Revelations and Resolutions
Getting lost in my work
I’ve been quiet for a few weeks as I decompressed over the Winter Solstice. This is the longest I’ve taken from posting on Substack in the past nine months. Keeping some of my thoughts to myself for a minute was a nice change. Nevertheless, I’m grateful you’re still here.
A lot happened around me in 2023. Some of it dramatically changed my life. Leaving my full-time work allowed me time for stewardship of this archive. Still, there’s more than I can accomplish on my own.
I’ve also spent time developing personal projects I’ve mulled over for a decade or more. I’m never one to presume everybody can or wants to take such a major step, like pulling back from full-time work, but my pursuit of happiness has become much more meaningful since buying back my time. Even a few hours a week not handed over to the boss can stoke a passion project.
I finally started writing a book last year. I still struggle with dedicating enough time and focus, but just writing an outline or a few pages was a breakthrough. I focused more on crafting content and connecting with collaborators for bigger projects. I strengthened my editing, mixing, and video skills, so I’m not solely reliant on vendors or other experts.
The last year for me was centered on selfishly contemplating how to accomplish the work that fills my life with purpose, personally and professionally. A friend sent me a note today that said, “I hope you’re as happy and content as you seem,” referring to my social media. I wanted to answer, “Not always.” But I am doggedly in pursuit of meaningfulness.
Cultural critic Taylor Lorenz (sorry, paywall) wrote about the pressure to look good on social, especially in year-end wrap-ups. I resisted putting a 2023 highlight reel together because it felt like too much work. But underlying that was a newfound resolve to not succumb to the constant pressure to package and perfectly curate one’s life for the Gram. Even if by accident.
Perhaps as an offramp to the oversharing era, Apple has a new app called Journal. It’s to record your thoughts and observations privately and is not designed to be shared outwardly. Just like, well, a journal.
No, I haven’t abandoned social media, nor am I trying to demonize it. I still enjoy being active on different platforms and using them to stay connected with the world. I’ve probably increased my use recently as political events have spiraled, and I crave connection and information. However, I’ve felt far less inclined to share daily happenings or cover my life in real-time.
Freeing myself of any obligatory posting has been liberating, albeit strange. I went to the Bahamas with my family, and there was no evidence of it outside my phone. I’m reallocating some of my storytelling energy to more lasting endeavors instead of chasing that temporary high of my timeline.
I’m living inside moments without the need to document them for anybody besides myself and maybe my kids or family. It’s a balance—a work in progress.
New Year’s Daze: My 2024 Setlist
As a participant and documentarian, I’ve been fortunate to experience decades of incredible culture. In 2024, I aim to work harder to package those stories in ways that benefit today’s and future generations. It sounds lofty to write that, but what’s the point if our heritage vanishes on our watch?
To some extent, this blog was a test drive of this journey—not the final destination. I’m eager to make tangible progress in other media and interactive experiences. Welcome to the next phase.
I do have a few specific goals for the new year. I won’t call them resolutions because that feels a little rigid. I guarantee these will evolve and morph as feedback and realities inform my progress. Like a good DJ set, you begin with a concept of where you’ll take things, but you have to remain flexible. Be prepared to drop a classic, change the tempo, or rewind it!
I’m launching a new URB interview series soon as part of the Archive Project. I’ll sit with underground luminaries and pioneers to dive into their cultural contributions and connect the dots between eras. I’m eager to catch up with some fascinating contributors to our collective culture.
Many of you have been asking for it, but I’ve struggled to digitize all 159 issues. However, it’s time to unlock those 20 years of published analog material and ensure it remains accessible for decades. I’ll update you on my progress soon, and I’m excited to get this underway.
December 2025 is URB’s 35th anniversary. I’m in the early stages of planning how to commemorate this milestone. Exhibit? Store? Book? Tour?
Of course, there’s more I’m exploring. But in keeping with my earlier commitment, I won’t share the full highlight reel just yet.
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Excellent expression of where you’re at and why.
We're seemingly in a similar place of introspection, my friend.