From our new US Editor, Maryam Hassan:
For me the most important part of working at Punktastic is helping people out. Whether giving new and undiscovered bands the publicity they deserve, sharing new music and features, putting on shows where people get to play to a great crowd, or sending photographers and writers to shoot and interview their favourite bands – we’ve always been about promoting everything that I find great about the punk scene.
So I’m delighted to announce that Punktastic is launching in the US, and we’ll be applying this same philosophy to the other side of the Atlantic.
Reaching out to America is a big deal for us, and we’ve talked about it lots as a team. We love bringing you the best stuff from the best bands, new or established, and giving local DIY scenes a place to shout about what they’re doing. So why shouldn’t we go do it on a more global scale if we get the chance?
The punk scene in general is something that means a lot to me and so many other people. The best thing about it is that you can find a home pretty much anywhere you go. I learnt this first hand in Chicago and in Gainesville. I’m excited to work with loads more people in the coming months!
Obviously, we can’t cover it all. So initially we’ll be based in four cities – Chicago, Philadelphia, New York and L.A. We’ll be covering shows, shooting videos, giving a platform to the different scenes and generally shouting about brilliant local music.
What’s changing for our UK readers?
Our UK team isn’t changing, so not much at first. But you can expect more coverage on great American bands, and a few more reviews and photos from bands and shows from the other side of the pond. Plenty of new music recommendations too, from local bands you’d never have heard about otherwise.
Also, don’t worry, our news feed won’t suddenly be spammed with loads of American tour news that you don’t care about. If you’re not in the US, then on days when we have extra US-exclusive news you’ll see a little link “plus 2 more news items from the US” in the list, which you can click if you want to get everything. Otherwise, PT will probably look just the same to you.
PARTY
To launch our US expansion we’ve teamed up with Johann’s Face Records and Phantom Note Productions and are having a party in Chicago (which is pretty much where we’ll be based!). Headlining we have the awesome SIGNALS MIDWEST, supported by an whole variety of Chicago bands; RAPIDS, THE FUR COATS and JASON DOUGLASS SWEARINGEN.
$5 for all these fantastic bands, it’s an absolute bargain!
CHECK IT OUT HERE: https://www.facebook.com/events/361748967300452/?fref=ts
Come down and party with us at Quenchers on SATURDAY APRIL 5TH. I’ll be the English lady with the big camera by the bar. Let’s have a beer and hi-five.
Join the team
Lastly, we are looking for photographers/writers/videographers across the States to get involved. If you have suggestions for content, email maryam@punktastic.com and let’s have a chat about what we can do.
Cheers everyone,
Maryam and everyone here at Punktastic