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Nov 01, 2024 By Mark Redfern

Twenty Years ago, in 2004, we launched our first Protest Issue in response to the potential re-election of President George W. Bush, the U.S. wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and other concerns. The concept was simple: we’d photograph musicians holding protest signs of their own making and then auction the signs for charity. Interpol were on the cover and even Yoko Ono took part, among many other notable artists of the era.

We’ve done a new Protest Issue every four years since then, timed to the U.S. presidential elections. We have another one in the works for this year. The two covers have been shot and we’ve done protest sign shoots with many worthy artists. Some excellent record labels have stepped up to advertise in the issue, but we still need to raise about $3,000 to comfortably have the issue printed and shipped.

To encourage new subscriptions and back issue sales, we are offering 30% off both subscriptions and back issues over the next two weeks.

It costs over $10,000 to print and ship each issue and while advertising from record labels gets us part of the way there, these days it’s not enough. If you’re a fan of our magazine there are four ways you could help: subscribe, advertise, buy back issues, or support us on Patreon.

If you’re already a subscriber, you could buy a gift subscription for someone else. Below are 30% off promo codes.

Get 30% off back issues with this promo code: FUNDPROTEST24 (or this link should apply the promo code for you).

If all the monthly visitors to our website gave us only $1.00 a month on Patreon we wouldn’t even need advertising to fund the print magazine.

But if you do work at a label, music festival, or another company you feel would benefit from advertising in our print magazine, then you should reach out to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Unsigned artists can also advertise their music with us or place a track on our digital MP3 sampler that our readers can download via a code in each issue.

Print isn’t dead, but it is on life support. Help support Under the Radar, the last great American indie rock print magazine still standing, and also save some money!

Click the links below to get 30% off subscriptions and once there make sure to click the “Apply Promo Code” button to receive the discounts.

U.S. 4-issue subscription promo code: FUNDPROTEST244 (Now $13.99, a savings of $6.00)

U.S. 8-issue subscription promo code: FUNDPROTEST248 (Now $24.49, a savings of $10.50)

Canada 4-issue subscription promo code: FUNDPROTEST24CAN4 (Now $20.29, a savings of $8.70)

Canada 8-issue subscription promo code: FUNDPROTEST24CAN8 (Now $27.99, a savings of $12.00)

International 4-issue subscription promo code: FUNDPROTEST24INT4 (Now $32.89, a savings of $14.10)

International 8-issue subscription promo code: FUNDPROTEST24INT8 (Now $62.29, a savings of $26.70)

In previous years we’ve done protest sign photo shoots with the following notable artists: Yoko Ono, David Byrne of Talking Heads, Michael Stipe of R.E.M., Phoebe Bridgers, Charli XCX, Janelle Monáe, HAIM, Japanese Breakfast, Death Cab for Cutie, Modest Mouse, Spoon, Chuck D of Public Enemy, Tegan and Sara, Julian Casablancas of The Strokes, Lucy Dacus, Julien Baker, Jarvis Cocker of Pulp, Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth, Ezra Furman, Pussy Riot, Billy Bragg, Lush, The Flaming Lips, Interpol, Bartees Strange, Bright Eyes, Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, Shamir, Arlo Parks, Sharon Van Etten, Sharon Jones, and many others. Some of those artists return for our Protest Issue, joined by many others.

In this current political climate and with everything currently going on around the world, it feels like 2024 is a particularly important and relevant year for us to launch another Protest Issue.

Our current issue (Issue 73) features Maya Hawke and Nilüfer Yanya on the two covers.

Our last issue was The ‘90s Issue. It features interviews with musicians and film directors known for their work in that decade and has The Cardigans and Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth on the two covers.

Under the Radar has been independently owned and printed by Mark and Wendy Redfern since our first issue in 2001. We’ve never bowed to corporate interests and have always simply written about the music we’re passionate about, regardless of trends. We put our life and soul into every issue, to make it the best that it can be, and have a loyal readership who eagerly anticipate each issue.

By subscribing to Under the Radar, you’ll not only connect with the music you love but also discover the joy of holding a beautifully crafted print magazine in your hands. As one of the few remaining print publications dedicated to indie rock music, we’re committed to providing you with a tactile and immersive reading experience that digital platforms simply cannot replicate.

Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of bringing our readers some of the most compelling content. From being the last magazine to interview the incomparable Elliott Smith before his tragic passing to introducing you to then rising talents like Vampire Weekend, Fleet Foxes, The Last Dinner Party, and Wet Leg, we’ve remained at the forefront of discovering and showcasing exceptional artists.

In the last few years we’ve put out issues themed to favorite movies, favorite albums, the political/social causes important to musicians, and our 20th Anniversary. Subscribe now to be on board with what’s next for Under the Radar’s print magazine.

Each issue usually features interviews with 20 to 30 different musical artists, reviews of 20 to 40 new albums, and a free MP3 download sampler that includes up to 39 songs.

In recent years the following artists have appeared on our print covers: Weyes Blood, Black Belt Eagle Scout, Sharon Van Etten, Kamasi Washington, Angel Olsen, Ezra Furman, HAIM, Phoebe Bridgers, Moses Sumney, Japanese Breakfast, Sleater-Kinney, Ezra Furman, boygenius, CHVRCHES, Nilüfer Yanya, Bat For Lashes, Miki Berenyi, Julien Baker, and more.

To become a part of the Under the Radar family, simply visit www.simplecirc.com/subscribe/under-the-radar.

At Under the Radar, we’ve remained steadfast in our commitment to celebrating the vibrant and ever-evolving indie rock music scene. With our print magazine and website, we continue to provide in-depth coverage, exclusive interviews, and insightful features that delve into the fascinating world of independent music.

Join us in celebrating the vibrant world of indie rock and stay ahead of the curve with Under the Radar as your trusted guide.

Subscribe to Under the Radar’s print magazine.

Buy back issues.

Advertise with Under the Radar.

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