Remembering No Depression, the Print Magazine
Got my copy of the last issue of No Depression magazine in the mail a few days ago and I’m stretching out the reading to make it last longer. I hate seeing magazines go under. Especially good music magazines. There haven’t been many of them and I treasure the ones that have made the world a better place for their readers and the singers and musicians they write about.And No Depression was one of those. Never flashy, never shallow, No Depression has been serious about the music, without being deadly, if you know what I mean. The last issue before me on my desk has Buddy Miller on the cover, and that’s a very fitting choice. Miller is a musician’s musician, a singer’s friend, a thrilling guitarist, a solid songwriter and singer, and just plain a good guy to hang out with.
And, to put it very bluntly, that’s the kind of quality musician/artist/songwriter/producer you won’t find covered in what remains of print music magazines. I’m glad No Depression will continue to be an online presence. The magazine’s 75 issues have featured cover stories on — among many others — Lucinda Williams, John Prine, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Rodney Crowell, Loretta Lynn, and Elvis Costello.
I like savoring feature stories like those and miss the feel of a good magazine in my hands, one I can take out into the back yard and slowly enjoy, along with a cold drink, on a nice slow afternoon. When — and if — I make my F.U. money, some of it is going to go for a very expensive hobby: putting out a lovely four-color, slick paper magazine just for me and my friends.
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n.l. belardes says:
I had no idea it was going under. I haven’t read it in a while but used to… that’s a serious bummer.
n.l. belardes says:
I was looking for your email, but couldn’t find it. Speaking of country icons passing away. I just released a half-hour documentary on the former Buck Owens Studios closing down. It’s attached to this ABC article. - Nick, ABC23 (KERO)
Texas Tunesmith Heir Hayes Carll Bears Torch For New Generation — The 9513 says:
[...] Chet Flippo received his last copy of No Depression in the mail and says if he ever makes his F.U. money, “some of it is going to go for a very expensive hobby: putting out a lovely four-color, slick paper magazine just for me and my friends.” [...]
Kerry Dexter says:
Chet,
May I recommend to you the magazine Dirty Linen? maybe the focus is a little broader than ND but the writing is as good [you know, I think, that I still write for them, disclosing that to anyone who doesn't]. In the current issue, I’ve a story about Suzy Bogguss, and upcoming one on Beth Nielsen Chapman’s Prism project. I’ve written about Beth for DL before, as well as Kathy Mattea, Buddy (and Julie)Miller, Gretchen Peters, Irene Kelley, Kelly Willis, Jon Vezner, Tim O’Brien, Caroline Herring, Robert Earl Keen, Jimmy LaFave, and other not quite so country people such as Mary Black, Cathie Ryan, and Chris Smither. And that’s just me, and that’s just features. So, for all those seeking a print magazine that covers thoughtful music and musicians, I’d recommend checking out DL. Comes out six times a year, more information at their website, http://www. dirtylinen.com
and when you get that money to start that glossy magazine, hey, I hope you’ll have a spot for my stories there too.
laura green says:
Depression is something that can be avoided most of the time, if only we would keep the company of positive people. This would mean no depression and more constructive thoughts.
…………………………….
Laura Green
Dual Diagnosis
dual-diagnosis.net