The dearth of music mags in Australia appears to have returned as a flood with news iconic British magazine NME is to launch a local print edition.
Following news last month that local publisher Brag Media was bringing a local print version of Rolling Stone back to Aussie newsagent shelves comes news today that BandLab Technologies will chance its arm with a print edition of NME (aka New Musical Express.)
BandLab Technologies is a Singapore-based publisher who bought the global rights to the NME brand in 2019.
According to NME publishers, the decision to launch a print title came after the successful launch of a local website back in December.
CEO of BandLab, Meng Ru Kuok said: “Since the launch of our NME Australia site in December 2019, we’ve seen huge interest from fans, artists and the music industry, with half a million monthly Australian readers visiting NME.com/Australia for their music and pop culture fix.
“While the print edition in the UK is still on hiatus, we decided there was nowhere better to re-introduce print than Australia. It’s a big country with one of the most dynamic music scenes in the world right now, and of course, there’s no better time than now, when people are seeking compelling content, engaging news and home-based entertainment.”
The debut edition will feature Aussie songstress Tash Sultana on the cover.
Sultana added: “I’m really stoked about it. Honestly I just can’t wait to give a copy of the issue to my mum and to my grandparents. I know my pa will be showing it all over the retirement village, some could even say he thinks he’s a rockstar now.”
