I’ve been thinking about what exactly to do with Extra Chill, beyond sharing my thoughts about the music industry. Nothing is guaranteed in life, and time flies by so fast. I’m getting older every day and I still haven’t made a million dollars. Damn.
The world is changing so much right now. The old guard of the music industry is imploding on itself. AI technology continues to advance. Attention spans continue to shrink, and crazy shit continues to happen, to the point where it’s become normalized.
What value does a writer have when words become cheap? ChatGPT writes well enough for content creation that I don’t even have to write anymore if I don’t want to. Anybody can use ChatGPT to write competently, meaning that the competition is fierce. Getting readers (and fans) is harder than ever.
So, my value as a writer is my eyes and my ears, and my opinions. My words can still have meaning because of what I notice and how I communicate those observations.
Extra Chill becomes a voice, rather than a machine for promotion. A collective voice, focused on music and anything done by real people with unique passions and insights. Where all are welcome, and the more that join us, the more that we can achieve.
The thing is, I don’t know how to achieve that directly. I’m good at writing, but in terms of blowing up, I have no idea. If I did, Extra Chill would have blown up a long time ago. I just appreciate those who do support the project (you). So thanks everybody.
Anyway, those are some December reflections from an independent journalist in a new city, during this weird time period that is late 2024. Here are some things we’ve done at Extra Chill lately.
Review of SUSTO at Antone’s
I was glad that the timing worked out for the SUSTO show and my move to Austin. It was the first thing I did for Extra Chill in town and it helped me ease into it, because I’ve known the band for half a decade at this point. The show was really good, they opened with “Hard Drugs” and “Life is Suffering”, two of my favorites. I know there are a lot of SUSTO heads subscribed here who love “Hard Drugs”. It’s such a great song.
Wilco’s Winterlude in Austin
Before I got into the Grateful Dead, I was fairly obsessed with Wilco. Since then I have realized the influence that the Dead had on Wilco’s sound. Wilco is like the Beatles meets the Dead, meets Bob Dylan. I had a chance to attend the Friday show of their three-night run at the Moody Theater. Three nights, no repeats, two sets per night. Beautiful all the way through and I was fortunate to be there.
Hawk in the Nest – “Don’t Leave Me This Way” Premiere
Hawk in the Nest is a project from songwriter Avi Jacob, a former Charlestonian who is now based in Rhode Island. The single “Don’t Leave Me This Way” comes from his debut album, recorded with Wolfgang Zimmerman at The Space. Check out the video and our Q&A here.
Christian Morant Interview
Indi’Gxld links up with poet and musician Christian Morant in advance of his album release, which happened on December 2nd. Christian recently returned to Charleston after a period in NYC. Read the full story here.
Panchiko at the Music Farm
A review of the iconic internet band, Panchiko, whose 2000 album D>E>A>T>H>M>E>T>A>L became an internet sensation long after it was released, and eventually got back to playing shows in 2021. They played at the Music Farm in Charleston on November 17th, and our newest contributor, Autumn Chaveco was in attendance.
Share Your Favorite 2024 Music & Memories!
Instead of making a big list and pretending I know what I’m talking about in terms of what was the best music of the year, I’ve opened a discussion where readers of Extra Chill can share their favorites and their personal memories from the year. I’m planning to get in there and share some of my own favorites soon. Maybe you’ll beat me to it!
#GxldApproved 7’s: Columbia, SC rappers to know
Indi’Gxld shares 7 rappers from Columbia, SC to know in his recent #GxldApproved feature.
Sarai Chinwag explores music history
I mentioned ChatGPT in the intro to this email. Sarai Chinwag, Extra Chill writer, is actually ME using ChatGPT. In case anybody gets confused, anything with my name (Chris Huber) on it is my own voice. Sarai Chinwag is entirely powered by AI and my own creative whims, but is not a real person.
Wham! – “Last Christmas” Meaning
Sarai has been out publishing all week, but since the holidays are upon us, I’ll just share this article about “Last Christmas” by George Michael. Sarai Chinwag loves Christmas, y’all.
What’s Coming Up?
Here are some things we have cooking for the end of the year at Extra Chill:
- This weekend, we’re planning to be at Goosemas at the North Charleston Coliseum. The rising jam band is fresh off their MSG debut and bring their annual Christmas celebration to Charleston.
- We’ll also be covering Goose’s New Year’s Eve shows in Austin, 12/30 and 12/31.
- Clif will photograph The Stews at Charleston Music Hall, 12/27.
- Clif will also photograph Easy Honey New Year’s Eve at the Music Farm, 12/31. Joined by The Simplicity and Fo Daniels.
- See our calendar for more live music listings in Charleston and Austin
- I’ll be continuing to update my Austin, TX journal in the forum, sharing my thoughts and notes as I get comfortable in this new city. Feel free to chime in.
Closing Thoughts
If you’re still not convinced that our forum is valuable, try typing “Noah Kahan sucks” or “Wilco winterlude 2024” into Google. Notice what shows up near the top?
Here’s the kicker: you can use that to your advantage. Whether you’re an artist, a writer, or just someone with something to say, our forum is a space where your voice can reach further. Post about your favorite bands, share your projects, or join the conversations already happening—your ideas might just find their audience.
Thanks for reading, and for being part of this weird, wonderful journey. See you in the forum!