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Article Contributed by Rebecca McDevitt myspace music logo If you had a MySpace back in the day, you already know the feeling. One click and suddenly a song was blasting through your speakers before the page even finished loading. That was how music entered your life back then. Loud. Immediate. Slightly chaotic. You’d land on someone’s profile and just sit there listening. Maybe scrolling. Maybe clicking through their friends. Maybe doing absolutely nothing except letting the song loop again and again while it slowly rewires your brain. That was the beginning. And once a song grabbed you, it didn’t stay on MySpace for long. When a Myspace Song Turned Into a Mission Finding a song on MySpace came with one immediate thought: “I need this everywhere”. So you opened LimeWire. Myspace music player playing Panic! At the Disco - I Write Sins Not Tragedies You typed the title exactly how it appeared on the profile and scrolled through a list of files that all looked mildly suspicious. Was it the right version? A live recording? Something mislabeled entirely? You picked one and hoped for the best. Watching that download bar crawl across the screen felt like waiting for the other shoe to drop. When it finally finished, you renamed the file, dragged it into iTunes, and queued it up to sync. That song officially was yours. AIM Away Messages Were Mini Soundtracks Then came the AIM away message era. Lyrics everywhere. Lowercase letters. Extra spaces for dramatic effect. AIM away message with lyrics from Avril Lavigne's "Damn Cold Night." Your away message changed depending on the song you were obsessed with that week. Sometimes it was dramatic. Sometimes it was hopeful. Sometimes it was clearly meant for one specific person and one specific person only. Music became shorthand for feelings you didn’t know how to explain yet. If someone recognized the lyric, they understood exactly where you were at. Living With the Music: iPods and Burned CDs Photo by Robert Galbraith Once a song made it onto your computer, it didn’t stay there for long. You dragged it into iTunes and decided what it was going to become. Sometimes that meant syncing it to your iPod so it could follow you everywhere. Other times, it meant opening a blank CD and starting a playlist from scratch. Your iPod was for daily life. White earbuds in. Click wheel spinning. Songs played on repeat during bus rides, walks home, late nights in your room, and long stretches of staring at the ceiling thinking about everything and nothing at once. These tracks became part of your routine simply because you carried them everywhere. Burned CDs were for moments you wanted to hold onto. You named them carefully. You rearranged the tracklist until it felt right. You burned them again when one song felt out of place. Some CDs were for driving. Some were crying. Some were made for friends. Some were made for people you didn’t know how to talk to yet. Both lived side by side. The iPod held the soundtrack of your everyday life, while CDs turned those same songs into something tangible you could share, gift, or keep tucked away. Either way, the music stayed close. That’s why these songs still hit so hard now. These songs lived with us.  The Songs That Were Everywhere Myspace music player playing Hey There Delilah by Plain White T's If you were there, these probably lived on your profile, your AIM away message, your iPod, or at least one burned CD. I Write Sins Not Tragedies by Panic! At The Disco Welcome to the Black Parade by My Chemical Romance Sugar, We're Goin Down by Fall Out Boy Cute Without the E by Taking Back Sunday The Taste of Ink by The Used Ocean Avenue by Yellowcard Miss Murder by AFI Hey There Delilah by Plain White T’s Check Yes Juliet by We The Kings The Middle by Jimmy Eat World These songs followed us from profiles to downloads to playlists to burned CDs. They planted emotional landmarks in our teenage years. Why These Songs Still Matter A bunch of burned discs littering the floor Hearing these tracks now pulls entire memories to the surface. Bedrooms lit by computer screens. AIM chats that ran late into the night. Long walks with an iPod on shuffle. Feeling understood without having to explain yourself. They mattered because they kept us company while we were figuring everything out. They still matter because they remember who we were when we found them. Somewhere between MySpace pages, LimeWire downloads, AIM away messages, iPods, and burned CDs, these songs became part of us. And let's be real, they still are.

From One Direction’s career launch to Ariana Grande’s mainstream singles, Savan is responsible for many fan-favorite pop hits within the past two decades. Article Contributed by Monica Soriano Savan Kotecha poses for a portrait (obtained via Spotify) Savan Kotecha is a name that might not be recognized by many outside of the music industry, but the songs he’s written certainly are. Kotecha does a marvelous job at being relatively private with his personal life, but celebrates his musical success through posts. Through his interviews, we get glimpses of how he’s been able to write the mega hits he’s credited for. Some of those hits include One Direction’s “ What Makes You Beautifu l”, Ariana Grande’s “ God Is A Woman ”, and The Weeknd’s “ Can’t Feel My Face ”. Who Is Savan Kotecha? Savan Kotecha poses for a portrait (obtained via LAAMP). The question shouldn't be who is Savan Kotecha? It should be how did Savan Kotecha become who he is?  Kotecha moved to Austin, Texas, at a young age, and felt like a bit of an outcast, which led him to find a place in music. Neither of his parents has ties to the music industry, so in order to become successful, Savan had to have relentless dedication and perseverance. From passing out demos to moving to Sweden, collaborating with Max Martin, to working on X - Factor, he's definitely been all around the industry. He’s spoken about how there was a point in time when he was so broke he ate canned beans. But that is who Savan is. He's a person who refused to give up, and now the reason many artists have memorable pop hits. X-Factor, One Direction and Boybands Savan wrote singles for boybands such as Emblem3, The Vamps and of course One Direction. One of his career-defining moments was when he joined X-Factor  as a coach. Savan worked with One Direction since their formation and has spoken highly of those days. He is responsible for One Direction’s first single, “ What Makes You Beautiful ”, which he has said he wrote about his wife. Other notable One Direction songs that he penned are “ One Thing, ”“ Up All Night ,” and “ Kiss You. ” Savan attributes his liking towards boy bands and pop music to when his sister gravitated towards New Kids On The Block. Since working with 1D, he’s also worked with the band PRETTYMUCH, Simon Cowell’s new band, December 10, a fictional boyband named August Moon for the film The Idea of You , and OutStation, a new boyband by Savan’s very own label Visva Records.  Biggest Hits and His Impact on Music An endless list of songs that were played on the radio and collaborations worthy of admiration. “ Cool for the Summer ” by Demi Lovato, “ Side to Side ” by Ariana Grande, “ How Do You Sleep? ” by Sam Smith, and “ Motivation ” by Normani are just a few of the well-known tracks Savan Kotecha has penned. His list of credits on Ariana Grande's discography is extensive; he has been there through different phases of her career, including the Sweetener era. Other notable artists he has collaborated with are Tori Kelly, Camila Cabello, Ed Sheeran, and Ellie Goulding. Usher’s “ DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love, ” Vanessa Hudgens’ “Say OK, ” and Justin Bieber’s “B eauty and a Beat ” are prime examples of his versatility in writing radio hits. Savan’s impact is continuous and large enough to keep his name cemented within this industry for future generations. Pop Songs For Film/TV He’s everywhere from radio to TV/Film and soon to be Broadway! Savan is not only a master of radio hits, but he also actively writes for Film and TV. Fun tracks he has written for TV are Victorious’ “B est Friends Brother ” and “ Beggin’ on Your Knees, ” as well as Glee’ s “ Loser Like Me .” The Idea of You, which  was based around a fictional boy band by the name of August Moon, released original songs written by none other than Savan Kotecha. Another film he worked on was Will Ferrell’s Netflix film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga , which is being developed into a stage musical with Savan composing the music. There are more gems hidden within the credits of tv shows and films. It is praiseworthy to see someone expand their horizons and enjoy their journey as much as they do. Kotecha and Beyond More than a songwriter but a supporter of talent worldwide Savan Kotecha continues to expand his music industry career. Not only is he still writing hit singles for some of the biggest artists today but he is working to develop artists himself through his label Visva Records. He continues to speak highly of the people he collaborates with and shares his experience having a groundbreaking career. From party hits, to the crazed boyband phase to the catchy pop releases, Kotecha’s mark in the music industry has helped many people grow into themselves. He truly is raising generations and now with his record label’s success with the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack, he is creating opportunities for others to have the songs they write sung worldwide. Kotecha’s songwriting and music industry success seem to match his integrity. We will be continuing to follow his journey as he dives into different areas of this industry!

Article contributed by Rebecca McDevitt Fans hold up their phones as torches to sway along to an artist's ballad. (photo by @ljportnoy on IG) If you’ve ever been a fangirl or fanboy, you know this feeling all too well. Somehow, seeing your favorite band or musician has become a competition. People are fighting at the barricade, on the internet, and what was once an uplifting community and a safe space has turned into a place where adults in their 30s and 40s bully each other until someone is crying to the algorithm for help. And alas, the cycle continues. But when does it end? When do we start acting like a fan community again? When does the music bring us together instead of tearing us apart? We remember becoming fans back when MySpace and Xanga were still thriving. When you could sit and talk to your internet friends through AIM chats and late-night phone calls because the minutes were free after 9 pm. Photo of young Rebecca McDevitt and a fan standing in line for a concert. Somewhere along the way, something shifted. It became a competition and more about clout chasing. Now it feels like it's only about who can get noticed by a band member the most or who can post an interaction and be the loudest online. The authenticity and sense of community that fandoms once held have slowly died right in front of our eyes. And maybe that’s what we miss the most. The excitement of finally meeting your online friends. The comfort of a community you helped build. The feeling of belonging somewhere, even if only for two hours with strangers. Fans line the barricades, interacting with their favorite on stage (photography by @coz_artphoto on IG) The rush of live music through your veins. Seeing your favorite band for the first time, even if it was from the nosebleeds. After all, SoundCheck was built by three strangers on the internet who shared nothing but a love for music. That community still exists, and we want to protect it. But something has to change. Stop chasing the interaction. Stop caring where you sit at a show. Just exist. Music has always been there for us. It’s time we start showing up for it, too.

SoundCheck Mag is your exclusive source to music news and entertainment. Featuring some of today's hottest music stars and rising talent, we cater to bringing you closer to your favorite artists. From behind-the-scenes footage, exclusive interviews and photos you've never seen before. Find it all and more when you subscribe to SoundCheck Mag. Your backstage pass to music’s biggest moments Hot Take: Do We Even Need Genres Anymore? Girl Groups To Keep An Eye On The Importance of Music Video Shows and Why They Are Missed T- Pain: More Than Auto-Tune Hot Take: When Do Musicians Stop Being Yes Men and Start Being Human Again WE CATER TO THE Creatives Discover RAW Spotlight Fans Explore Fan Lens Artists Uncover Artists Submission An inside peek at your favorite artists We spotlight the heart of the music scene through stunning concert photography, exclusive artist access, and stories told from the fan’s point of view. From front row to green room, we’re capturing the energy you can’t stream. With genre-spanning coverage—from pop and rock to indie, rap, and R&B—we dive deep into the sounds shaping today and the artists defining tomorrow. Think day-in-the-life vlogs, raw fan recaps, festival diaries, and intimate interviews that go beyond the press release. It’s more than just music coverage—it’s an all-access pass to the moments that move music forward. Because we’re not just documenting the scene—we’re part of it. Subscribe to Our Mag! The Mag Shop All NEW RELEASE SoundCheck Mag – Vol. 1, Issue 7 - DIGITAL COPY Regular Price $12.99 Sale Price $10.99 Add to Cart PRE-ORDER SoundCheck Mag – Vol. 1, Issue 7 - PHYSICAL COPY Price $18.99 Pre-Order SoundCheck Mag – Vol. 1, Issue 5 - PHYSICAL COPY Price $14.99 Add to Cart SoundCheck Mag – Vol. 1, Issue 4: PRIDE EDITION - PHYSICAL COPY Price $14.99 Add to Cart SoundCheck Mag - Vol. 1, Issue 1: Your Backstage Pass to Music’s Biggest Moment Price $14.99 Add to Cart SoundCheck Mag - Vol. 1, Issue 3: Former Critics - PHYSICAL COPY Price $14.99 Add to Cart SoundCheck Mag - Vol. 1, Issue 2: Gabi Rose - PHYSICAL COPY Price $14.99 Add to Cart Just Released SoundCheck Mag – Vol. 1, Issue 6 Price $16.99 Add to Cart SoundCheck Mag – Vol. 1, Issue 5 - DIGITAL COPY Price $7.99 Add to Cart SoundCheck Mag – Vol. 1, Issue 4: PRIDE EDITION – DIGITAL COPY Price $7.99 Add to Cart SoundCheck Mag - Vol. 1, Issue 3: Former Critics - DIGITAL COPY Price $7.99 Add to Cart SoundCheck Mag - Vol. 1, Issue 2: Gabi Rose - DIGITAL COPY Price $7.99 Add to Cart SoundCheck Mag: Volume 1 Issue 1: Chucky Hugh - DIGITAL COPY Price $7.99 Add to Cart Explore Concert Galleries Show Reviews Subscribe to the Mag

A place for fans to submit their concert materials including photos, videos, and best moments from their favorite shows and artists. A collective archive of unfiltered fan magic. Welcome to The Vault: Fan Edition— a fan-built digital archive, curated by SoundCheck Mag. This isn’t just a place to drop photos or stories. It’s a sacred space for everything that makes fandom electric, chaotic, and real. Think backstage tears, parking lot parties, pit selfies, polaroids taped to your mirror, or the TikTok you made at 2AM when your favorite artist announced a tour. Every whisper, every scream, every spark—preserved. Because your moments are the ones worth remembering. We’re collecting: Concert footage (any era, any vibe) Fan edits, memes, and handmade signs Outfit pics, DIY merch, posters Emotional breakdowns (written, audio, or video—we want them all) Art, letters, journals, and unreleased fan content Anything from the before, during, or after that tells your story No filters. No pressure. Just you, being a fan. Why “The Vault”? Because these are the things you save. The videos you watch on loop. The ticket you kept in your wallet. The blurry photo that somehow means everything. The industry documents the stage. We document the soul. UNLOCK THE VAULT. ADD YOUR MOMENTS TODAY. First name* Last name* TikTok Handle (For Credit) Instagram Handle (For Credit) Email* A window will open once you submit to upload your files to a DropBox. Thank you. Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit

LJ (Laura Jean) Portnoy is the Chief Executive Officer of SoundCheck Mag. About LJ Portnoy Co-founder, Chief Executive Officer, Midwest Photography Coverage, & Editor-In-Chief of SoundCheck Mag A Life Behind the Lens For LJ Portnoy, photography isn’t just a profession—it’s a way of preserving moments, emotions, and artistry. Her journey behind the lens began at an early age, inspired by a family friend who worked as a photographer. She spent countless hours recreating photoshoots with her best friend, discovering the magic of capturing emotion through the camera. But it wasn’t until she attended her first concert at thirteen that she found her true calling. "There was something about freezing a moment in time—the energy, the movement, the connection between the artist and the audience. I knew I wanted to be part of that world," she recalls. Her deep connection to concert photography became even more personal following the tragic loss of a close friend and fellow photographer, Olivia, at just 17 years old. "She was one of the most gifted photographers I had ever met. I promised myself I would continue capturing everything in her honor, creating magical moments the way she did for others." With that promise in mind, LJ immersed herself in the world of live music photography, continuously pushing the boundaries of her craft. The Moment That Changed Everything One of LJ’s defining moments as a photographer came when she photographed Sabrina Carpenter. "The excitement, the realness, the visual energy—it all swirled together to create magic," she says. The images quickly gained traction, amassing over 850,000 views across social media platforms and spreading through fan communities, Google, X, and Instagram. That experience became a turning point. "Seeing my work resonate on that level gave me the confidence to truly pursue this. It was proof that my art had a place in the industry. From that moment on, I never looked back." The Art of Capturing Real LJ’s approach to photography is deeply intentional. She describes her style as capturing beauty, raw emotion, and realness—always with a strong focus on the eyes. "If you can capture someone’s soul, everything else falls into place," she explains. She also embraces the ever-evolving nature of photography. "The best part of being a photographer is that you never have to stick to just one thing. You can always experiment, always grow. That’s what keeps it exciting." Building SoundCheck Mag SoundCheck Mag was born out of a shared vision between LJ and Rebecca McDevitt—a vision to amplify artists beyond the mainstream and celebrate the full spectrum of live music. "We saw an opportunity to showcase the indie and underground music scene in a way that other publications weren’t," LJ explains. "While major outlets focus on global superstars, we wanted to highlight the rising artists, the creatives behind the scenes, and the fans who make live music what it is." More than just a publication, SoundCheck Mag is a community-driven platform designed to bring artists, fans, and industry professionals together. Through artist spotlights, behind-the-scenes stories, and fan-submitted experiences, the magazine offers a unique perspective that goes beyond the surface. Our Mission: Beyond the Headlines While many publications chase headlines from headlining artists, SoundCheck Mag is about telling stories. "Our mission is to take you deeper inside the music you love, while helping you discover the next big thing along the way," LJ says. "We want to highlight the full picture of the industry—from the musicians on stage to the tour managers, lighting technicians, and photographers who make it all happen." The Future of SoundCheck Mag Though launched in February 2025, the magazine has already made waves. But for LJ, this is just the beginning. She envisions SoundCheck Mag growing into a leading force in music media, with: Monthly digital & print issues featuring exclusive interviews, concert galleries, and deep dives into the industry. Brand partnerships & sponsorships to bring fans closer to their favorite artists. Exclusive behind-the-scenes content from concerts, festivals, and major music events. Live events, ticket giveaways, and artist collaborations that elevate the fan experience. "We want to bring fans closer to the music in ways they’ve never imagined," she says. "From backstage access to in-depth artist features, we’re creating a magazine that truly immerses you in live music." Leading SoundCheck Mag As Co-founder, CEO, Midwest Photography Coverage lead, and Editor-in-Chief, LJ wears multiple hats to bring SoundCheck Mag’s vision to life: Strategic Growth & Innovation – Developing scaling plans, revenue strategies, and partnerships. Editorial & Content Creation – Writing articles, concert reviews, and designing magazine pages. Concert Photography & Videography – Covering live performances, creating immersive visual stories. Website & Social Media Management – Overseeing the magazine’s digital presence and community engagement. "The best part about running SoundCheck Mag is that every day is different," she says. "One day, I’m photographing a concert. Next, I’m designing a magazine layout or brainstorming new ways to engage fans. It’s challenging, but there’s nothing more exciting than building something from the ground up." Beyond Photography: A Creative Force LJ’s creativity extends far beyond photography. She is also a graphic designer, painter, writer, and digital content creator. Over the years, she has published more than 70 articles across various platforms, including LinkedIn, Medium, and personal blogs. Making an Impact in the Industry Beyond storytelling, LJ and her team at SoundCheck Mag are passionate about reshaping the live music experience. With rising concert ticket prices making live shows inaccessible for many, she sees an opportunity to highlight smaller, more affordable concerts where fans can still experience incredible performances. "Most people can only afford to attend one to three concerts a year because of how expensive major tours have become," she explains. "But there’s an entire world of smaller shows where tickets range from $25-$100—and these are often the most intimate, passionate experiences. We want to showcase these artists and venues, giving more people a chance to fall in love with live music all over again." Advice for Aspiring Photographers & Writers For those looking to break into the music photography or writing industry, LJ’s advice is simple: Capture everything. Go to as many concerts as possible. Build your portfolio—shoot local artists, experiment with different styles. Find a publication that aligns with your vision. (Or contact us—we’re always looking for new talent.) Personal Favorites and Fun Facts Top Artists: Justin Bieber, Jon Bellion, Jonas Brothers, Quinn XCII, Sabrina Carpenter, Kendrick Lamar, AJR, Matt Maeson Favorite Albums: Purpose (Bieber), The Human Condition (Bellion), Happiness Begins (Jonas Brothers) Dream Artists to Shoot: Justin Bieber, Matt Maeson, Noah Kahan, Quinn XCII, Livingston A Personal Motto That Drives Her Work LJ lives by a simple but powerful philosophy: "Capture everything." "Every moment is fleeting. If you’re not capturing it, it’s gone. I love pausing time in a moment, in a photograph. In a way, I feel like a time traveler, able to transport myself and others back into that specific moment, if even for just a few seconds. And that’s the superpower that is photography." With this vision in mind, LJ continues to push SoundCheck Mag forward, shaping the future of music media one photograph, one story, and one unforgettable moment at a time.