The most essential tool in the music writer's arsenal is the pass. Getting a pass is far simpler than you may think. Often a single phone call to a band's publicist does the trick. Just remember, like editors, publicists are looking for writers who can make their jobs easier. This will give you the right to photograph the band from the front row for the first three songs of a concert.
Photos are crucial for selling the music article, especially if it is a review.
Color slides are still the film format of choice in most magazines. However, there are times when a band requests no flash photography. Landing the Interview Interviewing the band itself is a much trickier proposition. Often a special backstage pass is required. These are harder to get and usually require the writer to be backed by a widely read publication.