About AU

In case you are new to AU, and would like to know more about who we are and what we do, here is a wee list of FAQs and important stuff.

WHAT IS AU?

AU is a music, culture and lifestyle publication, based in Belfast but distributed across Ireland. It also has this standalone website, as well as involvement in promoting various events and gigs around the country.

WHEN DID AU START?

AU began life as Alternative Ulster, a weekly Radio Show on Northern Visions FM, and a website, back in March 2002. It evolved into a professional magazine in June 2003, and has continued to publish monthly since then.

With an eye on expansion into Ireland, the publication was rebranded as AU in early 2008. This made the title less regional in nature and more able to travel. Oh, and AU just happens to be the chemical symbol for gold, which is nice.

WHAT KIND OF CONTENT DOES AU MAGAZINE COVER?

AU covers the best in output from the worlds of music, movies, games, arts and culture. Special attention is paid to the burgeoning Irish and Northern Irish music scenes, as well as other events that are relevant to an Irish audience.

HOW IS AU MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTED?

AU is made available for free in selected outlets across Ireland. 5,000 copies are printed each month, with distribution agents in Belfast, Cork, Derry, Dublin, Galway and Limerick covering the main cities, and many towns and locations in between.

The publication is placed in outlets such as mainstream retail (e.g. HMV, Urban Outfitters), music venues, art galleries, cafes, bars, colleges, cinemas, and many more applicable locations.

WHAT TYPE OF PERSON READS AU?

We like to think we’re pretty popular with a broad range of people, but if you pushed us to try and slot the average reader into a pigeon hole, we’d say they were aged between 18 and 30, heavily into their music, gigs, clubs and socialising, as well as fond of fashion, movies, books and other cultural stuff. Basically, if you’re into good things, and want to have a credible of information you can refer to, then AU is your mag.

IS AU SOCIALLY ACTIVE?

We love the auld social networking at AU. You can find us on Facebook here and Twitter here. Oh, and we have a forum where you can chat too, it lives here.

WHAT ABOUT ADVERTISING IN AU?

A very broad range of companies have chosen to advertise with AU over the years. Breweries, venues, festivals, record labels, tattoo parlours, and many other types of business all use AU as a key media outlet to tap into their market through. Current and previous clients have included HMV, Smirnoff, Topman, Miller, Radio One, Universal, Red Bull, Skinworks, and many more.

If you’d like to advertise in the magazine or on the website, drop an email to info [at] iheartau [dot] com and we will send out a media information sheet and rate card.

ANYTHING ELSE?

If there is any other information about AU that you need, feel to drop us an email or give us a call.

Getting in touch

If you are a band looking for coverage, a budding contributor looking for experience, or anyone else who would like to speak to AU, then you can drop us a line via info [at] iheartau [dot] com. You can also reach us on the phone number below, and post stuff to us at that address. We like presents and chocolate, just so you know.

AU Magazine
2nd Floor, 21 Ormeau Avenue
Belfast
BT2 8HD

028 9032 4455