Music Criticism
And the Band(s) Kept Playing
Doing my best to recalibrate my focus back to the music rather than the apparatus that surrounds it
Devon Chodzin
music writing
Reflecting on a Year in Music Writing
"Enjoy or don't!" - Miranda Reinert
2023 music
The Underrated Albums Edition
Some of the 2023 releases I don't want anyone to miss
Indie Rock
Musicians I Listened To at 14 and Suddenly Never Again
Everyone can name the musicians who changed their lives forever, who they go back to often. I'm more interested in the bands I tried, loved, and dropped.
city planning
Music & City Planning Don't Mix Easily
Most public planners are looking for ways to create additional monetary value in their cities. That doesn't comport with fostering a sustainable, cutting-edge art scene.
Arts Education
The Required Fall Playlist
Back-to-school, leaves crunching, feelings dislodging, now available on streaming
Milwaukee
A Soundtrack to My Car Theft
Milwaukee’s rap scene is on the rise. As the scene emerged, some young Milwaukeeans discovered a fatal flaw in cheap cars. The product? Kia Boys-themed hip-hop.
experimental music
Kids Should Learn Drone, Too.
Listening to experimental music and thinking to myself: contemporary music education is too narrow and self-serving!
2023 music
My First Album Review
What I thought of a certain beloved album then, what I think of it now, and the state of "criticism"
Neighborhood Change
I Went To Pitchfork Music Festival Again
I tell all my friends that Pitchfork is an easy festival. It’s in a public park on several transit lines. It’s in a major city where you’re bound to know someone who’ll let you stay in their guest room (or, in my case, their living room)
post punk
I've Seen Choir Boy Four Times
Taking a moment to be grateful for the Market Frankford Line
LGBTQ
Reacting to "Rush"
I like it! To no one’s surprise, very online gay guys are talking about it on Twitter. In between work calls, I’m reading your tweets (and not saying anything). I think they’re funny! And some of you are really, really serious. I recommend waiting a few hours