SWOT ANALYSIS OF TWO SUCCESSFUL INDIE MUSIC BLOGS vs By: Jordyn Prince

Being one of my favorite music blogs, it only seemed natural to analyze and compare Pretty Much Amazing to another. This music blog is well known for it’s appeal to all those crazy about the indie/alternative side of the music industry. When MTV finds this site to be one of the “best independent music blogs” and the New Yorker calls them the “true keepers of serendipity”, you can easily realize that the constant music suggestions, reviews, free mp3s, and news posted every day is trustworthy and a noted place to find trends and tastes. I am attracted to this blog, because of the constant activity on this site. The reviews are sincere and the music taste is impeccable.

I definitely enjoy spending more time on Nialler9 (pronounced Nile-r) than on Pretty Much Amazing. It is because of this, that I want to conduct a SWOT analysis on the two together to really pin point why this is. This is the most-read Irish music blog (received five consecutive awards in the Irish Blog Awards for Best Music Blog). According to the founder, Nialler9 is “eclectic, discerning and deadly). I often find myself on this music blog because of the constant searching and sharing of new music. There are so many styles that are covered on this site, and that is something that I respect.

STRENGTHS Style Sheet – type, colors, layout Constant activity Multiple reviews Free MP3 downloads Relative news Music videos User interaction PMA Radio Strong social media

STRENGTHS Style Sheet – type, colors, layout Strong logo Simplicity Easy to navigate Discover new music Constant activity Strong relations to Irish music Up-to-date news Focus on albums as a whole User interaction Podcasts Strong social media

WEAKNESSES Logo is not as strong Advertisements on page can be overwhelming and annoying in placement Force you to team up with Rdio if you want to easily listen to the playlists they make for you Navigation can be messy and confusing Not as memorable of a layout/color scheme (however, still non- distracting) Not as strictly focused in their music taste/style -maybe too much focus on simply Irish music though

OPPORTUNITIES Some viewers and readers are less interested in the descriptions and reviews of artist’s and their songs and might be more inclined to go onto the Nialler9 for more and quicker music and less “fluff” Many music blogs have weekly podcasts, PMA does not Viewers sometimes know exactly what they want to listen to---might not enjoy the variety Nialler9 is lacking a “radio” that can play their favorite and suggested music throughout the site as the viewer is navigating through----many music blogs have this, including PMA -(does have a weekly podcast which is a nice addition, but not the same thing) Viewers sometimes know exactly what they want to listen to---might not enjoy the variety

THREATS Gorilla vs. Bear is one of the most popular indie music blogs. It is a huge competition to both PMA and Nialler9 because of the innovation and passion behind the founders. This blog seems to be one step ahead of everyone at all times. Hear Ya is another big competitor. The live recording sessions they hold are a big factor to this. Hear Ya is set on their style and very consistent. You Aint No Picasso is another popular and loved indie music blog. They remain more consistent in their style (like Hear Ya), but are a huge competition for the “down-right rad” music and the constant covers showcased.

IN CONCLUSION… I have always been extremely drawn to Nialler9 and Pretty Much Amazing. They both offer so many great things in my constant search for new music and the appreciation of artist’s and their talents. While I usually go to Nialler9 first—finding PMA a little bit too messy in navigation—I found that PMA has a lot to offer as well. Through this close analysis of the two, it makes perfect sense that I am initially drawn to Nialler9. It is much cleaner, more professional, and overall dedicated to their beginning foundation to Irish music and the constant connections to indie and alternative music.

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