XLR8R (pronounced "accelerator") is a magazine and website that covers emerging music, culture, style, and technology. It was founded as a newsprint 'zine in 1993 by publisher Andrew Smith in Seattle. As a print XLR8R was published 10 times per year and distributed internationally. In 2011, XLR8R ceased publication of the print magazine and became a web only publication. XLR8R’s website, XLR8R.com, features breaking music and culture news as well as music videos and free MP3 downloads and weekly podcasts. Additionally, back issues of the print magazine are accessible from 2003 to the present as downloadable PDFs. While XLR8R’s main focus is on electronic music, it has widened its scope over the years to include indie rock, hip-hop, and reggae/dancehall music as well as related trends in style, art, fashion, and technology. XLR8R's editorial is designed to break new artists and challenge cultural paradigms. XLR8R constantly strives to challenge its readers and provide a unique and inspiring experience.
