There may be no better place to kickstart your career in music writing than by covering the ever-accessible alternative scene, and if you’re going to go that route then you owe it to yourself to spend at least a few years walking amongst the genre’s target demographic at Van’s Warped Tour. Today, just over two months away from the tour’s official kickoff, the application for press accreditation was made available online.
So here’s the question: Should you apply?
The simple answer: Yes.
But we can get more specific…
Are you a relatively new journalist hoping to establish connections with a bunch of artists and PR? Yes, you should apply…
Are you a seasoned alternative music writer who is looking to get scoops on the next breakout bands and/or fulfill some freelance obligations involving headline acts: Yes, you should apply…
Are you interested at all in where music is headed and what it might sound like in the future? Yes, you should apply…
Are you wondering whether or not the tour has made any changes to how it operates in response to complaints about the 2015 outing? Yes, you should apply…
Do you meet these basic requirements:
If you’re going to complain all day about overpriced water, long waits for parking, a complete lack of shade, scheduling conflicts, and the fact your one dream interview is with the right band, but the wrong member? No, please do not apply.
There is no training ground quite like Warped Tour. It’s challenging, but so is life, especially for those who choose to pursue a career in music. Consider your time at Warped as a crash course in surviving the entertainment business. If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.
