About Indie/Alt
Indie/Alt is an online zine and creative collective dedicated to promoting and uplifting an independent spirit of creativity and an alternative form of artistic expression. Indie/Alt welcomes creative expressions, criticisms, and art forms of all kinds: from live music reviews and photography, to short fiction, poetry, film reviews, interviews, essays, conceptual and portrait photography, and everything in between. Indie/Alt was created in 2013 and continues to be independently run by writer Bren Swogger.
Bren Swogger (they/them) is the founder and editor of Indie/Alt Magazine. Bren started Indie/Alt as a music blog during their sophomore year of high school, and after a long hiatus, relaunched it as an online entertainment magazine in 2021 for their capstone project at Pacific University. After 10 years in the music journalism industry, Bren has a long-standing passion for live music, but also loves to explore their passion for other artistic outlets. You can find Bren writing voraciously, adding to their never-ending stack of TBRs, and marathoning classic horror films.
Edie Olender (she/her) is an Ottawa based photographer and content creator. Growing up in a creative household, she was given her first digital camera at the age of six. By age ten, she started experimenting with film photography and has continued to pursue both digital and film throughout her high school and university career. Inspired by the likes of Joan Didion and Eve Babitz, she also contributes to Indie/Alt through her conceptual reviews. Outside of photography, she is pursuing her degree in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Ottawa and is a proud cat mother to her son Stripey.
Emma Davis is a photographer for Indie/Alt Magazine and long-time best friend of editor/creator Bren Swogger. Emma and Bren have been collaborating within the music journalism industry for years, first with Vortex Music Magazine then with Indie/Alt. A graduate from University of Oregon, you can find her writing stories for the Happy Valley News, crying to Taylor Swift, or watching UNHhhh with her girlfriend.
Jenny Shackleton (she/her) is a photographer based in Portland, OR, originally hailing from Philadelphia, PA. Her love for live music started over 15 years ago after seeing the Jonas Brothers perform on their Burning Up tour in 2008 and the rest is history. As a naturally shy person, it’s surprising she feels so comfortable at concerts with hundreds of people attending, but has always believed that they are special, somewhat liminal, spaces. Everyone is there for the same reason: to have the best night and see artists pour their souls’ onto the stage. That is what Jenny likes to capture in her photos. Jenny enjoys spending time outside with her partner and their dog, watching movies, and owning way too many sneakers.
Paige Fulkerson is a 35mm concert photographer, writer, and assistant editor for Indie/Alt Magazine. Through Indie/Alt Mag, she expresses her unconditional love for live music and photography while learning and growing as she goes. Outside of Indie/Alt Mag, she is a Journalism major with a concentration in Photojournalism and an Art minor at the University of Oregon. 🎞
Sara Jisr is a music and fashion photographer from Lebanon, and currently based in Paris. She shoots both 35mm and digital, and lives off the adrenaline of freshly developed photos. Outside of photography, she's a fashion communications student who's heavily inspired by the 60-70s rock scene.
Serena Yang is a concert, fashion, and event photographer from Ottawa.
Sydnie Kobza is a PNW photographer that specializes in capturing concerts and romantic memories. Her style is light and airy, with a focus on movement and candid moments. She’s been a professional photographer for 5 years and loves using the beautiful PNW as her backdrop. When she doesn’t have a camera in her hands, you can find her watching horror movies, playing with her dog, or enjoying the outdoors. Sydnie works hard to ensure that all people from all backgrounds are comfortable in front of her lens. Visit www.sydniekobza.com to view more of her work.