Over the course of the past two decades, my writing and photography has been published in Downbeat, Premier Guitar (photography), Consequence, Earmilk (photography), The Inventory, Glide Magazine.com (writing and photography), Publisher’s Weekly, Sheckys.com, Shecky’s Bar and Nightlife Guide, New York Press, Ins&Outs Magazine (photography and writing), Dish Du Jour Magazine, Queens Ledger (writing and photography) Aussie music publication Musicology.xyz (photography) and countless others, including my own site, The Joy of Violent Movement. With The Joy of Violent Movement, I specialize in covering music with an eclectic, globe-trotting and genre-defying perspective that’s deeply inspired and informed by my birthplace and home, arguably one of the most diverse places in the world. Since its founding back in 2010, The Joy of Violent Movement can claim readers across the US, Canada, the UK, The Netherlands, France, Australia, and several other countries throughout its history. I’ve photographed some of the world’s beloved entertainers and personalities including Patti LaBelle, Buddy Guy, Lenny Kravitz, Blondie, Snoop Dogg, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Randy Travis, Public Enemy, Nile Rodgers and Chic, Killer Mike, Common, The Flaming Lips, Erykah Badu, The Roots, Pete Rock and CL Smooth, Pete Rock (solo), DJ Premier, Robert Glasper, Salt ‘N’ Pepa, DMC, Dave Chappelle, Talib Kweli, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Ron Carter, McCoy Tyner, Sun Ra Arkestra, Kim Gordon and a very lengthy list of others. I’ve been invited to cover festivals – locally, nationally and internationally – including The New Colossus Festival, Mondo.NYC, CMJ Marathon, Northside Festival, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival, Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage, Wichita, KS’ Elsewhere Festival (now known as Somewhere Festival), M for Montréal and Rouyn-Noranda’s FME.

William Ruben Helms

Over the course of the past two decades, my writing and photography has been published in Downbeat, Premier Guitar (photography), Consequence, Earmilk (photography), The Inventory, Glide Magazine.com (writing and photography), Publisher’s Weekly, Sheckys.com, Shecky’s Bar and Nightlife Guide, New York Press, Ins&Outs Magazine (photography and writing), Dish Du Jour Magazine, Queens Ledger (writing and photography) Aussie music publication Musicology.xyz (photography) and countless others, including my own site, The Joy of Violent Movement. With The Joy of Violent Movement, I specialize in covering music with an eclectic, globe-trotting and genre-defying perspective that’s deeply inspired and informed by my birthplace and home, arguably one of the most diverse places in the world. Since its founding back in 2010, The Joy of Violent Movement can claim readers across the US, Canada, the UK, The Netherlands, France, Australia, and several other countries throughout its history. I’ve photographed some of the world’s beloved entertainers and personalities including Patti LaBelle, Buddy Guy, Lenny Kravitz, Blondie, Snoop Dogg, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Randy Travis, Public Enemy, Nile Rodgers and Chic, Killer Mike, Common, The Flaming Lips, Erykah Badu, The Roots, Pete Rock and CL Smooth, Pete Rock (solo), DJ Premier, Robert Glasper, Salt ‘N’ Pepa, DMC, Dave Chappelle, Talib Kweli, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Ron Carter, McCoy Tyner, Sun Ra Arkestra, Kim Gordon and a very lengthy list of others. I’ve been invited to cover festivals – locally, nationally and internationally – including The New Colossus Festival, Mondo.NYC, CMJ Marathon, Northside Festival, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival, Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage, Wichita, KS’ Elsewhere Festival (now known as Somewhere Festival), M for Montréal and Rouyn-Noranda’s FME.

Available to hire

Over the course of the past two decades, my writing and photography has been published in Downbeat, Premier Guitar (photography), Consequence, Earmilk (photography), The Inventory, Glide Magazine.com (writing and photography), Publisher’s Weekly, Sheckys.com, Shecky’s Bar and Nightlife Guide, New York Press, Ins&Outs Magazine (photography and writing), Dish Du Jour Magazine, Queens Ledger (writing and photography) Aussie music publication Musicology.xyz (photography) and countless others, including my own site, The Joy of Violent Movement.

With The Joy of Violent Movement, I specialize in covering music with an eclectic, globe-trotting and genre-defying perspective that’s deeply inspired and informed by my birthplace and home, arguably one of the most diverse places in the world. Since its founding back in 2010, The Joy of Violent Movement can claim readers across the US, Canada, the UK, The Netherlands, France, Australia, and several other countries throughout its history.

I’ve photographed some of the world’s beloved entertainers and personalities including Patti LaBelle, Buddy Guy, Lenny Kravitz, Blondie, Snoop Dogg, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Randy Travis, Public Enemy, Nile Rodgers and Chic, Killer Mike, Common, The Flaming Lips, Erykah Badu, The Roots, Pete Rock and CL Smooth, Pete Rock (solo), DJ Premier, Robert Glasper, Salt ‘N’ Pepa, DMC, Dave Chappelle, Talib Kweli, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Ron Carter, McCoy Tyner, Sun Ra Arkestra, Kim Gordon and a very lengthy list of others.

I’ve been invited to cover festivals – locally, nationally and internationally – including The New Colossus Festival, Mondo.NYC, CMJ Marathon, Northside Festival, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival, Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage, Wichita, KS’ Elsewhere Festival (now known as Somewhere Festival), M for Montréal and Rouyn-Noranda’s FME.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Freelance Journalist and Photographer at Self-Employed
April 30, 2004 - November 6, 2025
Contribute reviews, profiles, album reviews, and live concert reviews as well as photographs to esteemed publications such as Downbeat, Premier Guitar, and New York Magazine's Vulture Blog. Photograph emerging and iconic artists at renowned venues and festivals across multiple cities, capturing live music and event experiences. Also covers newsworthy events in New York City, manages a music and photography blog, and participates as a moderator or panelist at music industry conferences discussing journalism and photojournalism.
Associate Acquisitions Editor at AMACOM Books, Inc./American Management Association
August 1, 2012 - December 31, 2014
Evaluated and acquired book proposals aligning with publishing objectives and market viability. Managed development for 35 book projects from acquisition to production. Negotiated contracts, coordinated manuscript evaluations and revisions, and guided authors to timely submission of quality content. Provided project management and delivered presentations at sales conferences.
Editorial Assistant at AMACOM Books, Inc./American Management Association
April 1, 2007 - August 1, 2012
Evaluated and acquired book proposals ensuring alignment with publishing objectives. Managed development of 35 book projects through acquisition to production. Negotiated contracts, coordinated manuscript reviews, and ensured timely submissions. Handled data entry, permissions, workflow oversight, and delivered presentations.
Office Manager/Editorial Assistant at Hippocrene Books, Inc.
June 29, 2004 - March 30, 2007
Composed, edited, and proofread various promotional content and manuscripts ensuring accuracy. Managed administrative functions including correspondence, database management, and supply organization to support smooth office operations.

Education

Bachelor of Arts at New York University
September 3, 1997 - January 3, 2002

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Education, Travel & Hospitality, Retail, Consumer Goods, Other, Software & Internet