Sydney freelancers taking over nextmedia music brand

The Complaints Department Pty Ltd is acquiring the music brand Blunt from Nextmedia. The recently formed publishing company will relaunch the brand in 2020.

Blunt, which was published as a magazine and subsequently a website for over 15 years, has remained a respected brand at the cutting edge of the alternative music scene, delivering iconic coverage of the best releases from Australia and around the globe. It was the first port of call for all the latest in heavy music news and interviews, with an increased lifestyle scope covering games, films, TV, clothing, gadgets, tattoos and more.

Blunt will be returning to the digital realm in January 2020. The brand’s new management will also be overseeing the return of the physical elements, including the famous Blunt poster magazine.

Mike Hohnen, now Patron Saint of Operations for Blunt, said “Blunt was always so much more than a music publication. It explored, emboldened and honoured the alternative culture. We can’t wait to bring that energy back and reinstate Blunt as a home for the heavy, and heavy-adjacent, community.” 

Peyton Bernhardt, head of editorial, shares the sentiment, adding that Blunt’s rebirth will usher in a “revival in quality coverage across the alternative music scene in Australia”.

Hamish Bayliss, managing director of nextmedia, said: “I am pleased to see Blunt find a new home with passionate owners to reinvigorate the brand.”