Rachel Zyzda [Founder/Editor]
Rachel graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a degree in Arts, Entertainment and Media Management. She got her start in music journalism as a contributor for Rabbit Hole Magazine. In addition to collecting records and seeing shows, she loves to travel. Follow along with the adventures via Rachel's Instagram.
Sage Shemroske is a poet and music journalist based in Minneapolis, MN. They write with a love of high imagery concepts and pop culture and have bylines in ANCHR Magazine and Balloon Machine. When they're not running their own music blog, "I'm Listening", you can find them reading comic books or watching Vanderpump Rules. Find their website at sageshemroske.com and their most obnoxious tweets @witchxtits
Andy Koval, a Chicago-based journalist, joined ANCHR as a contributor in December 2019. When he's not at concerts or obsessing about the direction of the Cubs, Koval works as a digital producer at WGN. While he loves the adrenaline breaking news provides, Koval lives to tell other people's stories.
He got his start in music journalism as an intern at WXRT in 2013, where he was hired as a staff writer following his internship. That led to writing backstage at Lollapalooza, covering Pitchfork for the station and much more.
Tired of working full-time in sales as he reported for XRT, Koval left Chicago for two years to work for FOX59/CBS4 in Indianapolis. He moved back to Chicago at the beginning of 2019 and is the primary contributor to "ANCHR's Artist of the Day." Koval also covers upcoming shows and conducts artist interviews.
Gabriela Cocco is currently a student at William Paterson University studying communications with a concentration in media studies. She is a contributing writer for ANCHR, covering the New York/New Jersey area. She’s usually talking about bands that she’s into, at a concert, or drinking cold brew. You can keep up with her here.
Kevin Sterne is a writer and journalist based in Chicago. He writes about music, craft beer and culture for Shuga Records, Substream Magazine and other places (like here). His super weird and highly offensive fiction has appeared in Drunk Monkeys, Praxis Magazine, Word Eater, Defenestration and many other places you’ve never heard of. Kevin is the creator of a really terrible magazine called LeFawn.
Emily Nava graduated with a degree in Graphic Design from UIC. She decided to combine her passion for photography and concerts by being a contributing photographer for ANCHR. Past artists Emily has photographed include Brandon Flowers, Judah & The Lion, and MisterWives. Check her out at emilynava.com
Christian Heinzel is currently a student at DePaul University studying Digital Cinema and Photography. He is currently a contributing photographer for ANCHR magazine. He likes to take pictures on both digital and film. He hopes to one day tour with bands and document their life on the road with photo and video. Check out his work on his Instagram.
Lindsay Teske is delighted to contribute to ANCHR! Lindsay is a student at Elon University majoring in Strategic Communications and minoring in Professional Writing Studies. She is also a staff writer with Chicago Music Guide and runs Amplify Music Online-anything having to do with music makes her so happy! ‘80s movies and coffee do, too.
Morgan Winston is a music and portrait photographer based in Minneapolis and Madison. She is currently studying Radio/TV/Film at UW-Madison, where she discovered her love for concert photography during her time as photo editor for The Daily Cardinal. She is thrilled to be able to provide coverage for ANCHR magazine. In addition to photographing larger acts, Morgan loves working with bands in the local MN music scene.
Erica Tello is a music and portrait photographer/writer based in Austin, Texas. She graduated from the Missouri School of Journalism to pursue her dreams of connecting with others through stories. Past artists Erica has photographed include Liz Cooper & The Stampede, Overcoats, Anna Burch, and Mt. Joy. Explore her work at helloitstello.squarespace.com.