Looking to apply to be a contributor for Off the Record?

What does it mean to be a contributor?

The role of a contributor is for those who want to establish their personal portfolio. Through publications like ours, concert photographers and journalists are able to get access to concerts and the platform to share their work. Not only does this build the photographer/ journalist's personal work but magazines such as Off the Record get great content and a community to connect with. 

A contributor is an unpaid role. Our entire team is unpaid, even our editors! As mentioned earlier, this is for those looking to get started.


What does Off the Record expect from contributors?

Photographer contributors for Off the Record Press are expected to contribute one assignment a month.

  • Contributors are given a chance to choose the show(s) they choose to go to, so they are able to choose their own schedule.

  • Contributors report to the editors what artists they want to create content for, and OTRP editors connect with publicists to get contributors on guest lists with the necessary media passes and photo passes. 

  •  It is expected that contributors are able to be at the show once they commit to it, as we create connections with artists and publicists to make this happen and we would love to keep strong connections.

  • Contributors are expected to have their own mode of transportation and are expected to be on time.

  • Photographer contributors must be ok with being posted on OTR socials (Instagram/Pinterest/Other).

Journalist contributors for Off The Record are expected to contribute two assignments a month.

  • One news assignment of the journalist choice with corresponding links to different media platforms

  • One other assignment of the journalists choice: Interview, Album/Single Review, or other choice, with corresponding links to different media platforms.

  • Journalist contributors are expected to attend a monthly meeting on the first Saturday of the month.

Editorial staff with reach out to applicants for further proceedings.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Concert photographers get access to the photo pit that’s in front of the barricade at a venue, if there is one. This is for better access to angles of the artist without being in the crowd. Photographers will need to own their own professional grade camera, but OTRP does not have a specific required camera. Please note that no phones are allowed in the photo pit to take pictures.

  • Our writing team has many roles. Music reviews for singles and albums, interviews, and monthly music recaps are amoung those roles. Our writing is done from a journalist perspective, so a journalism background is highly recommended.

    When accepted to the writing team, writers will be bouncing between all roles, depending on availabilty.

  • We open up contribution pitches to our entire staff once we begin the process of making a zine. While not every contributor is chosen due to limited page space, we try our best to make it as collaborative as possible! Contributors who have many talents (graphic designing, creative directing, etc. pitch in in other ways than writing or photography).

  • OTR is great for those without experience. We do expect a portfolio or example work along with the application, so we recommend creating some example work before sending in an application.

    For those looking to be journalists, choose your favorite artist and write a piece on them or a recent release. Look at some of OTR’s past work under “Features” to get an understanding of what we are looking for. Try your best! We are very understanding of beginners looking to start their journey.

  • There is none! We currently have contributors from ages 17-30, but we are open to all ages! We do acknowledge that some concert venues are 18+, as well as we do expect that contributors have a mode of transportation to their commitments.

  • We have contributors all over the world! Because artists tour in every part of the world, and this is technically a remote job, we accept all countries.

  • Applications will now be assesed on a rolling basis. If a spot opens up we will reach out!

  • If our editor’s decide to not choose you for this concert season, do not feel discouraged. Please grow your portfolio and example work and apply again. The next best time to apply would be the summer season when even more artists will be on tour and more contributors will be needed.