#MediaMonday – Jason Keil
Today’s #MediaMonday comes to us from Jason Keil, a freelance writer whose work has been published in the Phoenix New Times, AZCentral.com, Phoenix Magazine and OnMilwaukee.com. He also co-hosts the podcast What The Fork.
So, Jason, time to share!
Tell us how you got your start? Tell us your story!
When attending the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, it seemed like no one was covering the great local bands in town. I approached a few local editors to see how I could fill that gap. That led to covering national touring artists, copywriting for PR firms, ghostwriting and talking with many of my heroes.
Tell us how you came to start working in the Valley media scene?
I moved to Phoenix for my day job (at the time) at a large insurance company. I went to see a great local band my girlfriend (who is now my wife) had heard about. The bug to write bit me again, so I approached the Phoenix New Times to write about Valley music. A few weeks later, I received a call asking me if I wanted to review a Weezer concert at the Phoenix Open. The rest is history.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Allen Park, Michigan, a suburb just outside of Detroit.
Favorite type of music?
I love 70s art rock (DEVO, Bowie, Talking Heads, Roxy Music) and 80s new wave (Duran Duran, XTC, Squeeze).
Favorite color?
Blue
Favorite local restaurants or other haunts?
I have two young children, so my family often heads to Luci’s at the Orchard. They have a splash-pad, which keeps my oldest occupied in the warm months.
Least favorite food?
Tomatoes…I don’t like the texture.
Three things readers would be surprised to know about you?
- I have a vinyl collection, but it is small when compared to many of my friends.
- Comics were not welcome in my home when I was young, which probably explains why I really love Marvel movies. They are a crash course on what I missed.
- I am huge film buff, but I still haven’t seen Halloween or Taxi Driver. I have seen Jerry Maguire more than I care to admit and I cry at the end every time
What is the lead time you need for content or pitches?
Depends on the publication. For Phoenix New Times, we need at least two weeks. Phoenix Magazine needs a few months.
What should (and shouldn’t) people be pitching to you?
I’ve written about music and arts, but I have covered anything and everything (autonomous vehicles, integrative medicine, hard news, and jewelry and beauty products). If it makes for a compelling story, I want to know about it.
What is the best way to reach you?
Drop me an e-mail at jason.keil.writes@gmail.com.
