FAQ

How can I join Neon Noise as a contributor?

Neon Noise is a community-driven publication, and we’re always excited to bring on new creatives. If you’re a writer or photographer, email us at neonnoisezine@gmail.com with a short intro about who you are, where you’re located, and links to your work. You don’t need a long resume or even concert-specific experience. We care more about genuine passion for music and storytelling than formal credentials.

Do you accept freelance writers or photographers to cover one-off shows/reviews?

At this time, we do not send non-contributors to cover one-off shows. Media outlets are generally only approved for a photo pass or review ticket once per tour run, and we want our active contributors to have every opportunity possible.
If you’d like to be considered for ongoing coverage, you’re welcome to apply as a continuous contributor. Once accepted, show assignments are offered on a first come first serve basis.

How can my band or project be featured?

Email us your EPK or pitch. We’d love to learn about your project and consider you for a feature. Send everything to neonnoisezine@gmail.com.

Do I need professional experience to submit?

Nope. If you’re a writer, just send a few samples of your writing. They can be personal pieces and do not need to be published articles.
If you’re a photographer, you’ll need to have access to a professional camera such as a DSLR or mirrorless system, since most venues do not allow phones, point-and-shoots, or polaroids in the photo pit. Send a few examples of your work in any genre. You do not need concert experience to apply.

Do you interview behind-the-scenes crew or only artists?

We absolutely interview behind-the-scenes crew members. We want to amplify the voices of the people who make the music industry run and hopefully inspire others to explore these roles too.

I’m a behind-the-scenes crew member (sound engineer, LD, backline, etc). Can I submit my story?

YES! We love featuring the techs, engineers, operators, and production pros who make the magic happen. Shoot us an email at neonnoisezine@gmail.com and we’ll connect you with someone to help share your story.

Are photographers required to write show reviews?

Yes. All photographers who cover shows for Neon Noise are expected to submit both photos and a short written review of the concert. This helps us provide full coverage, maintain credibility with publicists, and offer readers a complete experience. Reviews do not need to be long or overly formal — just honest, thoughtful reflections on the show. 

Is there a minimum number of shows contributors must cover to stay active?

Yes. To remain an active contributor, you should aim to cover a minimum of 1 show every 2 months.  This ensures we keep an engaged, reliable team and gives everyone fair opportunities for show coverage. If life gets busy or you need a break, just communicate with us and we can pause your contributor status temporarily.

What genres do you cover?

All of them. Neon Noise is genre-fluid by design.

Do you feature unsigned or smaller artists?

YES. Supporting emerging and under-the-radar artists is one of our biggest priorities. We love helping smaller bands get the coverage they deserve.

How do I request an interview?

Email us at neonnoisezine@gmail.com with your pitch, links, and a little information about your project. We’ll review it and get back to you with next steps.

Can I invite Neon Noise to cover my show?

Please do. While we can’t guarantee coverage for every show, we will always try to send someone if we have an available contributor. We love discovering new artists and supporting local music communities.

How do show assignments work?

Once you’re an approved contributor, you can email us about any upcoming shows you’d like to request. Show coverage is first come first serve. If no one else has already claimed that artist’s tour, we’ll give you the green light to reach out to their publicist for a photo pass and review ticket.

We ask contributors to only request shows they are fully committed to attending if approved, as reliability helps us maintain strong relationships with venues, promoters, and publicists. Please keep in mind that some publicists don’t send confirmation until the day of the show, so if you request coverage, keep that date open in case approval comes through last minute.

Can contributors shoot with flash in the pit?

NO. Flash is not allowed in photo pits at nearly all concerts and can get both you and the publication removed from future approvals. Venues and artists rely on consistent show lighting, so contributors must be comfortable shooting in low-light environments using fast lenses and proper settings. If you’re new to this, we’re happy to give guidance.

Do contributors need their own transportation or gear?

Yes. Contributors are responsible for their own transportation to and from shows, their own fees (parking, gas, food, sometimes tickets, etc), as well as their own gear. We require professional-grade cameras (DSLR or mirrorless). If you’re unsure whether your gear qualifies, feel free to ask. We cannot provide equipment, but we can offer advice on what works best for concert environments.

Do you have guidelines for photo delivery or article formatting?

Yes. Once you’re onboarded as a contributor, we’ll send you a simple guideline sheet with everything you need. Photographers will get details on how many images to submit, preferred export settings and timeline expectations. Writers will receive formatting notes,  word count ranges, and deadlines. Nothing is overly strict, but consistency helps us publish quickly and keep the quality high.