We talk a lot about music around here, and often the conversation circles back to Seattle in the 80s and 90s. This week, as we branch out in different directions and musical destinations—Austin, Nashville, Chapel Hill, San Diego—roads still seem to lead back to Seattle in the 80s and 90s. Take my pal, Peter Blackstock, co-founder of No Depression, the magazine that did as much as anyone to champion and popularize alt. country in the mid-90s. When we think of alt. country, Seattle is not the first place that comes to mind. But where did the talents of Grant Alden, Peter Blackstock, designer Art Chantry, and photographer Charles Peterson come together to be driving forces in the creation of No Depression? Why, Seattle, of course!
Peter has been a legendary musical journalist for over thirty-years, whose coverage has been instrumental in helping break and launch a ton musical acts across genres. We talk about Peter’s work as a music journalist, the changing landscape of the music industry in the age of streaming, and how to find new music, especially when you’re an old fart like me. Turns out, Peter will have some emerging artist recommendations, along with some great stories from his time in the business.
Name checks: Ramadillo, Kitchen Radio, Lazy Susan, Jimbo Mathus, Willie Nelson, Jayhawks, and many, many more.
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