Music snobs unite!

2005 is the Year of Pitchfork, says GK.

It was a good year for grass-roots music journalism on the Internet, which continued to expand its influence as a tastemaker and instigator. It was an even better year for Chicago music fans, who enjoyed a banner summer of concerts in city parks.

Pitchfork, a Chicago-based Internet music magazine (pitchforkmedia.com), played a major role in both. After moving from the basement of editor Ryan Schreiber's Wicker Park apartment to a roomier office in Logan Square, the 10-year-old Web 'zine solidified its status as the single most influential voice in indie music.

The site draws 120,000 readers a day with its news coverage and music reviews, and in 2005 expanded its role even further when it teamed with independent promoter Mike Reed to stage the Intonation Festival in Union Park. The festival drew 30,000 fans from around the world on a July weekend to see two-dozen bands and deejays handpicked by Pitchfork.

All Hail Pitchfork!

Music snobs unite!