In the Key of Change is an online magazine that brings the latest music news, reviews, and interviews--all while raising money for music charity.
Tell us a little about yourself and your experience.
I've been interviewing bands (audio and/or on camera) since 2008 as well as shooting photos of their live sets. I have over 450 video interviews on my youtube channel--www.youtube.com/writejaxwrite. I work for two sites--music.allaccess.com and inthekeyofchange.com. I've interviewed tons of national and international acts, such as: Pierce the Veil, Sleeping with Sirens, All Time Low, Of Mice & Men, Chiodos, Memphis May Fire, and countless others. I also interviewed Aerosmith in the principal's office over speaker-phone. The bell to change classes interrupted us twice.
What drove you to choose your career path?
I'm a full-time high school English teacher, but I began interviewing bands in 2008 for a budget lifestyle magazine after I got tired of finding cheap places to eat. It was far more interesting talking to bands about how the recession was affecting them instead of the place with the best cheap burrito. My editor didn't like my taste in music (because he had none) so I decided to take my contacts and leave. I created my first website thecuttingedgeculture.com to share my band interviews and photos, focusing on the hard rock scene. As a teacher, I saw teens who didn't really have a social conscious, but I was working with many bands that were doing great things with charities like Keep a Breast, TWLOHA, Heartsupport and more. I wanted to show them that caring was cool and important. So I closed down TCEC and started Inthekeyofchange.com--we merge music with the social causes and charities bands support. Through online interviews, photos, and our online store of donated autographed band merch, we are able to raise money for our favorite music charity MusicDriveUs.org; they bring music instruments and therapies to Boston area kids and adults. Over the years, we've been able to donate thousands of dollars to this worthy cause.
How did you go about getting your job? What kind of education and experience did you need?
For the most part, I created my own job because taking about cheap food was boring; plus I already had a full-time job teaching. I got my job at Music.AllAccess.com by approaching them about an idea to cover music festivals all summer last year. They loved it, so I traveled in my 2009 Eclipse covering Bonnaroo, Firefly, 12 stops of Warped Tour, the AP Awards, and countless concerts. It never hurts to ask--the worst thing someone can say is no, then move on to someone else. I have a BSE in English as well as Secondary Education and a minor in East Asian History, as well as a Masters in Special Education. While most of this doesn't directly relate to what I do at ITKOC, my relationship with kids motivates me to keep building bridges between kids, bands, and charities. I think that being a special education teacher has given me a lot of patience, which is often needed when an interview doesn't go as planned, someone bails, accidents happen, etc. Being a teacher helps me to be comfortable talking to strangers; I don't get star struck. Being an educator also helps me word difficult questions in a way that is still friendly and non-confrontational.
What do you actually spend the majority of your time doing?
HA, didn't you know this job was so glamourous? I joke because that's what my students think. I spend at least 50-60 a week teaching, because I work extra programs to help students graduate on time. I go to the gym at least five times a week so my appearance on camera isn't too terrifying. I spend countless hours researching bands so I can ask interesting questions instead of "What's on your iPod?". I spend MANY hours writing articles for the two websites I work for as well as sharing links across all social media platforms. On days when I'm covering a festival, I'm usually spending many hours just waiting for bands.
What misconceptions do people often have about your job?
People think teachers get three months off--according to my calendar, I get two months WITHOUT PAY. I spend those two months working--covering tours and tutoring when there is time between festivals (but I'm not sure there will be much time this year). Others think interviewing bands is really exciting and glamorous. It isn't, but I do think it's really fun. I find it interesting to learn about each band's perspective and sources of influence. I also love the thrill of shooting live concerts, especially in really small venues when I have to fight for a shot between falling crowd surfers.
What are your average work hours?
(see above) I'm always working on something. When I'm in the shower, I'm often thinking up new ideas. Falling asleep is really difficult.
What personal tips and shortcuts have made your job easier?
I haven't found one yet! I've had some intern assistants, but they never work out--either they thought the job was going to be glamorous, or they thought they'd be listening to bands all day. After seven years I'm much better covering bands solo. I do have an EXCELLENT webmaster and AWESOME content master who help post interviews to In the Key of Change and make it look great. I upload everything to All Access myself, which is probably why it doesn't look as good as I want it to (I'm picky) because I'm not an HTML expert.
What do you do differently from your coworkers or peers in the same profession?
Most music journalists I know work full-time for an outlet or two or as freelancers. Most don't teach full-time. I wear many hats, sometimes too many hats!
Do you have any advice for people who need to enlist your services?
Don't be too cool to take an intern position to get your foot in the door. Just because you are working "for free" doesn't mean you should tool around. You're getting paid in valuable experience. I'm far more patient with an intern who asks questions to help get the job done, than I am with someone who is just there to get another wristband. The music scene is oversaturated with artists and the music journalism scene is oversaturated with people with a computer. You have to work hard and find a way to stand out.
What's the worst part of the job and how do you deal with it?
It's hard to choose between lack of time, kids with cell phones in the photo pit, and bros with selfie sticks.
What's the most enjoyable part of the job?
Helping to spread the word about awesome bands--how they are connecting with their fans, how they are connecting with charities, and how we should all do at least a little something to help those less fortunate than ourselves.
What kind of money can one expect to make at your job?
Huh? Sometimes my travel is paid for or someone hands me a beer. Thank goodness I've been teaching for 12 years in one of the best-paying school districts; I know how to save money in advance. I also have an odd ability to make the best out of any shitty hotel room.
How do you move up in your field?
Time, hard work, and creativity. Persistence also helps--I'm from New Jersey; it's in my blood.
What advice would you give to those aspiring to join your profession?
Definitely be a teacher, then find a creative outlet. Then find a way not to burn the candle at both ends on a regular basis.