Well, it finally hit me today, the sadness.
Three days ago, the fabulous and very inspiring editor and
publisher of Performing Songwriter magazine, called me into her office to tell
me that the magazine had published its last issue.
Now, this was not entirely unexpected. The Economic Downturn
(or TED, as I like to call it) has been pretty hard on print media (not to
mention the housing industry, the auto industry, the banking industry, etc.,
etc.), and all of us working for newspapers and magazines can pretty much read
the writing on the … uh, computer screen?
Also, personally in my own life, things on the musical side
(as opposed to the music journalism side) have been slowly but steadily picking
up over the past few years, so taking a step back from music journalism was a
thought that had already been crossing my mind.
However.
Friday was my last full day in the office. I spent it going
through stacks and stacks of previously reviewed CDs, trying to decide which
ones I had to take home with me, whose music had been an essential part of my
life’s soundtrack, and which songs I simply could not bear to part with.
It was tough. Many of these artists are people I consider
friends. Some were friends before I came to work for PS, but countless others
are friends that I have made while sitting at this desk. And though I know
we’ll stay connected, it just hit me today that I’ll no longer be on the
receiving end of so much great new music. I’ll no longer read countless emails
about all of the indie-music triumphs that happen every day in this beautiful,
wondrous world. And as excited as I am to take the next step in this journey of
life, there is much about being the independent music editor of such an amazing
magazine that I will sorely miss.
So, to all the wonderful indie artists that I’ve had the
absolute pleasure to listen to and get to know over the years: thank you. Please
feel free to write and continue to share your triumphs, struggles and
adventures with me. Perhaps we can hold on to each other and form our own
community as the world of printed music journalism quakes, convulses and tears
itself asunder.
No matter what the future holds for all of us, I’m so
grateful to have shared the past five years with you. I wish you all a
multitude of successes, both musical and otherwise.
Take care, and keep in touch!
Mare Wakefield
(former) Independent Music Editor
Performing
Songwriter Magazine
2805 Azalea Place
Nashville TN 37204
p.s. I thought I would share with you all that as I type
this I’m listening to a live recording of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” Not
quite indie, but inspiring nonetheless. All I have left to say is “amen.”