Interview with Bob Gendron, Music Critic for the Chicago Tribune

Have you ever read a music review which was so powerful, it inspired you to download a song or buy a concert ticket? Or maybe you’ve screamed profanities after reading a music review which contradicted everything you know to be true about music?

Writing a solid music review requires a unique blend of skills. A music critic must not only have a deep knowledge of the musical genre and specific artist, but also have the ability to use words to bring sounds to life.

I recently had the opportunity to interview Bob Gendron, longtime music critic and editor for the Chicago Tribune. Bob’s respected career spans over two decades; as a veteran of the music industry, his experiences shed light on what it takes to make it as a successful music journalist. Below is a summary of our interview and helpful hints to those of you considering a career as a music critic.

How did you get into the music review business?

A string of jobs in the music business, beginning at the age of 13, landed Bob his current role as a freelance music critic for the Chicago Tribune. Bob was only 13 years old when he began his first job at a record store. By the age 15, he was assistant manager of the store. With this experience under his belt, Bob worked for another record store while in college. His next job involved working at an audio magazine; shortly thereafter, Bob found himself as the music editor.

What does it mean to be a freelance music reviewer? Do you only write for the Tribune, or do you publish other places?

I was surprised to learn that writing music reviews is not Bob’s full-time job. However, I was not surprised to learn that Bob’s full-time job does involve music: he works at a vinyl company which owns a record label.

What’s great about being a freelance writer is that you have the ability to say “no” to any assignment. The freedom of being a freelance writer has afforded Bob the opportunities to write for a plethora of different media outlets, from Rolling Stone to TONEAudio.

Do you review concerts only or also albums?

In the past, Bob reviewed hundreds of albums, but now he mostly sticks to concert reviews, with an occasional curve ball like a top ten list.

How do you choose which concerts to review?

Bob begins by finding shows of interest and then pitches a list of shows to his editor. While Bob has a strong influence over which shows he ultimately reviews, his editor has the final say.

Do you cover all genres of music, or only specific ones?

Despite growing up on rock and roll old school hip-hop, Bob does not have a preference on the genre of the show he reviews. He’s explored and reviewed almost every genre imaginable — he’s even seen shows in different languages.

What is your process for writing reviews?

Like all good students, Bob begins by doing his homework. He gets familiar with each artist before attending their show — he studies their lyrics, as lyrics play a large part in what’s being communicated during the concert. At the show, Bob takes notes using a traditional notebook and pen (he always brings two pens in case one runs out of ink). Writing down notes helps keep track of details, which Bob can call upon later to write his review.

An idea for his opening paragraph is typically generated as soon as the concert is over. From there, Bob stays up all night writing the review, building off of his lead ideas. He is diligent about fact-checking. In fact (pun intended), Bob’s writing has only required one correction in 22 years.

Before Bob’s head hits his pillow, his first draft is complete. This often involves staying up really, really late (think 4:00 am). Lost in thought, Bob oftentimes doesn’t even realize how late it is when his draft is complete.

Over the years, reviewing concerts has become Bob’s second nature — if he is attending a concert for fun, he finds himself writing a review in his head, even though it is not an assignment from any publication. Critiquing shows has become hardwired into his concert-going experience.

What are your favorite recent shows?

Some of Bob’s favorite shows recently have been Lady Gaga at Wrigley Field in summer of 2022, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, Beyonce, Depeche Mode, and Chance the Rapper. He also said that almost every single show in 2023 was amazing, with the exception of a disappointing performance by superstar Billie Eilish at Lollapalooza.

What advice would you give someone who wants to become a music critic and/or wants to have a career in the music industry in some capacity, but is not a musician?

First and foremost, know your audience. Be clear and direct, all the while being original and staying true to yourself. In addition to always exposing yourself to new sounds, be sure to keep reading, even if what you are reading doesn’t have anything to do with music. Reading a variety of genres will help you recognize different types of language and writing styles, which can help you unearth your own. And of course, keep writing. You never know who is going to notice your work, and where that may take you.