Musicworks invites writers to submit brief query letters.

A good Musicworks article digs deeply into the experimental sound art practices of concert music, electronic music, improvisation, instrument making, avant jazz and pop music, around art, and interdisciplinary art involving music or sound. Musicworks explores innovative music and sound art from a variety of places and perspectives. Our readers are passionate and knowledgeable about experimental music and expect to discover compelling storytelling about creative music artists and ideas.

 

Before submitting, take note:

What

  • Before submitting a pitch please read a print issue and familiarize yourself with our content and tone.
  • We do not accept unsolicited manuscripts.
  • We do not accept submissions of previously published work.

When

  • Our lead times are long. We publish tri-annually and plan issues well in advance of their publication dates. The Spring (April) issue is planned in the previous fall, the Fall (August) issue is planned in early in the year, and the Winter (December) issue is planned in the summer. Please keep this in mind when pitching articles that are linked to events and dates.
  • Musicworks has a small staff and receives pitches frequently, however we generally reply to pitches within a couple of weeks.

How

  • Please make your query succinct. It should explain what you will be writing about, your unique point of view on the story matter, what makes the story timely, and why it is a good fit for Musicworks magazine.
  • If you haven't written for us before please attach links or documents with examples of your writing.
  • Use our Contact Us page to send your query, or e-mail us directly at [email protected]

Features

Long (3000 words) and medium (1500 to 2000 words) features provide our readers with compelling stories about experimental music and artists that are not heard in the mainstream music media. Your pitch should offer our readers background to your subject, and ideally include at least one core interview, while digging deep into the sound, creative process, and context of what you are covering. We welcome ideas for artists profiles or themed pieces.

In the Works

Short, classic Q & A style interviews with musicians or composers about works they are creating give our readers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the artistic process and strategies.

Sonic Geography

Sound has a story to tell. Have you visited a place with a unique sound space, or can describe the sound of a location in a unique way? This is the place to describe your experience of sound out in the world in a literary journalistic style.

Sound Bite

A mini-profile that introduces an up-and-coming experimental musician in a one-page feature. Be the first to introduce our readers to unknown artists.

Visions of Sound

Have you experienced a sound installation, sound sculpture, or video music that benefits from being seen as well as heard? This is where we tell (and show) our readers about pieces that are visually striking.

Reviews

We publish short reviews of experimental / creative / innovative music recordings, events (mostly festivals or exhibitions), labels, and publications. We prioritize reviews of new recordings of music composed by Canadians and significant Canadian music or sound events that feature a significant amount of Canadian work, but also cover select U.S. and international releases.