FHM's relationship with music culture is an interesting one, but it has been largely ignored in recent years. In its heyday, the magazine was a crucial platform for musicians to reach young audiences, and vice versa. This essay will explore why this connection mattered so much, how it changed over time, and what might be learned from it today.
When FHM first appeared in 1985, its editorial mission was to cover "men's interests," which included music among many others. Music was a major focus in FHM, with interviews and features on rock bands, pop stars, and emerging artists. The magazine often spotlighted music trends alongside lifestyle and fashion, creating a broad cultural snapshot appealing to young men.
They ran a feature on grunge music in their May 20004 issue that focused on the Seattle scene and interviewed members of Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Mudhoney. In addition to providing a glimpse into the world of rock and roll, FHM also helped create it by promoting new talent like Alanis Morissette. By covering both established stars and up-and-comers, FHM provided valuable exposure for musicians while giving readers access to cutting-edge sounds.
As time went on, music coverage became less central to FHM's identity. As the internet made listening to new music easier than ever before, print publications struggled to keep up, leading some magazines to move away from music altogether or devote fewer pages to it. FHM followed suit, although they continued to include occasional articles about music through the late 2000s. This shift reflects broader changes in our culture - we now have more ways than ever before to discover new music online, but there is also greater competition for people's attention as well. Still, FHM's relationship with music culture remains an important part of its legacy, demonstrating how important it was at one point in time.
Today, there are many reasons why FHM might want to rekindle its connection with music culture. For starters, younger generations are increasingly looking for more authenticity in media than ever before; by going back to its roots as a magazine that covered everything men care about (including music), FHM could appeal to millennial and Gen Z audiences who feel disconnected from traditional outlets like Rolling Stone.
Streaming services like Spotify have created opportunities for small artists that were previously limited only to major labels; FHM could serve as a platform for these emerging talents, offering listeners something fresh and exciting.
Focusing on music would allow FHM to differentiate itself further from other lifestyle magazines - which all too often feature celebrity interviews rather than genuine discussion about culture. By embracing music again, FHM could become relevant again while also helping create tomorrow's stars.