LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
LETTER W
ell, that was a friggin’ year, huh? As we button up here at the office, trying to tie up all our loose ends and prepare for 2021, I think it’s just an accomplishment we’ve survived and that we’re still standing. It’s my sincere hope that live music makes a triumphant (and safe) return at some point in 2021. It’s my sincere hope you all keep staying creative, if you’re up for it. And if not, perhaps things will turn around and you’ll start feeling the creative juices flow again in 2021. I guess I just hope for some return to normality in the new year. Now, I do realize that things don’t just magically get better at midnight on January 1st (or noon Eastern on January 20th, depending on which date you’re looking forward to with more anticipation), but I do sense a change is in the air.
from the editor
Ben Kweller record (which just so happens to drop at the same time the ball does) – and if you missed our interview with Mssr. Kweller in the last issue, pick that up and give it a read. A diehard DIY’er, Ben’s got a wealth of information to share with his fellow musicians. Looking ahead, we’ve got some amazing new music from this month’s featured artists, as well, including Oompa, Foxanne, Oscar Land and Willie Jones. We don’t put out listicles like “4 Artists to Watch in 2021,” but if we did, it would basically just crib from this very issue you’re holding. Each artist represents a different style and vibe, with unique perspectives on the world (and the musical landscape), and we’re honored to have all four talents in one issue. With that said, let’s raise a collective glass, put the nail in 2020’s coffin, and toast to things to come in 2021. Can’t get any worse, right?*
A change for the better. That said, at midnight on January 1st, I’ll personally be slamming the door on 2020 with the new
PO BOX 348 Somerville, MA 02143 CONTACT Phone: 617-627-9200 Fax: 617-627-9930 PUBLISHER William House Phone: 617-627-9919 bill@performermag.com EDITOR Benjamin Ricci ben@performermag.com DESIGN & ART DIRECTION Cristian Iancu EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Bob Dobalina editorial@performermag.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Anthony Gordon, Benjamin Ricci, Carolyn Vallejo, Chris Devine, Gus Rocha, Harrison Hsiang, Jay Harren, Jon Eades, Michael Flanders, Michael St. James, Sarah Brooks CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Illusionbreak, Diana Whitcroft, Lewis Evans ADVERTISING SALES William House Phone: 617-627-9919 bill@performermag.com © 2020 by Performer Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any method whatsoever without the written permission of the publisher. The magazine accepts no responsibility for unsolicited recordings, manuscripts, artwork or photographs and will not return such materials unless requested and accompanied by a SASE. Annual Subscription Rate is $30 in the U.S.; $45 outside the U.S.
Benjamin Ricci
* please don’t sue us if it does get worse -- we are not responsible for things like ancient curses, forces of nature or space pirates hell-bent on earth’s destruction. Blame Highlights for that.
ABOUT US / Performer Magazine, a nationally distributed musician’s trade publication, focuses on independent musicians, those unsigned and on small labels, and their success in a DIY environment. We’re dedicated to promoting lesser-known talent and being the first to introduce you to artists you should know about. MUSIC SUBMISSIONS / We listen to everything that comes into the office. We prefer physical CDs, cassettes and vinyl over downloads. If you do not have a physical copy, send download links to editorial@performermag.com. No attachments, please. Send CDs to: Performer Magazine, Attn: Reviews, PO BOX 348, Somerville, MA 02143 CORRECTIONS / Did we make a heinous blunder, factual error or just spell your name wrong? Contact editorial@ performermag.com and let us know, cuz we’re big enough to say, “Baby, I was wrong.” EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS / In the words of our esteemed forefathers at CREEM: “NOBODY WHO WRITES FOR THIS RAG’S GOT ANYTHING YOU AIN’T GOT, at least in the way of credentials. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be sending us your stuff: reviews, features, photos, recording tips, DIY advice or whatever else you have in mind that might be interesting to our readers: independent and DIY musicians. Who else do ya know who’ll publish you? We really will...ask any of our dozens of satisfied customers. Just bop it along to us to editorial@performermag.com and see what comes back your way. If you have eyes to be in print, this just might be the place. Whaddya got to lose? Whaddya got?”
4 DECEMBER/JANUARY 2021 PERFORMER MAGAZINE
Volume 30, Issue 6