Music magazines can be intimidating, can't they? Or can they? How does one break into writing music features for the big pubs like Rolling Stone, Spin and Vibe? I asked a few people for some advice.

"There are three main things you have to have to publish in music publications, according to Matt Lurie, music writer at Time Out Chicago: "Persistence, punctuality, and writing quality (which doesn't always exist in music journalism.) You need to pester the hell out of the editor you want to write for and always come with a thought-out pitch completely done. That doesn't mean that the pitch will be eventually used as is but it shows you have a grasp of the publication you're writing for and it also gives the editor something to bounce off of. Also have three of your 3-5 best clips on hand. A common misconception is that if you're a genius writer, everyone will want to hire you. But the truth is that editors are looking for someone that knows what it's like to be edited, and if you've been published, even in a small-town newspaper, you'll be much easier to work with. I think that's why editors tend to favor published clips so much more."

"There are numerous (nonpaying) web sites that publish reviews, which is a good way to get clips," says writer Kate Walter, who has written for SPIN and the Village Voice. Some places to try would be sites like Popmatters, Flak Magazine and the Morning News.

It doesn't hurt to pay a little homage, either, if you're new to freelancing in general. "All writers, and music writers especially, are normal people that enjoy compliments. Find a writer you really like, or a publication, and send an editor your clips. Then email thoughtful compliments every few weeks. But don't b.s.- basically, while they're taking in your compliment, if you're a good writer, they'll say, 'Hey, this guy has some cool insights and shares my opinions,'" says Lurie, who learned a lot about rock writing from the Chicago Tribune's Greg Kot. "I didn't realize how powerful that is because I thought that's what you do when you like a writer or a publication - you constantly let them know how great they are. But most of the insecure egos in the business are frankly not used to taking compliments because they're always giving them (to musicians). I would say do as advised and beg to have coffee with them, on you. Eventually, if you're saying nice things to them, they'll take you out and that face contact is HUGE. All writers deal with massive amounts of email so to meet them in person is really important because you become a 'real' person then. Then ask them about how they got in the business, about how you would be willing to help them do anything for free (organize cds, transcribe), etc. And if you're lucky, something might come of it. Just know the publication you're wanting to write for and try and make thoughtful comments about their (perceived) demographic and how you would try and write for that demographic."

However, you might have to work extra hard if you're a writer not in a certain age demographic. "I loved writing about music, and I still do," says a freelancer I spoke with. "But I took some time off to be a music publicist and when I went back to writing a few years back several of my (male-and believe me that still matters) who were still editors told me I was too old to write about music. They are my age."

Don't forget MB's faithful How to Pitch guides, too, on Vibe, Rolling Stone, MTV, Salon and Blender for more info on how to break into writing music articles for these publications.

If you have music feature writing experience and have additional advice to add, please holler.