The Final Writer's Brain Of 2023: Personal Achievements And Favorite Articles
Days before all the 23's are replaced by 24's I wanted to share some personal highlights of the past 12 months. Most are articles. Some aren't.
Up until this year, I’ve really only given myself credit for external-external achievements. A.k.a, basically work stuff and that’s it. But as I get older I’m proud of myself for realizing that even though I have a job that has me bursting at the seams with excitement every day I wake up, there is more to life than work.
Here are some aspects of my 2023 that made it one of the best years of my life alongside some of my favorite photos I took throughout the year.
Moving to Denver
Upon visiting LA this year for Thanksgiving, I had the best time. Seeing old friends. Reveling in the phenomenal music scene. Eating delicious Mexican food. Celebrating my favorite holiday with a family (and extended family) I am only growing to love more and more with every passing day.
I also realized exactly why I left, and even a few years ago I wouldn’t have had the courage or the finances to predicate an interstate relocation.
The closest I came was my temporary relocation to London last year, but as life-changing as that was for me, I knew it was temporary — that before long (even if I didn’t ever want to leave) I’d be back in my dad’s house. The same house where I spent 27 out of my 30 years.
Now I’m finally on my own.
It’s been a bit tough adjusting I will say. Denver does not feel like my forever home still after almost eight months, but I am developing excellent habits. I’m eating healthier and exercising more than I ever have. I’m spending less time on my phone than ever. I’m reading more books (finished three this year which I have not done maybe ever).
Overall I feel like I’m really stepping into the best version of myself. I couldn’t have done that if I stayed in LA.
Starting this newsletter
Although I didn’t hit my goal of two newsletters per month (trying again in 2024), it’s been so liberating to have this space to write as I see fit. There is nothing compared to writing with complete freedom.
I think every creative needs some sort of pure engagement with their process to remind them why they started creating in the first place. And this is coming from someone who is not at all jaded by my work whatsoever.
I absolutely love telling the stories of artists and their music, and one thing I will always do as long as I draw breath is promote the work of up-and-coming artists. I was thrilled to do so this year for mon cher and Cody Pepper via my Artist’s Brain series.
But after this year, I also realized that my own stories also matter. Whether I’m writing about Coachella, religion, fried chicken, or anything else that resonates with me.
Can’t wait to share more of my own stories next year.
Running a media lounge for EDM Maniac at Holy Ship! Wrecked.
As my bio for Grammy.com (which my editor described as “non-traditional”) states, the live space is the source of my obsession with music. In my Writer’s Brain article on religion, I compared the live space to my church (the article explains why).
So, to bring my work which I am always thrilled about to the live space in this new fashion was such a highlight of my year.
To summarize, I organized a media lounge where my team members at EDM Maniac and I interviewed 12 different artists over two days. I did all the scheduling, coordinating, and communicating with all the artists and their teams, and frankly, all the interviews kicked ass.
The only hiccup all weekend is two artists (who will remain nameless) didn’t show up, but I am more than happy to have 12 out of 14. Plus, the last one was super unique because it was Justin Jay interview Barclay Crenshaw (a.k.a Claude VonStroke).
I had done single interviews at plenty of festivals and live events, but this was a new challenge and I’m proud to say it went super well. I really felt like I was upgrading my experience as a journalist.
Plus, working in live events and knowing it’s one of the most stressful fields imaginable (I have no desire to return to it whatsoever) amplified my pride in myself and my team in coming together to make it happen.
Here’s one clip of Mau P and a few of Sippy, but expect more in the new year.
The rest of the list is just my favorite articles. I’m still reeling over the fact that I spoke to some of these artists. I only cried after one of the interviews though. I’ll let you figure out which one.
My first digital cover story: Light Place, Right Time: LP Giobbi is a beacon for budding artists
Interviewing my all-time favorite electronic artist in London: Beatportal Artist of the Month: Skream
Finding out Julien and I have the same headphones: The Sound Of Collision: Boygenius Discuss Creating 'The Rest,' Their Deepening Friendship & Identities
My first credit in SPIN Magazine: Barclay Crenshaw Is Making His Low-End Dreams Come True
Interviewing KOAN Sound about their first concept album: How KOAN Sound built a galaxy for their new album, Led By Ancient Light: “It felt like being a beginner again”
My debut for Seattle Met: MØAA’s Origin Story Is Pure Seattle
Finding out Taylor Swift uses one of Johnny Marr’s signature Fender Jaguars: Six Strings & Feeling: Inside Johnny Marr’s Famous Riffs & Guitar Legacy
Writing my first feature about video games: The Rave & Video Game Legacy of CoLD SToRAGE’s wipE’out” Soundtrack
Writing about something that matters: The Heart and Resilience of Iran’s Dance Music Community
My second digital cover story: Back to school with Dillon Francis: Why a maturing music career still needs class clown antics
