NOIZE Magazine Pumps up the Volume for 15th Anniversary
Wed. February 20, 2008 12:00 AM
New Editor, Increased Publication Frequency and Expansive Content For Leading Magazine in
New York City -
noiZe magazine, long heralded as the gay community's bible of the circuit scene, major parties and high-energy festivals, is pleased to announce Steve Weinstein as the publication's new editor. The appointment of Weinstein - a renowned veteran of the gay press - accompanies additional plans to reinvigorate the popular magazine for its 15th year of publication. Currently distributed on a quarterly basis in over 50 cities in the United States, Canada, Australia and select European locations, noiZe plans to increase publication frequency to six issues annually later this year while continuing to host its companion websites: www.noizemag.com and www.partyfinder.com. These efforts recognize the integral role of the exciting party scene in the foundation of gay culture, while adapting to the changing needs and desires of its core readership.
"There's been talk of whether the circuit scene is dead," says Weinstein, who also serves as Editor in Chief of the EDGE Publications and has been extensively published in the Village Voice, Out, New York Magazine and more. However, Weinstein sees no reason to pronounce the party scene DOA: "It's not dead, it's evolving," says Weinstein. He believes gay publications must adapt to a diverse new readership and expanded party opportunities that transcend the typical dance club: gay cruises, ski weekends, international festivals and more. Says Weinstein, "A lot of younger gay guys look at the typical circuit party – a couple thousand muscular guys with their shirts off, wearing jeans, dancing in a room to a thumping bass beat – and they see it as outdated… as their uncle's circuit party." As the author of the definitive guide to gay Fire Island, Weinstein knows whereof he speaks.
With a growing distribution of over 40,000 per issue, noiZe plans to embrace the changing faces of partygoers without compromising its established reputation as a leading resource of info, stats, pics and reviews of the hottest gay gatherings, as well as remaining a passionate advocate of responsible partying. "We're the only magazine that focuses on travel and parties," says Publisher Stephen Ceplenski. "There are a million places that tell you about skin cream, how to meet a boyfriend, and what gay rights bill is passing" he says. "But if you're interested in getting out there, having a good time, and going to parties… this is the only place."
Thanks to that unique position in the gay press industry, noiZe has consistently enjoyed a loyal readership through international placement in clubs, bars, lounges and other gathering spaces. By distributing exclusively in party venues, noiZe continues to ensure sponsors, advertisers and promoters that it is connecting with a distinct, targeted demographic that is truly part of the scene.
"You don't have to mail out 10,000 postcards to promote a party, and hope that 1% of them hit the target," says Ceplenski of the unique benefits to reaching the noiZe readership. "We know that the 40,000 people reading noiZe are the 40,000 people that are already interested."
noiZe continues to increase interest by expanding its party coverage through the decision to increase publication frequency. While always the definitive resource on the scene - where to go, how to get there, and who you'll party with - the new plan for bi-monthly issues allows for an unprecedented level of accuracy, timeliness and important updates in planning travel to local parties and international festivals that will make it an even more essential resource for gay men (and their gal pals).
The publication also continues to encourage a unique sense of interactivity with partiers, employing a team of "noiZe Boys" in major American cities. Besides providing delectable eye candy, noiZe Boys personally distribute promotional copies, CDs, t-shirts, and sponsorship material to engage readers beyond the printed page.
According to Weinstein, one thing that won't change is the noiZe dedication to providing the ultimate party experience. "I didn't come to reinvent the wheel," says Weinstein. "But I look forward to bringing my experience and gravitas to the magazine." Weinstein plans to keep the tone light and festive without undermining the noiZe focus on safety and harm reduction (not abstention) in sex, drug use, and other facts of party life.
Indeed, amidst all the excitement over the shifting face of the party scene, some things remain the same. "Everyone likes a good party, traveling, and a fun vacation," says Ceplenski. "But when you're in your own tribe – whether that's defined by gender, race, or sexuality – you just have a sense of freedom. And in today's world, that gives a huge sense of relief and comfort."
The new sound of noiZe will play like music to the ears of partygoers from coast to coast!
Source: Press Release
"There's been talk of whether the circuit scene is dead," says Weinstein, who also serves as Editor in Chief of the EDGE Publications and has been extensively published in the Village Voice, Out, New York Magazine and more. However, Weinstein sees no reason to pronounce the party scene DOA: "It's not dead, it's evolving," says Weinstein. He believes gay publications must adapt to a diverse new readership and expanded party opportunities that transcend the typical dance club: gay cruises, ski weekends, international festivals and more. Says Weinstein, "A lot of younger gay guys look at the typical circuit party – a couple thousand muscular guys with their shirts off, wearing jeans, dancing in a room to a thumping bass beat – and they see it as outdated… as their uncle's circuit party." As the author of the definitive guide to gay Fire Island, Weinstein knows whereof he speaks.
With a growing distribution of over 40,000 per issue, noiZe plans to embrace the changing faces of partygoers without compromising its established reputation as a leading resource of info, stats, pics and reviews of the hottest gay gatherings, as well as remaining a passionate advocate of responsible partying. "We're the only magazine that focuses on travel and parties," says Publisher Stephen Ceplenski. "There are a million places that tell you about skin cream, how to meet a boyfriend, and what gay rights bill is passing" he says. "But if you're interested in getting out there, having a good time, and going to parties… this is the only place."
Thanks to that unique position in the gay press industry, noiZe has consistently enjoyed a loyal readership through international placement in clubs, bars, lounges and other gathering spaces. By distributing exclusively in party venues, noiZe continues to ensure sponsors, advertisers and promoters that it is connecting with a distinct, targeted demographic that is truly part of the scene.
"You don't have to mail out 10,000 postcards to promote a party, and hope that 1% of them hit the target," says Ceplenski of the unique benefits to reaching the noiZe readership. "We know that the 40,000 people reading noiZe are the 40,000 people that are already interested."
noiZe continues to increase interest by expanding its party coverage through the decision to increase publication frequency. While always the definitive resource on the scene - where to go, how to get there, and who you'll party with - the new plan for bi-monthly issues allows for an unprecedented level of accuracy, timeliness and important updates in planning travel to local parties and international festivals that will make it an even more essential resource for gay men (and their gal pals).
The publication also continues to encourage a unique sense of interactivity with partiers, employing a team of "noiZe Boys" in major American cities. Besides providing delectable eye candy, noiZe Boys personally distribute promotional copies, CDs, t-shirts, and sponsorship material to engage readers beyond the printed page.
According to Weinstein, one thing that won't change is the noiZe dedication to providing the ultimate party experience. "I didn't come to reinvent the wheel," says Weinstein. "But I look forward to bringing my experience and gravitas to the magazine." Weinstein plans to keep the tone light and festive without undermining the noiZe focus on safety and harm reduction (not abstention) in sex, drug use, and other facts of party life.
Indeed, amidst all the excitement over the shifting face of the party scene, some things remain the same. "Everyone likes a good party, traveling, and a fun vacation," says Ceplenski. "But when you're in your own tribe – whether that's defined by gender, race, or sexuality – you just have a sense of freedom. And in today's world, that gives a huge sense of relief and comfort."
The new sound of noiZe will play like music to the ears of partygoers from coast to coast!
Source: Press Release