Ottawa’s newest alternative music publication is looking to publish “anything that rocks.”
Alt Hizz Magazine accepts poems, lyrics, critiques and photos to create a space where people can feel seen, heard and inspired.
Fueled by her passion for music and journalism, third-year Carleton University journalism student Jaden Croucher* initially started the online magazine on March 2 as a music blog to grow her journalistic skills. She didn’t expect Ottawa writers would want to contribute to the publication.
Most Canadian magazines are focused on specific genres, Croucher said, and there is a gap in covering alternative music.
“All of these punk, metal, rock acts are critiquing things like capitalism, sexism, classicism, racism, ” she said. “A lot of times, they’re silenced by mainstream media because they are protesting. That’s scary for the elites, higher ups, people that are being critiqued.”
Croucher’s main goal is to highlight the overall messages of alternative music and to uplift the “fruitful” musicians in Ottawa.
“In alternative music, it is a lot of people who have felt dispelled from different social systems and institutions,” she said. “As long as their voices are being heard, their voices are being platformed — that’s the only way art is going to get better.”
Croucher hopes to create a community of both artists and contributors while connecting artists to new readers. She said she wants people to be inspired by what they are reading and seeing to go out and make art.
“At the end of the day, if there’s no art, life’s pretty purposeless,” she said. “Ottawa is cool. If you can look into the cracks and the crevices of the city, you’re going to find something that tickles your fancy.”
Croucher said the magazine helps readers experience the music industry, and a home for writing that may not fit into mainstream media.
“This is a really welcoming place for those odd stragglers.”
Croucher says the publication is also helpful for artists to get some recognition and keep in touch with their fans while promoting their work.
“You’re not going to get the story of how your favorite song was written, unless you read about it or talk to [the artist] in person,” Croucher said.
“It’s a way of fan engagement, a way of promoting, a way of sinking their claws into the entirety of Ottawa instead of just the scene.”
Adam Fortais is a contributor to the magazine. He was first involved as the subject of a Q&A about his most recent EP, The Only Living Boy in Ottawa.
In his debut article he wrote, “Folk Resurgence — A Guide to Open Mics in Ottawa,” Fortais delved into the city’s thriving artistic community that persists despite being snubbed by major touring acts.
Fortais said a music publication showcases the political nature and accessibility of folk music.
“A magazine displays there is a renegade mentality with folk that allows people to be angry and dissatisfied with the world,” he said.
For Fortais, the popularity of folk is proof that Ottawa needs dedicated spaces — on stage and online — to spotlight local talent.
Nisse Anonby**, a fourth-year music and arts management in business student, said she believes Ottawa’s art scene deserves more public outreach.
“Ottawa sometimes struggles with finding its identity because some people see it as a college town, the base of the government, and a lot of people think it’s really boring,” said Anonby, who is also a local musician.
“Ottawa would not be the place it is without the artists in it.”
Anonby said covering Ottawa’s local music scene is important because it highlights real musicians sharing important messages.
“Open mics have come and gone, and many of them are dwindling, but they exist, and they are getting engagement now which is important because folk music has been used in times of resistance,” she said.
“In a time of misinformation and conflict, people want to explore these ideas in a personal way and relate to each other.”
Croucher encouraged the Carleton community to come forward and write for Alt Hizz.
“It’s a place for us all to share love and passion for music,” Croucher said. “As long as music’s on your mind, then this is your go-to place.”
*Jaden Croucher has previously contributed to the Charlatan.
**Nisse Anonby has previously contributed to the Charlatan.
Featured image by Simon McKeown/the Charlatan
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