OC Music News

Home
OC Music News

OC Music News ISSN 2692-6717

Member: OC Press Club

OCMN - Providing Alternative, Punk, Reggae and Ska Music News in all parts of Southern California and beyond.

OC Music News (OCMN) is a music news and popular culture digital magazine. Established in 2019, the magazine’s initial footprint was set up to cover the music industry specific to Rock, Alternative-Rock, Punk, Reggae and Ska genres of all eras along with related sub-genres. Over the years OCMN has expanded its coverage to other genres, such as Country, R&B, Rap and Pop. OCMN is best known for its

daily publication of music industry features, interviews, concert and festival previews and reviews. Publication History

OCMN was founded in November of 2019. It is based in Orange, California and published through BNG Marketing. The origin of the magazine goes back to staff that were part of OC Weekly, an Orange County-based online and paper magazine, which closed its doors in November 2019. As a result of the OC Weekly closure,[1] a few former OC Weekly staff members coordinated to create a temporary home for stories that were already in development and ready for publication. The first story published under this temporary setup was on the Pixies. It was published on a website sub-page hosted by TNN RADIO. Shortly thereafter, when it was clear the OC Weekly in its past form would not be resurrected, OCMN organizers named its Editorial staff and launched its standalone website. It was subsequently followed by all its social media pages which remain in place today. The magazine’s reach was initially forecasted to cover Orange County, and slowly venture into surrounding counties (Los Angeles, Ventura, Riverside and San Diego). The initial rollout was a success; the magazine subsequently expanded in Q3-2020 to a national footprint. Contributors (columnists and photographers) span the nation to support coverage. In Q2-2021, the magazine’s reach was extended with supported followers throughout Europe and the United Kingdom. Website & Design:

The initial OC Music News website was a biproduct of the TNN RADIO online presence. The OCMN standalone site was launched in January, 2020.Today’s website is located at https://ocmusicnews.com/, and is powered by Wordpress. The original OCMN logo was designed by John Gilhooley Studios, later versions and iterations were drafted by Amber Customs. Additional initial artwork were provided by Bill Adams. Current logo was designed by Rachael Contreras. UX Design by Alaina Pierce Imaging, Multi-Media Design by Savannah Just. Seasonal logos and other marketing material provided by Amber Customs. The 2021 website re-vamp developed by Cameron Schuyler Design. The 2023 website and social media pages re-branding executed by Cameron Schuyler Design. UI Design and other Animation by Jose Johnny Corona, Jr., Data Assets by Curt Turner. Early Success:

OCMN gained immediate traction stemming from established industry relationships its contributors had in place with publicists, broadcasters and bands worldwide. Early show coverage assignments resulted in published reviews through domestic and global entertainment companies such as Live Nation Concerts, Goldenvoice and AEG. Broadcaster support came from southern California radio icons KLOS, KROQ, ALT947, 91X, KX FM; stories that encompass their sonic broadcasts continues. Early support from bands distinguished OCMN as an industry source for music news and reliable content. Featured interviews and show reviews include 311, the Aquabats!, The Adicts, Bad Religion, Descendents, Dirty Heads, Dirty Honey, Devo, Dramarama, The English Beat, Foo Fighters, Filter, The Selecter, The Interrupters, The Offspring, Missing Persons, Oingo Boingo Former Members, Pennywise, Pixies, Rancid, Soul Asylum, Sublime with Rome, UB40, The Vandals and X. Readership

As of January 2023, OCMN had published 1,327 stories with a daily average reach of 15,000 to 35,000+ unique site visits. Accumulated site visits hit 25,000,000 in October 2022. Readership is predominantly in North America, Europe, UK, Australia, Japan, segments of the Caribbean, Central and South America. OCMN Today

OCMN provides a variety of stories for its readers. Staff columnists provide band stories based on interviews, previews of shows, festivals/concert reviews, as well as other relevant music news. In 2020, OCMN started a “Best Of” series (Songs, Albums - Rock, Punk, Metal). The special edition is published annually each January. In 2020, the Grammy Museum utilized OCMN photo assets for a promotional marketing campaign. In 2021, OCMN re-launched its website and social media pages to its current configuration. In 2022-23, Social Distortion utilized OCMN photo assets for their tour promotional campaign. Live Nation utilized OCMN photo assets for their artist event page. OCMN covers the local music community with emphasis on Ska and Punk genres. Featured Articles | Covers:
Over the years, OCMN has published featured cover stories on artists that impact its readers. Stories include, Angels and Airwaves, Bad Religion, Blink-182, Beastie Boys, David Bowie, Deftones, Foo Fighters Tribute Show, Iggy Pop, Morrissey, Rage Against the Machine, Rolling Stones, Social Distortion, U2, and Volbeat. Music Festivals:
Since its inception, OCMN reports on music festivals that are important to its readership; domestically and internationally. Covered events include: ALTerEgo, Beach Life, Bonnaroo, California Vibes, California Roots, Cruel World, Desert Daze, Just Like Heaven, Ohana Fest, Lollapalooza, Pilgrimage Fest, Punk Rock Bowling, Punk in the Park, Primavera – Los Angeles, Rebellion Fest and Riot Fest. Editorial Commentary:

OCMN launched the magazine with a slogan of “No Politics, Just Food for the Soul.” The concept was for the magazine to only cover music and popular culture issues and experiences that impact its readers. The slogan / mantra remains a cornerstone directive of the magazine today. With the amount of social turbulence that was captured by the music industry through artists and their music, OCMN published a series of articles in 2020 that addressed the turmoil of the 2020 national elections, with focus on events that divided the nation and caused concern throughout the world. The magazine remains a place that limits political commentary. However, OCMN management remains open to publishing editorial commentaries on topics that impact the public at large. Editorial and Staff

Today’s OCMN Editorial staff consists of Todd Sherman (Editorial Director - General Manager), Jimmy Alvarez (Editor in Chief), Traci Turner (Managing Editor), and Rachael Contreras (Sr. Associate Editor). Content contributors ranging from columnists, editors and photographers are engaged throughout the country.

12/03/2025

Cool Gig Alert | T.S.O.L. is Coming!

12/03/2025

George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic is Coming to House of Blues Anaheim

Story by Jimmy Alvarez

Coming to House of Blues Anaheim March 12th, 2025 by Jimmy Alvarez If you thought you knew music, until you know George you really don’t know the true groove armada. Way back what seems a lifetime …

11/03/2025

Punk in The Park Returns to OC this Weekend!

feat. Bad Religionm Dead Kennedys, The Aquabats! and more...

PUNK IN THE PARK Returns to Oak Canyon Park LUCKY PUNKS! December 18, 2024 by David Jackson This year saw Punk In The Park rise to new heights. That is, until we got a load of what is happening for…

11/03/2025

A Message from Social Distortion: Due to unforeseen production delays with our forthcoming album, we regret to announce that Social Distortion’s upcoming European tour has been canceled. We sincerely apologize to our fans and appreciate your patience as we focus on finishing the record. Ticket holders can seek refunds at their original point of purchase.

11/03/2025

GOING BACK to Coachella with Missy Elliott

Story by Kai Dek

GOING BACK TO with Missy Elliott March 11th, 2025 by Kai Dek Coachella is less than a month away and music fans can expect two weekends of top-tier talent with the who’s who of the music indu…

10/03/2025

The Offspring | Supercharged Your is Coming to Kia Forum

Story by Kim Scoritto

SUPERCHARGED TOUR Coming to Kia Forum March 5th, 2025 by Kim Scirotto Summer is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than to see The Offspring on the North American leg of their…

10/03/2025

Green Day is Coming to Coachella

Story by Kai Dek

SET TO PLAY COACHELLA March 3rd, 2025 by Kai Dek Since its formation in the late ‘80s, Green Day has become one of the most influential punk rock bands of all time. They have consistently led the g…

10/03/2025

Pantera | The heaviest Tour of the Summer

Story by Traci Turner

Promises Heavy Summer March 6th, 2025 by Traci Turner Heavy metal legends Pantera are invading the US, and promise to give us the Heaviest Tour of the Summer! I mean, that’s the literal name, so th…

10/03/2025

The Exploited Live at The Observatory Orange County

Review by James Keith

Punk’s Not Dead | 45 Years Tour 2025 Live at the Observatory March 6, 2025 Review by James Keith Scottish punkers The Exploited invaded the Observatory for their Punks Not Dead 45 Years Tour and de…

10/03/2025

Going Back to Vans Warped Tour with 311

Story by Jimmy Alvarez

GOING BACK TO with March 10, 2025 by Jimmy Alvarez The world of music has a lot going in 2025; I mean, a lot. There’s the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, bands celebrating 20, 30, 40, and 50 …

10/03/2025

Happy Monday Wherever You Are!!!

The Clash – Police On My Back [Remastered] (Official Audio)Stream and download here: https://TheClash.lnk.to/BestOfSubscribe to The Clash’s YouTube channel: ...

09/03/2025

Happy Sunday Wherever You Are!

07/03/2025

The Exploited Live at The Observatory Orange County

feat. Narcoleptic Youth, D.I. , Total Chaos

Review by James Keith | Photos by Sean McCracken Photography

07/03/2025

Goldfinger West Coast Tour | Live at House of Blues Anaheim

Review by Kevin Gomez | Photos by Todd Markel Rock Images

Live at House of Blues Anaheim March 7th, 2025 Review by Kevin Gomez Friday night saw a packed house at the House of Blues in Anaheim as Southern California’s Goldfinger played yet another sold-out…

07/03/2025

Foreigner | Invades the KLOS Helpful Honda Rock

Review by Jimmy Alvarez

Invades the KLOS Helpful Honda Rock Room March 7, 2025 Review by Jimmy Alvarez As 2025 unveils what we have in store for the rest of the year, musically speaking of course, KLOS delivered another e…

07/03/2025

Helmet | 30th ANNIVERSARY OF BETTY Live at The Glass House Pomona

Review by Christina Sanchez

30th ANNIVERSARY OF BETTY Live at The Glass House March 3, 2025 Review by Christina Sanchez It’s not often you go to a concert and the first two openers are worth being there early. Last Thursday a…

06/03/2025

The Get Up Kids Set to Play The Glass House Pomona tomorrow night!

Story by Chrsitina Sanchez

25 Years Tour is Coming to The Glass House February 13th, 2025 by Christina Sanchez It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years since The Get Up Kids gave us a directional change in our music taste wit…

06/03/2025

Volbeat | THE GREATEST OF ALL TOURS IS COMING TO Kia Forum

Story by Jimmy Alvarez

NEW ALBUM & The Greatest of All Tours March 6th, 2025 by Jimmy Alvarez Someone once said, they’re mad, bad and dangerous to know. Truth is they are just a kick-ass band out of Copenhagen, Denma…

Address

Website

http://www.ocmusicnews.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when OC Music News posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to OC Music News:

Videos

Covering Music from the Soundtrack of Your Life: This is OC Music News!

Just in - This Sunday on TNN RADIO / KX FM catch up with Dirty Heads!!! Sunday (Noon to 3pm Pacific time) at kxfmradio.org org with the iHeartRadio app under KX FM!