The Wire

Archived since Summer 1982 (Issue 1)

Complete Archive Perpetual Access Available

495 issues

JISC Collection

The Wire is the world's leading independent monthly music magazine. The first issue was published in 1982. More than four decades on the magazine remains committed to reporting on a dynamic global network of underground, alternative and experimental musics by publishing journalism and photography by some of the subculture’s most original and authoritative critics and observers.

A digital subscription gives access to the complete online archive of back issues of The Wire since issue one, summer 1982 — that's over 40 years, 470 issues and 40,000 pages.

Latest Issue:

Haruomi Hosono, Crystabel Efemena Riley, Bromp Treb, Christer Bothén, Blackhaine, KASAI, Use Knife, Nina Garcia, Invisible Jukebox: DJ Scotch Egg, Epiphanies: Joy Guidry on Sun Ra, The Inner Sleeve: Djrum on Svarte Greiner, Unlimited Editions: Dusty Ballz, Global Ear: Dhaka, Against The Grain: trans and queer people in underground music scenes, David Toop on Japanese exotica, plus reviews of Mourning [A] BLKstar, Kevin Drumm, Bennie Maupin, Column 258, DJ Haram, Nazar, Everything Is Psychedelic, Ben LaMar Gay, Meredith Monk, Long Play Festival, Reading Group, and more.

Want a taster of The Wire’s content? Sign up here to New Issue Notifications to receive email alerts each time a new issue is published, alongside its editorial highlights.

Personal Subscriptions Available

Recommend to your Librarian

Subscription Features

Fully-searchable access to the growing archive of current and back issues.
Inclusive accessibility features, such as plain text and 'Read Aloud' technology.
Unlimited IP-authenticated access and remote access options available.
Cross-platform compatibility with all Web, iOS and Android devices.
Usage reports, KBART data, MARC records and excellent customer support.