How did you first get involved in Alberta’s music community?

I’ve been involved as a musician in both the Edmonton and Calgary areas since I was a teenager, writing and performing music in a variety of genres, ranging from Celtic to hard rock. After moving to Calgary, my passion for metal led me to play keyboards for Sacred Ally. I am now the keyboardist for Gales of Avalon.

What inspired you to launch Pitch Black Magazine?

As a journalist and a photographer, a lot of music-related gigs are freelance and pay little to nothing. When the economy started to dry up, so did my work. It seemed like a great time to start writing about the bands in my own backyard, and introduce the world to something a little different, while still bringing attention to the bands that inspire musicians on the local level.

Is it a full time thing?

I wish! I have a full time day job as a journalist, but in a different field, and work on Pitch Black in what’s left at the end of the day. The magazine – or, more accurately, the webzine - is run entirely by volunteers. Some are also journalists with a passion for hard rock and metal, some have editorial experience in the publishing industry, and some are simply fans who love to write and want to support our growing community.

What kinds of exciting things do you have planned for Pitch Black in 2010?

Well, we have to leave some surprises, but one of the most exciting things for this year is our redesign. Expect to visit one of these days in the near future and see a much darker website. We’re also working on improving The Alberta Bullet and how the events are displayed, and aim to include an as-it-happens news feed, so stay tuned!