Earlier this year, Lyndsey McKenna landed every music fan’s dream job—an internship with Pitchfork Media, an online publication featuring all things indie rock, including news, reviews and commentary, and interviews. Seizing the opportunity to explore her passion for music, and picking up some perks along the way the second year tells about her role with the zine.
What is it that you do with Pitchfork, exactly?
I work as an editorial intern at Pitchfork Media. Pitchfork itself is an online music publication — every day five album reviews are published, along with news, tour dates, columns, videos, track reviews, and features on specific artists and genres. I’m primarily responsible for copyediting the album and track reviews and transcribing interviews with artists. I also work with the online database to ensure that tours are updated constantly and that all the entities (album, artist, label, and release year) align.
How did you know this position was for you?
I’m obsessed with music, and Pitchfork is a really good source for music news. Also, I read quite a few music blogs, and Pitchfork more than most tends to feature a range of both up-and-coming artists and established artists. They advertised the position on their website, and I applied on a whim after a few of my friends from home encouraged me. I was really involved with journalism all through high school, which is definitely beneficial in working with an online daily publication.
Are there any benefits of being an intern?
Honestly, what’s been the biggest perk for me is simply the experience of working at a professional publication. The University of Chicago doesn’t have a journalism major and it can be difficult to gain the sort of experience Pitchfork has afforded me without the hands-on training most journalism schools offer. Because Pitchfork is not a print publication, I’ve learned quite a bit about managing web content. I also get a chance to copyedit reviews for albums before they are released, so that’s always exciting.
Have you gotten to cover or meet any musicians? If so, who has been your favorite?
I haven’t actually met any of the artists that Pitchfork covers, but I do transcribe all the interviews that are posted to the site. On my first day as an intern, I transcribed an interview with Dan Deacon. I couldn’t stop laughing at everything he had said over the course of the interview. It’s interesting to hear what the artists have to say, because typically in their interviews, they are pretty candid. I copyedited a huge feature on the Strokes, and that was a lot of work and really interesting. Another great feature I got to copyedit was on non-commerical low-power FM radio stations in the wake of President Obama’s signing of the Local Community Radio Act of 2010, which is a piece I’d recommend anyone to read.
What are your career plans?
All through high school, I was convinced I was going to study journalism. After arriving at UChicago and interning with a circuit court judge last summer, I decided I really wanted to attend law school. My experience at Pitchfork has definitely renewed my interest in journalism. I’m definitely going to continue my education after obtaining my undergraduate degree, though, whether it be law school or journalism school.
Straight from the expert – any upcoming events we should be on the lookout for?
I have to say I’m looking forward to the Pitchfork Music Festival this summer. It’s in Chicago from July 15-17, and I can’t wait to see James Blake, Fleet Foxes, and Odd Future there. I’m also really looking forward to seeing the National and Arcade Fire on April 24 and 25. Lollapalooza never disappoints, and this year will be my fifth time attending.