We Jazz Magazine is a quarterly print publication from Helsinki's We Jazz Records: a 128-page, beautifully produced journal that "begins with jazz and circulates outwards," and whose issues routinely sell out their print runs. The first issue's 1,000 copies went almost immediately; the second doubled to 2,000. If you've seen it described as the most beautiful jazz magazine in print and wondered whether to start collecting it, this is the short version: yes, and here's why.
What is We Jazz Magazine?
We Jazz Magazine is the quarterly print journal of We Jazz Records, the Helsinki label founded by Matti Nives. Each issue runs around 128 pages on heavy uncoated stock with laminated card covers, mixing long-form interviews, photography and essays that start with jazz and wander into the wider world of sound. It is a physical object first, closer to an art book than a newsstand magazine.
Who are We Jazz Records?
We Jazz began in 2013 as an unlikely jazz club night in Helsinki. That night grew into an annual festival, then a record label in 2016, then a bricks-and-mortar record shop in 2019. Across those years the label has released close to fifty albums plus dozens of singles and EPs, building a reputation as one of the most distinctive independent jazz imprints in Europe. The magazine is the editorial arm of that same world.
Why does We Jazz Magazine sell out so fast?
Print runs are deliberately small and the production quality is high, so each issue behaves more like a limited record pressing than a magazine. When the debut sold its 1,000 copies almost instantly, the label only doubled to 2,000, still tiny by publishing standards. That scarcity, combined with a devoted international readership, means back issues disappear quickly and earlier editions become genuinely hard to find.
What's inside a typical issue?
Each issue is built around a loose theme, recent editions include "Weathering," "Cosmos," "Zoning" and "Worldwide." Inside you'll find in-depth artist interviews, photo essays, record recommendations and writing that connects modern jazz to spiritual jazz, electronic music, folk and beyond. It's the kind of reading that sends you back to the racks: finish a feature and you'll want the records it talks about.
Which issues should a new collector start with?
Start with whatever current issue is in stock, then work backwards as availability allows. The magazine is designed to be read in any order. Themed editions like "Cosmos" (Spring 2025) and "Weathering" (Winter 2025) are good entry points because they're recent enough to find and representative of the magazine's range. Early issues carry a premium simply because so few were printed.
Where can I buy We Jazz Magazine in the UK?
You can buy We Jazz Magazine in the UK directly from VinylVault, we stock a deep run of issues ready to ship, so you're not waiting on an international order or chasing a sold-out print run. Browse current and back issues on our Music Magazines page, and pair them with the records they cover over in our Jazz vinyl section.
What should I read and play alongside it?
If We Jazz is your gateway, follow it into the spiritual and contemporary jazz reissues collectors are chasing right now, Japanese jazz-funk, modal and spiritual jazz are all having a moment on the Jazz page. For more on building a reading-and-listening shelf, see our guide to the best vinyl and music books of 2026.
The bottom line
We Jazz Magazine is one of the few music publications that's collectible in its own right, small runs, gorgeous production, and writing that actually deepens how you listen. Issues don't stay available forever. Grab the current one and start your run on our Magazines page while stock lasts.
