This is the spot where I try to convince you that I’m qualified to haggle musicians and take pictures of them.

I’ve worked at Billboard magazine since 2000. I copy edit by day, and write reviews and articles about rock/metal by night. I’ve read Billboard every week for the last eight years, interviewed hundreds of people, listened to roughly 5,000 albums and published a few million words, so I think I’ve got the hang of this now.

In addition, I have written/continue to write for Billboard.com, The Hollywood Reporter and Metal Edge. I did a stint at Blistering.com for a year as editor in chief, which taught me that my love lies in writing instead of coordinating other writers. Now I contribute instead.

I tote a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Rowan College of New Jersey. I originally attended Maryland Institute, College of Art with an intention to major in illustration before I transferred to Rowan. MICA is a fantastic school that I wish I’d been able to remain with longer, but at least it helped learn more about the basics of photography.

I listen to everything that crosses my desk, no matter the genre, which helps keep my ears well-rounded. Even if I loathe an album or a group, I still respect anyone who commits themselves to learning an instrument and to trying to make a living in a band. But I think the most important trait I possess for this job is that I love music, I give everything I hear a fair shot, and despite occasional grievances, I always remember that I am very lucky that I get to do this for a living.