NORTHERN REFRAIN Independent music interviews & cultural reporting

Editorial standards

Respect the subject. Protect the reader.

Northern Refrain distinguishes verified reporting, criticism and personal testimony. Each has value; none should be disguised as another.

  1. Accuracy first

    Names, dates, releases, quotations and historical claims are checked against primary sources whenever possible.

  2. Clear labels

    Reviews, interviews, reported features and personal essays are identified so readers understand the nature of the work.

  3. Independent judgment

    Access, advance material or complimentary admission does not guarantee favorable coverage and will be disclosed when relevant.

  4. Interview integrity

    Subjects may clarify factual details. They do not receive approval over interpretation, headlines or the final published article.

  5. Corrections

    Substantive errors are corrected promptly and transparently, with a dated note when the correction materially changes the story.

  6. Fairness

    Criticism addresses the work and documented conduct. It does not manufacture hostility, conceal relevant context or treat humiliation as reporting.