Garin Pirnia – Freelance Writer

Chicago MyOpenBar

Chicago Editor, 10/08-current

Staff Writer, 1/07-9/08

I manage a small staff of writers for a weekly website and newsletter focusing on free drinks events in Chicago. I use our CMS system to generate content. I also help with the promotion and marketing of the site.

The Wall Street Journal, Speakeasy 1/10-current

http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy

Contributing Reporter

Write well-researched articles on music and entertainment figures for WSJ arts and culture blog.

AOL/Spinner

Music blogger, 8/09-current

I write live concert reviews and music related news items for AOL’s music section.

Time Out Chicago

Freelancer, 7/08-current

Editorial Music Intern, 1/08-7/08

Editorial Intern, 8/07-1/08

As an editorial intern, I assisted various editorial departments with transcriptions, errands, fact checking, article research, and wrote various assigned articles. As a music intern, I wrote weekly music listings.

Chicago Innerview

Staff Writer 7/04-current

I interview and write bios on various bands coming to concert in Chicago.

New City Chicago

Contributing Writer, 9/06-current

I contribute art, music, and feature related articles for Chicago’s weekly alt-newspaper.

Previous Experience and Publications

LimeWire Music Blog

Music blogger, 3/09-current

I write live concert reviews, news items, lists, and album reviews for LimeWire’s music blog and store.

UR Chicago

Freelancer, 1/08-4/09

Contributed live concert reviews and feature articles  for Chicago based website/magazine.

Radio Free Chicago

Staff Writer, 2/07-4/09

Contributed music related news stories, concert reviews, and band interviews to Chicago based music blog.

The Onion

Intern/Freelancer, 5/06-4/07

As an intern, I complied the weekly calendar section, transcribed interviews, and wrote restaurant capsules and sidebars. As a freelancer, I continued to write food related sidebars.

Glide Magazine 8/04-2/08

Contributing Writer

I contributed monthly album reviews, band interviews, and “best of” lists for a music website.

Not For Tourists 2/07-6/07

Contributing Writer/Neighborhood Editor,

I maintained and contributed online content, reviewed and promoted Chicago bars, restaurants, and events. Contributed to 2008’s Chicago Not for Tourists Guide Book.

Homer Horizon

Freelance Reporter, 11/07-9/07

I contributed features and people profiles for South suburban community newspaper located in Homer Glen, IL.

Inside Newspaper 7/07-11/07

I contributed local based news stories and profiles for North Side weekly paper.

Wonkavision Magazine

Contributing Writer, 1/05-2/07

I contributed punk/indie-oriented artist profiles, band features, and music reviews.

Chord Magazine

Writer, 1/06-8/06

I crafted feature articles on prominent rock bands. Honed interviewing skills, and created concise questionnaires to best highlight unique qualities of each band approached.

VenusZine

Writer, 5/06-6/08

I contributed quarterly album reviews in both print and online issues. 

Radio/TV/Film, B.A., Screenwriting

1995-1998 Ohio University, Athens, OH

English/Communications major