Beard Fanzine was founded by Stewart Smith and Neil Jaques in Glasgow, apparently following "much inebriated talk and subliminal musical influences".

Taking their cues from, amongst other things, New Journalism, Beard's philosophy is to disregard the transparent sophistry and mediocrity present in modern-day arts journalism.

Beard #1 was launched in the Summer of 2003.

Beard #2 saw Beard win the 2005 EMAP Fanzine award for best music fanzine.

Now on its 5th issue, it has quickly become a cult magazine and is popular with musicians, artists and hipsters alike.

Beard has interviewed the likes of Robert Wyatt, Shirley Collins, Alasdair Roberts, Lucky Luke, Devendra Banhart, My Latest Novel, The Pipettes and Jewish country singer turned mystery novelist turned candidate for Governor of Texas Kinky Friedman.

Beard will appear in a forthcoming Danish TV documentary about the Glasgow music scene.

External link

Beardblog