I Want Their Job: Hugh McClure from Indie Shuffle

By Major Raiser

Hugh McClure is a twenty-something full time worker who dedicates all his spare time to his love of music.  Hugh writes for Indie Shuffle, a music blog which has an in-built continuous music player based on genres and artist. Running out of San Francisco, the site gets over a million hits a month and is one of the most-visited music blogs in the world. Indie Shuffle started as a one man show but soon developed into a platform for music lovers to get involved. Currently, Hugh is the only Australian contributor. Rachael Lord caught up with Hugh at Different Drummer to eat tapas, drink beer and talk music.

So Hugh, what experience, education or training have you had that’s helped with Indie Shuffle? None really. I dropped out of uni after a year doing an Arts degree I didn’t like. From there I got into full-time office work when I was 20 because I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. I used to love sport, I played a lot of soccer and basketball, but after 2 knee reconstructions I had to stop playing. My passion for sport was then transferred to music. Plus while waiting for my injuries to heal, I had a lot of spare time, so listening to music kept me busy!

How the heck did you start writing for a US based music blog? I discovered Indie Shuffle one day and spent hours trawling through the site listening to everything and anything. I don’t know why, but I just thought what the hell, I’ll contact them and see if I can write. I spoke to the founder, Jason Grishkoff and after doing a couple of samples (Boy & Bear and Gypsy & The Cat) he was happy for me to come on board!

With no experience?  Yep, nothing. Didn’t have a blog or anything like that.

You’re now one of the top contributors to the blog. Without any actual cash exchange, what are some of the perks? Why do you keep writing? Well, I can do it in my own time so there’s no pressure and it’s pretty flexible. But apart from that, before Indie Shuffle I was spending around $100 a week on albums. I’d go to JB HI Fi and come out with stacks of CDS, so being able to put that money towards other things instead is kind of like payment! When I first started writing I didn’t really know the inside tricks of the music industry and I was still paying for all of my music. Now it’s great because bands and artist management teams send me albums so I can review them.

Some of the collection...

What about media passes and concert tickets? Yeah of course, that too. I recently got a double pass to Splendour in the Grass and I’m going to Parklife for Indie Shuffle next weekend! For smaller gigs I tend to just buy the ticket myself but also get the occasional concert ticket if I’m going to review the artist.

What else do you love about writing for Indie Shuffle? Just the sense of community and friendship. It’s cool, I’ve made friends with some bands and other writers throughout the world. It’s a great space for people who love music just as much as I do, to interact and share new tunes. If I’m not listening to music I’m either asleep or really angry so it’s great to be able to put the passion to good use. Also, I get to write about stuff I like and I only write about Australian artists and bands which is great. It’s nice to share Aussie music. I’m not forced to review certain people or genres, and I don’t bother writing bad reviews, focusing instead on what I’m listening to at the time. I purposely choose not to write the negative stuff because I have a lot of respect for musicians and wouldn’t want to put down the hours and effort they put into their work. For me, I like to highlight the good. And I’m generally a happy guy!

Any advice to music writers wanting to get their name out there? Just ask! Email your favourite bloggers and start making connections.

So Mr. Music Man, I better ask you who you’re listening to at the moment!
Ernest Ellis
Kimbra
Guerre
SBTRKT
Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Absofacto
Oscar + Martin
Bleeding Knees Club
Little Scout
Husky
Matt Corby
Belles Will Ring

Who are some other young creatives doing cool things? Share the love. My friends are currently designing their debut fashion collection RAIN & HALE. They also have a fashion/ music / culture blog (for which I’ve started doing gig guides for… enjoy)

Footstomp Music – Artist Management based in Brisbane

Dew Process – Indie record label based in Brisbane (mainly the Secret Service arm)

Tim Fitz, Sleepyhands, Valar, Wim – Really decent Sydney tunes

Sounds Doctrine – A Sydney-based music blog serving up beautifully written articles alongside free downloads

The Gate Presents – A not-for-profit initiative showcasing live, independent music in Sydney

You’ve probably gone to a shitload of gigs now. What are some of your favourite moments so far?
Laneway and Splendour in the Grass 2011
Grizzly Bear at Sydney Recital Hall
Sufjan Stevens at the Opera Hous
Kimbra at the Metro
PNAU at Homebake 2008
WIM at Paddington Uniting Church
Boy and Bear at OAF

So through Major Raiser we’re trying to promote social awareness among young people. What are some issues that make you angry? What are you passionate about? Well I’m not really an angry person but the recent announcement that Tone was closing pissed me off. The Sydney music culture in general grates me a bit. Attendance during mid-week gigs can be pretty poor and we keep losing great live music venues. I really wish there would be more support for local live music. ANGRY FACE, HAHA!

Want Hugh to review your stuff for Indie Shuffle? Email the man himself on hughmcclure@live.com with links to your tracks and some info.

I WANT THEIR JOB SERIES
Over the next few weeks Rachael Lord will take a look at the inside world of the creative arts industries, asking people what it’s like to have their foot in the door. I WANT THEIR JOB is about highlighting the perks and challenges young people face while creating their dream job.

If you would like to be featured in I WANT THEIR JOB series, or know someone who’s under 26 and killin’ it, email Rachael@majorraiser.com or comment below!