So when asked to be a guest editor for MAGNET, my initial reaction was that my inner 18-year-old self might flip out so much that I might have nary a word to say. However, I persevered and was immediately filled with some of the memories of growing up in the proverbial “sticks” in the ’90s. Starting there and moving forward to the present day, I accumulated a list of people, movies, music, food, poets and other stuff that, although not exhaustive by any extent, it gives an insight into me, my music, the band, inspirations and interests. At the very least I would hope that a few of these things may also be viewed as recommendations that could steer people toward becoming acquainted with a few new people, and things that I find dear. It goes without saying, I appreciate the opportunity to “preach from the pulpit,” so to speak and air my opinion on so many different things. Normally people only care about what I say about my music or music in general, which can get tedious. So thank you, MAGNET, for providing the platform to impose my taste on others. Really and truly, I hope someone finds something in here that they, too, can enjoy.
With the inherit danger of dating myself by speaking of the days before the internet, I would like to harken back to simpler times. My musical education as a fan of indie rock started with the lovingly compiled ubiquitous mix tape. Hand drawn and craftily decorated relics that were traded stealthily in my high-school jazz band class like contraband. There was something infinitely more personal and invested about making a mix tape of tunes for your friend, or even better your girlfriend. Upon reflecting on, format I’ve realized that no other medium has been as important to me, not even vinyl. CDs are garbage, playlists are far too easy to make, and vinyl is great but obviously lacks in the portability department. In the last two years, I have realized that cassettes are also the least “picked” format in record stores as well thrift shops. When I’m on tour or at home, I can walk into a Goodwill and leave with 10 albums on cassette for 10 bucks and always be stoked with the titles I have found. It takes me back to a bygone era where the record you bought was the most interesting one you saw in the store. There was no previewing it on Spotify or iTunes. The best recommendation you had was word of mouth, and often the purchase was a leap of faith. If you had stumbled upon a gem, it made that first listen a beautiful surprise.
