About Rebecca McDevitt

Co-founder, Chief Marketing Officer, East Coast Photography Coverage,
& Managing Editor of SoundCheck Mag

From Passion Project to Concert Photography

For Rebecca McDevitt, photography began as a simple creative outlet—an opportunity to capture memories of family and her beloved dogs with her first camera, a Nikon D3400. It was never about turning a hobby into a career. It was about freezing moments in time, preserving emotion, and seeing the world through a new lens.

But everything changed when she found herself photographing live music. A few friends in local bands needed a photographer, and Rebecca, always up for a challenge, stepped in. The rush of capturing artists in their element, the unfiltered energy of a live performance, and the connection between musicians and their fans sparked something in her.

"I immediately fell in love with it," Rebecca reflects. "The unpredictability of live music, the raw emotion on stage—there's nothing like it. You only get a split second to capture the perfect shot, and that kind of pressure is what makes it so rewarding."

Shaping a Signature Style

Rebecca’s earliest experiences in music photography were shaped by her time working with Flowers for Taco and Light Up The Moon, two cover bands that toured across the Tri-State area. These experiences gave her a crash course in fast-paced, low-light shooting environments—forcing her to develop a distinct approach.

"I grew up in a small town where cover bands were huge," she says. "It wasn’t glamorous, but it taught me everything—how to work in difficult lighting, how to anticipate movement, and how to bring out the energy of a performance in a still image."

Her aesthetic evolved into something darker, grungier—deep contrasts, moody tones, and dramatic lighting. Alternative music and aesthetics became her core inspirations, allowing her to develop an editing style that resonated with fans and artists alike.

A Defining Moment Behind the Lens

While she has photographed countless artists, one of Rebecca’s most memorable moments wasn’t at a traditional concert. It was at The Basement Yard Experience—a live podcast tour that brought its fan-driven community to theaters across the country.

She was hired to shoot their Washington, D.C. show in June of 2024, and the experience left a lasting impact. "It wasn’t your typical concert, but it was so fan-driven," she says. "Watching people interact with something they love, seeing how much it meant to them—that's what live events are all about. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career."

Building SoundCheck
Mag: A New Vision for
Music Journalism

Rebecca’s journey into the music industry wasn’t just about photography. She saw a huge gap in music journalism—one where the behind-the-scenes creatives, smaller artists, and dedicated fans were overlooked. Alongside LJ Portnoy, she co-founded SoundCheck Mag, determined to build a platform that gave voice to the entire music community—not just the biggest names in the industry.

"There are so many people working tirelessly behind the scenes—photographers, videographers, lighting designers, producers. They rarely get recognized, but they’re the backbone of the industry," she explains. "And then there are the fans. Fans are the reason live music exists, and yet, they’re often left out of the conversation. We wanted to change that."

A Mission Beyond
the Mainstream

SoundCheck Mag isn’t just about highlighting rising artists—it’s about reshaping the way people experience music media. While major publications focus on the industry’s biggest stars, Rebecca and her team are committed to covering local bands, independent artists, and the people who make concerts possible behind the scenes.

"We’re not here to chase headlines," she says. "We’re here to tell the stories that matter—to bring fans closer to the artists they love and introduce them to the ones they haven’t discovered yet."

Her goal is to expand SoundCheck Mag into a bi-coastal operation, with offices in New York City and Los Angeles. She envisions a growing team of writers, photographers, and creatives—all united by a shared passion for music.

Leading SoundCheck
Mag: A Multi-Faceted Role

As CMO, Co-founder, East Coast Photography Coverage Lead, and Managing Editor, Rebecca wears multiple hats, helping bring SoundCheck Mag’s vision to life. Her responsibilities include:

Overseeing marketing & branding strategies to expand the magazine’s reach.
Managing new hires and curating a diverse team of creatives.
Developing and designing magazine layouts, ensuring every issue has a unique aesthetic.
Writing press releases, interviews, and feature articles to spotlight emerging talent.
Handling artist & brand collaborations, ensuring strategic partnerships that align with the publication’s mission.

But above all, she’s most excited about the opportunity to photograph and interview new artists, discover rising talent, and continue building a platform that celebrates the full spectrum of the music industry.

A Creative Force in Music Media

Rebecca McDevitt isn’t just a photographer or a music journalist—she’s a creative force reshaping how the music industry is documented. With SoundCheck Mag, she’s building something bigger than herself—a platform that celebrates artists, fans, and the behind-the-scenes creatives who bring live music to life.

As she continues to push boundaries, one thing is clear: her lens isn’t just capturing music—it’s capturing a movement.

Advice for Aspiring Photographers & Writers

For those looking to break into concert photography or music journalism, Rebecca’s advice is simple:

Photographers: "Never stop learning. Your first photos won’t be perfect, but that’s part of the process. Watch YouTube tutorials, experiment with different editing styles, and keep pushing yourself."
Writers: "Write every day. Even if you think it’s not good enough—keep writing. Your voice matters, and the more you practice, the stronger it will become."

Personal Favorites
and Fun Facts

Rebecca’s music taste is deeply personal, shaped by the artists who soundtracked her life. Her favorite albums include:

"Lovely Little Lonely" – The Maine
"Best Intentions" – We Are The In Crowd
"It’s About Time" – Jonas Brothers

And speaking of the Jonas Brothers—they remain her dream artist to photograph. "They’ve been my favorite band through everything," she says. "If I ever get the chance to shoot them, I’ll probably cry."

Beyond photography, Rebecca has another unexpected talent—bowling. She once placed 9th in a state tournament, a feat that still surprises people when they learn about it.