Jessica Hopper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jessica Hopper
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Jessica Hopper at the EMP Pop Festival 2015.
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| Born | September 5, 1976 |
| Occupation | Author Music critic Editor |
| Language | English |
| Nationality | American |
| Genre | Criticism, journalism |
| Subject | Music, feminism |
| Years active | 1995-present |
| Notable works | The First Collection of Criticism by a Living Female Rock Critic Night Moves |
Jessica Hopper (born September 5, 1976) is an American writer. She is known for her work as a music critic and editor. Jessica has written many articles and books about music. Her books include The First Collection of Criticism by a Living Female Rock Critic and Night Moves.
Early Life and Writing
Jessica Hopper was born in Indiana and grew up in Minneapolis. Her mother was a newspaper editor. Her father was a journalist. Her stepfather was a prosecutor. Jessica says her family helped her become interested in journalism. She wanted to find the truth in stories.
Jessica started writing about music when she was a teenager. She felt a magazine had misunderstood one of her favorite bands, Babes in Toyland. The magazine called their music "caustic and shrieky." But Jessica found it "really empowering."
When she was 15, Jessica called the magazine. She wanted them to publish a new review written by her. The magazine did not reply. So, Jessica started her own fanzine. A fanzine is a small, homemade magazine made by fans.
By the time she was 16, she began writing for City Pages. This was an alternative weekly newspaper. Music critic Terri Sutton encouraged Jessica. She told her to find her own strong and honest writing voice.
Jessica Hopper's Career
Jessica Hopper has written for many well-known publications. These include the Chicago Tribune and The Chicago Reader. She also wrote for Spin magazine.
She was a music supervisor for This American Life. This means she helped choose music for the radio show. Jessica was also the first music editor for Rookie. This was a popular online magazine for teen girls.
From 1991 to 2005, she published her own fanzine called Hit It Or Quit It.
Jessica also worked in public relations and managed music bands. In her late 20s, she decided to write full-time.
From October 2014 to November 2015, Jessica was a senior editor at Pitchfork. Pitchfork is a very popular music website. She was also the editor-in-chief of their print magazine, The Pitchfork Review. In 2016, she became the editorial director of music for MTV News.
Laura Snapes, a writer for The Guardian, described Jessica as a very important music journalist. She said that Jessica's articles always felt like a big event. When Björk's album Vulnicura was leaked, Jessica's interview gave it "heartbreaking context." Mack Hayden from Paste magazine said Jessica has "one of the most distinctive voices" in music criticism.
In 2018, Jessica Hopper published a memoir called Night Moves. A memoir is a book about a part of someone's life.
Jessica also directed a four-part documentary series. It was called Women Who Rock. This series came out in July 2022 on EPIX.
Personal Life
Jessica Hopper lives in Chicago. She has two sons.
