Time Flies!
Confessions from my first year on Substack and a poll - you know you can't resist a poll.
TLDR
I arrived here on June 7th, 2025, weary of social media, distraught over the state of the country/world, and questioning my own motivations. I had abandoned Facebook and Twitter years before, relegated Instragram to something I checked every few months, having never succumbed to TikTok, and generally being disgusted with what all of these platforms had done to society. Still am.
I came here curious, confused and afraid. Still am.
I heard about Substack from journalists that jumped on board, commentators on The Bulwark and other YouTube channels, and various other media mentions. I lurked for about a month, trying to ascertain what the hell was going on. It took me some time to realize that you didn’t have to pay for everything, that you could customize your preferences to weed out most of the unwanted drivel that tries to pass for content here, that I did not, in fact, have to sign up for courses to figure out how to optimize engagement, and that maybe, just maybe, I might have something to say. I ruminated, eventually settling on the idea that I could use this platform as an archive for the stories behind my songs.
A year later, there are 500+ folks subscribed to this little corner of the platform. I remain confounded by this, but I am grateful. Some of these worthies have even paid for subscriptions. Of course, we all know what this really means. Roughly 10% of that number actually engage. That’s fine. It’s just the way Substack works. I don’t care about numbers. I care about those of you that care.
I discovered my beloved MusicStack community, incredible writers, photographers, satirists, historians, commentators that actually have worthy takes, critics that actually understand the assignment, and most importantly, discipline to show up. Whether it’s to write myself, to engage with other’s work I enjoy, to stay informed - though taxing, to discover new music and reconnect with old, because I need a chuckle, or because at my age, this is what passes for a social life.
There have been many surprises along the way. I never expected to write a short story when I showed up here, but I did. That was due to the folks at The Midnight Vault. I would have been incredulous a year ago if you told me that I would reveal as much about myself as I have. I have been shocked by the posts that have taken on lives of their own and traveled far beyond my immediate subscriber base. I have been, and remain, perplexed by the amount of truly weird stuff that creeps into my feed periodically. The Substack algo shall remain one of life’s mysteries.
The most important discovery? I enjoy writing, not just songwriting. Who knew? This is a blessing and a curse.
I am, by nature, a dawdler. Having a self imposed weekly deadline has been a blessing. Knowing there is an actual audience has also been motivating. I never felt that on any other platform. The weirdest part - this audience are all strangers. On all those other platforms, the “audience” was friends, family, colleagues, etc. Engagement was pathetic. Here, the “strangers” (no more) actually read, listened, commented, restacked, and cheered me on. I appreciate irony as much as the next person, but WTAF? What a strange world we live in.
The curse? Well, that’s a bitch, because I am also a perfectionist. Some of you inspire me so! I long to write as well as you do. I am reading books about writing so I can get better. I am considering workshops, God help me. All this means having to face my fears about not being good enough. Caught that did you? Yes, being a perfectionist and insecure will drive a person crazy. Welcome to my world. I know some of you can relate.
Songwriting has become second nature to me, but essays, short stories, novellas, these most assuredly are not. I struggle, often, to figure out what to write about. Many of the posts that have been the most successful are ones that have been suggested by others, sparked by discussions with others, or been in response to the writings of others. Not sure what I should make of that.
Look, I realize that I am not setting the world on fire with my songs. I am pleased that many of them have resonated with you. Again, writing about these was more of an exercise in creating an archive. I never expected these to spark a sudden burst of fandom. Nor did I anticipate that the musings on my somewhat unorthodox life would resonate as well as they have.
To that point, I am offering up a poll:
Moving on. Here are my top 5 posts from the last year:
The posts about cars and sync music were very close in ranking to the ukulele post but it inched ahead of them. The Musicstack vs Substack post seems to have help a lot of newcomers discover people to follow. That makes me happy.
You will note, most of these are from this year. One could infer this means I have figured out what I am doing. Or not. What’s not obvious, is that none of these posts focus on my own music. I guess the algo has spoken.
In fairness, my subscriber growth has increased quite dramatically this year. I don’t think new subscribers tend to go back digging through the archives. Am I the only one on here that does that? When I find someone I really like, I try to go back and read as much of their older stuff as I can. It helps me develop a deeper appreciation for them. I guess I’m a Substack nerd.
This has all been a lot more fun, and you have all been far more kind than I expected. I did not anticipate forming genuine friendships when I embarked, yet I have. I loved the collaborations I have participated in. Another one will show up shortly. I have been honored to provide financial support some great work. I sent a bottle of bourbon to one writer, provided some songwriting feedback to a few, gave some job seeking advice, talked some some folks off the ledge from throwing in the Substack towel, received beautiful condolences on the loss of my dear boy Darcy, received great book recommendations, have purchased some great books, got to “early read” a book - another first, etc. All in all, it’s been a very positive experience.
I have mostly avoided ranting and complaining about the state of the country/world. This has taken real restraint, trust me. I have conquered most of my fears about posting here. What I need to figure out now is what’s next. Staring down the barrel of a new year feels a little intimidating. Maybe the poll will help.
If you are thinking to yourself this is all a bit much, blame Stephen King. I am reading his book On Writing at the moment. It’s got my brain spinning. Can’t recommend it enough. I was going to say highly enough, but he is another crusader against adverbs. So I submit. Funny aside, I once wrote an entire song out of adverbs, just as a rage against Pat Pattison, another warrior in the fight against adverbs. It was a good song, funnily enough. Ha. Couldn’t resist. Also, to hell with Pat Pattison. IYKYK, if you don’t, no worries. Come at me Berklee College of Music grads. I am ready for you.
That sums up my reflections on year one. Again, huge shoutout to all of you that subscribe. Gratitude to those of you that pay or bought some merch. Oh, right, I launched a merch site. What the hell is wrong with me? I usually forget to share the link. Here it is if you are feeling like you need some retro Rare Groove Productions swag.
I am looking forward to your answers from the poll. I always love your comments, feedback, and suggestions. Don’t hold back. I am a tough old bird, I can take it.
I mentioned how many of you inspire me, but you also help keep me sane in this crazy timeline. Thank you. I am looking forward to our continued engagement, collaboration, laughs, burden sharing, music sharing, venting, and just hanging out together in this surreal space. Keep sharing wise words, beautiful photographs, funny asides, great tunes, great books, fabulous satire, history, art, what’s bugging you, what’s motivating you, etc. If you are like me, these are all essential ingredients for survival in this mad, mad world. It takes a village. I have found mine.
Cheers to you.
Taz
Coda: Another one of my all time favorite songs.
This line spoke deeply to me: "I came here curious, confused and afraid. Still am." Please stay curious, post anything you want whenever you want. I always enjoy seeing what you share. And happy anniversary!!
Thank you so much Andy. You know those feelings are mutual. You make being here so fun.