RAGINPIT MAGAZINE

Very seldom are women in the music industry given the appropriate praises for the work that they do. You may occasionally get the one magazine that will have one issue out of the twelve that are distributed every year that highlight women in music. Even then the women featured are usually featured because they photograph well while scantily clad not necessarily because of their contributions or talent.

Raginpit Magazine recognizes the fact that there are real women in metal, punk, hardcore, etc. who have overcome the initial obstacle of being successful in a field that’s predominantly male, who have made significant strides and contributions in an effort to support not just a scene, but music overall, and who have more talent in their pinkies than most of their male counterparts.

In order to recognize these women for the sacrifices and hard work they bring to the world of music, Raginpit Magazine is proud to introduce the first featured Raginbitch.

The featured Raginbitch is a woman who eats, sleeps, and breathes music regardless of what field they are in. She is a woman who has paid her dues and has earned the respect of her peers by proving that it’s not always who you know or who you blow, but that drive and determination is what will make you successful.

Raginpit Magazine is pleased to bring to you an email interview with our first ever featured Raginbitch, Robin Steeley. Robin is editor in chief and publisher for Crave Magazine out of Vancouver, WA. She has well over ten years of experience in the industry and provides some insight on what it takes to be a successful woman in music. Please read on and find out why Robin is Raginpit Magazine’s featured Raginbitch.

You are editor and publisher of Crave Magazine and owner of a production company, Rage Enterprises, and a record label, Driven Records, in Modesto, CA. Was Crave Magazine a result of owning the other two businesses or vice versa?

Robin: I started Rage Enterprises as a production company in 1994. We booked artists and venues, managed bands, and later released a few albums under Driven Records. We got involved with an all ages venue, Art on Tenth and after it closed we began throwing a series of successful hall shows. In the year 2000 we felt like we had taken the business as far as it could go in central California so we moved to Portland, Oregon. I took a year off from music and during that time did a lot of freelance writing. After working in so many different areas of music I knew that I wanted to use that knowledge and somehow combine it with my love for writing. That’s how the idea for Crave Magazine was born. It didn’t become a reality until I met my partner Tim Halverson and we created the online Crave. After adding our other partner Noah Henderson in January of 2006 we printed our first magazine with 36 Crazyfists on the cover.

How many readers does Crave Magazine have now compared to when it started?

Robin: We started distribution locally in the Northwest in 2006. Today we print 10,000 magazines quarterly which are picked up by approximately 50,000 readers. We are distributed in 22 states and six countries and we are growing slowly, but steadily.

In addition to owning various businesses, you were also the review coordinator for PortlandMusicians.com and are an A&R rep for Attitude Management in Sacramento, CA. Please elaborate a bit on each of those roles.

Robin: My partner Tim owned PortlandMusicians.com, it was a resource site for local music and I coordinated the writing staff and set up coverage. As Crave grew it took up so much time that we had to let pm.com go, although the archives are still live. I was formerly an A&R rep for Attitude Management and later with my partner Chris Walker formed the Industry Collective. We are currently managing an amazing Portland band called Across the Sun.

How are you able to balance raising a family, running various businesses, and still have a life?

Robin: That’s easy, I don’t have a life! No, really, it is a constant challenge, but working from home makes all the difference. It’s managing my time that’s the most difficult, but it helps that I have understanding friends and a wonderful, supportive family.

You majored in music business and minored in journalism. What inspired you to want a career in the music industry?

Robin: I have always loved music. My mom played drums and that inspired me. I played drums for years and then I had surgery on both my hands. Not being able to play couldn’t keep me away from music, I was heavily involved in the local scene and I met Lance Ozanix from the band Skitzo who became my mentor. He really lit the fire in me and made me realize I could actually have a career in music.

What are some characteristics you feel someone should possess to successfully have a career in the music industry?

Robin: I think that it takes determination, personal integrity and a heavy dose of self control. It’s so easy to get lost in the hype, to live that lifestyle that comes along with this industry. You have to never lose sight of the reasons you wanted to do this in the beginning and never forget that it’s not about you, it’s about the music.

What is your most memorable interview? Why?

Robin: That’s a really tough question; there have been so many that I loved for various reasons. I have had some hilarious moments. I dropped a pan of lasagna on Chimaira’s bus and once Superjoint Ritual partied me out so hard that I actually FELL off their bus and busted open my knee. I think I would have to say Vinnie Paul was the most memorable. It got very emotional and at the end we both shed a few tears. I got to tell one of my heroes what he meant to me growing up, that was incredible.

You recently got a tattoo in honor of one of the clubs that shut down in Modesto, CA. What's the story behind that?

Robin: Art on Tenth was built from the ground up, with a bunch of street kids. Our stage was made out of waterbed frames. It was an all ages venue in a town that hated live music. I loved it, everything about it. It was an amazing place where I felt like I had a family. The night the place got shut down all the kids that worked there tattooed “AOT” on their left knees. They tried to get me to do it too but I didn’t want to share a needle so I promised I would do it someday and a few months ago I finally got a custom piece done.

What are some of your favorite hang outs, past and present?

Robin: I love hanging out at my local pub, 15th St., and there are so many places to see live music and so many great bands in Portland. When I’m not working, doing shows, or writing I’m at the beach.

What advice do you have for females who want a career in the music industry?

Robin: Never let anyone make you think this is a man’s game. Work hard and be determined. Research and gain knowledge in the field that you choose. If you run around screwing all the band members you work with expect to get labeled a groupie. Have respect for yourself and other people will treat you with respect. Realize that it’s not going to be easy and that once this business gets in your blood, it will stay there forever.

http://www.myspace.com/cravemagazine

Send post as PDF to