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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 JP Saxe’s "Articulate Excuses" Hurts in All the Places HALESTORM RETURNS WITH EVEREST, THEIR SIXTH FULL-LENGTH STUDIO ALBUM OUT AUGUST 8; “nEVEREST” GLOBAL TOUR ANNOUNCED FOR SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2025 Joe Jonas Drops “Heart by Heart” and Yep, We’re in Our Feels Mayday Parade’s "Sweet" is the Emo Revival We Didn’t Know We Needed The SoundCheck Festival Guide WE CATER TO THE Creatives Discover RAW Spotlight Fans Explore Fan Lens Artists Uncover Artists Submission Welcome to Your Front Row Seat! Soundcheck Mag is “Your backstage pass to music’s biggest moments,” delivering photography-driven coverage of concerts, festivals, and exclusive artist experiences. From day-in-the-life vlogs and fan recaps to deep artist features, we capture music from every angle, blending inside access with fan perspectives across genres like pop, rock, indie, rap, and R&B. We're dedicated to providing an elite experience for our friends, because like you, we're music fans too. Experience all the excitement from every angle, exclusively at SoundCheck Mag! Subscribe to Our Mag!

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.

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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

Have you attended a concert of your favorite band or artist? Do you have a story to tell? We'd love to feature you in SoundCheck Mag! Fill out this page to share your story. You might even be featured in a future issue of the mag. Fan Lens Soundcheck Mag is here to highlight the full spectrum of the music experience. Whether we are covering rising stars or established icons, our goal is to bring immersive fan perspectives to the forefront, celebrating the passion that connects music lovers across all levels of the industry. We strive to create spaces where fans can share their experiences with their favorite artists, industry professionals, and fellow music lovers—whether through exclusive interviews, fan spotlights, or interactive features that highlight the heart of the music community. Share Your Experience Complete the below form to share your latest concert experience, your growing obsession, or the artist you fully stan. We may feature you in an upcoming issue of the magazine! We may contact you to discuss your experience in more detail. Ensure to provide a valid e-mail address you regularly check so we may contact you. First Name Last Name Email Phone Who is the band/artist/musician? Share a Selfie or Fave Moment Upload File Upload supported file (Max 15MB) Share Your Story Send Thank you for sharing your story. I want to subscribe to the magazine.

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Got an event or concert you'd like us to shoot? Want to get in contact with us and don't know how? Use this form to get in touch with us. We'll do our best to respond within 24-72 hours. Contact Us Got an event, concert, or artist you'd like us to capture? Email at: Support@SoundCheckMag.com Get in touch! Name* Email* Phone Inquiry* Yes, subscribe me to your magazine. Submit

At SoundCheck Mag, we spotlight concert creatives of all types. Whether you're a photographer, videographer, choreographer, lighting technician, tour manager, merchandise seller, or anything in between, we want to hear about your story and shine the spotlight on your talents. Fill out this submission form for consideration of a spotlight in a future issue of SoundCheck Mag. RAW Spotlight Are you a music photographer or videographer capturing the raw energy of live shows? Or do you know someone whose concert photography/music industry work deserves recognition? Soundcheck Mag is looking for emerging talent to spotlight in our Emerging Talent Spotlight feature! We showcase up-and-coming creatives making waves in the live music scene each month through a dedicated article and interview. Fave Photographer. Fave Videographer. Fave Concert Creative. Photographers, videographers, choreographers, lighting technicians, tour managers, or any part of the crew you can think of. Submit yourself for a chance to be featured or nominate a favorite concert creative whose work stands out. Submit Creative Creative's Name Creative's Instagram Creative's Email Your Name Creative's Portfolio/Profile Your Email Why This Creative Should Be Featured I want to subscribe to the newsletter. Send Thanks for submitting!

We’re more than just a magazine—we’re a collective of artists, photographers, and music lovers who live for the energy of live shows, the stories behind the songs, and the moments that make music unforgettable. ​ Sign up with your email and get the first three digital issues of SoundCheck Mag for free. No catch, just the love for the music that moves us. Join the Guest List! We’re more than just a magazine—we’re a collective of artists, photographers, and music lovers who live for the energy of live shows, the stories behind the songs, and the moments that make music unforgettable. Sign up with your email and get the first three digital issues of SoundCheck Mag for free. No catch, just the love for the music that moves us. As a subscriber, you’ll be the first to: Enter exclusive giveaways, for fans of all genres! Hear major SoundCheck Mag announcements before anyone else! Send us your email below to join the guest list. Want a printed copy? Let us know! First name Enter your email here Last name Phone I am: Choose an option Please sign me up for current and future issues of SoundCheck Mag! Sign Up Thanks for submitting! Be on the lookout for an e-mail with a link to digitally download the first issue of our magazine, as soon as it's available!

Our Story Starts Here In the heart of every great concert, there’s that special moment—an electrifying opening guitar riff, a vocalist hitting an impossible note, or even the collective roar of a crowd singing in unison. These moments are fleeting, yet they define the essence of live music. We started Soundcheck Mag to capture these moments. We want to give fans an inside look at the music they love and spotlight rising and established artists who are making waves in the industry. The Birth of an Idea Soundcheck Mag emerged from a passion. As photographers and music lovers, we've been constantly immersed in live shows, capturing photos and writing about our experiences that left us breathless. Yet, something was missing. Indie artists and smaller musicians too often didn’t receive the coverage they deserved. The stories that made music so personal—the sweat, the grind, the triumphs—remained untold. We wanted to change that. More Than Just a Magazine We knew Soundcheck Mag had to be more than just another music blog. We're creating an experience where photography, storytelling, and fandom collide. Music is more than sound; it’s a culture, a movement, and a shared connection between artists and their listeners. We aim to bring that connection to life through stunning visuals, exclusive interviews, and immersive concert coverage. It's what the fans deserve. It's what the fans want. We know this because, at our core, we are fans. Whether it's a packed stadium show or an intimate club performance, we aim to put fans in the front row, offering insights into the artists who make the music we love. From deep-dive interviews with indie musicians to festival diaries that capture the chaos and magic of live events, every article is crafted with the same excitement we feel at a show’s opening note. Experience all the excitement from every angle, exclusively at SoundCheck Mag! Subscribe to Our Mag! Elevating Artists of All Sizes While major publications focus on the biggest names in music, we wanted to carve out a space that amplifies rising talent. The industry is filled with incredible musicians who build dedicated fan bases but don’t always get the exposure they deserve. Our mission is to bridge that gap—introducing fans to their next favorite artist before they hit the mainstream. We also recognize the impact of major artists and the dedicated fan communities surrounding them. From intimate club shows to massive festivals and artist conventions, Soundcheck Mag is here to highlight the full spectrum of the music experience. Whether we are covering rising stars or established icons, our goal is to bring immersive fan perspectives to the forefront, celebrating the passion that connects music lovers across all levels of the industry. We strive to create spaces where fans can share their experiences with their favorite artists, industry professionals, and fellow music lovers—whether through exclusive interviews, fan spotlights, or interactive features that highlight the heart of the music community. Meet the Founders Co-founder, Chief Executive Officer, Midwest Photography Coverage, Editor-in-Chief LJ Portnoy Read More Co-founder, Chief Marketing Officer, East Coast Photography Coverage, Managing Editor Rebecca McDevitt View More

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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.

The Gallery showcases artists of all sizes, from household names to your new favorite up-and-coming artist. View our gallery to see all the latest concert coverage, event coverage, and more exclusively available to our SoundCheck Mag community. Experience all the excitement from every angle, exclusively at SoundCheck Mag! Subscribe to Our Mag! Concerts Exclusive concert photos, special performances, and coverage from live events featuring all your favorites in one place! We're constantly adding to our gallery! Don't see an artist you love? Request coverage of them on our Artist Submission page!

ARTIST SUBMISSION Are you a musician? Do you know a musician, band, or talent that is prime for the spotlight? Submit an artist today. Artists who are submitted may be the cover story or featured in a future issue of SoundCheck Mag! Your Full Name* Your Email* Band/Artist/Talent* Artist's Page/Website* Why should this artist should be featured?* I am:* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit Do You Know a Concert Creative Worthy of a Feature? Whether they're a photographer, videographer, choreographer, lighting tech or anything in between, you can submit them for a chance at a full-length feature in a future issue of SoundCheck Mag through our RAW Spotlight! Submit Here!