Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaron Rhodes.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started the Shuttlecock blog the month I graduated high school (just over six years ago now) as a portfolio for my writing since I knew I wanted to be a music journalist. Eventually, I began learning about more local artists I enjoyed and started to use the blog to document both the shows I was attending and the local artists playing on them.
The blog has been running for six years featuring concert write-ups, photo galleries, and videos, written interviews, and new local music reviews. The Shuttlecock Podcast feed has been active on and off for the last four years, consisting mostly of interviews with local artists, but also including various bonus shows I produce. Finally, in spring 2021 I launched the free monthly print magazine. It’s 24 pages, black & white, and includes artist profiles, Q&As, scene reports, and other features. Copies are dropped off at record stores, coffee shops, and other small businesses around the metro.
I’ve also booked dozens of DIY shows for touring and local acts at venues around the metro since the blog’s beginning.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve been lucky enough to have the support of my family (my dad is a photojournalist, so I was able to use some of his gear to start with) and many of the artists and other members of the local scene over the last six years. That being said, it can be tedious, mentally taxing work and there isn’t often a lot of money in it. But I do it because it’s what I’m passionate about and what I feel like I’m halfway decent at.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Shuttlecock Music Magazine?
Shuttlecock, via its blog, podcast feed, YouTube account, and print magazines, is focused on documenting local music in Kansas City. Its focus is often on punk rock and hip-hop, a couple of my personal favorite sounds, but ranges to also include indie rock, pop, metal, country, experimental, and really whatever else I find myself interested in. I have friends that help me with the layout/design of the magazine and some of the camera work/editing of the original video series, but I still handle most of the writing, photography, social media, and event organizing myself. This is partially because I still don’t have much of a budget and partially because I have a very specific vision for the company and hold high standards.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I would say it’s best to find someone who’s doing something you want to do, ask that person questions, and work as hard as you can to prove your skills to them. Sometimes you’ll end up working together, other times you won’t, but don’t take it personally either way and don’t burn any bridges you may regret later.
Pricing:
- The monthly print magazine is free to pick up at KC/LK record stores.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ShuttlecockMusic.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/shuttlecockmag
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/shuttlecockmag
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/shuttlecockmag
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/shuttlecockmusicmagazine
Image Credits:
Jelani Rice (photos of A’Sean, Maal & Tom Richman)
Zach Bauman (header portrait of Aaron Rhodes)
Aaron Rhodes (photos of Rachel Cion, Loss Prevention, Unique Sixteen)
