02/15/2024
“ANOTHER DAY IN THE MINES”
A hybrid music fanzine in both blog and printed samizdat style periodic publication mostly focused on Idaho subculture and specifically (though not exclusively), the Boise art and music scene.
Here are some simple guidelines to what we are looking for:
• You cannot write about your own band or art project. Have a friend write about you instead.
• We are NOT interested in paid placement for promoters looking to publicize their specific bookings and events.
• You do not have to be able to write, you do not need professional experience, and you will not get paid
• You do it for the perks and the prestige of helping inform people and introduce them to new things.
• You are a music fan, you go to shows at least occasionally, and will write about only those projects which really interest you: bands you really like, art projects which resonate with you, shows you went to or are excited to attend.
• We want to remain focused on underrepresented styles and projects, highlighting the especially unusual and creative projects which have difficulty getting traction.
• We want you to write about things people don’t really know about yet and give readers new bands and projects to check out.
• Connection is central to the vision – how do we facilitate discovery and connect fans with things they like?
• Genres don’t matter – punk, post-punk, rock, metal, experimental, progressive, country, bluegrass, jazz, hip hop, electronica, ambient, indie rock, etc. etc. If you like it enough to write about it we will probably print it.
• Contrary or against the grain opinion pieces are welcomed but should be rooted in thoughtful analysis, not takedown for the sake of takedown or disgruntled hit pieces. Your opinions are valued, but let’s try to keep it civil and growth-minded.
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Potential ideas for regular columns:
OP-ED pieces – where is the scene heading? Where has it been? How does where we are now relate to where we were ten or more years ago? What are the good things? What are the bad things?
LIVE SHOWS: We’d like the focus to be on shows not happening at larger venues. Example: house shows will ALWAYS take precedence over Knitting Factory or Revolution.
We aren’t crazy about corporate money-making entities, big time promoters and their funded entities, or the bands they typically work with.
We prefer to boost the underdogs, the fringe of the fringe groups, and as stated above, underrepresented niche acts.
DISCOVERY: You may not have heard of them, probably not, but they have something to share and are actively producing tangible works.
Tell us what gets a fan excited about them, where can we check out and buy their stuff, and how can we connect with them?
ALBUM REVIEWS: Their latest release is something you think is pretty special, but as usual there are crickets where there should be clacking keys.
ARTIST PROFILE PIECES: It may or may not be music related. It could be just a portrait of an artist or even a historical figure who is creating/has created neat things nobody knows about. Show us their work, tell us why you think they are special, and inform us how to connect.
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We will start small – print versions will be somewhat sporadic in schedule and printed in very small runs, hand assembled and delivered to key spots around town.
If you write an article for an issue, we will give you a digital copy which you can print yourself and distribute as you see fit in your area.
We will maintain a fairly regular online presence and will utilize free blogging solutions if and until we can reach beyond that into something custom.
An integrated podcast would be an interesting thing to pursue of someone has time to do it.
If you have any questions please contact me, let’s put our heads together and make something we can be proud of. Get involved, be a supporter, and make a difference.
