OC Music News (OCMN) is a music news and popular culture digital magazine. Established in 2019, the magazine’s initial footprint was set up to cover the music industry specific to Rock, Alternative-Rock, Punk, Reggae and Ska genres of all eras along with related sub-genres. Over the years OCMN has expanded its coverage to other genres, such as Country, R&B, Rap and Pop. OCMN is best known for its
daily publication of music industry features, interviews, concert and festival previews and reviews. Publication History
OCMN was founded in November of 2019. It is based in Orange, California and published through BNG Marketing. The origin of the magazine goes back to staff that were part of OC Weekly, an Orange County-based online and paper magazine, which closed its doors in November 2019. As a result of the OC Weekly closure,[1] a few former OC Weekly staff members coordinated to create a temporary home for stories that were already in development and ready for publication. The first story published under this temporary setup was on the Pixies. It was published on a website sub-page hosted by TNN RADIO. Shortly thereafter, when it was clear the OC Weekly in its past form would not be resurrected, OCMN organizers named its Editorial staff and launched its standalone website. It was subsequently followed by all its social media pages which remain in place today. The magazine’s reach was initially forecasted to cover Orange County, and slowly venture into surrounding counties (Los Angeles, Ventura, Riverside and San Diego). The initial rollout was a success; the magazine subsequently expanded in Q3-2020 to a national footprint. Contributors (columnists and photographers) span the nation to support coverage. In Q2-2021, the magazine’s reach was extended with supported followers throughout Europe and the United Kingdom. Website & Design:
The initial OC Music News website was a biproduct of the TNN RADIO online presence. The OCMN standalone site was launched in January, 2020.Today’s website is located at https://ocmusicnews.com/, and is powered by Wordpress. The original OCMN logo was designed by John Gilhooley Studios, later versions and iterations were drafted by Amber Customs. Additional initial artwork were provided by Bill Adams. Current logo was designed by Rachael Contreras. UX Design by Alaina Pierce Imaging, Multi-Media Design by Savannah Just. Seasonal logos and other marketing material provided by Amber Customs. The 2021 website re-vamp developed by Cameron Schuyler Design. The 2023 website and social media pages re-branding executed by Cameron Schuyler Design. UI Design and other Animation by Jose Johnny Corona, Jr., Data Assets by Curt Turner. Early Success:
OCMN gained immediate traction stemming from established industry relationships its contributors had in place with publicists, broadcasters and bands worldwide. Early show coverage assignments resulted in published reviews through domestic and global entertainment companies such as Live Nation Concerts, Goldenvoice and AEG. Broadcaster support came from southern California radio icons KLOS, KROQ, ALT947, 91X, KX FM; stories that encompass their sonic broadcasts continues. Early support from bands distinguished OCMN as an industry source for music news and reliable content. Featured interviews and show reviews include 311, the Aquabats!, The Adicts, Bad Religion, Descendents, Dirty Heads, Dirty Honey, Devo, Dramarama, The English Beat, Foo Fighters, Filter, The Selecter, The Interrupters, The Offspring, Missing Persons, Oingo Boingo Former Members, Pennywise, Pixies, Rancid, Soul Asylum, Sublime with Rome, UB40, The Vandals and X. Readership
As of January 2023, OCMN had published 1,327 stories with a daily average reach of 15,000 to 35,000+ unique site visits. Accumulated site visits hit 25,000,000 in October 2022. Readership is predominantly in North America, Europe, UK, Australia, Japan, segments of the Caribbean, Central and South America. OCMN Today
OCMN provides a variety of stories for its readers. Staff columnists provide band stories based on interviews, previews of shows, festivals/concert reviews, as well as other relevant music news. In 2020, OCMN started a “Best Of” series (Songs, Albums - Rock, Punk, Metal). The special edition is published annually each January. In 2020, the Grammy Museum utilized OCMN photo assets for a promotional marketing campaign. In 2021, OCMN re-launched its website and social media pages to its current configuration. In 2022-23, Social Distortion utilized OCMN photo assets for their tour promotional campaign. Live Nation utilized OCMN photo assets for their artist event page. OCMN covers the local music community with emphasis on Ska and Punk genres. Featured Articles | Covers:
Over the years, OCMN has published featured cover stories on artists that impact its readers. Stories include, Angels and Airwaves, Bad Religion, Blink-182, Beastie Boys, David Bowie, Deftones, Foo Fighters Tribute Show, Iggy Pop, Morrissey, Rage Against the Machine, Rolling Stones, Social Distortion, U2, and Volbeat. Music Festivals:
Since its inception, OCMN reports on music festivals that are important to its readership; domestically and internationally. Covered events include: ALTerEgo, Beach Life, Bonnaroo, California Vibes, California Roots, Cruel World, Desert Daze, Just Like Heaven, Ohana Fest, Lollapalooza, Pilgrimage Fest, Punk Rock Bowling, Punk in the Park, Primavera – Los Angeles, Rebellion Fest and Riot Fest. Editorial Commentary:
OCMN launched the magazine with a slogan of “No Politics, Just Food for the Soul.” The concept was for the magazine to only cover music and popular culture issues and experiences that impact its readers. The slogan / mantra remains a cornerstone directive of the magazine today. With the amount of social turbulence that was captured by the music industry through artists and their music, OCMN published a series of articles in 2020 that addressed the turmoil of the 2020 national elections, with focus on events that divided the nation and caused concern throughout the world. The magazine remains a place that limits political commentary. However, OCMN management remains open to publishing editorial commentaries on topics that impact the public at large. Editorial and Staff
Today’s OCMN Editorial staff consists of Todd Sherman (Editorial Director - General Manager), Jimmy Alvarez (Editor in Chief), Traci Turner (Managing Editor), and Rachael Contreras (Sr. Associate Editor). Content contributors ranging from columnists, editors and photographers are engaged throughout the country.
