Your On Repeat Questions Answered
Today in the mailbag: Pine Street, guest posts, pancakes, and more!
Good morning!
Today we’re digging into the mailbag and answering your questions.
Thank you all for the thoughtful, fun questions! If you have more, please hit me up. I want to make these Q&As a regular(ish) feature.
Let’s get jump in!
Q: How do you request submissions for guest posts on Substack? Do you have to make a post on Notes, or do you contact people directly?
A: In my case, I usually contact people directly. Sometimes, I’ll see something on Notes (or another platform) that catches my eye. Other times, it’s someone whose work I really admire and think will really resonate with the community here.
That said, I’m always open to suggestions! If you—or anyone reading this—are interested in guest posting, let me know, and we can see if it’s a good fit.
Q: Favorite concert venue and why?
A: Pine Street Theater, Portland, Oregon. There was a stretch where I might as well have had my mail delivered to the place; I was there that much. I know it’s La Luna (or whatever) now, but it’ll always be Pine Street to me. There are so many memories and adventures associated with that place. The X-Ray cafe is a close second. It was the third space none of us knew we needed back then.
Q: What is your favorite concept album, and why is it Operation Mind Crime by Queensryche?
A: Would you believe I’ve never heard Operation Mindcrime? At least not all the way through— or enough to weigh in on it.
My vote would probably go to Death Cab For Cutie’s Transatlanticism, Liz Phair's Exile In Guyville, or Donald Fagen’s The Nightfly. My sleeper pick might be Janet Jackson’s Control. I have seen the current iteration of Queensryche fly through here a few times. They are always very polite and reserved. I guess it’s hard to be rowdy at 4:30 AM.
Q: I would love to hear your thoughts on Muscle Shoals Sound recording studio and why it is, or is not possibly the most important recording studio in the US.
A: IMO, it is an incredibly important studio, not just because of the countless bands that stepped through the door—I mean, if your roster has everyone from Etta James to Dr. Hook, you're doing something right.
Maybe more importantly, it was the first time a group of musicians had owned a studio (someone please correct me if I’m wrong here).
That said, other studios (Stax, etc.) will give Muscle Shoals Sound a run for its money.
Q: How do you find the time for On Repeat? How do you do it?
A: I know this sounds like something pulled from the worst parts of LinkedIn, but some time ago, I stopped trying to “find” time to write and instead started “making” time for it. That means I block specific times on my calendar, and once they’re on there, they stay there. I also use my phone's (Apple) Notes function to capture ideas or even get bits and pieces of a story out of my head.
It is also worth noting that there are specific days when I intentionally won’t write at all. For example, I rarely do any work on Thursdays. That helps keep things new and exciting for me, and being part of such a fun community helps, too.
Q: I’m trying to build my fifth-graders’ musical knowledge and appreciation. What albums/artists do you think all 10-year-olds should know?
A: Great question! In broad terms, I think kids benefit from learning about various musical styles and the art of songwriting. They don’t have to like them, but they at least deserve to know they’re out there.
Below are a few specific records that might accomplish this, with the usual caveat that they might change at any time.
Carole King—Tapestry: It's a great entry into songwriting from one of the best ever. While 10 years old might be too early to learn about the life cycle of a relationship, taken together, “I Feel The Earth Move,” “You're So Far Away,” and “It’s Too Late” are a great way to show it.
Talking Heads— Stop Making Sense: I was (I think? ) 11 when I first heard this, and it rearranged my mind. There is no shortage of new rhythms for them to explore here. Plus, it's just an incredible live record.
Beatles— Yellow Submarine: In case the class gets restless, and you need to bring ‘em back with sing-a-long.
Pearl Jam—10: A good intro to grunge and/or rock, and they should know what their parents are listening to.
New Order—Technique: No class would be complete without a little New Order!
Marlo Thomas & Friends—Free to Be... You and Me: Is this too cheesy for kids in 2024? I dunno. Probably. But I can clearly remember the messages of inclusivity and joy in this record, and I think they can use all of that they can get.
John Hiatt—The Best of John Hiatt: They may want to take a road trip someday. They’ll need to know what to play once they hit the open road.
Aretha Franklin— I’m mindful that the church and state shouldn’t mix. Aretha’s voice is as close as you can get to the edge without stepping over the line.
Note: They Might Be Giants were mentioned on the original thread, and I would definitely second that.
Also, Americana, folk, and bluegrass are a bit of a blind spot for me, but they are such a rich part of this country’s history that I would hope to see at least a record or two from the genre worked in.
Q: Who are you when you're not writing your Substack?
A: A suburban dad, father, husband, cruciverbalist, and cargo shorts aficionado.
You can usually find me at the airport when I'm not writing. Do you know those kids who look up when a plane flies overhead? I somehow managed to parlay that into a career. My day job is in operations for one of the Big 4 airlines. Odds are also good that I have a cup of coffee in my hand.
If not there, then I’m likely riding around Madison's east side on my bike, crate digging at my favorite record store, binge-watching Dallas (yes, really) with Gizmo, or watching my younger son play rugby. I drive a banged-up Subaru Outback because, of course, I do. I’m a real piece of work.
Q: I have a category of records I think of as musical comfort food. They're all-purpose, comforting me when I'm sad and providing a soundtrack when I'm content—like tomato soup and grilled cheese on a cold winter's day. What is/are yours?
A: Oh man, this is a tough one! There are a ton of good choices I could write in, but the list below have consistently delivered for years now.
Throwing Muses—Hunkpapa
George Benson— 20/20
The Replacements-Don’t Tell A Soul
Jawbreaker- 24 Hour Revenge Therapy
New Order Substance
John Hiatt- Bring The Family
Q: Is it pronounced "mill-e-wah-que" as Alice Cooper says?
A: It’s actually pronounced “Em-Kay-Eee.” :)
Q: How does Madison rate as a music town? Both in terms of a local scene and the level of touring acts it can draw.
A: Madson is incredibly underrated and punches way above its weight. A few weeks ago, I made a joke here that I could see the homes of at least five musicians if I stood on my roof. That’s true, and it’s just the start.
Whenever I think I have the slightest clue about the scene here, I learn I’m late to the party for several more amazing bands. A few of them read this newsletter, and it’s an honor. There’s truly a band here for everyone.
I wish we drew more acts, but our proximity to Chicago, Milwaukee, and even Minneapolis hurts us in that regard. It’s not somewhere like Fargo, where you’re so far from anywhere else you might as well just set a date and make it a stop for the night.
Q: How do you manage to get so many good interviews? Do you contact the band directly (e.g., via email or social media channels) and do some sort of pitch? I'm terrible at networking, so I'm really curious to hear about your process.
A: Once in a while, a label or PR rep will reach out, but it’s usually word of mouth or by contacting the band directly via email. I used to do this via Twitter DM, but that’s largely been shut down. I use a set ‘script’ so they know who I am, why I’m writing, and what On Repeat is all about. I also include a link to the page if they'd like to check it out beforehand. I do this for consistency and to get out of my own way. I can be terribly introverted and will talk myself out of anything If given the chance.
Not for nothing, I’ve never had any artist (or even a manager) treat me poorly. Even those who have to decline have been kind when doing so. Maybe I’ve just been lucky?
Lightning round:
Q: First Five Punk shows
A: Holy shit, um… do high school bands at house shows count? Outside of that—and depending on how far out we’re expanding the definition of punk—I would say Mule (a local Portland band), Bad Religion, The Accused, and NOFX were some of the early ones.
Q: Do you think The Byrds are a properly appreciated band?
A: No
Q: Any thoughts on Throwing Muses?
A: A band that brought something different to every record while never abandoning their core style. You never knew what you were gonna get, but you know it would be a Muses record. The same holds true with Kristin Hersh’s solo work and 50 ft. Wave records.
Q: Pancakes or Waffles?
A: Pancakes. The answer is always pancakes.
Thank you again for submitting your thoughtful questions and feedback and for being here!
Kevin—
I saw PIL at Pine Street back in 1984. Loudest show I ever went to.
Why isn't Satyricon on your favorite venues? If it isn't I think I understand why.
I had to break out the googler = cruciverbalist.
Ahhh, now it all makes sense : )