LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Volume 31, Issue 3 PO BOX 348 Somerville, MA 02143 CONTACT
LETTER W
ell, the day we thought might never come has indeed arrived in many places, and we couldn’t be happier. As more states are able to keep their COVID numbers down and vaccination rates up, more and more of the daily pleasures we used to take for granted have started opening back up again. And of course, that means live music. For over a year, the country (and the world at large), has been sorely without the joys of live performances across the board. But now, a glimmer of hope, at least, that things are headed back towards a more normal status. We’ve heard from countless artists since the last issue was published who are resuming their tours almost immediately, are re-booking cancelled tours from the past year as well as festival dates, and also scheduling *new* dates well into 2022. So, all in all, at least as far as the musicians are concerned, the outlook is appearing to look healthier. And if we can keep it up, perhaps even (dare I say) back to full-strength by this time next summer?
from the editor
And while that is all indeed great news, not all is perfect. We still mourn the loss of so many venues who weren’t able to weather the storm and make it out intact from the pandemic. Far too many clubs and live music venues have shuttered forever, without the aid that was dangled, tantalized, and ultimately failed to materialize in time (if at all). And to that, I say, for shame. It’s a sad state of affairs that as of publication, it is reported that less than 1% of independent venues have received aid from the “Save Our Stages” pandemic relief funds. For those seeking more information, there is a great report in the Gothamist that outlines the problem in much greater detail. It’s a crucial read for our industry, and even more crucial that we continue to pressure our elected officials to make good on their promises. Stay strong, and I hope to see you all out there on the road in the months ahead.
Benjamin Ricci
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 JUNE/JULY 2021 PERFORMER MAGAZINE
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
Benjamin Ricci, Chris Devine, Eli Ball, Gus Rocha, Lesley Daunt, Matthew Aasen, Michael St. James, Paul Spurrier, Vincent Scarpa CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Florencia P Marano, Matthew Aasen ADVERTISING SALES
William House Phone: 617-627-9919 bill@performermag.com © 2021 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.
