MNSTRM Media

MNSTRM Media alternative music magazine
dropping vowels was really cool when we started in 2016

MNSTRM Media is an online magazine based out of central Ohio founded by music photographer Rickie McCanna. MNSTRM is pronounced like "mainstream", due to the fact we are everything but mainstream. We are an online and print publication based around the Punk, Rock, Alternative & Metal music scene. Founded in 2016, we started MNSTRM to avoid rules, regulations and to celebrate artistic freedom. We c

onsider ourselves a group of photographers who are growing, learning and constantly getting better, one gig at a time.

photos from & in Massachusetts by Full gallery available on our website! 📸
11/14/2025

photos from & in Massachusetts by

Full gallery available on our website! 📸

The new issue of MNSTRM centers on artists who are actively shaping the alternative landscape, with coverage that stays ...
11/10/2025

The new issue of MNSTRM centers on artists who are actively shaping the alternative landscape, with coverage that stays focused on craft, intent, and the realities of creating in 2025. This edition brings together a mix of live reporting, long-form conversations, and grounded editorials that highlight the work happening both on major stages and in tightly packed local rooms.

Inside, Bad Suns’ “Acceleratour” gets a detailed look at how a band can refine their sound without losing momentum. Marilyn Hucek’s feature traces the path of an independent artist finding clarity in a crowded digital era. Our Peach Pit piece leans into the full-scale nostalgia of their RuneScape-themed tour stop at KEMBA. And Horace Pinker offers a rare, decades-spanning perspective on staying rooted in punk without bending to industry trends.

Issue 64 also includes an editorial on artist accessibility and the ongoing challenges musicians face navigating royalties, distribution, and the business side of their work. Together, the pieces form a snapshot of the scene as it exists now, practical, creative, and built by artists who continue to evolve without losing their sense of direction.

Direct coverage, clean storytelling, and a focus on the musicians themselves.

https://www.mnstrmmedia.com/november

‼️ BIG ANNOUNCEMENT ‼️If you were a previous issuu subscriber please fill out our contact form at www.mnstrmmedia.com/co...
11/10/2025

‼️ BIG ANNOUNCEMENT ‼️

If you were a previous issuu subscriber please fill out our contact form at www.mnstrmmedia.com/contact to redeem your remaining issues in your subscription. We’re unable to automatically transfer subscriptions to our new platform. Thank you for being patient and understanding in this transition and especially for supporting local media 🫶

New subscription model will be available in early 2026
The November issue will be available at noon on our website for $1.99 for any non-subscribers!

The transition into self publishing and reviewing our archives has been a tremendous amount of work but it’s so great re...
10/23/2025

The transition into self publishing and reviewing our archives has been a tremendous amount of work but it’s so great revising new issues. Our 2017 archive is live and on our website and available for free download. This is one our favorite years and was our first full year as a publication! There’s so much history in music we’ve documented (even things like Billie Ellish’s first tour) from this year, 🔗 in bio!

“That’s part of the appeal, he doesn’t act like this is owed to him. He seems to recognize how fragile and rare it all i...
10/09/2025

“That’s part of the appeal, he doesn’t act like this is owed to him. He seems to recognize how fragile and rare it all is.”

Read our coverage of Benson Boone at in our September issue of MNSTRM, available on our website!

Our September issue was absolutely stacked! Here’s a roundup of what went out in our most recent issue. This issue is av...
10/09/2025

Our September issue was absolutely stacked! Here’s a roundup of what went out in our most recent issue. This issue is available on our website, only $1.99 for an instant digital download 🫶

https://www.mnstrmmedia.com

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS: https://www.mnstrmmedia.com/applyMNSTRM Media has been documenting the pulse of alternative musi...
09/30/2025

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS: https://www.mnstrmmedia.com/apply

MNSTRM Media has been documenting the pulse of alternative music since 2016. What started as a small, DIY publication built out of a genuine love for the scene has grown into a platform that champions punk, rock, metal, and everything in between, from underground shows to arena tours. Over the years, we’ve covered hundreds of artists, published dozens of print and digital issues, and built a passionate community of photographers, writers, and music lovers who care deeply about preserving the culture.

We’re always looking to grow that community by connecting with photographers who share that same drive. Whether you thrive in the photo pit, specialize in portraits, or love capturing the candid in-between moments that tell a bigger story, we want to hear from you.

This application is the first step toward joining our creative team. Tell us about your experience, the kinds of shows or projects that excite you, and share a bit of your work. We welcome both seasoned photographers and emerging talent who are eager to build their portfolios, collaborate with a dedicated editorial team, and contribute to the evolving story of alternative music.

My Chemical Romance stormed Citizens Bank Park this summer and we’ve got the full coverage in Issue 63 of MNSTRM. From L...
09/26/2025

My Chemical Romance stormed Citizens Bank Park this summer and we’ve got the full coverage in Issue 63 of MNSTRM. From Lindsey Byrnes’ stunning live shots to an in-depth review of the Long Live North American Stadium Tour, this issue dives deep into whether the return of MCR lives up to the legend.

📸 Photos by
✍️ Words by

Now available for only $1.99 on our website, support independent music journalism and find out if it’s actually worth the ticket.

https://www.mnstrmmedia.com

We’re excited to announce that the 2016 issue of the MNSTRM archive is now live, free for everyone to read. This is wher...
09/24/2025

We’re excited to announce that the 2016 issue of the MNSTRM archive is now live, free for everyone to read. This is where it all began: early interviews, album reviews, essays, and photo stories that reflect the spirit of our first year.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll continue publishing each year’s archive through 2024. No paywalls. No gatekeepers. Just the full collection, preserved and accessible.

If you’ve ever wanted to explore how the music we love evolved, or revisit early conversations before they were part of a larger narrative, now’s the chance.

Available on our website, cover photo by

One more I almost chose for our cover, from the same artist that made the cover (that's how you know it was a great show...
09/24/2025

One more I almost chose for our cover, from the same artist that made the cover (that's how you know it was a great show) a huge thank you to for having us out and for capturing

The Story So Far at the open by for the September Issue of MNSTRM
09/23/2025

The Story So Far at the open by for the September Issue of MNSTRM

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Our Story

MNSTRM Media is an online magazine based out of central Ohio founded by music photographer Rickie McCanna. MNSTRM is pronounced like "mainstream", due to the fact we are everything but mainstream. We are an online and print publication based around the Punk, Rock, Alternative & Metal music scene. Founded in 2016, we started MNSTRM to avoid rules, regulations and to celebrate artistic freedom. We consider ourselves a group of photographers who are growing, learning and constantly getting better, one gig at a time.

For years my friends and I drove all over the midwest to attend any concert we possibly could. This was always my passion; to take photos and go to concerts. It would only make sense for me to somehow make music photography a career. After a few years in our youth of jumping through hoops and sneaking a few cameras into shows, we decided to start our own magazine. From there it completely took off. In the summer of 2016 we set out on Vans Warped Tour to spread the word about a crazy idea we had of starting our own publication. We spent a week talking to fans, shooting as many bands as possible and linking up with artists from all over the country to help us with this idea we had. Due to the tremendous amount of work, support and courage we now have a small, amazing community of music professionals.