It goes without saying, concerts are way to expensive nowadays.
Did you know that there are tons of local music magazines both online and physical that are always looking for volunteers to write live reports or reviews?
I have been doing volunteer journalism for a heavy metal magazine for the last 2 years. I get to pick and choose to attend any metal concert or festival that comes into town, then they put me on the guest list and get me a press pass (which can usually get you backstage, in early, free bag check, and more perks like that).
After the show, I write up a nice little review and send it in. Each magazine will probably have their own standards and guides on how to write an article that fits their style, which they’ll send you when you ask to volunteer.
I had no previous writing experience, and because it’s voluntary I only do it when I have some extra time on my hands (usually around 1-2 shows per month, but sometimes I take extended breaks).
I highly encourage you to look into some local magazines of whatever genre you’re into, and send the editor an email asking if they need any volunteers. If you have a camera, volunteering as a photographer is also an option, I have friends that do that as well (with little to no previous experience).
Tl;dr: volunteer journalism can get you into concerts for free, no previous experience required
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Ooh I love this idea! I’ve always wanted to get in to writing but have balked at the idea of going back to uni for another X years and equally chickened out when I get as far as “what’s a reasonable price to charge”. This is a really good tip I might use actually, and wouldn’t have known otherwise. Thanks for sharing!
I’m extremely skeptical that they’ll pay for your ticket with no experience necessary. What kind of program is this?
I have a friend that does, at a fairly professional level, even has some assignments from Rolling Stone. He’s interviewed a lot of great people and hasn’t paid for a concert in 15 years.
I almost always go to shows with my wife, do you ever get a +1?
I used to write for a couple of music mags from 16 through til graduating uni. It allowed me to go to shows for free, get free CDs, interview really interesting people, and more importantly allowed me to hone my skill and move into a more professional corporate gig
I had a roommate that did this for some music website. another one of our friends was a photographer and shot for him. He took me to “carry the gear” and stuff.
Got to meet Cage the elephant, and did shots with the singer and bassist for Gotye.
I did this for years as a teenand young adult. Totally worth getting into it if you like music. I interviewed bands too.
This is a great tip for anyone writing. I started with a site and we emailed anything that looked fun cover. After years of writing we couldn’t go to all of them and had the pick of basically any event we wanted to go to or cover.
Bring a buddy as your ‘photographer’ to score +1 perks.