As many of you have already read, it was announced today that Altered Zones, the blog network that we belong to under the Pitchfork umbrella, will be closing up shop. To many of you, this news might seem both shocking and sad. Since its inception last July, Altered Zones has become an important space for the DIY music community around the world that exists both on and offline. We proudly provided a hub for independent music and art coming from cities, suburbs, rural areas, and bedrooms. With the guidance and resources of Pitchfork, we were able to reach a wider audience than most music blogs can dream of. Although that voyage is coming to an end, we are thankful for what was gained along the way.

However, with every end comes a new beginning. In early 2012 the forces that worked tirelessly to bring you Altered Zones will be reborn in a new realm that we like to call Ad Hoc. Ad Hoc, which will be a completely independent publication and blog network, will not only continue the work that was started at Altered Zones, but expand upon it and move it forward into the future. In addition to being a web portal, Ad Hoc will be fully touchable in the form of a print zine that will feature more expansive and unconventional features pieces, writings by artists, and extensive showcases of visual art. While the benefits of being under the wing of Pitchfork were many, anyone with an inkling of what is going on in this country can see that the times are calling on independent voices to grow stronger. We see Ad Hoc as a music and art publication that will directly respond to this shift in the narrative. Between now and February 2012, the DIY gears will be turning to open up this new point of access, made by this community and for this community.

Let’s all bid a warm farewell to Altered Zones, and say an ecstatic hello to Ad Hoc.

With love,

Your Visitation Rites Family

P.S. You can still call yourself a Zoner if you wish.

Words: Samantha Cornwell