I hope this post starts a craze.

I hope this post starts a craze.

I really do. Nothing like high expectations, right?

This is war.

Every day the world crumbles a little more. I want to throw some good into the chaos. I want to do so much but I don’t know where to start. I want to contribute in some meaningful way, something that goes beyond donating money to worthy causes. I wasn’t sure where to start. I know I can’t help with most of the world’s biggest issues. But I feel like I can make an impact in a community that means the world to me, specifically the indie/punk/emo/etc scene. I grew up in it. I was raised by it. The music has always been there for me. That’s where I was embraced. That’s where I found my people. The connections I’ve made are strong and vital and and lifelong. So after a lot of thinking about doing something like this, I finally said *extremely pop punk voice* let’s go!

Remember shows?

I miss shows so much. I miss bands so much. I miss drinking and sweating and crying with my friends (and strangers) in those hot, crowded, dark rooms. I miss the anticipation that builds the second you enter the venue. I miss that rush of serotonin you get when the lights go down before a band you love plays. I miss watching those silhouettes take the stage, plug in their instruments, ready to take me on an emotional journey for the next hour or so. If any of these words resonate with you, I hope you’ll sign up for this newsletter and join me in this venture, because that’s what it’s all about. We need to do what we can to make sure we can still have those experiences on the other side of *gestures wildly* all of this.

Introducing #MerchMonday

Every Monday, let’s buy something to support a band. I know people are struggling right now, so don’t think I’m saying every Monday you need to buy a vinyl or a hoodie or sign up for a Patreon. Do that if you want, but even just a couple songs on iTunes or Bandcamp can make a difference. Just as important, share those purchased on social media. Use the hashtag, @ the bands. Buy something and tell the world about it. Even if it’s a week where you just can’t spare a few bucks, tweet out a link to a song or a record you’ve been spinning. Link to their Bandcamp. Tell us why you think we should listen. It’s more important than ever to support the bands we love any way we can.

Okay, cool. But what is Anecdoche?

anecdoche — n. a conversation in which everyone is talking but nobody is listening, simply overlaying disconnected words like a game of Scrabble, with each player borrowing bits of other anecdotes as a way to increase their own score, until we all run out of things to say

Two to four times a month, I’ll be here talking about bands new and old, posting playlists, and sharing stories. I hope you sign up to receive the updates.

Click the image below for my newest playlist, featuring Cheekface, Tigers Jaw, Secret Stuff, Charmer, Touche Amore, Virginity, Tiny Stills, Kayak Jones, Dizzy, Pictures of Vernon, Big Nothing, Snail Mail, Great Grandpa, Christians & Lions, Deep Sea Diver, Changing, and Thank You I’m Sorry. I think you’ll really like these songs. They are all bops. Promise.

Who knows, maybe next week you’ll be buying a record from one of them for #MerchMonday?

Let’s do this.

I just want to believe in us.

Your friend,Crit

P.S. I hope you’ll also take a moment head to Save Our Stages and sign it, telling your local legislators to save independent music venues.