Steven J. Horowitz Joins Variety as Senior Music Writer

variety.com:

Variety Staff Follow Us on Twitter Steven J. Horowitz has joined Variety as senior music writer, effective immediately. In his new role, he will be a key voice in music reporting and criticism, writing news articles, reviews, commentary, appreciations and cover stories across all of Variety’s platforms.

Horowitz joins after two years at TikTok, where he was music editorial lead for North America. During his time at the company, he managed all music campaigns for tentpoles like Pride Month and #Rocktober; handled in-app programming across TikTok’s playlist and bannering ecosystem; and oversaw TikTok’s music-related social channels.

He was previously a senior editor at Billboard, held posts at YouTube Music and Myspace, and worked extensively as a freelance writer for Variety, Vulture, Rolling Stone, Vogue, Pitchfork, OUT and others.

He began his professional career as news editor at HipHopDX. He will report to executive music editor Jem Aswad and joins a music team that includes chief critic Chris Willman and associate editor Thania Garcia, along with several Variety web staffers and freelancers. “Steven and I have known each other for ten years: We worked together at Billboard and he was later one of our top freelancers, so I know the level of expertise and quality he brings,” Aswad said. “His experience at TikTok and YouTube, his deep background in hip-hop, and his industry knowledge and background will strengthen our already world-class music team immeasurably.” “I’m thrilled to be joining Variety,” Horowitz added. “Being on the frontlines at TikTok has given me insight and perspective that will no doubt come in handy in my role at the legendary magazine.