How to get free cds from record reps to write (free) reviews?? Any suggestions?

Question

I know some people who have worked as music journalists on the side, and have received free music from reps. to do reviews for.

I have just started getting into music journalism is a side project through my college paper-and wanted to try to expand my material with doing more free-lance work possibly with more reference material-

Does anyone have any suggestions to how to get free material? How does free-lance journalism usually work with things like this.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Probably the way to start is to do the writing first. You've already got a start with the college paper. Package up some clippings and talk to other media outlets. Then, you can contact some music labels to see about their mailing lists of review copies. Just don't do it too soon -- the companies will want some proof that you are legit.