Steve Ritchie
I’m the editor at MetalTalk, and outside the site, I work with artists and bands who want their releases to sound clear, confident, and press-ready, without needing a full PR team.
Over the years at MetalTalk, I’ve interviewed Tony Iommi, Adrian Smith, John Petrucci, Jeff Pilson and Andrew Freeman, among others.
Those conversations shaped how I work, listening for what’s actually interesting, pulling out the quotes that matter, and shaping a story that gives a release a fair chance out in the world.
Find Me Here:
What I Keep Seeing
I get a lot of submissions at MetalTalk that are basically a link with no context. And honestly, I get it. It’s hard to write about your own music without sounding awkward or overselling it.
The problem is that editors need a little more to work with. A clear story, a few usable quotes, and copy that explains quickly why this release is worth someone’s time. Most artists aren’t bad at promo. They’re just too close to it.
That’s the gap I help you close. My style is supportive but direct. I’ll tighten what needs tightening, explain the why in plain English, and help you send your release out feeling confident.
Behind MetalTalk
I also write about the editorial side of running MetalTalk, the decisions, the process, and the work that never shows up in the bylines, over at Behind MetalTalk on Substack.
If you’re curious about how music media actually works, it’s a good place to start.
Steve Ritchie - MetalTalk Editor
If MetalTalk is involved in anything we do, it is handled transparently and separately, with clear boundaries.
© 2026 | All rights reserved by Steve Ritchie