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When I learned how Dennis Kelly, the founder of Chicago Music Guide, brought his platform to fruition, I felt a kinship with him. It seems we both had to find a way to promote local bands and the local music community because no one else was, especially not mainstream outlets. We did it on our own and independently.
Chicago Music Guide also forms part of CIMA (Chicago Independent Media Alliance) and as fellow members, we interviewed each other to let others know about each other’s work.
Before we get into the interview, here’s a brief synopsis of what CMG is all about:
“Chicago Music Guide is a music resource webzine dedicated to working with all entities of the music and entertainment industry. Founded in 2004 by Dennis M. Kelly, Chicago Music Guide is a music magazine that works with all entities of the music and entertainment industry and is dedicated to music lovers across the globe. We bring our readers, reviews, interviews, the latest new music, live photos, event listings, and much more! Chicago Music Guide shines the spotlight on great local artists, giving them the attention they deserve with in-house performances, interviews, and more!”
Why did you create Chicago Music Guide?
I was in a heavy metal band in the late 80s and when it became clear to me that this was no longer what I wanted to be doing. I left the band but started filming them at their shows and rehearsals. In 1999, I started a small website designed to promote local bands, including my former bandmate’s new band that he was in.
From 1999 – 2004, I went to shows, taking photos and helping to promote a handful of these local artists. But in 2004, I decided to formalize Chicago Music Guide and bring on additional people to help cover more events including Chicago’s festivals.
It has been challenging, but very rewarding and I hope we’ve been able to help musicians in some way over the years.
How has the initial concept for CMG changed or pivoted over the years?
Originally, I wanted to only cover local artists, after all, they’re the ones who needed it most, right? But after a lot of coaxing, I relented to allow a mix of local and national coverage and yes, it has been very beneficial.
Why are you so passionate about Chicago’s music community and what motivates you to continue promoting the city’s music scenes?
Having been in a band, I know what the struggles were like, though, this is long before the internet, of course, so it was a different type of struggle, but a struggle just the same.
Back then, it was more of a struggle to get your voice heard, now it is a struggle to get your voice heard out of all the voices that are screaming to be heard at the same time.
I love all Chicago creatives, from musicians to art, and Chicago’s architecture, they all exhibit something truly unique and special that cannot be found anywhere and the world needs to see and experience every aspect of it for themselves to appreciate them.
Why is independent (music) journalism important?
Independent music journalism and journalism, in general, is more important than ever these days. Independent music journalism is the crafting of music and its impact on that journalist put into words, if done correctly, their writing is also a creative piece reflecting that impact and relevant information around it. It can then inspire people to want to be impacted in that same way by listening to it.
Independent journalism is more important than ever now with more access to AI and the potential misinformation that it can potentially generate. But that is a whole topic all its own.
How does being a part of the Chicago Independent Media Alliance help Chicago Music Guide?
I have always had a collaborative mindset, we’re always more powerful when we work together and I am so thankful that CIMA exists. While it is not yet where I would like to see it with regards to members working closer together with each other, it has come a long way since it began and I am hopeful to see those days soon.
What is your favorite piece of advice for aspiring music journalists?
I always tell young music journalists to write about what you see, hear, and experience. If it doesn’t connect with them, or worse, I always ask to keep things as constructive as possible. This way, if this is something that the music maker could have done better, they may use that to their future growth.
Negative and berating reviews don’t do any good for anyone.
We agree!
You can support outlets like Chicago Music Guide and Enchúfate by reposting and sharing our content and also, if you are able, by donating during our current fundraising campaign.
The Chicago Independent Media Alliance (CIMA) is a partnership of independent, local, and community-driven media entities covering communities throughout the city. Through regular collaboration and the creation of new revenue streams, we uplift each other in order to amplify the voices of Chicagoans.
From June 5 to 19, 2023, we are hosting our fourth annual CIMA fundraiser. By donating at IndieMediaChi.org/Donate, you can directly support the work of 47 of our member outlets and ensure the voices of thousands of Chicagoans are heard.
Donate today at IndieMediaChi.org/Donate.
Founded in 2019, CIMA is a project of the Reader Institute for Community Journalism, publisher of the Chicago Reader.
