The news that NME will no longer be released in print marks the end of an era. The NME has been part of the DNA of British music for over 60 years. From being the first magazine to publish the UK Singles Chart way back in 1952, to fueling the Oasis vs Blur britpop battle of the 90s. From its part in the Punk movement to championing Indie in the 00s; the letters NME have been synonymous with UK music for over half a century.

But what I think this sad departure from the newstands of the nation really shows is how the whole landscape of the music industry - the way it’s released, consumed, discussed, discovered -  has totally transformed in recent years.

For music journalism to be up to date, relevant and interesting in 2018, it simply can’t be confined to a weekly, physical magazine. So much music is released all the time and is so readily available that by the time you read about it in the NME or similar it’s old news, you’ve already been listening to it for five days.

Physical magazines can’t compete in other ways, they lack the possibility for discussion which can take place on internet outlets. The comments sections on Pitchfork, Consequence of Sound and even on The Needle Drop videos are rich with insightful, original musical opinion that in the world of analogue journalism simply isn’t possible.

Print had its day. Magazines like NME represent years of incredible, cutting edge journalism but the fact of the matter is there are better ways to get the latest information and opinions on music. It is undeniably sad, but whilst the death of NME in print represents the end of an era, it also shows that the age of internet-based music media is well and truly upon us.

The internet allows for music journalism in ways that have never been seen before. We now have live streamed interviews where fans can ask their favourite musicians questions in real time. Outlets like Resident Advisor and Pitchfork make fascinating, high production mini documentaries which give followers insight into artists, movements and scenes on a level that previously would be impossible. The internet has also created a place where individuals can pretty much create a one person music media brand. Internet celebrities such as Nardwuar and Anthony Fantano can create content on their own that is far more in depth, entertaining and interactive than anything a print magazine could hope to produce.

So mourn not the once great NME, yes it is sad and yes they’ll be missed, however the world changes and in today’s music world there isn’t a place for weekly music magazines. An exciting new age of music and music journalism is upon us, one in which we know about and can listen to new music as soon as it’s released. One in which we can disect new songs and albums and get into heated arguments over whether or not Lil Pump is a genius with people we’ve never met on the other side of the world. So let’s not cling onto the past, let’s embrace the future.