Good thread! I too did a ton of freelance writing during the mid to late
Œ90s for Seattleıs rock newspaper The Rocket (when I lived in the Northwest)
and Chicagolandıs free monthly Showcase Midwest (when I lived in
Chicago)...both papers have folded since.

It was totally fun, I went to tons of free shows (some really good ones),
got to meet and interview some of my favorite artists (Lisa Germano, Son
Volt, Glen Burtnik, Kurt Neumann of the BoDeans, Walter Salas-Humara of the
Silos), and got piles of free CDs.

After doing it for about 3 years, I realized I had to get out of the writing
business because it was a conflict of interest for me: ultimately whatever I
was doing as a journalist, I was always scheming in the back of my mind how
to further my own career as a singer/songwriter. I felt like a lame
journalist using my contacts that way, AND a lame musician...like I was
tricking industry people in being interested in me. Then I saw that movie
³Almost Famous² and it really confirmed my feelings....a good rock
journalist CANıT and SHOULDNıT be friends with the band. Iıd rather give up
the journalism perks and try to make it with the bands and industry folks as
an equal, with no secret motives or whatever.

I have a feeling that the best rock journalists have no musical talent or
aspirations at all...theyıre just really big fans of music.

But I really miss all the free stuff. Going to shows is kind of a drag for
me now because I donıt have backstage passes anymore, and I donıt get
assigned the really good seats. I have to wait in line with everyone else,
and PAY for the tickets. Oh well.

Jonathan Rundman
http://www.jonathanrundman.com