The music department here at Artist Access (AXS) is looking for experienced, opinionated, reliable freelance music critics to review shows, interview artists, make new discoveries, and generally have the kind of freewheeling fun that music writers have -- while turning in clean copy and hitting deadlines.

It's strongly preferred, although not required, that you be based here in the LA/OC area, because one of the things we want you to do is review some of the dozens of interesting shows that happen in the city on a nightly basis. We'd also love if if you come equipped with knowledge and opinions about diverse styles of music. Extra points if you know and want to write about hip-hop, indie, rock and electronic music.

We hope this goes without saying, but you must write well. We strongly prefer that you have experience writing. We want writers with a strong voice, a rich vocabulary, and a hatred of clichés. Writing in the first person will usually not be allowed, although, as you've certainly noticed by now, we heartily embrace the royal "we." Importantly, you must also have opinions and a willingness to share them.

Your job as a writer for Artist Access (AXS) will not be to promote or cheerlead, but to describe, analyze, report, and critique. If something sucks, you should be ready to say so. For all this hard work, you will be fairly paid. You'll get to go to shows for free and get free music. And you'll also be able to broadcast your opinions both in print and online to Los Angeles/Orange County and the world. Sound like something you're up for?

Contact our Editor-in-Chief at dickson.artistxs@gmail.com.

*Because of the volume of responses we're likely to receive, we won't be able to get back to everyone. But if your application is fun, impressive, and intriguing -- you will hear from us in the next few weeks.