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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What exactly is Under the Volcano?
Under the Volcano is a print zine that’s been publishing since 1991, and this web site is an extension of that print zine. In both formats you’ll mainly find interviews with bands that are defining, shaping and bending the boundaries of independent music and thought...along with columns and a ton of audio reviews.
Is everything in the print zine online, and vice versa?
Nope. The two formats complement each other, and there’s definitely some crossover, but the content is NOT exactly the same.
What kind of music gets covered in Under the Volcano?
That’s a really hard question. Under the Volcano primarily covers independent music: punk, hardcore, metal and more... In general, country music and rap won’t get coverage, but somehow Johnny Cash or Eminem would fit perfectly; it’s more about “approach” than a specific “sound.” Does that make any sense?
How can I get a copy?
You can pick up a free copy of Under the Volcano at stores, clubs and college campuses on Long Island. Some local places that have Under the Volcano include Looney Tunes, Slipped Disc, Give Back Records and Ritual. You can also get copies nationally at Tower Records and a shitload of mom n' pop record stores.
If you don’t wanna purchase a copy directly off this site, you can find a list of stores where UTV is available here. For retail outlets, there’s a list of distributors on the same page.
Can I send you a CD to review?
If ya want, sure, but PLEASE get a hold of the magazine before sending anything, to determine whether or not your music is appropriate for Under the Volcano. Better yet, address your package care of the writer you feel will most likely dig your stuff; they’ll get it. Most of the time, if your CD gets a review, we’ll mail you a copy.
What formats do you accept for review material?
Professionally-pressed CDs, please (CDRs are okay ONLY if it’s a promo advance). Vinyl is cool if it’s a vinyl-only release, but at anytime only one or two staffers have a record player. Don’t bother sending a link to the MP3 file on your website, ‘cause we’re not gonna click on it. Oh...cassettes suck.
After I send you a CD, should I email or call to see if it’s getting reviewed?
You can drop us an email and let us know something is coming, but don’t expect a response; there just isn’t enough time in the day to get back to everyone. For the record, only about 25% of the stuff Under the Volcano receives will get reviewed, and we don’t “track” the CDs we receive either; they get sent out to writers, who mostly decide what deserves ink and what doesn’t. If you sent a CD five months ago and it hasn’t been reviewed yet, chances are it will never be. Press releases and interview availability emails are helpful, but we’ll contact YOU if we need more info. Ultimately though, the only way to guarantee that Under the Volcano readers know you have a CD out there is to
ADVERTISE it. The rates are pretty good.
I REALLY want my band featured in Under the Volcano.
The main problem is always gonna be limited space, but we try to be fair to bands and labels. For interviews we’re ONLY interested in bands that have a CD available through national distributors, not bands that just cut their first demo or single. There are no guarantees--we’re kind of dicks about the right “mix” of bands for a particular issue, and hafta REALLY like what a band is doing to run a feature. Please DON’T approach us about features on bands from Long Island, as we already have ‘em covered. Again, ADVERTISING is the only way to insure that Under the Volcano readers know there's a record out there.
Can I submit an interview?
Please reread the previous paragraph to confirm the band fits the criteria, then email us first about your interview ideas. We’ll require hearing the band first of course, and have some simple guidelines once you get the go-ahead.
My band is playing out next week. Can someone come down and do a review of our live show?
Under the Volcano doesn't run live reviews, but keep us posted if you're playing locally--ya never know when someone might wanna check out your band. Bands playing Long Island are encouraged to contribute to the LONG ISLAND SHOW LISTINGS, on this site, found under the SHOWS (duh!) button. Please be sure to follow the directions on that page when placing your listing.
Is it true you guys do a bunch of other things?
Yep. Under the Volcano also publishes Horror Garage, puts out records on Winged Disk, and can help get 1" buttons made, zines printed and CD manufactured. Staff members frequently play in bands you’ve actually heard of, own record labels, write for/publish other cool zines, do radio programs, or book punk shows. The DIY work ethic is alive and well!
Can I work for Under the Volcano?
We’re always looking for bright, motivated, and slightly masochistic people to create and or/fill unrewarding, unglamourous, non-paying intern positions (we are NOT looking for writers at this time) in exchange for college credit! English, Communications or Marketing majors are encouraged to apply, and you DON'T have to live on Long Island. If ya wanna get involved, email a proposal detailing STEP BY STEP ideas for new programs or projects (including how you intend to implement them) or however else you'd like to contribute to boss@underthevolcano.net with "INTERNS" in the subject header. Please also include a 300 word statement explaining WHY ya wanna work with Under the Volcano, along with your contact info.
How else can I help?
In the future we hope to start a street team, but for now the best you can do is tell your friends about Under the Volcano by putting up links to our site, taking copies on tour with your band and trying to get UTV carried in book and record stores in your area. Spread the word!
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