Tell us about yourself and your experience.

I live in New Jersey. I’ve been a journalist and photographer for about two years now. I’m a staff writer/photographer for Mind Equals Blown, but I also contribute to Under the Gun Review, Deadscreen, Hifi Noise, OPUS Magazine and a multitude of others. You could find me writing about everything from music, TV, movies and sports and also photographing and writing about shows and festivals.

What drove you to choose your career path?

I’ve always had a passion for music and writing. I played instruments like the violin and guitar since I was in 2nd grade. Writing just came natural. I’ve self-published four books on my own, but I was always inspired by the Kurt Loders’, the Zane Lowes’, Chuck Klostermans’ and a plethora of really dope photographers who are friends. I started my own Tumblr blog for a while just writing about random stuff, but really wanted to take it to the next level.

How did you go about getting your job? What kind of education and experience did you need?

I actually attended University of Delaware as a criminal justice major. The initial line of thinking was to go to law school after and go into a lawyer-type job, but it was always in my heart to do something creative.

About two years ago, I applied to be a writer at Mind Equals Blown. I had to go through a month trial period where I wrote albums reviews in different styles and editorials. After that, when I came back from Coachella in April of 2014, I got on the staff and the rest is history.

What do you actually spend the majority of your time doing?

Whenever I have a free minute, I’m usually with a pair of headphones attached to my ears listening to new music either to write about or get inspiration from. Going to the movies to write about a new release or trying to fit some TV in there to write about a show. Emailing pitches, receiving pitches, or going out into New York City to photograph a show. Sometimes that constitutes flying to a different state to cover a festival as well.

What misconceptions do people often have about your job?

There are two major misconceptions: the first is that photographers just go to a show for free and push and button then VOILA! There is a lot more that goes into being a concert photographer. There is a craft and artistry to it that has a certain beauty to it as you develop your own style.

The other misconception is that most journalists are not receptive to new things and ignore pitches. That’s not true either. For me personally, I am thankful that I have a day job that sustains me and lets me have time off. Not everybody gets those chances. There are a lot of people who have to worry about a family or worry about how the bills are getting paid. They would love to write about that one artist, but they just can’t because of priorities.   

What are your average work hours?

I have a day job, so it’s a 9-5 deal Monday through Friday. Within that time, I try to take a glance at emails and see if there is anything I can do quickly if I have some downtime. Depending if it’s a show night, I usually head to NY and I get back home around 11-12 midnight and try to edit as much as possible. As for writing, long train rides are helpful in that department or I try to pitch ideas once I get a second.  

What personal tips and shortcuts have made your job easier?

I’ve learned a lot of tips as I’ve gone on. I usually carry a journal with me, so if I have any ideas, I jot them down in an idea bank. The night before, I try to write a schedule for the next day and before I wake up and go to the gym before work, I try to write at least one thing. I have an established workflow for photographing shows, so it’s easier to edit and write the reviews.

Another thing that’s helpful is keeping a monthly list. I usually write down the movies, albums, TV shows, and photography shows I want to cover for that month. Big stress relief.

What do you do differently from your coworkers or peers in the same profession?

I don’t really know what I do differently because I really try to stay what works for me and to keep my focus there as much as possible. Everybody has their own system and niche as they want to do. There’s some people that I pick up tips from, but I really try to keep things as close to the chest as possible.

Do you have any advice for people who need to enlist your services?

I almost feel bad because I have so many tastes regarding music genres. I like a little bit of everything, so it’s hard to get a handle on that. I would say approach me with different ideas and do it from a writer and photographer stand point as much as possible. I really like when I can bring the two worlds together and I feel that the more creative I can be, the most helpful to the artist, PR, publication..etc that it can be as well.

What's the worst part of the job and how do you deal with it?

Things may get a bit overwhelming on the inquiry side balancing a full time job and doing the journalism hustle. The key is to find balance to where you are productive, but don’t burn yourself out. It’s impossible to do everything and you have to be ok with that. Just make sure what you do, you give 100% into it and the opportunities will follow.

What's the most enjoyable part of the job?

The most enjoyable part of my job is the fact that I get to write about things I love and photograph artists that I truly have admired and care about. I have also met some really cool and driven people along the way whether it’s through email or traveling to this show or that festival. I’m in a constant state of brainstorming that really makes me full.

What kind of money can one expect to make at your job?

It really depends on how much you push yourself. I realize that writing and photography jobs, while there are still some out there, aren’t as abundant as they were say ten years ago. There are some that pay a real good salary at a major publication, but you have to apply and distinguish yourself paying dues.

How do you move up in your field?

Constant and relentless drive. I cannot stress that enough. We are within a day and age where there are 50 million websites. Figure out what makes you stand out in the sea of content. Try new angles and approaches to an artist or a show that you are going to photograph.

What advice would you give to those aspiring to join your profession?

Honestly, always try to be a student of the game. Journalism and photography are both amazing because you can never stop learning. There will always been situations that will challenge you and stretch your creative boundaries. Always welcome those situations. Also, stay focused and ignore the chatter. There are always going to be people that will try to discourage you and sway you from what you really want to do. Sure, things are different this day and age, but you have to believe that this is what you want. It’s going to take some sacrifice – some missed parties, some sleepless night, but everything will be worth it in the end.