Hello! 

Happy Spring. I've made some updates to The Grebes website, including a new Recommendations section. It is just what it sounds like—recommendations! Of music, books, etc. Not life advice. I was talking with Johnny on the phone recently, and I had the rather obvious realization that most of The Grebes listeners don't listen to the same music as I do. Not that there's anything wrong with this of course, but I do think if people like the music I make, they might also enjoy listening to the music I love. It might provide some context for my own music. What are my influences, conscious or subconscious? What sounds am I finding weird and beautiful and brilliant? Who do I think more people should know about?

I also want to practice what I preach a little bit more, and fight back against the "borification" of everything that algorithmic recommendations are inducing (producing?). I could talk all day about how algorithms are flattening people's music taste, but I'll save that for another post. I don't want to be too much of a grump. Basically, I love music so much and I would love to share some of the music I love with you all. Maybe there will be something you like that you had never heard before! Maybe something will sound weird and interesting and new to you! I might also recommend the occasional book. Just because. I love books!

So many of my favorite albums were recommended to me by my friends. Back in the day we would burn each other CDs. Not only are algorithms and streaming weakening our own, personal connection to music, but they are also weakening our inter-personal connections because they encourage us to look to the algorithm for recommendations rather than asking each other. We are becoming more and more insular and individual in our listening habits. That makes me sad.

I hope you'll find this enjoyable/useful! I'm not really sure how it will go. As with most things, the reality of my busy life will probably get in the way of me posting as much as I am envisioning, but we'll see. If you have any recommendations for me please send them my way!

In other news...

The Grebes will be playing at the beloved Blue Moon Tavern on April 17th. We're excited to be joined by our friends Mutton and Sweetgum. Come on by if you're in town! RSVP here 

I hope this email finds you well! 

Peace and solidarity,

Jamie