In its 9th year, Wakarusa 2012 is the place to be for a summer experience of broad and eclectic auditory pleasure. Jam and rock bands alongside electronic acts fill four days of non-stop music. Bringing some of the best performances from around the world, every moment until posting up camp on Mulberry Mountain seems so far away.
Despite the body melting heat the promise of favorites The Avett Brothers, Pretty Lights and Umphrey’s McGee on the mainstage negates any fear. Ready to brace the humidity and outdoor living like a maverick, Waka’s wilderness is expected to be a highlight of the experience. Sharing airwaves, living space, and just about everything else with over 20,000 people brace yourself for a weekend of madness.
With so much to look forward to, and as a writer, I can’t help but enter to officially blog at Wakarusa 2012 for No Depression. I know I would be the absolute best blogger you could chose as I have an undying passion to share the soul-moving experience of a live performance utilizing both words and pictures. This isn’t just something I want to do because I’ve been thinking it would be fun… rather the opportunity to share my words with a large audience is something I search for on a daily basis. Music blogging has changed my life, giving me the chance to transform and share the art I hear into the art of words.
A little over a year ago I was sitting at a desk job as an adult babysitter (aka executive assistant) performing monotonous and unfulfilling tasks on a daily basis. Frequently going to concerts on my nights and weekends, compiling playlists for friends, and purposely seeking out local up-and-coming performers I started to think to myself, “this makes me happy, this is the industry I want to live in for the rest of my life.”
I had always been a writer, but found myself uninspired by most topics, but I had a thought, “Why don’t I combine my two loves and two arts into one? Why don’t I use beautiful words to describe beautiful music?” The upcoming weekend would bring the traveling electronic festival, EDC, to Denver and I instantly bought a ticket deciding to approach as a fan but also as a writer. Once I printed that ticket, my whole world changed. I introduced myself to every artist, every photographer, and every “person who looked important” at EDC and soon after I was guest blogging for many sites around Colorado.
I’ve given myself no other choice but to succeed as a music writer. For over a year now I have been a full time freelance music writer, averaging about three to four shows a night as well as many album reviews at the request of artists. While all of this is impressive, I’m still chipping away at my dreams. I need to take my experience to a national level, something I can do by blogging for No Depression at Wakarusa 2012. I don’t just want to blog for No Depression as Wakarusa, I want to create exciting buzz on the people, environment and music. I want to chat with Whomp Stick holders about the inspiration and conception of their festival staff – I want to photograph costumed fans and let them know their creativity is not being overlooked – I want to ask fans waiting an hour at a stage for a performance, “What about this act inspires you so much?” – I want to capture the flowing beauty of sound in my own words.
I can rattle off the things you probably want in a guest blogger (things I know I have) such as being reliable, credible, covering important sets (and not just headliners) , turning in timely work, and helping you increase site activity during Wakarusa 2012. But what I can also promise you beyond the average blogger is that I will provide original material focusing on more than “awesome beats” or “nice set.” I know I can capture off-the-cuff interviews and photos with artists, as I have no apprehension when it comes capturing the best coverage possible. I can live tweet, Facebook post, and utilize Instragram for live, in-the-moment reporting.
But what it really comes down to, is that I’m a pretty chill girl, driven by that moment when you see the crowd go wild. The pit in your stomach before the bass drops, that overwhelming sensation you get when you hear an insurmountable guitar solo, and the widespread smiles you see when the traveling from set to set is what I live for.
I hope No Depression can help me achieve my dreams of blogging for a national audience, sharing my words and pictures with all that come across them. You will not be disappointed, rather thrilled with my dedication, skill set, and ambitious personality to provide No Depression readers with the best Wakarusa 2012 coverage they will find.
I look forward to hearing from you with hopes that you pick me!
Sarah Silvas
303-889-9764
