Welcome to Punk Rock Bach
Where irreverence and sonic sound intersect...
You’ve found the inaugural issue of Punk Rock Bach.
Join me — journalist Rob McLean — as I explore all things modern music with an eye for the analog. In this weekly newsletter, we’ll be exploring everything from live performances to instrument craftsmanship, from album sales to opera singers, and with a “sex, drugs and rock n’ roll” attitude.
Granted, the drugs are lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide, but no matter!
The failed high school trombonist…
I’m Rob McLean, your tour guide on this sound adventure. I’ve worked for some of the best journalism organizations over the years — including CNN and most recently NBC News.
While I’ve covered Washington political developments, tech news out of Silicon Valley and the roller coaster of stock market movements in New York City, music has always been my favorite reporting subject.
In the past, I’ve covered London Goth metal, “Hardcore” showcases, local St. Louis rock bands and developments in the opera world. And while other music news outlets are doing amazing work, I want to do my part to contribute to this moment of music journalism.
Maybe it’s teenage regrets that attract me to music.
I was never in a cool punk band or rocked out on a guitar back in high school. I was a BAD high school trombonist — playing in marching band, orchestra and jazz band. I was usually last chair, and could never learn to read music — I just can’t hear it in my head when I look at the page!
But I’ve always enjoyed listening to songs and symphonies. I’ve had season tickets to The Metropolitan Opera in New York. I remember the first punk band concert I went to as an Omaha teen — seeing “The Fonzies” (or something like that).
So, while I can’t play anything well, this is a way I can celebrate music — and I hope you’ll join me.
The Weekly…
Each week, I’ll bring you coverage on all things music. We’ll dive into the world of rock, classical, punk, opera, choral, R&B, jazz and every other genre under the sun. Yes, even country.
Have something in mind you’d like me to cover? Send me a note at punkrockbach@gmail.com.
I’ll be honest: You probably won’t see a lot of marching band coverage, but you never know!
Music News from Around the Internet
This is our weekly curated list of music news. I’ll be combing the likes of Pitchfork, Spin, Rolling Stone and other legacy music news sources (RIP Mtv News), and share links to their coverage.
This week…
Pitchfork’s Kiana Mickles reports singer Dionne Warwick filed a countersuit against Artist Rights Enforcement Corp. — which sued Warwick in December. (Pitchfork)
Rolling Stone’s Daniel Kreps reports Country Joe McDonald has died at age 84. (Rolling Stone)
Modest Mouse has its first new song out after a five-year stretch, per Pitchfork’s Walden Green. (Pitchfork)
The New York Times’ Joshua Barone reports the Washington National Opera — which exited the Kennedy Center earlier this year — has restarted performances. (The New York Times)
The Hollywood Reporter’s Ryan Gajewski has a story on comedian Patton Oswald cracking on Timothée Chalamet’s comments about opera and ballet. ICYMI, NBC News has a write-up of what Chalamet said. (The Hollywood Reporter)
Show me yours, I’ll show you mine…
The days of every household having hi-fi stereo equipment may have come and gone, but if you’re anything like me you still want an amazing way to listen to your music. Today’s musicians and industry professionals do, too!
Every week, we’re aiming to show off the listening space of music professionals who are releasing albums, on tour, have an upcoming show, etc. Maybe the musician is streaming Spotify on her phone or is pulling out a CD for his home system — however they listen to music, we want to see it!
For this inaugural issue, I’m showing off my modest (and frankly in need of an upgrade) listening station.
Behold! My Jensen 3-speed stereo turntable. The front control panel has become unglued, but it still spins a record.
I’m eager to upgrade — and I have a project in mind on that front. More on that later…
Transparency
As a journalist, transparency is wildly important to me. I want to be honest in my coverage and sincere in everything I publish on this platform.
I will make mistakes in my coverage, whether that’s a name typo or describing poorly an upcoming performance or album.
What I can promise, though, is that if I make a mistake, I will be honest about that error and work to fix it.
Use of A.I.
No editorial copy or photographs published on Punk Rock Bach will be created by artificial intelligence. Period.
I have a difficult relationship with the idea of artificial intelligence. On the one hand, it’s the technology that will change the world (for better or worse). On the other hand, it torpedoes critical thinking, human ingenuity and creativity.
But what about Punk Rock Bach’s avatar? Yes – that was created with A.I., and ChatGPT specifically.
I used ChatGPT to create an image I think is eye-catching and gets across what I’m trying to do editorially with this publication. I may replace it down the road. But for now, it’s the one A.I. exception that proves the rule.
I’m admittedly hypocritical.
Happy Trails
I hope you’ll join me on this sonic expedition. Until next Thursday!