music editor: @tonemsn | appearances: rolling stone, npr, consequence, etsy, mrr, etc.
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
Staff writer at PopMatters.
How is social media changing news?
By expanding informational access and opening a pathway to on-the-ground reporting, social media has highlighted the need for transparency.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Richard Ayoade (as visualized by Richard Ayoade in the literary work 'Ayoade On Ayoade: A Cinematic Odyssey').
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Honoring and protecting journalistic standards and ethics. A commitment to context and the pursuit of honest expression.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
For Tone Madison, please be aware that we only accept pitches that are based on events or artists that are directly connected to Madison, WI.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Squarespace, WordPress, Discord, Airtable, Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and an extensive variety of social and streaming platforms.
What's your favorite social network?
Instagram.
Why did you become a journalist?
I've always loved writing and deconstructing context. Upon realizing I could apply both to events I cared about, I committed in full.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
For my blog's thousandth post, I organized and released a world-spanning compilation that highlighted the principles that anchored the site.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
An incredible track pitch from a young musician in Ukraine who was risking a lot to make, let alone release, music.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
All pitches that either mislabel their intended recipient, contain dead links, or force unsecure downloads are tied for worst pitch.
What's your favorite drink?
Whiskey variants.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
The AV Club, Bandcamp Daily, Stereogum, Post-Trash, The Alternative, Gold Flake Paint, Variety, The Athletic, Various Small Flames, and more.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
More than a few sources have been promoting, and falling for, the myth that arts and entertainment have limited value.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.