| Editor | Steve Bell |
|---|---|
| Categories | Arts |
| Frequency | Weekly |
| Circulation | 76,000 |
| Publisher | Street Press Australia |
| First issue | 1976 |
| Country | Australia |
| Language | English |
| Website | Official site |
Time Off is a free weekly tabloid-sized music magazine (street press) that is released in Brisbane, QLD, Australia. Time Off is the oldest free music/entertainment weekly in Australia. Time Off began on campus at the University of Queensland, and was originally printed on A4 glossy stock. In the late 70s, Time Off began distribution off-campus on newsprint. With a strong rock music bias, the magazine also focuses on cinema and the arts, and now has a separate dance music section.
The magazine was edited/published for the bulk of its history by Sean Sennett who bought the magazine while it was in receivership in 1990 and successfully grew the paper over the ensuing period. For nearly twenty years Sennett oversaw the magazine taking it from 16pp to up to 72pp adding a glossy cover and expanding the magazine's print run and content. During this period Sennett interviewed over 1000 artists and gave many local writers the opportunity to have their worked published. Sennett also instigated the 'Core Sample' series which saw local bands featured on various compilation CD's. Sennett has now established Time Off Media; the aim of which is to take the 'indie spirit' of Time Off into the digital age with Tom Magazine. Under Sennett's guidance Time Off were the second street paper to go online in Australia [behind Beat Magazine] in the early 90's.
Earlier editors have included Shar Adams, Gavin Sawford and Brent Hampstead who shaped the paper from a 'what's on' guide to a more music themed publication. The magazine is currently owned by the Melbourne based Street Press Australia group, and has a strong local content, but also features interviews with many international artists. The magazine is published every Wednesday, and is distributed throughout Queensland and into NNSW.