a cool role model for women too."
Annie Talks Future Plans
"My goal is to be able to sustain myself as a music journalist, and have that as a career," she acknowledges. "Country music has quickly become my favorite genre of music. I would love to be the go-to country writer in New York. Country music may not be that popular in New York, but a lot of people that I meet here always rave to me about country artists and their songs. I wish to be that reputable journalist that all the bands want to interview with!"
Annie Reuter: Finalist in MusiCares Competition
On Wednesday, November 9, 2011, Annie found out that she was one of six blogger finalists in the MusiCares competition, where the winning blogger will be granted media credentials to cover a red carpet event featuring superstar Paul McCartney.
"When I opened the e-mail and found out the news that I was a finalist, I was in shock," Annie admits. "I was shaking to be honest. To even be considered and to be in the Top 6 is amazing! It reaffirms that my blog is a reputable source and that I’m going in the right direction. When I started it four years ago, I never thought all these opportunities would come to me. Most people in the music media industry are in it because they love it. I would rather wake up every morning and not make a lot of money, but love my job."
Annie Reveals her Dream Interviews
When asked about who her dream interviews would be, Annie discloses, "John Mayer for sure! I grew up listening to him, and I think he is a phenomenal guitar player and songwriter. I think there is a lot more behind him than what we read in the tabloids and press. He’s my favorite. I would also love to interview with Backstreet Boys someday. It would be cool to finally sit down and find out who they really are!"
Annie Offers Advice to Music Media Hopefuls
For hopefuls that wish to go into entertainment reporting, Annie underscores, "Persistence is the most important criterion. When you tell people that you want to work for Rolling Stone, they don’t really take you seriously, but if you have determination, originality, and if you put yourself out there, things will eventually happen. It is essential to take as many internships as one can, since a lot of big gigs come out of those. If you really love it, and there is nothing else you can imagine yourself doing for the rest of your life, then go for it! What’s the worst that could happen? Just give it a try and you won’t have any regrets."
For more information on Annie Reuter, visit her music blog’s official website.
Many thanks to Annie Reuter for granting this interview!
Source
- Telephone Communication with Annie Reuter. November 12, 2011.
Markos Papadatos - Markos Papadatos holds over six years journalism experience, authoring over 700 articles, many of which are feature profile interviews.
