Q) Where do I send stuff for review?
A) All review materials go to Punk Planet, 4229 N. Honore, Chicago IL 60613.
Q) What sort of stuff do you review?
A) We review independently produced music—both CDs and vinyl—DVDs, books, comics, and zines. We don’t review cassettes. Although independent production can be difficult to trace, we do not review materials that are produced under the auspices of a media conglomerate. This goes for major publishers, major labels, film studios, etc.
Q) Will you review my band?
A) We don’t run show reviews, but we will review CDs, DVDs, books, zines, or comics that your band appears in, plays on, or helps create. As long as you’re independent (defined as not on a major label or one of its affiliates), we make every attempt to include you in our reviews section. That said, we’re not perfect and not everything ends up getting reviewed that is submitted to us. Plus, just because we believe in punk rock and we hold independence close to our hearts, it does not mean that you’re going to get a good review.
Q) How long does it take something to be reviewed?
A) Longer than you might think. Because we’re bi-monthly, reviews only go out to reviewers six times per year. So if you send something in for review and we get it the day after material has been sent out to reviewers, it’s going to be two months before it gets sent to reviewers and then at least another month before the issue that that review runs in hits the streets. So, your material may take anywhere from a month to a third of a year to be reviewed—and that’s assuming that everything works according to plan. We try our best to review things in the order received, but with a constant backlog of CDs and records, it could be a while before your review runs.
Q) Who can I call to make sure my stuff is being reviewed?
A) Please don’t. We will do our best to review whatever is sent, and let you know when your review will appear. If you have questions, send an email to reviews[at]punkplanet[dot]com, but please be aware that we get hundreds of emails each day (Seriously. Thanks, the PR machine!) and will probably not answer your questions in a timely manner. Be patient!
Q) Some of your reviews appear in the magazine, while others appear online. Who determines what reviews appear in either place?
A) The reviewer. When CDs and records are sent out every two months, each reviewer determines how long any given review will be. Any reviews under 100 words appear online.
