Saturday, January 06, 2007
Write for The Rockit
As you may or may not know, I edit a monthly music paper called The Rockit. You can see it online at www.therockitnews.com and find it in most L.A. record stores, nightclubs, etc. It's cool and all, but we really need more writers. Below please find the limits of my search:
1. Record store writer. This person would be responsible for one 350-500 word piece per month about a local record store. Applicant needs to be exceptionally skilled in the art of record shopping. You should be able to go into a store, chat up the sales people and sift through the stacks with ease. You should be able to spot bargains (i.e. you know that the 12" for Marc and the Mambas "Black Heart" single is really worth more than the $3 marked price). You should also be well-versed in local under-the-radar haunts and able to suggest stores for each issue, as opposed to having me assign everything.
2. Radio writer. This person is responsible for one 350-500 word piece per month on a radio show. The show can be broadcast on terrestrial stations in L.A., Internet or satellite stations. You should be an avid radio listener and should be able to suggest shows for coverage; able to discuss the quality of the music played on the show, the presence of the on-air personalities, etc; and open to various types of music. This person should also be able to keep tabs on radio issues for future articles.
3. Music store writer. This person is responsible for one 350-500 word piece per month on an L.A.-area music store. You should be either a musician, gearhead or both. You should be able to go into a music equipment store and identify the items within the store and capable of asking hard questions to the staff. You should know pricing of music equipment and what makes a store special. You should be able to suggest stores for coverage to the editor.
4. Reviewers (CDs). As a music reviewer, you should be able to write concise 150 word reviews of current albums. In most cases, CDs will be assigned, but you will be free to make suggestions as well. Your writing should be witty and insightful. Your job is not to describe the CD, but to point out its strengths and faults in a way that is both informative and entertaining. You should be knowledgeable about various different styles of music.
5. Reviewers (Live Shows). As a live reviewer, you should be able to write brief (200-250 words) critiques of shows across Los Angeles. Live reviews are generally assigned, but you are more than welcome to suggest shows coverage. As with CD reviews, your pieces should skillfully examine what did and didn't work about the performance. Your tone should be relaxed yet demonstrative of a firm grasp of the band or style of music you are covering.
6. News Writers. News writers should be keenly aware of what is going inside the Los Angeles music scene and able to suggest interesting and brief (100 words) tidbits related to this city and the bands that inhabit it. These include: breakups; club openings/closures; etc. You should have your own, reliable sources for information.
7. Feature writers. The most obvious form of feature writing is the band interview. These are generally assigned, but you can make suggestions. In this instance, you will be responsible for maintaining contact with the band and/or its people to set up the interview, conducting the interview and turning it into a high-quality story ranging from 750-950 words in length. As a feature writer, you must demonstrate above-average writing skills and a clear and engaging voice.
We are also looking for feature writers who are capable of going past the basic 20 minute interview session. If you are interested in investigating any other aspect of music in Los Angeles (specific scenes, political issues, etc.), we are interested in hearing from you.
Now that you have gone this far, you might as well keep going.
Before contacting us, you should know that this is a completely volunteer endeavor. In other words, you won't get paid. However, you should also know that I do my best to make sure that you cover what you want. That said, if you're an Arcade Fire fan, I won't make you interview My Chemical Romance instead.
Also, you should note that even though this is a Los Angeles-area paper, you don't have to live in Los Angeles to be a contributor. Certain stories require people to live in the area (show reviews and in–person interviews), but this isn't always the case.
If you got through this email and you're interested, contact me at editor@therockitnews.com
Please include published clips (text only) in the body of your email. If the clips are online, please send a link. If you don't have published clips, send a link to your blog. Lacking all of the above, send me a few mock record reviews as a writing sample.
Thanks.
Liz
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