Open Mic/Ask Me Anything
Good morning!
It’s time for another Open Mic/AMA!
A lot of new faces have joined us since the last time we did one of these (hey there!), so I thought it might be fun to do again.
One of the great things about this platform is the direct line between writer & reader. There’s no algorithm and therefore no need to bend one’s writing to appease one. It also provides space for writers to check in with everyone. I intentionally don’t run ads here, which means this entire project is fueled by paid subscriptions and word of mouth.
This is an AMA, but also a pulse check. I genuinely want to hear what’s on your mind!
Even better is when connections between readers start to form. You may have noticed that the comment section here has really come to life over the last few months. I certainly have, and I couldn’t be happier to see it. This is a smart, curious community happy to share their knowledge and ask questions of one another.
So, ask me anything you want about music (or even non-music questions)! Either reply to this email or leave a comment, and I’ll be back in a few days to answer some of them.
In the meantime, here are a couple of questions for you:
What would you like me to write about? Have a record you’d like me to review? A specific artist? How about something off menu? Is there anything you want to see more of here? Less of?
All suggestions welcome, no matter how offbeat.
Another one of my favorite things about Substack is that it gives projects like this room to take the twists and turns that other platforms might not. We should take advantage of that.
All questions/comments/rants/raves welcome. Hot takes, too.
Thanks for being here,
Kevin—
Kevin, as I've gotten to know you a bit, I would certainly be interested in something a little more biographical. How did you grow up? What drew you to music so much? Maybe this could be a fun interactive piece for readers too; they could share nostalgic experiences.
Also: dog. More dog.
Hi Kevin and fellow readers/writers! Lovely message you put out there (and I'll say it again: Gizmo is too cute for words).
Question for you: how do you come up with ideas for posts/discussions? Do they just come naturally/ randomly, or are there triggers?
More of what I'd like to see: personally, I really enjoyed the posts you did linking music with aviation/flying/airport life, as well as the ones you did reflecting on memories/emotions/things from your past (one on a song that took you back to a time you were driving on a highway, and another one on a movie with references to your hometown, come to mind). Keep up the brilliant work!