Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) announces the search for its first-ever Guitar Correspondent, inviting a passionate, guitar-obsessed music fan to uncover the untold stories behind the most iconic guitar performances at five major music festivals and concerts between April and September 2026. Throughout the season, the Guitar Correspondent will delve into the riffs, rigs, gear, and behind-the-scenes moments, capturing every detail so music fans feel like they are right there in the crowd.
For 80 years, Fender has stood firmly at the crossroads of music history and culture, spanning underground gigs and world defining stages, from Jimi Hendrix’s white Stratocaster® at Woodstock and Buddy Holly’s Sunburst Strat® on The Ed Sullivan Show to Kurt Cobain’s Mustang® in the “Smells Like Teen Spirit” video, Brad Paisley’s “Lost Paisley” Telecaster® at World Series Game 3 at Dodger Stadium, and H.E.R.’s iconic Stratocaster® solo during the 2024 Olympics, to name a few.
As Fender also marks the 75th anniversaries of the Telecaster® and Precision Bass®, instruments that helped define the sound of modern music, the Guitar Correspondent continues the legacy, capturing the moments, gear, and players that continue to shape guitar culture today – where passion meets storytelling, and every riff becomes history.
“Fender has been part of the moments that shape music culture – from the guitars that define generations to the players who make live performances unforgettable,” said Justin Norvell, President, Americas at Fender. “As we celebrate Fender’s 80th anniversary and the 75th anniversaries of the Telecaster and Precision Bass, we want to celebrate how guitar culture continues to evolve on stages around the world. The Guitar Correspondent invites fans inside the moments that matter most – capturing the gear, the energy, and the human stories behind live performances – and helping tell the next chapter of Fender’s legacy from the crowd, the stage, and everywhere in between.”
Becoming Fender’s Guitar Correspondent: What It Takes & How to Apply
Fender’s Guitar Correspondent role will require a dynamic on-the-ground storyteller who captures the heart of guitar culture at some of the year’s biggest music festivals and concerts. The chosen Guitar Correspondent will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to:
- Interview artists across genres to uncover behind-the-scenes moments
- Highlight the guitars, gear and backline behind the unforgettable live performances
- Create compelling photo and video content for Fender’s social and editorial platforms
- Act as the eyes, ears, and voice for guitar fans everywhere, collaborating closely with editorial, social, and artist relations teams to deliver timely, engaging content that brings the live music experience to life
The opportunity comes fully loaded – featuring artist interviews, behind-the-scenes moments, a $10,000 cash prize, and travel and accommodations covered to all the events and music festivals, as well as a kickoff session with the Fender team before embarking on a deep dive into the guitar moments that define these iconic festivals.
From February 24th to March 10th, music fans can apply HERE, showcasing their guitar skills and storytelling talent. Applicants should explain why they’re the perfect fit to uncover the untold guitar stories behind major music festivals.
The selected Guitar Correspondent will be announced on March 24 and will begin their journey capturing the moments that bring live guitar performances to life.
The selected Guitar Correspond is a prize winner and independent contractor, and not a Fender employee. Entry subject to contest rules found here. For additional information on new Fender products and to find a retail partner near you, visit www.fender.com. Join the conversation on social media by following @Fender on all social platforms.