Banjos and beards and rivers, oh my!
January 20, 2012 9:27 AM
I'd like to attend Wakarusa with a press pass. Hope me not look a fool when applying, will you?
I'd like to attend Wakarusa this year...with a press pass. So would everyone else, I'm sure, but I actually write a bonafide music blog and I'm hoping to use it as a way to finagle my way in with the big wigs.
The blog, based primarily around music acts that are booked this year, gets about 6000 unique visitors a month (so it's small but within the music genre I write about, I'm happy with our stats) and I've actually had some writing published. We've put on shows. The problem here is that the app for a press pass is asking for my "publication/radio station". In other sad, sad news Waka states "Freelancers who do not have a specific news outlet for whom they will be working will be denied".
Now, I've been to shows before. I've covered them but any access I had was because I was friends with those in the band. I actually know the lead singer of one of the bigger bands playing this venue and we're meeting up for beers after their set but I don't want to burden him with any sort of special favor requests. I've already bought tickets so it's not like I'd like to get in free, it's just that I'd like some access so I can cover this thing proper. I'd like to put a little time into filming some sessions with the lesser known artists for feature on the blog if possible (primarily, my access from my pass would allow me to do this without officially having to deal with band management, which is a giant fucking pain).
So, advice is what I seek. Have you applied for a press pass to a large festival like this? Were you writing for a blog or a more serious publication? How exactly should I frame my response to "how do you intend to cover the festival"? Is my measly blog considered a specific news outlet? Is it worth my time to go to the trouble if I'm only gonna look like a goddamn fool with my sad little credentials?
Any help is appreciated.
I'd like to attend Wakarusa this year...with a press pass. So would everyone else, I'm sure, but I actually write a bonafide music blog and I'm hoping to use it as a way to finagle my way in with the big wigs.
The blog, based primarily around music acts that are booked this year, gets about 6000 unique visitors a month (so it's small but within the music genre I write about, I'm happy with our stats) and I've actually had some writing published. We've put on shows. The problem here is that the app for a press pass is asking for my "publication/radio station". In other sad, sad news Waka states "Freelancers who do not have a specific news outlet for whom they will be working will be denied".
Now, I've been to shows before. I've covered them but any access I had was because I was friends with those in the band. I actually know the lead singer of one of the bigger bands playing this venue and we're meeting up for beers after their set but I don't want to burden him with any sort of special favor requests. I've already bought tickets so it's not like I'd like to get in free, it's just that I'd like some access so I can cover this thing proper. I'd like to put a little time into filming some sessions with the lesser known artists for feature on the blog if possible (primarily, my access from my pass would allow me to do this without officially having to deal with band management, which is a giant fucking pain).
So, advice is what I seek. Have you applied for a press pass to a large festival like this? Were you writing for a blog or a more serious publication? How exactly should I frame my response to "how do you intend to cover the festival"? Is my measly blog considered a specific news outlet? Is it worth my time to go to the trouble if I'm only gonna look like a goddamn fool with my sad little credentials?
Any help is appreciated.
Yeah, you're not a freelancer, you're the editor of a music blog, you're fine, that's your credential, if they deny you, cross that bridge later. And explain your coverage: "I'll do daily short-form overnight video and short print Q&As and blah blah."
posted by RJ Reynolds at 10:20 AM on January 20, 2012
posted by RJ Reynolds at 10:20 AM on January 20, 2012
This thread is closed to new comments.
Describe the fact that you would like to do video -- and be clear whether you mean performance video or backstage interviews. Also, any other coverage you plan to file -- daily? after the festival wraps? anything in advance of the festival?
I wouldn't tell them you already bought tickets -- that puts you in the realm of a fan, not a journalist.
posted by jacquilynne at 9:54 AM on January 20, 2012