Into the Scene

Katie Whitman is the brainchild behind the 808 Scene Zine, a free publication that supports underground music and all art forms. The idea for it came after Whitman started writing reviews of local bands she saw on Myspace. Each band contacted her shortly after because they were ecstatic someone was writing about them. Their appreciation for Whitman's reviews motivated her to expand the idea of a website into a zine, or mini-magazine, where people could find information on the expanding underground movement.

The publication showcases all music styles along with tattoos, album and show reviews, artist bios, and other material pertaining to the culture. Whitman claims "I've always wanted the publication to be all inclusive of all styles of music, while focusing on those styles that get very little press or attention elsewhere in Hawaii's media." Katie knows the city's crevices are exploding with diversity and expression yet feels there are too many oblivious of it. Therefore her goal is to inform the masses while simultaneously having an outlet for talent to gain exposure.

Her previous experience of putting together a show for HD Radio Free Hawaii inspires her to take the zine in a different direction. She would like to have the online version include a streaming radio show of local bands. The focus on other entertainment such as comedy performances at the Laughtrack Theatre and independent films add to where Whitman sees the 808 Scene Zine headed.

Artists covered in the zine are oftentimes those who approach Whitman about the exposure. She added "There are a lot of bands out there and it's difficult to know them all. It's a great help when people contact us about being interviewed in the zine". Here Whitman proves she is a supporter of all who reciprocate the love for the underground scene.

After four years at the controls, Whitman recently handed over the publication to a few individuals she says "have similar visions for the zine in the future". She highly anticipates what these new visionaries have planned. Whitman proudly mentioned that her exposure to the island's enormous amount of talented and dedicated artists who follow their passion molded her "transformative experience" at the zine.

The 808 Scene Zine's past, present, and future contributions are helping shape the art renaissance. It continues to inspire artists and enthusiasts alike to do-it-yourself. Only a handful of active participants in Oahu's underground art scene really make it thrive, and Katie Whitman is one of them. Thanks Katie!!!!

http://www.the808scenezine.com/