CLEVELAND, June 1 (UPI) -- Shades, an online magazine based in Cleveland, debuted Friday with the goal of giving coverage to emerging artists and activists they might not otherwise get.
Founder-publisher Stephanie Barnes said in a news release the idea is to use the Internet as a cost-efficient way to get a readership established before going to print.
"We're creating a multi-cultural dialogue with Shades magazine that will open the doors for people of all races and sexual orientations to voice their opinions and concerns about the ongoing social changes that are affecting them on a local, national and global scale," Barnes said.
The online venture will offer in-depth profiles; social commentary; essays on historical figures; original poetry and photography; and reviews of books, films and music.
The June/July issue features young singer-songwriter Emily King, who's being touted as a cross between Alicia Keys and Norah Jones. There also are interviews with comedian David A. Arnold and Fortune magazine journalist Cora Daniels.
"Shades is designed as an offset of print media, and the fact that it's also free adds to our marketing and advertising appeal," Barnes said.
